New Designers: How to Work Successfully With UK Factories

This masterclass is designed to help new designers understand what UK factories need before they can take on a project. We’ll cover the essentials, from preparing your designs and tech packs to choosing fabrics, costs, quantities and timelines. Perfect for anyone developing their first collection and unsure where to begin.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

• What UK manufacturers look for when taking on a new designer
• How to prepare before contacting a factory
• What a tech pack is and what it needs to include
• How fabrics and trims impact costing and timelines
• Understanding MOQs, sampling and realistic expectations
• Common mistakes new designers make — and how to avoid them
• How to communicate clearly and professionally with factories
• What ‘factory-ready’ really means

WHO THIS SESSION IS FOR

• New designers developing their first collection
• Start-ups preparing to approach manufacturers
• Designers unsure why factories aren’t responding
• Anyone needing clarity on the process from design to production

AGENDA (60 minutes)

Welcome & Introductions — 5 mins

• Who I am and what the session will cover

Understanding How UK Factories Work — 10 mins

• Why factories say yes/no
• What slows them down
• What they expect from new designers

What You Need Before Contacting a Factory — 20 mins

• Tech packs
• Fabrics & trims
• Quantities & realistic timelines
• Costings & budgets

Common Mistakes New Designers Make — 10 mins

• The most common red flags factories see
• How to avoid delays and miscommunication

How to Prepare to Be Factory-Ready — 10 mins

• Key checklists
• Best practices
• Communicating clearly

Q&A — 5 mins

WHAT YOU WILL LEAVE WITH

• A clear understanding of what UK factories need
• A checklist of what to prepare before reaching out
• Confidence in approaching manufacturers professionally
• Realistic expectations around timelines, budgets and sampling
• Practical steps to avoid costly early mistakes