I'm currently setting up a new alternative clothing company but I'm completely new to the industry, I was hoping to get some advice from the more experienced out there...

I'm thinking of outsourcing the basic machining of the garments as piecemeal work for people to do at home. Is this still done any more? If so, what's the going rate for items? And how could I go about getting in contact with people who might be interested?

Thanks very much,
Niki

Hi, I am Jenny Holloway and just to explain my background I was a buyer for Littlewoods, a Selector for M&S and a senior buyer for Principles for Women. I then had my own label Retro for 10 years before being the manager of London Fashion Foroum the original company that set up www.fashioncapital.co.uk.

The advice you need really is far more indepth than a statement on the website and that's why we set up www.fashion-enter.com. If you check this out you will see the type of support we offer. FashionCapital is really a generic portal site that signposting of help and aid whereas Fashion Enter is for serious designers to get to gribs with their company. There is a membership fee but this also includes the opportunity to sell your garments in the boutique Enter at Croydon. Plus there is a wholesale division too that is called "Representing..." and a Japanese buyer has already placed 32 orders.

I would be more than happy to meet up with you and go t hrough this query properly however the short answer to your question is yes there are machinsts out there that can help you but they are like gold dust. There are organisations such as the London Appereal Resource Centre that also has a sample making facility. Their number is 020 8802 5555 when you get through ask to be put through to the sample roon and then arrange a visit to see them all.

All the best

Jenny

Hi, check out the forum...theres a machinist from Coventry looking for work!

Ideal timing for you

Jenny

I'm trying to start up an alternative fashion label too. Due to the small quantities I want to have made up I have been wondering if it would be in my interest to try employing machinists myself. I'm worried that, as a one man band, this will take up a lot of time that I don't have. Also, I'm worried it could all go wrong due to my inexperience in instructing machinists and employing people in general!

I'm trying to start up an alternative fashion label too. Due to the small quantities I want to have made up I have been wondering if it would be in my interest to try employing machinists myself. I'm worried that, as a one man band, this will take up a lot of time that I don't have. Also, I'm worried it could all go wrong due to my inexperience in instructing machinists and employing people in general!

hI have a conversation with Catarina Eden who is a designer who is setting up her own production line. Perhaps you can help each other out here. I have known Catarina for years and she is honest and very trustworthy.

Good luck her number is 07766963780

Jenny