13 Mar FC Designer Workspace Celebrates Social Impact Success with Islington Council

The team behind FC Designer Workspace recently joined partners and community leaders at the Islington Council Social Value Impact Report event, where Jenny Holloway, CEO of Fashion-Enter Ltd, shared the inspiring journey and achievements of the FC Designer Workspace and FC Designer Collective.

The story began in 2019 when Fashion-Enter Ltd and FashionCapital partnered with Islington Council through its Affordable Workspace programme. The ambition was bold: to transform a derelict underground car park into a thriving creative hub that could support emerging fashion talent, entrepreneurship and local employment.

Just four and a half years later, that vision has become a reality. The space is now home to the Fashion Technology Academy as well as a vibrant network of designer studios supporting independent brands, sustainable innovation and community engagement. It also provides a base for the youth mental health and wellbeing initiative Hope-FX, offering creative opportunities and support for young adults.

The social impact of the project has already exceeded expectations. The programme has surpassed its original 10-year target by generating more than £1 million in Social Value TOMs, while also supporting nearly £1.5 million in recruitment opportunities for local people across the borough.

Nahom Tame, Contract Manager for Affordable Workspace at Islington Council, praised the partnership:

“You have been an amazing partner for the council. It has been so great having a service like yours on this programme, offering residents a real opportunity in fashion. The social value you have delivered has been incredible – may there be many more years of more great work.”

The programme has been supported by the leadership of Caroline Wilson, Director of Inclusive Economy at Islington Council, whose focus on inclusive growth and social value has helped shape the success of the initiative.

Reflecting on the partnership, she said:

“We absolutely love having you as one of our pioneer partners on the programme! Jennifer Holloway and your team have such a deep understanding of the values that we are pursuing – it’s in the DNA of Fashion-Enter Ltd and FashionCapital. Thank you for all your support, persistence and passion over the years – onwards!”

Today, FC Designer Workspace is home to a dynamic and growing community of designers and creative businesses.

Among them is Clare Tattersall, founder of BODICI and co-founder of sustainable materials start-up Sequinova, who recently received a warm reception from King Charles III during London Fashion Week.

Designer and knitwear innovator Raquel de Carvalho Król has also gained international attention for her AW26 collection “DEVOTION”, showcased during London Fashion Week.

Long-standing tenant SHAMA and Co continues to develop beautifully crafted modest fashion collections, while collaborative sustainability initiatives are also growing within the community.

One such initiative is the partnership between ReFAB Studio and Fashion-Enter Ltd to deliver a new series of upcycling workshops supported by The Clothworkers Company. The workshops aim to empower local communities through circular design, practical skills and sustainable creativity.

Sustainability also extends to the nearby retail hub FC Designer Collective on Fonthill Road. Through free bi-monthly repair workshops led by Pawel Ryczan, more than 2,500 garments have been saved from landfill over the past two years, with sessions regularly fully booked.

The designer community continues to grow and includes brands such as Christine Kendall Couture, known for vintage-inspired garments with exceptional technical precision; Abby Clemson Designs, a made-to-order fashion start-up committed to sustainability and waste reduction; and designer Genevieve Devine, whose wearable avant-garde pieces combine repurposed materials with sculptural, art-inspired design.

Other creative businesses based within the workspace include Sacred8Design, founded by Louise Graham, offering services spanning design, manufacturing, film and marketing content, and Temple London, known for its design-led capsule collections across fashion accessories, interiors and apparel.

Reflecting on the success of the initiative, Jenny Holloway highlighted the importance of collaboration in delivering meaningful impact.

“It’s an absolute honour to be working with these wonderful tenants, the amazing team at Islington Council including Nahom Tame and Meg Stokes, and our teachers from the Fashion Technology Academy. What a team.”

With creativity continuing to flourish and social value already surpassing expectations, FC Designer Workspace and FC Designer Collective demonstrate how collaboration between industry, education and local government can transform spaces, support talent and strengthen communities.