On Wednesday at Fashion SVP we really enjoyed a seminar by Liz Leffman from Clothesource, entitled “Getting the best from your suppliers”. This was a great talk on finding the right suppliers for your criteria, and key points on how to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with them.
Here at Bridge & Stitch we provide a production management service to clothing companies looking to manufacture their products in the UK, and we have established strong relationships with our database of British suppliers and manufacturers. The location of our suppliers is key as our mission is to support the UK Manufacturing industry, offering a straightforward entry route for our clients looking to benefit from the Made in Britain label. There are many advantages to working with UK suppliers; a few being strong management, quick sampling, ethical compliance and good communication.
It is important to know your supply chain and strive to eradicate problems such as bad working conditions and child labour. Manufacturing in the UK allows for a more transparent supply chain and lower carbon emissions. Response times are better with freight, import charges eliminated and lead times shortened allowing greater flexibility.
It is essential to establish the size and suitability of the supplier, how they can help you and if they are equipped with correct machinery to produce the type of garments you are looking to have manufactured. We work on your behalf to make the process of finding the right supplier stress free, as we are aware of the capabilities of our factories and can source the most suitable manufacturer for your project.
A crucial factor in developing and maintaining a positive working relationship with suppliers is effective communication throughout the production process. We take this responsibility off of your hands by liaising with the factory dealing with your project, along with all the suppliers involved in the chain, and establish a reliable point of contact with whom we correspond. This ensures we are aware of the progress of your project and have the ability to visit the factory when necessary. This is advantageous to ensuring the project runs smoothly and any problems are swiftly resolved without having to concern the client.
