Supporting New Designers to Become Factory – Ready: Why Preparation Matters

By Caroline Trend (pictured), Fashion Design & Product Development Consultant

Bringing an idea to life is exciting but turning it into something a factory can actually make is where most designers get stuck.

With over 30 years in the fashion industry, working with high-street retailers, brands, consultancies and suppliers, as well as running my own UK micro-factory. I’ve seen how easily things can unravel when designers approach a manufacturer without the right preparation. Not because they’re not capable, but because no one teaches you how the full process works, from design and sourcing through to sampling and production.

I now support new and growing designers through my consultancy, Rosebudd Design. I help start-ups develop their collections, create factory-ready tech packs, source fabrics and trims and find the right manufacturers to work with. My job is to make the whole process clearer, smoother, and more cost-effective, for both the designer and the factory.

Why designers struggle and why factories are under pressure

Factories are under huge pressure. They receive countless enquiries from new designers every week, often without tech packs, unclear designs, incomplete fabric choices, or unrealistic expectations around costs and timelines.

A designer might think, “Why won’t a factory take my order?” Meanwhile the factory is thinking, “I want to help, but I can’t work from this.”

That’s the gap I help bridge.

What ‘factory-ready’ really means

Being factory-ready isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being prepared and giving a manufacturer the information they need to say “yes”.

That includes:

• Clear, accurate tech packs
• Realistic quantities and timelines
• Confirmed fabrics and trims
• Understanding the sampling process
• Awareness of production costs
• Knowing your budget

When these foundations are in place, everything moves faster, sampling, costing, communication and production.

Why I care about UK manufacturing

After running my own micro-factory, I understand how hard manufacturers work to juggle small runs, last-minute changes and constant enquiries.

They’re a vital part of our industry, supporting local skills, responsible production and sustainability. Helping designers become factory-ready doesn’t just support the designer, it helps the factory, reduces waste, improves communication and strengthens the entire supply chain.

Working with Fashion-Enter

I’m really looking forward to working with Fashion-Enter to support new designers and start-ups. We share the same aim: giving creatives the right guidance, tools and knowledge to work confidently with UK manufacturers.

On Thursday 18th December from 10 – 11am, I’ll be delivering a free, online masterclass on “New Designers Working with Factories,” focusing on how to prepare before approaching a manufacturer.

In January, I’ll be hosting an in-person designer event at the Fashion Technology Academy in Leicester.

How I support designers

Through Rosebudd Design, I offer:

• Fashion design & product development
• Tech packs and factory-ready specification packs
• Fabric & trim sourcing
• UK & overseas manufacturer sourcing
• Mentoring for start-ups
• Support through sampling and early production

My goal is to help designers build strong foundations, avoid costly mistakes and feel confident working with factories.

If you’re a new designer or a growing start-up looking for support, I’d love to help.

Contact: caroline@rosebudd.co.uk

If you would like to join my free, online masterclass Thursday 18th December from 10 – 11am please register here and a Zoom link will be sent to you closer to the date.