Turkey not only offers a good-quality workforce, but it is also attractive for buyers geographically. So we decided to talk about the advantages of sourcing from Turkey.
“Turkey is close to the UK and other European countries,” says Altan. “You can fly to Turkey and do business in the same day.”
Tear says producing in Turkey enables the team to visit regularly for relatively little cost: “Our roving QC [quality control executives] will visit the factories on a regular basis to ensure the production is maintained to the Karen Millen quality standards and ensure there aren’t any production issues. It is easy to jump on a plane and visit each supplier to resolve the issue quickly and productively.”
As well as being a close hub to the Europe, many talk of a close relationship between Turkish manufacturers and brands.
“If they ask us to stock a fabric for them, if they want a different colour, we will quickly dye it and send it in three weeks’ time so it’s ready for the shop floor,” explains Altan.
Taylor also believes the country enforces strict controls when it comes to what it is producing: “Turkey takes a proactive stance on environmental concerns in the supply chain,” says Taylor. “It is one of the few countries to mandate all textile manufacturers to comply with internationally accepted environmental standards, which is another plus.”
The industry also asserts that its record on corporate social responsibility is improving (see Q&A, below).
Karen Millen works closely with its four Istanbul-based suppliers, as Tear explains: “Our suppliers are an extension of our brand and we believe in working in partnership with them, so most of our relationships are direct with the suppliers and not through sourcing offices.
“The design, product development and technical team will liaise daily with the suppliers. The teams that have suppliers in the Far East will visit twice a year, but our European visits are much more frequent.”
She says the Karen Millen design team will visit Turkey for “development and inspiration” trips, and the product development teams will go to discuss deliveries, prices and production planning. In addition, the technical teams will visit suppliers to support the development process or review production as pieces are being manufactured.
The best part of her job is visiting the suppliers, she says: “I love standing in the middle of a factory with the buzz of the machines, seeing the product coming to life before your eyes.”
Platts also talks of working very closely with suppliers and manufacturers in Turkey. He says regular communications are vital to make sure the speed producing in Turkey can offer is maximised: “Planning is critical and visibility around where the Asos products are made is paramount.”
Tear believes the key to working well in Turkey is communication and speed: “Building long-term strategic relationships, and planning and commitment are crucial to maximise the potential Turkey production offers. “As with any successful working relationship, it is very much about having a two-way partnership with clear communication.
“In recent times it’s been difficult for UK buyers to visit Turkey for security reasons, but face-to-face time via video tech and visits to the UK by our Turkish partner suppliers have kept the communication channels open.”
You can contact Atro Sourcing for more information about the advantages of sourcing from Turkey.