23 Jul £1.3 Million in Social Value Delivered: FC Designer Workspace Celebrates Transformative Milestone

On the evening of 22nd July, a vibrant celebration took place at FC Designer Workspace in Islington, marking a significant achievement — the generation of £1.3 million worth of social value in just 4.5 years.

Hosted by Fashion-Enter Ltd (FEL), the event brought together a diverse mix of studio tenants, representatives from Islington Council, fashion industry professionals, and members of the local community. Together, they raised a glass to the power of affordable workspaces, accessible training, and sustainable fashion initiatives that are actively changing lives.

Originally envisioned as a 10-year target, reaching £1.3 million in social value in under half that time is a testament to the project’s success and FEL’s commitment to driving impact through fashion.

FEL CEO Jenny Holloway spoke passionately about the journey so far:

“I’ve been in this industry for decades, and I still don’t know of another circular fashion initiative quite like this. From the workspace to our retail arm, the FC Designer Collective, this is about more than just fashion — it’s about creating opportunity, inclusion, and sustainable futures.”

The evening featured inspiring stories from designers who’ve grown through the programme. One such designer, Racquel De Carvalho, began by renting just a portion of a cutting table. Today, she’s a full tenant with a thriving brand now showcased at London Fashion Week.

Another tenant, Maria of Shama Modesty Ltd, shared how she entered the workspace with no technical skills. After completing a Level 1 stitching course, she now runs her own growing label — a clear example of how accessible training can unlock hidden potential.

None of this would be possible without the dedicated support of Islington Council, who have been a key partner throughout the journey. FEL extended heartfelt thanks to Caroline Wilson, Joyce Ogunade, and Nahom Tame for their ongoing collaboration.

“It’s rare to work with such an engaged and forward-thinking local authority,” Holloway noted. “This is what true partnership looks like — and the results speak for themselves.”

The FC Designer Workspace offers more than just creative studio space. It’s a fully equipped fashion production hub, complete with industrial machinery, cutting tables, a training centre, and business support services. Designers also have access to retail space through the FC Designer Collective, enabling them to bring their creations directly to market — a rare and valuable opportunity in today’s fashion landscape.

To learn more about the facilities, support, and opportunities available at FC Designer Workspace explore this website.

Congratulations to the entire team at FEL, Islington Council, and the growing community of designers who have helped build a truly inclusive, purpose-driven fashion ecosystem. This milestone proves what’s possible when creativity, education, and sustainability come together in the right space.