Fashion-Enter Ltd & the Fashion Technology Academy will be delivering an exciting new project called ‘N17 Creative Callings’. The project, which is funded by the Greater London Authority and the European Social Fund, and supported by Haringey Council, will work with Londoners and small businesses within the Tottenham Creative Enterprise Zone (CEZ) to boost Haringey’s Creative Industries.
Established in 2006, Fashion-Enter Ltd has effectively supported and mentored new start-up businesses by establishing the much-needed Fashion Technology Academy, which provides vital skills training to help bridge the recognised skills gap with Londoners and the creative industry. The project will also help to address the shortfalls of underrepresented groups within the creative industry, by targeting Londoners with disabilities and health conditions, ethnic minorities and females.
This project will bring local creative SMEs and micro-SMEs together with training providers to co-design new/improved training to address skills gaps. It will also support these businesses to provide work placements, internships and project opportunities for students.
It will provide people in local creative SMEs and Micro-SMEs with a wide range of business skills to help them and their businesses to succeed. These will include business skills (business planning, cashflow management, supplier management, digital marketing, logistics), management and leadership, communication, English and Maths, Fashion and Textiles, film, TV, photography, music and design.
The business, training and support packages may include help with business health checks, strategical business and critical path planning, management and leadership skills, budgeting, branding strategy, digital marketing and social media. The industry accredited qualifications comprise of a mix
ture of full qualifications and units towards achieving Level 2 to Level 4 specific to the digital, design and textiles industries.
Marquel Williams (pictured right), Former Fashion Technology Academy Student, comments: “I always knew I was different. At school, I wasn’t academic but I knew I had a talent for art and design. I could just see creativity everywhere. I wasn’t always heard and I wasn’t listened to but my big break came when I was referred to Fashion Enter. They got me and how my brain worked. They didn’t judge me or my sexuality they just embraced me for who I am. They encouraged me to do my Level 1 and 2 in Stitching and Pattern Making. Then I was an apprentice for ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ through Fashion Enter and then I started my collection Yodea. Recently I had one of my major dreams come true. I was accepted for a BA Fashion Menswear course at Central St Martins. This is why I’m supporting a new programme run by Fashion Enter and the GLA. ‘N17 Creative Calling’. I am proud to live in Tottenham and this programme, run by Jenny and her team, will allow you to achieve what I’ve done. Don’t ever doubt yourself because dreams do come true!”
Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries, said: “London is at the heart of the global fashion industry so I’m delighted that Fashion-Enter will be working with small businesses in Haringey to help them make the most of this thriving sector. The Haringey Creative Enterprise Zone is all about supporting and showcasing local talent, and this project will make a big difference by providing skills and opportunities for young people to kick-start their creative careers.”
Cllr Gideon Bull, Cabinet Member for Local Investment and Economic Growth, Haringey Council said: “We are delighted that Fashion Enter, our flagship partner for Tottenham’s Creative Enterprise Zone (CEZ), has been awarded funding to deliver this exciting new project. Creative industries are Tottenham’s fastest growing sector; they have grown over 127% since 2014 and account for 4,400 jobs and 660 businesses. The support this project will give the local creative business community to develop and grow, and the skills and jobs opportunities it will create for our residents, will be invaluable. Fashion Enter are helping to take Haringey’s vibrant creative economy to the next level.”
N17 Creative Callings will play a crucial part in providing support and growth for the increasing number of local Creative SME / Micro-SME businesses in the Tottenham CEZ area. If you have just started or are looking to grow a small business in the area, then please get in touch and we will advise on how we can help you and your business. Contact Esme: esme@fashion-enter.com