The Beauty of UK Manufacturing
21-10-2020
Newsletter 21st October 2020
A Visit From Nick Ashley
It was wonderful to receive a visit from Nick Ashley, son of Laura and Bernard founders of the Laura Ashley global brand. With 77 former Laura Ashley workers now re-employed at Fashion-Enter Wales Nick dropped in to wish us all the best of luck.
The Latest from the Welsh Factory
Martin Jones Factory Manager comments: “I am delighted with the performance of our staff. We work as one here and we have all known each other for the most part of 35-years plus. Making fashion dresses is new to us but our commitment to quality and professionalism remains as always. I am delighted to report we are on time with our first orders and they’re excellently made. We are proud to be part of garment manufacturing for ASOS and PPE for Private White.”
Welsh Factory Will Remain Open
From Friday 23rd October to Monday 9th November Wales will undergo a short, sharp firebreak lockdown. However, those working in occupations such as construction and manufacturing will be allowed to continue to go to work. At the Newtown factory, as with the London branch, we have a range of precautionary measures in place to ensure all staff can work as safely as possible.
Newtown Rugby Logo Competition
The factory in Newtown, Powys, is more than just another address, it provides the chance to work with local community whether its providing education, skills and employment or getting involved in local projects. We are delighted to announce that we have partnered Newtown Rugby for a creative competition to design a new team logo. The club is celebrating its 50th anniversary next year and will re-launch club merchandise and kits to incorporate the winning design. To find out more tap here.
What Next? For FTA Learners
Education is not just a tick box exercise. At our Fashion Technology Academy we provide a rounded education that includes the important next steps. Today (21st October 2020) Fashion-Enter’s Directors, Jenni Sutton and Caroline Ash, are discussing next career steps with all of our learners outlining the latest technology advancements, job opportunities, FE/HE courses and offering support in new business start ups. We educate for life and all of us at Fashion-Enter support the FTA! Tap here to find out more about the FTA.
Apprenticeships & Jobs
At Fashion-Enter Wales we do have employment opportunities for Garment Machinists and a Production Garment Supervisor. If you have garment manufacturing experience, live in the area and are looking for work please get in touch. For more details visit our Jobs page.
We also have some fantastic apprenticeships on offer ranging from Fashion Design to CADCAM Assistant to Production Department Assistant for the likes of Fashion-Enter London, Erdem and N16 Vintage – don’t miss out, tap here to view and apply.
UFI VocTech Trust Intro Seminar
We have been working with UFI VocTech Trust to compile online video tutorials for our learners. In these uncertain times it is important to incorporate new digital learning resources into course structures. This week Stitching Academy learners were introduced to the resource, which allows them to work at their own pace from home and offers a qualification on completion.
FC Designer Collective Update
Autumn has arrived at the FC Designer Collective complete with a seasonal window display. Big thanks to Mary Obaseki from Another Earthling, handcrafted mask and headwear brand, for creating this imaginative display.
FC Designer Collective, 113-115, Fonthill Road, London N4 3HH.
Shop opening days / hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 – 17:00
Masterclasses and Courses
Fabric Swatch of the Week
To recognise and support #BreastCancerAwareness month we have picked out this high quality flamingo pink cotton with 4-way stretch. Available from the FC Fabric Studio at £4.50 a metre. Happy sewing!
This Week on FashionCapital
Today, we seem to be hearing a lot of positive noise from fashion brands, including key “green” words such as: natural, recycled, sustainable and eco-friendly. However, do modern-day consumers really care about the origins of their garments? Are Consumers Gaining An Eco-Conscience?
And Finally…
Well done to the winning manufacturer’s at the MakeUK 2020 Awards, the South regional winners were announced virtually last night. “No-one could have predicted Covid-19 but it has proved the beauty of UK manufacturing, which is that you can buy small and react quickly, going back to do bigger buys of winning product if needed. It is a fantastic time for the UK garment industry.” – Jenny Holloway CEO Fashion-Enter Ltd.