Fashion Angel Hosts Networking Talk on Agents and Distributors with GCU London

On Wednesday 27th May, we hosted one of our infamous networking talks, focusing on working with Agents and Distributors, as a path to increasing sales. The event was held in the heart of Spitalfields at the GCU London British School of Fashion campus, and was the first in a series of talks we will be collaborating on.

The event was a sell out with around 60 attendees, including our Fashion Angel Business Club members,  both new and established fashion industry SMEs and GCU students & alumni .

Chaired by Fashion Angel founder Alison Lewy, the evening explored how to go about finding agent/distributors, what needs to be considered if taking this route, and the legal obligations you should be aware of.

The guest panel consisted of Daniel Morris, MD of accessory brand Pauls’ Boutique, Stephen Sidkin, Partner at Fox Williams LLP who specialise in fashion agency law and Bridget Boakye, Fashion Industry Sales & Branding Consultant.

Daniel Morris offered his advice on how to find a sales agent  “ You have to do the hard work, visit trade shows, look at who represents complimentary brands. For international agents, the UKTI and local Chambers of Commerce can be helpful in providing  contacts.”

Steven Sidkin also told the audience the importance of have a formal agreement or letter of exchange in place "Agreements must comply with the Commercial Agency Regulation 1993 act and it’s vital that your requirements and terms & conditions are in place to avoid complicated litigation if things don’t go to plan, or you want to exit the relationship."

Bridget Boakye also offered her advice on working with agents  “It’s all about building a good relationships and managing expectations – some brands take on agents too early on, and are not ready to support producing larger orders.”

The talk could have gone on all night but there was plenty of opportunity to ask the panel questions and also a chance to network afterwards with the delegates as well as the guest speakers.

Fashion Angel founder Alison Lewy said “ the event exceeded our expectations and feedback from attendees has been fantastic. We were so pleased to see the GCU students network with our community of fashion SMEs, and look forward to collaborating with GCU London on the next talks”

Our next event is the popular Getting it Made workshop, focusing on sourcing and managing production. Tickets available on our events page.

Opportunities for retail & tech entrepreneurs

There’s suddenly a lot happening to support retail/tech entrepreneurs, and we thought you’d like to know about five interesting initiatives we’ve come across:-

John Lewis has launched a new incubator hub with technology entrepreneur, Stuart Marks. JLab is seeking StartUps and SMEs  that have technology and/or ideas that could improve the John Lewis in-store or online shopping experience.

5 applicants will enter JLAB for 15 weeks, competing for investment and a chance to supply John Lewis. You are offered £12,500 investment for 4% of your company and receive mentoring, workspace and talks/workshops to help you develop the idea. At the end of the 15 weeks, one company will receive £100,000 investment.

Applications now open and close on 17 April: www.jlab.co.uk


House of Fraser is the latest store to open a dedicated pop up space for new brands . Pop at HOF is offering 10 businesses the opportunity to sell their products in its Oxford Street store. Brands will be offered space on the ground floor of the store for a minimum of 2 weeks and online for 12 months. Winners will also secure mentoring and support in topics from visual merchandising to logistics and branding.

Applications are open with a deadline date of 20th March. Winners will be announced on 2nd April with the PopUp commencing in May. Apply online at:  www.thegreatretailrevival.org

IDEA London is a partnership of Cisco, UCL and DC Thomson offering a workspace and accelerator for tech companies, including retail. Snap Fashion, founded by  26 year old, Jenny Griffiths is based there, and the support she has received is helping her reach a global audience, so you’d be in good company!

Apply online at: www.idea-london.co.uk

TrueStart is a new retail and consumer innovation hub for entrepreneurs in Victoria. They are looking for ‘motivated entrepreneurs with innovative product, service or business ideas that are targeted at disrupting any aspect of the retail and consumer landscape. This could be anything including a retail technology aimed at improving the retail supply chain, data analytics for retailers, e-commerce, a social shopping platform, advertising technology, or even a new brand or consumer product.’

Hub tenants receive office and retail space, access to mentors and investment and professional services. One of the first to be accepted on their accelerator programme is THEUNSEEN design consultancy that has pioneered the fusion of science and creativity to integrate biological, chemical and electronic elements into textiles. The programme is helping them create a unique brand and design house through its own distinctive luxury products, while also helping to develop a licensing business model that will unlock opportunities to partner with leading players in the consumer sector.

Applications now open at:  www.truestart.co.uk

Start Up Loans are a lifesaver if you need some seed funding to get your idea off the ground. A Start Up Loan offers low cost, flexible loan along with FREE business mentoring. To find our more go to our Start Up Loan page.

If you hear of any others please do let us know.

Start Up Loan recipient Charli Cohen launches new collection at London Fashion Week

We were delighted to catch up with some of our Start Up Loan recipients at London Fashion Week yesterday.

Luxe sportswear designer, Charli Cohen had an innovative approach to launching her eponymous label's new Autumn/Winter 14 collection.

Charli's Angels getting ready for the workout!

She staged a rooftop workout at the ME London hotel, as part of the Felicities showcase, to show off her designs in action! The London skyline was a stunning backdrop for the workout, and luckily the rain held off.

Charli Cohen A/W 14 Collection

Needless to say the Fashion Angel team didn't join in and were happy just to watch!

Charli made her business dream a reality with the help of a Fashion Angel Start Up Loan and the FREE mentoring support offered as part of the scheme.

To see the full collection go to  www.charli-cohen.com

For more information how Fashion Angel can help you launch your fashion brand, and the Start Up Loan scheme, go to our Start Up Loans page.

Interview with Sam Mcewen from Isolated Heroes

Last April designer Samantha Mcewen, founder of luxury streetwear brand Isolated Heroes, won our mentoring competition, sponsored by Asos Marketplace. The prize was an amazing six months of business mentoring with Fashion Angel, after being picked as a brand with heaps of potential.

We caught up with Samantha, to find out how the business has grown since the mentoring started.

www.isolated-heroes.com

How have you found the last six months of business mentoring?

It’s been brilliant. When you start your own business you don’t always know the ins and outs of everything you’re doing, you just start designing clothes and selling them. The mentoring has helped me to make Isolated Heroes a proper brand. I’ve learnt how to do costing sheets, manage my accounts and forecast, which has really turned the brand around.
What's the most important thing you've learnt?

Having confidence in what you’re doing, especially with costing items and figuring out how important all that is when it comes to designing things and putting them out there, is invaluable. This mentorship has helped me to look at things properly when making clothes, sourcing fabrics and pricing items for what they’re worth.

Limited Edition collection at www.isolated-heroes.com

You've recently started selling on ASOS.com - how have you found the experience?

This has definitely been the highlight of the last six months! It wouldn’t have happened without the mentoring from Fashion Angel. I sourced all of the products but Alison helped with the introduction to ASOS. The first order is live on the site now and we’re currently looking at the next buy which is great!

Find out about more on how our fashion business mentoring can help your business grow or email info@fashion-angel.co.uk for an info pack.