While based in the UK we have been in the garment industry since 1965. In 1973 we started to import Cheesecloth shirts from India and that is when we came face to face with the most appalling working conditions and environmental hazards possible. Being young inexperienced and eager we soon dismissed the nightmares and scenes we had witnessed in favour of money and profit………..but the seeds of doubt had been planted.

By the early 80’s we had all become successful and were enjoying the fruits of our hard labours - then a chance visit to a Sri Lankan factory brought it all back again. Conditions had not changed regardless of the intervention of NGO’s and other good minded offices. It would only change if we the customer gave more and also something back.

Sadly, to give more would only result in the factory owners and their families retaining a greater amount. The workers would not benefit. It was education that was required: education for the factory owners; education for the workers; education for the buyers from the developed countries. Now more than 20 years later it’s only just starting to dawn on all that this imbalance of trade has to STOP. We have teamed up with main stream progressive factory owners who are concerned for their employees and their environment. We all want to deal on a level playing field and break free from the overpowering  bullying of the large multi-national buying offices and multi chains that question every penny asked for. It’s a constant battle for them that they are told continuously that prices are cheaper in other countries than theirs and if the prices are not dropped they will go elsewhere.

In 2004/5 it was laughable that all the big buying chains deserted Indonesia in favour of China. Leaving cancelled orders and bankrupt factories. Only to return screaming and scrabbling for production when the EU closed the Tariff window on China. It's as if these multi nationals are similar to feral packs of dogs sniffing out the cheapest country irrespective of any labour laws or human rights just so long as the cost is a penny lower.

We have opened up local offices with locally trained and employed staff, visiting factories unannounced on a regular basis with complete freedom to discuss and talk to all levels of staff, visiting their homes, discussing personal matters and work related problems. We are wise enough to know that you cannot change peoples' customs or perceptions of life over night and that in certain instances we have to walk away if factory owners are not open and honest with their dealings with us.

Our first main items of ethical garments are a range of basic boys and girls School Uniforms. These are manufactured in factories which until recently were making exclusive  garments for some of the world’s most well known high street brands - BUT NOW benefit significantly when working to our own ethical standards. The machinery and manufacture is of the highest standard. Not all of their production is geared to us, but over a period of time we hope that like minded companies as ours will be prepared to alter their buying patterns and join us in producing garments which follow the  remit of truly ethical garments.