A new programme has launched to help support fashion and textile businesses during the Covid-19 recovery process.

Around 30 businesses in the fashion and textile industries in Waltham Forest will receive support through workshops, one-to-one advice and networking.

Waltham Forest Council partnered with Creative United to help such businesses during the coronavirus recovery period and in the future, with the Forge Fashion Programme.

Sarah Thirtle, the Director of Business Support Programmes at Creative United, said: “Building on the successes of our popular business support programme for creative enterprises in Blackhorse Lane – Forge – we are thrilled to be working closely again with Waltham Forest Council on Forge Fashion, and with new partner the Fashion District.

“Enabling businesses to grow, instilling confidence in the people that run them and enhancing the positive social benefits of creative enterprise are at the core of Creative United’s purpose.

“That’s why, at the heart of Forge Fashion, is the goal to build the skills and capabilities in the borough’s fashion and textile designers and makers so they can become leaders in sustainable business practices.”

Councillor Simon Miller, member for economic growth and housing development at the council said: “We recognise that our borough is home to a diverse number of creatives and small businesses, and we value their innovative, thoughtful and engaging contributions to our community.

“It is with great enthusiasm that we are launching the Forge Fashion programme with Creative United and the Fashion District, from London College of Fashion UAL, further strengthening our Borough of Culture legacy.

“Our hope is that this initiative will provide local designers with the support needed to thrive, and to shine light on important industry issues such as environmental sustainability. As the programme progresses, we will be eager to see how it inspires and facilitates growth within our local fashion economy.”

To apply for support from Forge Fashion, visit: https://www.creativeunited.org.uk/services/forge-fashion/

Applications are open until September 18.

To celebrate the launch of Forge Fashion, Creative United will be hosting Instagram live events with special guests from the industry at 7pm starting from next Monday (July 20).

These include:

  • July 20 How to scale up your business with Rosie Wolfenden MBE, Tatty Devine
  • July 22 Fashion business during and post COVID-19 with Anna Ellis, Centre for Fashion Enterprise
  • July 24 Using fash-tech innovation to create sustainability with Ryan Yasin, Petit Pli