The first Manufacturer Mentoring Programme focused on increasing export capability and efficiency

The first Manufacturer Mentoring Programme, launched by the Hungarian Fashion & Design Agency to strengthen its domestic manufacturing base, and develop domestic textile and clothing companies, was completed at the beginning of the year. The six mentees, selected by a professional jury, were given the opportunity to attend group workshops and personalised consultations to acquire the skills needed to enter the international market. Following the first training course, applications will soon be open for the second Manufacturer Mentoring Programme, where the Hungarian Export Promotion Agency (HEPA) will once again provide comprehensive assistance in helping businesses to develop.

One of the HFDA’s important strategic pillars is the development of production to strengthen the Hungarian manufacturing base. The aim of the HFDA is to increase the export capacity of its factories to meet a larger number of foreign orders and as a result, to also be able to employ more people. In addition to promoting international market entry, the Agency is also placing great emphasis on supporting the stability of factories in Hungary, so that in the future, further international brands will have the opportunity for production in the country. The Manufacturer Mentoring Programme was preceded by an industry survey and in-person meetings to identify areas where the domestic textile and clothing industry needs further development.

The companies that have been given the opportunity to participate in the programme applied through an open tender, and are as follows: Ezerkéz Bt., a women's outerwear manufacturer; Amazon Ipari, Kereskedelmi és Szolgáltató Kft., hosiery manufacturer; Rose Ruhaipari és Szolgáltató Kft., a leading manufacturer of workwear and safety equipment; Unicon Zrt., a manufacturer of luxury outerwear; Gold Consulting Szolgáltató, Gyártó és Kereskedelmi Szociális Szövetkezet, a manufacturer of bags and sportswear of its own design; and Nyír-Gestum Rehablitációs Kereskedelmi és Szolgáltató Kft., a leading manufacturer of outerwear.

The mentees, selected by a professional jury, participated in six group workshops and two personalised organisational development consultations during the four-month training period, where they learned about international market trends from the experts of the Hungarian Export Promotion Agency (HEPA), among others. Further, the mentoring programme provided insight into the different types of logistics and manufacturing costs associated with export and improving operational efficiency practices, as well as manufacturing process management (MPM) methodology. The mentees were provided with an innovation assessment consultancy session provided jointly by HEPA and the Enterprise European Network (EEN), where they received objective analysis and competitive intelligence to further develop their business.

All companies participating in the Manufacturer Mentoring Programme gave positive feedback on the training courses. Accordingly, the programme helped them gain fresh professional knowledge in areas such as organisational development, financial operations, technological innovation and even in sales strategy. As a result, regarding future projects and tasks, they will be able to plan and implement more consciously and systematically, which is essential for future successful business deals and expansion in foreign markets.

Details on the second Manufacturer Mentoring Programme

Manufacturers can apply for the second Manufacturer Mentoring Programme in the extended categories of underwear, outerwear, handbags, straps and harnesses or footwear between 20.05.2021 and 21.06.2021.

This year, the five-month-long training programme will include a designer study tour, as well as the highly popular innovation survey consultancy sessions, which will both be provided to the manufacturers. As stated within the application criteria, the mentees must be registered as manufacturers on the HFDA Spot professional platform, the business-focused social network for the Hungarian fashion and design industry.