Latest Newsletter

News Update - March 2012

NEWS

International Women’s Day, March 8

Join us for an action packed celebration lunch of sharing stories, skills and talents with a huge range of interesting and inspiring speakers, artists, designers, fashion showcase village handicrafts and candle lighting ceremony celebrating women from around the globe. Book online or contact Kaitlyn on  9479 3777.

EDI BOOTCAMP - March 17, 9am-1pm PST (L.A. time)

Want to do business in the USA? Get an operational view of EDI & all the elements necessary to successfully do business with large retailers while minimizing errors and chargebacks. This class is for Fashion business owners who want to plan for the operational details & costs involved, and CEO's who have gotten their first order from a major retailer & urgently need background. Presented by Fashion Biz Inc.  LA.  To receive the flyer with all the details, contact Clarisse.

Are you connected to your clients properly?

How do you know you have the best system for all your Business communications? ANM are specialists in Mobile and Internet communication for all types of services from small home offices to larger enterprises. If you are looking for a communication specialist that understands IT networks, ISP, VoIP, Mobiles and can advise on the best solutions for your business needs. No obligation assessment & quote - contact ANM now and quote: tcfwa

Scam Alert: Fake Government Grant Cold-Calls

Scammers claiming to represent the Australian Government have been targeting Australians. The Department has identified a cold-call scam operation where the scammer announces themselves as the Australian Government Grants Department and claims ownership of the Government's website www.grantslink.gov.au. If you receive a suspicious call take care with any information you provide and if unsure call 1800 026 222 (toll free). More details available online.

Creative Rural Women through Enterprise Development and Global Fashion Opportunities

TCF Global and Belmont BEC are presenting a seminar in New York, March 2 with guest speakers from around the globe including Trend Forecasting from Stylesight; Nigeria Fashion Week; World Fashion Organisation. BBEC & TCF CEO Carol Hanlon is also attending the United Nations CSW general sessions as delegate BPW. Visit www.tcfglobal.com/empoweringwomen or email carol.hanlon@tcfglobal.com for further information

Global Platform for Action on Sourcing from Women Vendors

Interested to sell goods or services to multinational Fortune 500 companies or wish to source from women owned businesses globally through the International Trade Centre (ITC) program.  BPW Business Incubator project being launched in New York on March 2, will assist women to develop business skills to access these amazing opportunities To register visit www.bpwbusinessincubator.com, complete registration and email to carol.hanlon@tcfwa.com

National Broadband Rollout – Victoria Park, Burswood and Great Eastern Highway

National Broadband Rollout will moving up from Victoria Park and along Burswood and Great Eastern Highway during current upgrade roadwork’s. Ongoing maps of rollouts available to view online.

Trends@My Fashion Incubator: Stylesight shows us the Colour of the Year

Named as Pantone's 2012 Colour of the Year, TANGERINE TANGO is an energetic red-orange that translates for all markets and enlivens a variety of designs from statement-making wall paints to vibrant contrast details on clothing and accessories. According to Leatrice Eiseman, executive Director at Pantone Colour Institute: "Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy".

Trends @ My Business Incubator: John Stanley reports on the retail Trends for 2012

Weekday Convenience and Weekend Experience will be the major drivers in 2012 in retailing. The consumer will expect you to provide convenience in the week which may mean you will need to offer different services in the week. At the weekend they want your store to WOW them and therefore more theatrical events will need to be organised at weekends to catch the consumer’s attention. For more info and retail trends contact Clarisse. 

Fashion Industry Code to be based on Global Compact Principles

The UN Global Compact announced a new collaboration with the Nordic Initiative Clean and Ethical (NICE) to develop a fashion industry code based on Global Compact principles. The code will be launched on 3 May 2012 in Copenhagen at the world’s largest summit on sustainability in fashion, the Copenhagen Fashion Summit, held under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Mary of Denmark. Contact info@tcfwa.com for further information.

Absolute Edge First Click Facebook, March 28 and First Click Twitter, March 29– Perth 

The Absolute Edge Perth social media course will show you how to avoid potentially costly and damaging social media marketing mistakes and leverage Facebook and twitter to grow a fanbase, generate leads, build sales lists and increase sales. Further information available online or contact Kylie at Absolute Edge on 9361 3055 or email kylie@absoluteedgemarketing.com.au

Do you need to contact the Media? Consult the Margaret Gee's Australian Media Guide for FREE

This Media Guide is now available for consultation for FREE to all our TCF members. You can now research and connect with all the major media outlets in Australia and get updated email addresses to send your next Press Releases. (Book’s market value: $600). To book for a free consultation of the book at the office, contact Clarisse.

Just about everything a Retail Manager needs to know by John Stanley

The ‘how-to’ retail book every manager should read! By retail consultant John Stanley, this book is a wealth of information for every retail manager and store owner. Retailers can collect their complimentary copy of the book from 7 Fairbrother Street Belmont 6104 or be posted within Australia for a $10 postage handling fee. Contact us to reserve your copy or for more on John Stanley Retail Advisory services.

Browse the HKTDC, Trade eMagazines for FREE

To register and get the link for a range of sourcing eMagazines contact  info@tcfwa.com

Are You A Manufacturer or Sourcing Agent looking for new Clients ?

Become a member of TCF WA and we can link you with clients that are relevant to your activity and requirements. Please submit your product specialisation, services and CMT expertise to info@tcfwa.com

Send us your News

Members are welcome to forward job adverts, items for sale, events or information to be considered for our monthly newsletters. Email info@tcfwa.com or contact 08 9479 3777 for further information.

Speaker Opportunities

Belmont BEC is calling for guest presenters who would like to participate in the 2012 Designedge Innovation Festival to run nationally April16 - May31.  An associate festival of the Australian Innovation Festival this is a great opportunity to present to new networks.  Forward your speaker profile and presentation topic to support@belmontbec.com

CALENDAR 

'Live' Webinars

Online Training from your office or home

06 March    How to Brief your Website Developer
07 March    How to Start a New Business
07 March    Blogging
12 March    Pricing, Costing & Cash Flow
12 March    Writing Tender or Grant Submissions
13 March    Media Strategy: Using Online Tools
13 March    SEO & Google Adwords
14 March    Marketing for Small Business
14 March    Social Media: LinkedIn/Twitter
15 March    Starting a Fashion Label
15 March    Avoiding Manufacturing Pitfalls
15 March    Linking with Retailers and Agents
19 March    How to Start a New Business
19 March    Keeping Customers in Difficult Times
19 March    Protect your Business from Disaster
20 March    E-commerce & Online Databases
21 March    Business Planning Simplified
21 March    Social Media: Facebook
22 March    How To Prepare a Business for Sale
26 March    Buying and Selling a Small Business
27 March    Importing & Exporting
27 March    Credit Management & Debt Collection
27 March    Marketing for Small Fashion Business
27 March    Creating an Online Shop
28 March    Email Marketing Campaign
30 March    Ways to Grow Your Business

Webinars indicated with an asterisks (*) are complimentary to members of TCF WA.
For a full list of upcoming events in March visit www.tcfwa.com/calendar or contact us on (61) 8 9479 3777.

All Webinars are live presentations that require you to have internet access with audio or can be accessed via telephone linkage. For further information about upcoming webinars and networking events please contact us at info@tcfwa.com

Never attended a webinar?
A Web-based seminar is great way to participate in a seminar without leaving the Office or Home. For first time attendees or if you would like to maximise your understanding of how to use webinar functions to your full potential visit our user friendly guide available online or contact 08 9479 3777 for further assistance.

 TRADE EVENTS 

 LAST CHANCE NEW TCFWA BUYING MISSION Australian Buying Mission to Preview In Daegu, Korea 7- 9 March 

 PREVIEW IN DAEGU is a global platform for international textile business, and is quickly gaining traction as a Premier Textile Trade Show which showcases new materials to domestic and overseas buyers. Exhibitors include: Korean Textile Manufacturers, Synthetic and Natural Materials, Home Textiles, Fashion Accessories, Industrial Textiles and more. Eligible Established buyers will receive sponsored Round-Trip Airfare contribution and up to four night’s Accommodation. To apply contact Clarisse. 

Interstoff Asia Essential - Spring 2012, 14-16 March  – Hong Kong  

LAST CHANCE NEW TCFWA BUYING MISSION to India International Handwoven Fair, Chennai, India, 27-29 March

Showcasing the best handwoven textiles in quality and design from quality handloom clusters from across India. At this unique Fair Internationally acclaimed handwoven creations from Indian manufacturers and exporters showcasing embroidered textile materials, wall hangings, shawls, bed sheets, table, kitchen and bath linen, floor coverings, towels, cushions, throws, curtains will all be on display. Eligible Buyers will receive Sponsored Airline flights, Accommodation & Tour to Handweavers village. To apply contact Clarisse.

 LAST CHANCE NEW TCFWA BUYING MISSION to FASHION ACCESS Hong Kong 28–30 March 

Visit Fashion Access, the international fashion fair in Hong Kong for bags, footwear, luggage, leather goods, leather garments and fashion accessories; Cash contribution to attend this event is available to approved bueyrs. To apply contact Clarisse.

 LAST CHANCE NEW TCFWA BUYING MISSION to India Home Expo, New Delhi, 15-18 April 

A one stop expo for all your sourcing needs for a variety of home products and sourcing destination for importers, wholesalers, distributors, retailers and speciality stores for a variety of Houseware products that includes home textiles, furnishings, home decoratives, curtains, draperies, furniture, rugs, wall hangings, kitchenware, bathroom and garden products. Eligible Buyers will receive Sponsored Airline flights & Accommodation for up to three nights during the show. To apply contact Clarisse.

 Islamabad Fashion Week, Pakistan, March 1-3 

International Fashion Consultant Margaret Farrell (TCFWA Committee member) is leading an International buyer, media and designer mission to Islamabad Fashion Week.  Buyers wishing to connect with Pakistani designers or designers looking for textiles or manufacturers contact carol.hanlon@tcfwa.com

Perth Fashion Week 2012, 19- 23 April
Perth Fashion Week is WA’s most anticipated and directional fashion trade event with international buyers and designers attending. It will be hosted annually and will coincide with the Australian Spring/Summer peak buying season. Be part of all the excitement and register now on www.perthfashionweek.com.au

Opportunities are available to showcase in the Exhibition Booths so that designers can do direct business to business with buyers. For further details please contact Sylvia Giacci on  9381 4477 or email sylvia@perthfashionweek.com.au

Accessories The Show, 7 - 9 May, New York City

OPPORTUNITIES

Innovation Vouchers - Round 2 - Applications close 12pm, March 2

Are you a SME with a Great Idea? Innovation WA recognises that you have great ideas and is offering eligible SME's a financial boost to assist with turning your ideas into commercial reality. Up to $20,000 available to access professional skills, services or knowledge that will enable you to advance your idea or commercial activity in WA. Reminder: Applications close 2nd March. Contact support@tcfwa.com for further information.

The Cartier Women's Initiative Awards – Applications close March 13

The Cartier Women's Initiative Awards are an international business plan competition designed to identify, support and encourage projects by female entrepreneurs. The application period closes March 13. Contact info@tcfwa.com or apply online.

City of Perth’ Convention Scholarship - Applications close March 30

The 2012 'City of Perth' Convention Scholarship is a $10,000 grant awarded annually to an individual representing a non-profit association to assist in their personal and professional development, either through attendance at a relevant international conference, or undertaking further study in their chosen field. Contact info@tcfwa.com for further information.

$1 billion clean Technology Investment Programs for manufacturers launched

The Clean Technology Investment Program and Clean Technology Food and Foundries Investment Program provide $1 billion in funding to help Australian manufacturers transition to a clean energy future. Grants are now available to help manufacturers to invest in energy efficient capital equipment and low pollution technologies, processes and products. Contact info@tcfwa.com for further information.

3 Wishes Year of the Dragon Competition

Congratulations to Anita Kidd , Mosquita, WA who won 3 hours of mentoring with her wishes to sell to more retailers; establish better work/life balance as young mum running homebased business; expand her jewellery business. We had a huge response from across Australia of entries and will allocate 10 runner-up vouchers of a complimentary ‘live’ webinar (valued $20) in the topic best suited to assist each entrants wishes come true.

JOB OPPORTUNITY

Great opportunity for jewellery maker to assist with production of new collection - fun, fashion forward and exciting label with big prospects. Part time casual work initially, with potential for more. Apply with resume to baxterj@live.com.au or phone 0434 556 317.

JOB OPPRTUNITY

Pattern Maker preferably with plus size experience wanted. Please call Cheryl on 64688351 or email cheryl@itsontheplusside.com.au

Bulk Fabric Available

A large quantity of hemp/cotton T-shirt knit and rib is available – from a deceased estate. Natural (cream), black and red.  Unbelievable pricing for whole rolls. Not-for-profit organisations or educational institutions particularly encouraged to enquire. Contact 9291 3800 or email admin@hempwa.com   

Would you like a free website?

With your own website, you can help new and existing customers better understand what your business has to offer. As a partner of the Getting Aussie Business Online movement to help small businesses get online. Get started online now or contact info@tcfwa.com for further information.