Latest Newsletter

News Update - March 2012

NEWS

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.tcfaustralia.com/empoweringwomen or email carol.hanlon@tcfaustralia.com for further information.

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.

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 online.

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 and email carol.hanlon@tcfaustralia.com completed registration form.

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@tcfaustralia.com for further information.

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@tcfaustralia.com

Are You A Manufacturer or Sourcing Agent looking for new Clients?
Become a member of TCF Australia 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@tcfaustralia.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@tcfaustralia.com or contact 08 9479 3777 or 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

Digital Futures Forum, March 29
Digital Futures Forum 2012 showcasing current and future benefits and trends of the digital economy. Find out how business, industry and large scale government services will be transformed by new digital initiatives such as the National Broadband Network (NBN).For further information please contact info@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 Friends of TCF Australia.
For a full list of upcoming events in March visit www.tcfaustralia.com/calendar or contact us on (08) 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.

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 TCF AUSTRALIA 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 TCF AUSTRALIA 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 TCF AUSTRALIA 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  TCF AUSTRALIA 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@tcfaustralia.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 (08) 9381 4477 or email sylvia@perthfashionweek.com.au

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

OPPORTUNITIES

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@tcfaustralia.com or apply online.

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.

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  08 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@tcfaustralia.com for further information.