Wake Up to UK Manufacturing!
25-10-2023
Newsletter 25th October 2023
Retailers Need to Stop Ignoring the UK Supply Chain
LinkedIn provides a fantastic platform to discuss topics that are affecting the industry right now, directly networking with leading professionals in the fashion sector. FEL CEO, Jenny Holloway’s most recent post discussed how the UK supply chain is being overlooked while retail big-guns give lip-service to their sustainable credentials.
Jenny said: “About nine months ago I wrote (twice) to Michael Murray, CEO at Frasers Group inviting him to review the UK’s amazing manufacturing base and all the enormous benefits we manufacturers have to offer!
To name a few…
– make to demand with our micro factory
– print to demand – Kornit Digital
– no more sampling – Style3D
– repairs and alterations
– reprocessing
Resulting in:
- less markdowns
- less landfill
- less carbon emissions with proximity sourcing
“And that’s not even touching on the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) ratings that need to be addressed. Let’s not neglect the UK supply chain. There’s so much the UK has to offer!”
Tap here to view Jenny’s latest YouTube video on why the UK’s supply chain is important, not only for the industry but the local economy and the global environment.
Coming Soon…
The London branch of the United Repair Centre situated at FEL’s Factory in Haringey is currently underway. More on this next week!
Join Us For 2-Day Workshop with Arsenal
The FEL team will be welcoming a group of young people from the Arsenal / Adidas, for a 2-day workshop (26th and 27th October). Taking place at FEL’s Haringey factory the group will learn all about sustainable fashion and get to work on their own printed t-shirts and upcycled garments.
Saturday Stitching Club Success
Due to high demand our first Saturday Stitching Club on the 21st October at the FC Designer Workspace had completely sold out. The session, taught by tutor Gintare, received fantastic feedback, so much so that more Saturday Stitching Club sessions have been scheduled throughout November. Attendees said that the class was ideal to fit around work/home commitments and many also expressed an interest in evening sessions which the team are looking into.
For the next Saturday Stitching Club sessions tap the links below for details and to book:
4th Nov Sold out
FCFTA Leicester Students Showcase Their Work
It was great to see the Level 2 Stitching students at the Leicester campus showcase their work this week. The Level 2 Award in Fashion and Textiles – Stitching focuses on learning higher level skills and tailoring techniques.
Deputy CEO Jackie said: “It’s great to see learners develop from machinists into a garment makers. Some of our learners have experience of working in a garment factory but they are now trained in tailoring techniques; how to make a collar, placket, cuffs.
This will support the skill levels in Leicester.”
The courses are FREE, thanks to funding from LCC and UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
If you are interested in joining a course in Stitching or Patterns at the Leicester campus please contact: Divya@fashion-enter.com
Today’s Free Zoom Masterclass
This morning Deputy CEO Jackie Bertram hosted a free Zoom masterclass on ‘Strategies for Operational Excellence and Growth’.
Following on from the foundations set in previous masterclasses, Jackie delved deeper into the practical aspects of starting a fashion brand. From production and sourcing to distribution and sales, the hour-long session covered operational and strategic considerations that are crucial for the success of a fashion brand.
At the end of the session attendees, FTA students, Workspace designers and external brands, were able to ask questions specific to their business. The session went extremely well and Jackie received positive feedback, including: “Wonderful as always, thank-you.” And “Do you offering mentoring?”
Don’t miss out on our next free Zoom masterclass on Unlocking Success: The Secrets Behind Cost – Effective Sampling and Production for Aspiring Brands and Designers on 22nd November.
Ongoing Courses
Roll-on courses available at all campuses Islington, Haringey and Leicester:
Diploma in Fashion Design and Business
If you are unemployed or low income (below £23,302.50), over 19-years-old, you could be eligible to join some of our courses for free. Email: education@fashion-enter.com to enquire.
Masterclasses and Short Courses
14th November Repair and Upcycle Drop-In Workshop (FC Designer Collective Fonthill Road)
22nd November Unlocking Success: The Secrets Behind Cost – Effective Sampling and Production for Aspiring Brands and Designers (Free via Zoom)
12th December Repair and Upcycle Drop-In Workshop (FC Designer Collective Fonthill Road)
14th December Profitable Pricing: Strategies for Accurate Costing and Pricing in the Fashion Industry (Free via Zoom)
23rd – 25th January Optitex Technology 2D and 3D 3-day course
This Week on FashionCapital…
What Makes Clothing Brands Sustainable?
And Finally…
Upcycle With Us This Friday
We have just a few spaces left on our Repair and Upcycling workshop at the FC Designer Workspace this Friday 27th October. Bring along your garments from home to work on in our fully equipped, friendly Workspace with support on hand.
Tap the link to book your place: 1-Day Textile Upcycling and Repair Workshop Islington.
Until next time, have a great week,
From the Team at FashionCapital
