Help/Advice - Fashion career northwest/manchester

[champagnevanity]

Sort of thinking i'll never get a job/ ruined my life / done a degree for nothing!

I've just had a baby, and am working as an Assistant Fashion Designer at a menswear brand in Preston. (staying their for a non-intern job isnt really possible)

After looking and looking, it turns out their arnt many Fashion Jobs in manchester, im fairly happy were i am, but would like something else, my worries are

• Majority of Fashion jobs are in london, and with a graduate salary, childcare and rent i could imagine i wouldnt actually make any money, so not really an option.
• Does anyone know of even a Design company based in manchester? not for me to apply, just so they actually exist. I'm worried silly that i'll have done a degree and not be able to get a job!

Just advice/words of wisdom, be nice please!

My DH works in menswear fashion (sales & design) and we live in Knutsford, Cheshire. He does go to London a lot for work 2-3 days a week on and off, depending if he's involved with the key selling seasons. There are no openings at his company at the moment but I've just asked him some advice.

He said to stay where you are for now, length of servie with one employer counts for a lot these days as jobs are very few and far between. There are some companies here like Littlewoods, Very and a new menswear brand done by Nick Ashley (Laura Ashley's son) who are based in Manchester (can't remember the name Google it).

Do you get Drapers to read for jobs etc? The WH Smith's in the Trafford Centre and the Arndale sell it. Always worth keeping your eyes open and writing on spec letters because you never know.

He says clients are having a tought time, their season buys are way down and they are looking for good quality product. You can feel stuck sometimes but it's good to stick at it and get the experience because that is what everyone is after.

PM if you need any more advice.