The power of the network...
When we started this network, our main aim was to make sure that those in the clothing and textile sector no longer felt isolated, and that they had a group of people they could collaborate with and turn to for support. Seeing this vision become reality (even in the smallest of ways) reminds us why we set up NCTN in the first place.
A few weeks ago, we received an email from one of our NCTN members, Lucy from Airowear. She was helping her soon-to-be redundant employees find new jobs within the sector. We sent it out to a small portion of our network and before long, she had four organisations get in touch to let her know they were interested in hiring her staff members.
That may not sound like groundbreaking news, but to us it's a sign that this network really is making a difference. We want to see results like that every day from across the North, and for us this is just the start of a network that could help not just three people, but hundreds.
The only way we can reach that goal is if everyone in the network feels comfortable to communicate openly about what they need. You can email us any time if there is anything you would like us to pass along to the network. We hope to continue this collaborative and communicative atmosphere within NCTN - We firmly believe that we're all stronger in numbers!
Northern Clothing and Textile Network is supported Design Network North, which is part of RTC’s new programme called ‘Designing Better Business’ – launched in 2016 - which will provide support for north east businesses looking to continue to innovate and design better world leading products. RTC was founded in 1989 with the sole purpose of helping businesses innovate and create new higher value products. Today, the business operates out of offices in Sunderland, Gateshead, Leeds and Daresbury and specialises in helping companies develop new products, embed new skills through training and access funding for innovation.
‘Designing Better Business’ is part funded by European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020