Skilled & Sustainable
10-11-2021
Newsletter 10th November 2021
FCFTA Leicester Now Open for Upskilling
On Monday, 8th November, due to high demand we began the first day of training with 10 students at our FC Fashion Technology Academy (Leicester). The start date was brought forward by two weeks and we already have more students waiting in the wings to upskill with our leading stitching qualifications. A big thank-you and welcome to our new staff Zarina and Divia, there is a strong call for these skills in the Leicester region.
The FTA (Leicester) will also be delivering the Level 1 Award in Workers’ Rights and Labour Exploitation in the near future. Dates will be confirmed in due course.
FCFTA (Leicester) Top Floor, Black and Yellow Building, 30 Stonebridge Street, Leicester, LE5 3PA
T: 0116 436256 E: Education@fashion-enter.com
Community Renewal Fund
Excellent news for Fashion-Enter Ltd and Leicester we have gained funding, in partnership with Leicester City Council and De Montfort University, to develop a skilled and sustainable fashion and textiles sector with high quality jobs in the region. This is what we are all about, working in partnership to provide training, skills and compliance that supports Made in the UK. More on this project soon.
Market Stall Events Manager & Website Developer Required
Fashion-Enter is tendering for a market stall events manager to achieve the smooth running of the Christmas market on Fonthill Road. Are you passionate about supporting local, small businesses and do you have events organisation experience? This could be the project for you. For more details and how to apply tap here. Please note the deadline is 12th November 5pm.
We are also looking for a website designer or agency to develop a Fonthill Road traders and heritage website tap here for further information.
Supported by the 2014 to 2020 European Regional Development Fund Programme.
View all the latest job and apprenticeship positions on offer here.
FTA Apprenticeships Ofsted Inspection
Any day now we are expecting the live report of our recent Ofsted inspection at the Fashion Technology Academy in London. Fashion-Enter CEO Jenny Holloway commented:
“I don’t think anyone can ever say that they enjoy a full Ofsted inspection but I certainly think Ofsted is needed to ensure standards and quality is embedded into learning. On 20th – 21st October we had three inspectors review our apprenticeship provision and I’m delighted to say we were graded Good. A huge thank-you to the FTA team who were exemplary and the employers who were so so supportive. Our Advisory Board was amazing too particularly our Chair Lord Young and Caren Downie. How blessed are we with such support and such a talented team!”
Fast Fashion in Today’s Environmentally Sensitive Times
As media reports will confirm the time is now to act on environmentally damaging practices. The government is now under pressure to deliver legislation to move businesses forward into an eco-friendly age. Yesterday at COP26 fashion was under the spotlight as the UK and Northern Ireland GREAT Campaign held a fashion showcase. Designers included Burberry, Stella McCartney and Mulberry.
Here at Fashion-Enter we understand the poor reputation that ‘fast fashion’ has, however this negative association is far from what is happening at our factories today. As you can see from this image our skilled machinists are working on five different coloured garments, the runs are smaller, leaner and are reacting to consumer demand. Rejecting the production of excess or wasteful stock.
Fashion-Enter CEO Jenny Holloway comments: “This shows how factories are reacting to a new way of buying fashion. We make smaller quantities than ever before so the style sells out at full price reducing the risk of discounting and then landfill. Our recent addition of the on-site Kornit Presto printer, Zund cutter, Galaxius and Optitex systems all combine to create a more efficient and sustainable business. This ethos is carried through to our in-house labels Belles of London & B of London. It’s all about continual evolvement during these uncertain times.”
Online Pattern Courses
Jenny Holloway met up with the pattern guru Anastasia Vouyouka from eTelestia in London this week to discuss online pattern courses for 2022. Stay tuned for further information.
At the Factory
We have been busy with CPPD’s and Factory Tours at our London HQ of late with visits from City of Westminster College, London College of Fashion and the Fashion Retail Academy. The team received excellent, high scoring feedback from these visits, here is one of the comments: “I really loved seeing the factory, it made everything that I have learnt about visible and gave me a thorough understanding of production.”
For more on our Factory Tours tap here.
Masterclasses, Courses and Events
On-going short courses in Stitching and Pattern Cutting available – to find out more visit our FCFTA website or contact education@fashion-enter.com
How to Wholesale (Online 18th November)
Fonthill Road Christmas Market 4th December 11am – 6pm. Shop local fashion, crafts, jewellery and food
Diva Choice – Cupcakes & Cocktails Shopping Event – FC Designer Collective 18th December
Fabric Swatch of the Week
Perfect for partywear this dark navy satin has a beautiful silky drape with a slight stretch – ideal for a cowl neck dress or maxi skirt. Available at £6 per metre from the FCFabricStudio.
This Week on FashionCapital.co.uk
As our global leaders discuss Climate Change policies at the COP26 Conference in Glasgow, the Design Museum in London has opened a compelling exhibition ‘Waste Age: What Can Design Do?’
And Finally…
Did you know we have workspaces to rent at the @fcworkspace with state-of-the-art machinery for £5 an hour, £30 a day or £100 a week. Also if you’re an Islington resident, you can receive a 15% discount!
Until next time, have a great week!
