Export efforts stalled

 

Efforts to get a collaborative fashion export cluster off the ground have stalled, with key players blaming the hectic lead up to spring/summer for the lack of progress.

The idea for the Australian Fashion Export Cluster (AFEC) was first floated by the Council of Textiles and Fashion Industries Australia (TFIA) in early 2010. With the TFIA, Austrade and NSW Industry and Investment as principal partners, the cluster was conceived to help local designers to establish successful export businesses.

Applications to participate in the cluster closed in April, but in the week the TFIA’s industry liaison Paula Rogers was due to announce the 25 successful applicants, she revealed the entire project had been put on ice.

“The key factors were that many [designers] wanted to take time to get their heads into the export space, and also that they were heading into the busiest time of the year,” Rogers said.

She rejected suggestions the member-driven format – in which the cluster’s emerging designer members rather than its principal partners were due to coordinate activities – was problematic.

“We wish to work collaboratively, and that means listening to industry and what works for them,” Rogers said.

“Achieving in export markets requires a concentrated and committed approach by all concerned. Often it’s slow and steady wins the race.”

Rogers revealed the cluster will recommence its activities in early 2011. She said the six-month delay was not expected to affect the cluster’s capacity to access funding granted by the NSW Government’s Strategic Business Cluster program in April 2010.

In addition to driving fashion exports, AFEC was devised to assist designers in developing more ethical, sustainable and ‘green’ business practices. Membership of the cluster involves such things as participating in seminars, developing market-specific product, learning international import regulations and devising a company operations manual.

Rogers encouraged any fashion companies still interested in AFEC membership to apply on the TFIA’s website.

Erin O’Loughlin.