Childrenswear specialist Deborah Sharpe from M&S is to join supply chain experts and risk assessment consultants at the Association of Suppliers to the British Clothing Industry (ASBCI) technical seminar in September.

The seminar will discuss strategies to ensure product safety and compliance. It will also address what to do when something goes wrong.

As head of technology for M&S Kidswear, Sharpe will brief delegates on delivering effective product risk management. She will also outline how M&S works to ensure safety and compliance across its global supply chain. This is in addition to covering the steps the retailer takes if there is an issue with one of its products.

Meanwhile, industry consultant Geraldine Cosh will expand on risk assessment for childrenswear. She will explain when and why a garment might be classified as a toy. Plus, the implications of this for suppliers.

The specific risks of drawstrings, small parts and sharp edges will be among the many aspects of safety covered by the event’s keynote speaker, Sheikh Minhazuddin.

Minhazuddin is deputy general manager and head of R&D, technical governance and regulatory compliance at TÜV SÜD, a world-leading expert in product testing and certification.

His opening presentation will look at product safety regulations and standards including flammability. Also, statistics and trends for product failures and recalls, plus regulatory updates.

Finally, Geoffrey Willis, international senior apparel industry specialist from Trigon, will focus on the key aim of fashion brands: producing the right product at the right time and the right cost.

Looking at the factors that have led to increased risk in the supply chain, Willis will detail ‘30 elements that can affect risk objectives’. He will also look at fast fashion; namely how the changing nature of the industry has shifted the focus of risk management strategies.

The day will also feature an afternoon of interactive, product-based risk assessment workshops led by Geraldine Cosh.

This will be followed by an expert forum. The forum will include speakers and representatives from a range of test house organisations, to whom seminar delegates can put their questions.

The ASBCI seminar will take place at Eastwood Hall, Nottingham, NG16 3SS on Thursday 26 September 2019. Registration is from 9.30am, with the seminar due to finish at 3.15pm. Click here to book a place or contact asbcioffice@asbci.co.uk.

About the ASBCI

The ASBCI is a not-for-profit UK-based organisation. Its membership represents all key sectors of the clothing and textile supply chain.

Formed in 1973, it is the only forum of its kind; enabling component suppliers and fabric producers to exchange ideas and knowledge with designers, retailers and garment cleaning specialists.