FASHION FOUNDER FRIDAY RECAP: INSIGHTS FOR FASHION START-UPS
At Fashion Angel, we’re passionate about supporting founders of start-up and scaling fashion brands. Our weekly Fashion Founder Friday Q&A offers a collaborative space to share experiences, ask questions, and gain practical advice.
The latest session, hosted by Alison Lewy MBE, was full of valuable insights on VAT registration, startup finance, manufacturing challenges, trademark protection, and marketing strategies. Read on for the key takeaways from the session:-
💳 UK Business Banking Challenges
Many founders struggle to open business bank accounts, particularly as A limited company. Alison explained how anti-money laundering rules can create delays and suggested:
- Opening an account with challenger banks like Monzo, Tide, Revolut, or Starling for faster setup.
- Once up and running can then open another account with a major bank. If conducting international transactions its worth considering Wise, for flexibility and lower fees.
🧾 VAT Registration Strategy
Alison clarified VAT registration rules:
- Mandatory once turnover exceeds £90,000 on a rolling 12-month basis.
- Voluntary early registration will allow reclaiming VAT on supplies, but brands must then charge customers 20% VAT.
- Consulting an accountant is crucial to choose the right timing and structure.
US De Minimis Tariff Changes
From 29th August, the US tariff-free threshold will reduce from $800 to 0. This will significantly affect UK brands selling directly or via marketplaces to US customers. Alison shared:
- A webinar recording and explainer video for further guidance.
- The importance of reviewing & comparing pricing and shipping costs in light of these changes.
- Tools like Parcel Hero can help compare prices.
- Once brands reach consistent shipping volumes, negotiating flat-fee courier contracts is more cost-effective.
🏭 Manufacturing & Production Support
Finding reliable manufacturers remains a challenge. Alison recommended:
- Factoring in product type, price point, quality and MOQs when sourcing.
- Joining the Getting It Made Workshop on 10th September either in person or online, will give you practical guidance and the tools for effective production and supplier management. Registration here.
™️ Trademark & Brand Protection
Mai raised concerns about trademark clashes. Alison advised:
- Conducting searches on IPO.gov.uk.
- Contacting the British Library Business & IP Centre or trademark lawyer specialists such as Briffa for professional advice.
- Building a brand story and narrative before product launch to strengthen positioning.
📈 Marketing & Opportunity Evaluation
Alison recommended useful tools and strategies including:-
- Following HubSpot’s “The Hustle” newsletter for marketing insights.
- Exploring in-person strategies such as pop-ups to build visibility and trust alongside online growth.
Join the Fashion Founder Community
Fashion Founder Friday is a free weekly peer-to-peer Q&A, hosted by Alison Lewy MBE of Fashion Angel, in collaboration with the British Library Business & IP Centre. It’s designed to:-
- Support founders of start-up and scaling fashion brands
- Provide practical advice on finance, manufacturing, marketing, and scaling
- Connect entrepreneurs through networking and our supportive WhatsApp group
👉 The next session is on Friday, August 29th – Register here. If you’re building or growing a fashion brand, don’t miss the opportunity to join our inspiring community.
At Fashion Angel we offer fashion business mentoring, events, workshops and access to start up loan funding to fashion start-ups and established fashion business entrepreneurs. We are here to help and to give you the support you need at all stages of your business journey.
Our expert mentors can give you guidance with our 1-2-1 business mentoring packages. Fashion Angel Business Club members receive 20% discount on our mentoring and events and have access to FREE downloadable toolkits, a suppliers directory & other benefits, all tailored for the fashion industry.
