Calling all CPT-based clothing and textile SMEs - new programme will help you compete!

John Maytham interviews programme facilitator Robyn-Leigh van Laren, who represents the Cape Clothing and Textile Cluster.

The City of Cape Town is calling on locally-based small and medium-sized enterprises in the clothing, textile, footwear, and leather (CTFL) sector to make use of the opportunities provided by a new initiative.

Applications are now open for the programme ‘Origin8: From Start-up to Scale-up’, with a 2 December deadline.

It's designed and administered by the Cape Clothing and Textile Cluster (CCTC) and funded by the City.

Hailed as the first programme of its kind, Origin8 aims to expose SMEs to major national retailer requirements.

This will help them to bridge the gaps that exist in their business to better align with industry standards and customer expectations, the City says.

John Maytham chats to programme facilitator Robyn-Leigh van Laren, who represents the CCTC, about the challenges faced by the Cape's clothing and textile sector and how to apply for Origin8.

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There is a lot of commitment and drive to try and transform the CTFL sector within the Western Cape, and across the country as a whole, van Laren says.

This latest initiative, Origin8, was essentially launched to try and find the next generation of local suppliers in and around Cape Town, and to strengthen the pipeline of manufacturers in the supply chain.

"Our objective is, wanting to try and empower small- and medium-sized manufacturers  that operate within the sector to try and understand what it is that their customers are looking for, particularly in local suppliers."

Robyn-Leigh van Laren, Programme Facilitator - Origin8

One of the biggest hurdles faced by the businesses is sales, she says, not only securing them but also understanding both customer and industry requirements.

"- what gaps might exist within my business that I need to get bridged, and how can I align my offering so that it's compelling and aligned with what customers are looking for."

Robyn-Leigh van Laren, Programme Facilitator - Origin8

For information on the programme and the application process, visit the Cape Clothing and Textile Cluster website, or head over to their Facebook or LinkedIn page.

You can find the application form here.

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