Our Business and Textiles trip to London began with a morning session at Fashion Enter, a leading UK-based garment manufacturer and training academy that provides an end-to-end insight into the fashion production process. The organisation prides itself on ethical manufacturing, skills development and innovation in sustainable fashion. Students received an informative overview of the complete garment lifecycle, exploring how an initial design concept progresses through sampling, production, quality control and final delivery.

The session covered a broad range of business-related topics relevant to both fashion and wider industry practice. Students gained an understanding of how garments are costed and how product simplification affects price competitiveness. A key focus was on critical path management – learning how timelines are structured to ensure efficiency and meet retailer deadlines. The group also examined supply chain challenges, gaining unique perspectives from both buying and supplier sides, and explored how geopolitical risks can impact production and global sourcing.

The session also delved into economies of scale, ethics, sustainability, and the issue of greenwashing, encouraging students to think critically about responsible business practices. The discussion on new technology showcased how artificial intelligence, digital design, and automation are shaping the future of the fashion industry.

This was followed by a tour of the factory space, which gave students first-hand experience of the production environment, including fabric cutting, stitching, quality control and the use of AI within manufacturing. Seeing each stage of the process in action allowed students to connect theoretical business concepts, such as production efficiency, labour costs and quality assurance, to real-world practice.

In the afternoon, the group divided into two smaller cohorts. Textiles students visited the Victoria and Albert Museum, where they explored a range of exhibits showcasing historical and contemporary textiles and fashion. The visit offered an opportunity to gather creative inspiration for their coursework and forthcoming exam projects, observing the evolution of garment construction, textile innovation and cultural influences on design.

While the Textiles students explored the V&A, Business students visited the GDST Trust Office for an interactive workshop led by the GDST’s Estates Team. The activity was designed to simulate real-world business planning and investment decision-making. Students worked in groups to outline an investment plan, deciding on the area of focus, the type of project and the intended impact.

With guidance from the Estates team, groups developed their proposals by considering scope, potential suppliers, approval processes and budgeting. The activity leads into the students learning about Investment Appraisal calculations in their future lessons.

The visit provided students with a valuable blend of industry insight, creative inspiration and practical business experience. From observing ethical garment production at Fashion Enter to exploring fashion history at the V&A and applying business theory at the GDST Head Office, the day offered a comprehensive and engaging learning experience that strengthened both academic understanding and professional awareness.