PCIAW launches unique Uniform Buyers’ Network & events

The Professional Clothing Industry Association Worldwide (PCIAW) has announced a Uniform Buyers’ Network and events headed by Samantha Heilling, Louise Johnson, Clare Babe and Adam Cunnington; who aim to demystify the tender process for buyers and suppliers. The Uniform Buyers’ Network has been developed by buyers, for buyers and will be run by buyers.

Samantha Heilling, winner of several industry awards for her work to introduce and embed a new uniform in UK Border Force, with no previous experience in the industry – now champions the industry, and the buyers. Louise Johnson, also winner of industry awards, is the uniform manager for RBS where she has worked for over three decades and manages 10 brands of uniform across the RBS business.

Clare Babe, previously a uniform buyer and winner of industry awards, is senior procurement manager at the Royal Mail managing a team whose remit covers assets and automation. Adam Cunnington is group buyer at Balfour Beatty.

Four events, held throughout the year will connect buyers through networking events, webinars, seminars and interactive discussions. These will be closed shop gatherings, in which only buyers will be invited to take part and debate on issues such as legislation, ISO standards and their meanings, tenders, sustainability, costing, sizing and how Brexit will affect the industry and much more.

The results of these networking events will be published in the PCIAW Voice magazine, on the website and shared to the industry as a whole.

The PCIAW Summit and Awards 2020 in partnership with Milliken & Company, will be held on June 16 and 17 at the Radisson Blue Edwardian, London.

The membership benefits for the PCIAW Uniform Buyers Network events, will cover all aspects of the entire professional clothing industry, including workwear, corporatewear, PPE, footwear and accessories. The PCIAW has invited over 200 buyers across the sector to take part and help the extension of this uniquely innovative network. 

“The uniform industry is wide ranging and innovative, continuously changing and improving with new products and standards every year. For any one buyer – new or experienced – to keep abreast of the industry is hard and time consuming. Even experienced buyers will benefit from being part of a network which gives them access to news and updates, and an opportunity to learn from other suppliers,” said Heilling.

“In effect the network will offer support and inspiration in order to grow the knowledge and skills of all uniform buyers, new and experienced, as well as providing a buyer’ voice into the professional clothing industry,” said PCIAW CEO and founder, Yvette Ashby.

“Our buyers, business managers and procurement managers are the heart and soul of our industry and the PCIAW strives to create as many business opportunities as possible that provide a safe environment for education and networking. As well as the forums and webinars that will be taking place throughout the year, the PCIAW Summit, Network and Awards 2020 held on June 16 and 17 at the Radisson Blu Edwardian, London. The Summit will also be holding ‘break out’ rooms so buyers can feel free to interact with suppliers.”

As the first sector-specific trade body encompassing all aspects of the professional clothing supply chain, PCIAW is devoted to helping shape the future of the industry for the benefit of its members. The PCIAW brings together the insight, influence and tenacity of experts and individuals to strengthen the position of the professional clothing industry whilst understanding that the industry buyers rest at the heart of the association. With a growing network of global professionals, the PCIAW facilitates collaboration and encourages peer-to-peer support with events that offer business connections to help its members extend their reach.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (PC)