There’s a huge learning curve when it comes to the world of production - and even more so when you also want to produce ethically. Figuring out the lingo, becoming familiar with the processes and systems, and understanding the way things work, are all absolute musts if you want to avoid mistakes, headaches, and mishaps. We've dedicated this Masterclass to help you navigate through this mammoth of a task, with clear, step-by-step instructions on how you can work your way to a responsible, transparent production process.
In this Masterclass you'll learn:
- What "ethical" production actually means, and why it can work for small and large brands
- The socially and environmentally responsible practices you can incorporate into your production
- Manufacturing 101 - the types of manufacturers out there, what they expect, how to source them
- The key principles of the Ethical Trading Initiative, and the ILO code
- How to create an ethical and transparent supply chain
- Working with ethical agents, how to approach them and how they can help you
- How a fairtrade certified unit is different to the conventional, and how they operate
- How to manage your production and optimise delivery expectations, including IP and understanding lead times
- How to work with social enterprises, what the pros of being one are, and case studies of our favourites
- How to measure your social impact
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Introduction to Ethical Manufacturing
with Charlie Bradley RossSummary
As you’ll soon see, this Masterclass is absolutely packed with tips on manufacturing. We explore international vs domestic production, critical codes of practice, how to set up a supply chain, the production schedule, reserving production space and communicating with factories and manufacturers and loads more. Of course, being The Members’ Club, we want to focus on the environmental and social impact of manufacturing, so in this three-part video, I’ll be talking you through some things to think about when you are producing your products.
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Manufacturing with Low Environmental Impact
with Charlie Bradley RossSummary
In this video, we highlight ways you can consider the environmental impact of your design production, from more eco-friendly design techniques to how your design studio could be greener.
For additional tips on your working environment, check out Jen Gale's advice for making your office more eco-friendly too.
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Socially Responsible Manufacturing
with Charlie Bradley RossSummary
In this video, we discuss some of the key issues surrounding workforce and manufacturing and how to ensure the people in your supply chain are safe, respected and happy.
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Manufacturing 101 with Utelier.com
with Dessy TsolovaSummary
We couldn't think of a better fit than Dessy Tsolova, the founder of Utelier.com, to take us through the fundamentals of Manufacturing. Utelier.com is a global B2B online fashion-manufacturing marketplace connecting fashion entrepreneurs to industry specialists like manufacturers, suppliers and experts. With over 15 years of experience in the fashion industry, Dessy noticed a lack of transparency in the sector. She also saw the difficulties that many entrepreneurs and small brands experienced turning the simplest of ideas into a product - and all of the time and money they were wasting! The lack of information and dysfunctionality in the industry was something that she couldn't ignore, and so she decided to do something about it and founded Utelier.com.
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Working Responsibly with Manufacturers and Agents
with Maeve WadgeSummary
Maeve Wadge has a wealth of experience in garment production, with a comprehensive knowledge of ethical and sustainable supply routes. Her company, Sourcing Sustainably, offers a range of services to support international businesses sourcing apparel from South Asia. From conception, through design and into bulk production, Maeve and her team can guide you through each stage of the process to ensure you receive a high-quality product from a supply chain you can be proud of. In this video, Maeve discusses the benefits of working with an agency and also has brilliant, unique advice on manufacturing ethically.
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Working with a Fairtrade Manufacturing Unit
with Corban BryantSummary
Now we've covered all of the critical elements to manufacturing products in a more sustainable and responsibly, we talk to a Fairtrade certified unit, Purnaa, to hear their tips on working with factories that have been socially accredited and how you can become certified too.
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Interview with Know The Origin
with Charlotte InstoneSummary
We’re delighted to interview "rocket man" Charlotte Instone, founder of Know The Origin, a clothing brand, fully traceable from seed to garment. They treat their manufacturers and suppliers fairly and use ethical fabrics. Charlotte’s passion shines through her business, and what she has built is truly inspiring. Listen to her invaluable knowledge and tips for creating a transparent business model.
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Interview with Juta Shoes
withSummary
We couldn't be more thrilled that the brilliant Joanna Hamer, co-founder and co-director of Juta Shoes joined us for our London Networking Event. Juta Shoes is a social enterprise based in East London that supports, trains and employs women who face barriers to work, to make their bespoke reclaimed leather espadrilles and teach their sustainable crafts workshops. You may remember Juta Shoes as we mentioned them in our Masterclass Branding a Sustainable Business, as an exemplary ethical business with a social mission. Juta Shoes is also a brilliant example of how manufacturing on a smaller scale can have a huge impact. Joanna was a 2016 Year Here fellow, and we're delighted to share some of her invaluable insight and gems of advice.
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Social Enterprises & Measuring Your Impact
with Kat LuckockSummary
Are you a social entrepreneur delivering incredible social or environmental impact but struggling to get your voice heard, fretting over what to measure and not quite sure how to communicate your story to the world? Your social impact is too significant to go unnoticed. Kat Luckock, the founder of Share Impact, shares her knowledge of social enterprises and why it's so important not just to measure your impact too.
Interviews
Juta Shoes: supporting women facing barriers to work
Sunday Apr 1st, 2018
From Belo: Bags of Kindness
Tuesday Oct 1st, 2019
Past Events

20 January 2019: How to improve lead times, with New Look
Wednesday Dec 12th, 2018 - 00:00am
Fairtrade certified manufacturing with Purnaa
Thursday May 31st, 2018 - 18:00pm
19 April 2018: How to protect yourself against production problems
Thursday Apr 19th, 2018 - 18:00pmAdditional Reading:
Ethical Trading Initiative Base Code - The ETI Base Code is founded on the conventions of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and is an internationally recognised code of labour practice.
International Labour Organisation - A specialised agency of the United Nations, this is their introduction to their specific Labour Standards
What Is The Future Of The Fashion Industry? - Dessy Tsolova on Fashion Insiders & Co.
Further Masterclasses and lessons:
Ethical Fabrics and Why You Need To Use Them Masterclass
Reshoring: Local Manufacturing and Raw Materials Masterclass
Technology and Systems To Maximise Sustainability and Profitability Masterclass
Mayamiko - Working with local communities
Birdsong - Social production empowering communities
Guest experts:
Fashion Insiders & Co. - Fashion news and entrepreneurial resources [Utelier no longer exists; Dessy now runs this business]
Sourcing Sustainably - A consultancy to link designers with production units (see founder Maeve's lesson above)
Share Impact - Social entrepreneur coach (see founder Kat's lesson above on measuring your social impact)
Know the Origin - Sustainable transparent brand and e-commerce curation (see the interview with founder Charlotte above on the business model)
Brands who manufacture ethically:
People Tree - A GOTS and Fair Trade certified clothing brand (see our interviews with the Head of Buying, and founder Safia Minney)
MUD Jeans - B Corp circular jeans
Additional Reading
Building A British Fibreshed And Its Benefit For Fashion
Friday Jul 3rd, 2020
What is Fast Fashion doing to the planet, its people, and our state of mind?
Sunday Feb 9th, 2020
Piecemakers: London's Fashion Manufacturers
Friday Jan 24th, 2020
What is Fast Fashion and Why Is It Still So Popular?
Monday Jan 20th, 2020
Sustainable Fashion Milestones from the 2010s
Monday Jan 13th, 2020
Eco producers, manufacturers and innovators at Première Vision September 2019
Monday Sep 30th, 2019
Tips for attending fabric trade shows like Première Vision
Monday Sep 30th, 2019
The sustainable brands redefining luxury with made-to-order business models
Monday Sep 16th, 2019
Recycling for Fashion: Should We Give Plastics a Second Chance?
Monday Jul 22nd, 2019
The Rise of Fashion's Obsession with Plastic Fibres
Monday Jul 8th, 2019