01 Sep A Busy Start to the New Academic Year

We’re delighted to confirm that we have a full cohort of learners starting 5th September 2022 – for the first time ever! 

With COVID being more of a distant memory after the long hot summer Fashion-Enter Ltd (FEL) is finding that more people are now looking at practical vocational skills and running their own business in Islington; what better way than running a fashion brand. 

As part of the enrolment process FCDW opened their doors to discuss careers, jobs, the importance of interview techniques and answered questions to the attendees throughout the day.

Tutor Ana commented: “We support the learners in every way possible and many of the local residents are long term unemployed. As a genuine social enterprise we do all we can to support every learner and every learner has different needs and support. It’s the first time that we have ever had a full cohort of learners for stitching starting at Islington. It’s great news!” 

Over August FEL has been very busy with outreach and engagement with local Islington residents providing a free Curtain Making course and now a short four-day stitching course which concludes 2nd September.

Jenny Holloway commented: “The timing of the launch for both the retail shop and the FC Designer Workspace couldn’t have been worse from a COVID perspective, resulting in a lack of consistency in work for the tenants and money in the pocket for consumers with the shop. However, we are seeing improvements in income streams that are more related to our original plans and forecasts. All projects need a roll-in time to be firmly cemented and a trading environment that’s conductive to positive sales. 

“We’re certainly preparing our tenants for that business opportunity with free courses, masterclasses and mentoring. Two of our tenants now use the Fashion Studio too for production and that’s greatly improved their quality and helped to push prices up, generating more profit for the brand. This honestly is one great outcome!”

FEL is looking forward to the run up to Christmas now supporting the tenants and designers in the shop every way possible.