Time To Drive Positive Growth for the UK’s Fashion & Textile Industry
02-04-2025
Newsletter 2nd April 2025
The Time is Now – To Bring Supply Chains Back to the UK
Fashion and textiles supply chains have been hit hard these past five-years, from the Covid pandemic and a lacklustre economy to sustainability regulations and a drop in consumer sales. And that’s not all, the industry is now questioning how US President Trump’s tariff’s will further disrupt global supply chains. Adam Mansell, CEO of UKFT, said: “As global supply chains undergo rapid changes, regulatory requirements grow, and businesses aim for ambitious sustainability goals, the opportunities for UK fashion and textile manufacturing have never been greater.”
The UKFT has published a new report on Responsible UK Fashion and Textile Supply Chains, following workshops with brands and retailers, textile and garment manufacturers, and social and ethical compliance experts. The report is a key step in supporting the UK fashion and textile ecosystem’s reshoring efforts. It identifies practical solutions and opportunities to drive positive change for manufacturers, brands and retailers alike.
To download your copy tap here
Leicester Made – The UK’s Leading Ethical & Sustainable Fashion Trade Show!
The UK, and Leicester in particular, can offer end-to-end services for fashion brands and retailers. Leicester Made trade event, sponsored by Kornit Digital, Style3D, Alvanon and ASBCI, on 14th May, will bring together outstanding suppliers and industry professionals.
To find out more about the agenda and register to attend tap here. For exhibitor opportunities or general enquiries, contact beth@fashion-enter.com
As Interviewed by Vogue Business
On 27th March, the Fashion Hub in Leicester welcomed Bella Webb, Sustainability Editor at Vogue Business, to meet a selection of Leicester’s ethical suppliers. These entrepreneurs live and breathe garment making, have undertaken huge investment with their companies to create supply chain services that are ethical, sustainable and viable for the UK fashion and textile sector.
We look forward to reading Bella’s article soon.
Leicester Made Exhibitor Spotlight: Spring Shades Ltd Dyer & Finisher
Spring Shades Ltd, owned by Sanvir Singh is a family run Dye House that’s been established since 1994.
Spring Shades Ltd are leading commission dyers and finishers of natural and synthetic fabrics. Their in-house colour-matching and quality control laboratory allow for fast response service, and they have invested heavily in state-of-the-art pollution control equipment and eco-friendly machinery that allows them to reuse water efficiently.
They rose to the challenge of supporting the NHS during the COVID pandemic by dying and sterilising fabrics for PPE. There are just three Dye Houses left in Leicester, and Spring Shades Ltd is the largest Dye House that was once approved by Marks & Spencer.
We need to make sure we support these incredibly skilled businesses!
Come and meet Spring Shades Ltd at Leicester Made on 14th May.
MAKE UK Industrial Strategy Skills Commission Report 2025
On 1st April, FEL / FC CEO and ATMF Chair, Jenny Holloway, was invited to the Make UK Industrial Strategy Skills Commission (ISSC) event to mark the publication of the Commission’s final report. This includes recommendations for Government on how the new Skills and Growth levy can best ensure meaningful reform to address industry needs.
The report brings together some of the most qualified experts in education, training and industry to diagnose the wide scale problems in the skills system. Manufacturers continue to struggle with over 61,000 unfilled vacancies, while apprenticeship starts have fallen 42% since the introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy. The challenge now is how to reverse this trend and ensure we have the skills for the future of the industry.
To find out more and read the report tap here
1-Day Workshops with Couture Designer & Tutor John Herrera
We are thrilled to offer four 1-day Saturday workshops with tutor, and just shown at Paris Fashion Week, designer John Herrera. With his knowledge of haute couture, draping, patterns and construction combined with a natural and approachable teaching ability John is offering workshops on:
Bodice and Collar Pattern Cutting
Collar and Sleeve Pattern Cutting
To find out more and book click on the links, all the workshops take place at the FC Designer Workspace on Durham Road, closest tube Finsbury Park.
Repair & Upcycle Drop In Sessions Twice-A-Month Dates
Thanks to Islington Council support we can continue to offer twice-monthly Repair and Upcycle Drop-In sessions at our shop FC Designer Collective on Fonthill Road, Finsbury Park. These sessions have grown in popularity and can provide expert advice and use of industrial equipment.
If you would like to attend please register on our eventbrite page to reserve your free place, please note places are limited. The next workshop will take place Tuesday 15th April.
Are You An Islington SME Looking to Bid for Public Sector Contracts?
On Tuesday 8th April 10:30am – 12pm Islington Council and Jorge Analuisa, founder of Bid Specialists, with over 20 years’ experience helping companies win large, multi-million pound deals in the private and public sectors, will host a free, introductory bid writing workshop.
Held online, the workshop will advise on practical tips, techniques, and best practices for crafting successful bids and proposals. Whether you’re new to public sector bidding or have experience, this session will help you unlock growth opportunities within local government and the wider public sector.
For more information and to register tap here
Level 1 & 2 Stitching Commencing 7th April
We have availability on our Level 1 and 2 Stitching courses commencing Monday 7th April. These are accredited courses ranging from 5 – 10 weeks and are ideal for those wanting to gain industrial stitching experience to develop their skillset, set up their own business, or apply for an apprenticeship or job within the industry.
Masterclasses and Courses
Roll-on courses:
Available at all campuses Islington, Haringey and Leicester.
Diploma in Fashion Design and Business
Stitching:
7 April – 4-Day Intermediate Stitching Course – Mastering Garment Construction – FC Designer Workspace – £110
15 April – 3-Day Introduction to Industrial Sewing and Garment Making – FC Designer Workspace – £90
22 April – 3-Day Intermediate Stitching Course – Mastering Garment Construction – FC Designer Workspace – £90
Pattern Cutting:
7 April – 4-Day Beginners Pattern Cutting Course – FC Designer Workspace – £110
15 April – 3-Day Beginners Pattern Cutting Course – FC Designer Workspace – £90
23 April – 3-Day Gerber Accumark for Beginners Course – FTA, Unit 4 Crusader Estate, Haringey – £499
Illustration:
19 April – 1-Day Fashion Illustration for Beginners Course – FC Designer Workspace – £35
Upcycling:
11 April – 1-Day Beginners Upcycling Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £35
15 April – Free Textile Recycling and Repair Drop In – FC Designer Collective shop – Free
29 April – Free Textile Recycling and Repair Drop In – FC Designer Collective shop – Free
Support and Advice:
24 April – Masterclass with Designer John Herrera – Via Zoom – Free
For more dates and courses tap here.
For all course enquiries contact: education@fashion-enter.com or call 0208 809 3311
This Week on FashionCapital…
Micro Production How Small – Batch Manufacturing is Transforming Fashion Startups
And Finally…
Sir Norman Lamb, who has chaired the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM) since 2021, announced his retirement last year, following a tenure dedicated to advocating for mental health, prevention, and community engagement. Lamb’s leadership has left a lasting impact on SLaM’s mission to provide high-quality care and support to those struggling with mental health issues, highlighted by initiatives like South London Listens, which connects with underserved communities. His achievements were celebrated on 26th March 2024, with FashionCapital / FEL CEO Jenny Holloway attending in recognition of his contributions to the UK’s mental health care system.
What an inspiration Sir Norman Lamb has been. To learn more about FEL’s involvement with the award-nominated HOPE-FX programme tap here.
Until next time, have a great week.
From the Team at FashionCapital
