On 15th September, Fashion-Enter Ltd (FEL) welcomed an international university group from Peru to its Haringey factory for an immersive seminar and factory tour, providing an opportunity to experience UK garment manufacturing and explore the role of technology and sustainability within the fashion industry.
The visiting group was from Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas (UPC), a leading private research university based in Lima. The visit was led by FEL Director Caroline Ash, who delivered an onsite learning seminar followed by a tour of the factory in operation. The visit gave the students a practical insight into the full garment development process, from initial development through to manufacturing. Rather than simply learning about production in a classroom environment, the group was able to see the processes and people involved in a working UK factory.
The tour also showcased some of the newer technologies being explored and used within the business, including Maeknit and Style3D, demonstrating how digital and emerging technologies are increasingly becoming part of modern garment development and manufacturing. Sustainability was another important theme running through the visit, with discussion around zero waste, responsible production and the environmental challenges associated with fashion consumption.
The visit provided benefits beyond the students gaining an insight into UK manufacturing. Caroline Ash described the experience as a genuine two-way exchange of knowledge: “I had the most amazing university group visiting today from Peru. They were incredibly knowledgeable, engaged and enthusiastic throughout the day, and really enjoyed both the seminar and the factory tour.
“I also learnt so much from them about Peruvian production and the fashion industry in Peru. It was a wonderful exchange of knowledge, and I’ve even been given an open invitation to visit them in Peru!”
The students’ feedback reflected their engagement with both the manufacturing process and the wider issues facing the fashion industry.
One participant commented:
“I learnt about the textile manufacturing process and digital technology for fashion. It was very interesting and an important visit. I really enjoyed seeing the factory and learning more about the textile industry.”
Another highlighted the sustainability message:
“I learnt about zero waste and how important it is to take action with fast fashion and pollution. It was all great, I learnt a lot.”
The technology demonstrated during the tour also proved particularly memorable, with one student noting:
“In my case the visit was very good, my favourite was the Maeknit machine and 3D system.”
The visit demonstrated the value of opening up UK manufacturing facilities to international learners and creating opportunities for knowledge exchange between different fashion and textile markets. The group also extended an invitation for FEL to connect with Peruvian companies and artisans, creating the potential for future international links and continued exchange between the UK and Peruvian fashion sectors.
As one participant put it:
“I learnt about the importance of being conscious with the world and the fashion industry, thank you so much. You are invited to visit us and we can connect you with Peruvian companies and artisans.”
For FEL, the visit is part of its wider commitment to sharing practical industry knowledge, supporting education and skills development, showcasing UK manufacturing capabilities and encouraging international collaboration within the fashion and textile sector.