19 Dec 2025

ASOS Foundation and (Fashion) Minority Report empower the next generation of fashion talent across London, Manchester and Leeds

ASOS Foundation

London, 19 December 2025 - The ASOS Foundation, which works to break down barriers for young people to achieve amazing things, today announces a new partnership with the (Fashion) Minority Report (FMR), a pioneering initiative dedicated to increasing diversity and representation within the fashion industry and the wider creative sector. 

The Business of Building Brands programme was designed and developed by FMR in collaboration with the ASOS Foundation, who are fully funding the initiative. The programme is designed for 16–25-year-olds, from underrepresented backgrounds, with no prior fashion experience needed. It aims to break down barriers and open doors, giving young people the opportunity to gain the insight, skills and confidence they need to thrive in fashion. 

Participants will explore every stage of the fashion journey – from brand vision and product development to marketing and social media strategy. Alongside industry insight, students will receive CV and portfolio support and advice on potential development opportunities to aid them in the career journey. 

The six-week programme is designed to tackle regional inequality in access to the fashion industry, expanding from its London launch this November to Manchester and Leeds in 2026 and aiming to support at least 45 young people across the three cities.

Vanessa Spence, EVP, Brand & Creative and Trustee at the ASOS Foundation, said:

At the heart of the ASOS Foundation's mission is breaking down barriers for young people to achieve amazing things. Through this new partnership with the (Fashion) Minority Report, we'll open doors for underrepresented young people across the UK, giving them the skills, confidence and opportunities they need to thrive in the fashion industry.

Daniel Peters, Founder at the (Fashion) Minority Report, said For more than three years, ASOS and the Fashion Minority Report have worked side by side to drive meaningful, measurable change. This next phase of our partnership represents a powerful step forward - championing inclusivity, nurturing potential, and widening access to an industry where every young person, no matter their background, has the opportunity to thrive.

Applications for Manchester are open now, sign up here. Leeds applications open in February 2026.

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About the ASOS Foundation

Founded in 2009, the ASOS Foundation, is the charitable arm of ASOS. The ASOS Foundation breaks down barriers for young people to achieve amazing things. We invest in high impact projects, with a focus on empowering young people, create pathways to economic and social mobility and tackle urgent social challenges. Through a fashion and technology lens we aim to transform futures in geographies where ASOS has a significant presence.

About Fashion Minority Report

Founded in 2020 by menswear designer and by brand and marketing specialist Daniel Peters, the (Fashion) Minority Report is a pioneering initiative dedicated to increasing diversity and representation within the fashion industry and the wider creative sector. Recognising the persistent lack of inclusivity across hiring practices, particularly for ethnic minority/global majority and female professionals, the organisation advocates for systemic change by holding businesses accountable, championing existing talent, and fostering the next generation of industry leaders.

Through a range of initiatives-including mentorship programs, industry partnerships, and educational workshops-The (Fashion) Minority Report provides underrepresented creatives with the tools, opportunities, and support needed to thrive. By collaborating with brands and organisations, the initiative works to drive meaningful, long-term reform and build a more equitable future for fashion and creative industries.