Conversations with Changemakers: Jane Robson - Global Sourcing and Manufacturing Expert
Conversations with Changemakers….
Harveen Gill interviews….
My short monthly interview sessions focus on an individual who is known to me, has a connection to fashion retail and whom I personally admire. In July I am delighted to shine the spotlight on Jane Robson.
Introduction.
Jane has enjoyed a 30 year international career in fashion manufacturing and sourcing. In 2019, Jane completed the Business Sustainability Management course at Cambridge University. Jane’s expertise is sought after as a NED, Board Advisor and Mentor to young people entering our sector.
Jane and I have connected recently during lockdown, this is certainly one of the few silver linings in the “global pandemic” cloud. I believe we are all speaking to many more new contacts, given the ease of technology.
What is your current role / expertise and how did you secure this?
I enjoyed maths and economics and more creative subjects at school, and against my Father’s better judgment, I chose to enter the world of fashion and completed a 4 year sandwich course in Manchester. I joined the Next Graduate Trainee programme and spent time in most departments including design, merchandising and in the warehouse! I was given a lot of responsibility, very early on and travelled to Portugal and Mauritius to help manage production.
I then relocated and spent 3 years in Portugal, as eventually I was poached by our Portuguese Agent. I helped to set up a blouse and shirt business. It was interesting to gain experiences at a large retailer and then a much smaller organisation. Eventually I realised I wanted a different experience, I travelled through Hong Kong and was offered a role at Liz Claiborne. This role was based in Sri Lanka, and once again my Father was worried – as there was a civil war in Sri Lanka! Spending 7 years in Sri Lanka, I then joined NV Production. NV Production was owned by Richard Caring and was the principle supplier to Next. My Father was right …………..the civil war in Sri Lanka was dangerous and our office in Colombo was bombed twice!
Luckily I was then asked to move to Istanbul. I set up a Near East, Turkish sourcing business – and had 2 children whilst in Turkey. My next role took me to Hong Kong, as MD of Next Sourcing Limited. I was responsible for design, sourcing and manufacturing for Next, managing sourcing hubs in the Far East, South Asia and Europe. After almost 6 years, I decided to take a sabbatical, “renew my batteries” and spend more time with my family.
My family and I returned to the UK, nine years ago. I set up a ladieswear online business and also not surprisingly, a sourcing business. My focus now lies in helping organisations and individuals navigate our sector, as the new world is formed. I want to give back and also have a passion for sustainability, which has led me to complete a sustainability course last year.
Who has been important to you in your career?
The people and teams I have employed. I have employed very talented teams, with complimentary skills to mine. I am a decisive leader, but I require a strong team. I found the right teams in the many international territories and also worked with and embraced the diverse cultures in these territories.
Can you pinpoint the most significant steps in your career?
Firstly, I followed my passion – which was fashion. My Father wanted me to study engineering, but my first love is fashion. I was a natural sewer and also my needlework teacher encouraged me.
Secondly, I have taken every opportunity that was offered to me, often against advice from my peer group. They advised me against relocating to Portugal and Sri Lanka. I listened to this advice but took the path that was right for me.
How do you think our industry will change given the global pandemic?
I believe we will see more customers who will be more considered and make more meaningful purchasing choices. They will seek more information and ask questions around provenance, manufacturing ethics and sustainability.
There will be a reset, as more established businesses engage with their customers and focus on sustainability. We will also see new disrupter businesses, whether selling online or in fashion technology
Who do you admire and why?
Women – the women I have worked with. I have worked with many strong women over many years and in different continents. I am a fan of Jacinda Ardern and Angela Merkel – women get things done – and they do not realise how good they are!
What advice would you offer to an individual wanting to secure a retail career?
Learn on the shop floor, it is absolutely vital to understand the customer. Also secure a mentor, most people are willing to help, and it will definitely help your development.
Share a Secret.
I am polishing off my creative skills and have taken up gardening during lockdown!
Harveen Gill
July 2020.
MD, HGA Group