About

I have been in the shoe industry for 42 years, of which 22 years is experience gained from UK factory-based suppliers. My knowledge comprises of a unique combination of footwear manufacturing and retail experience, from design to the finished product.

Manufacturing

Having spent 22 years in the manufacturing area. I have gained experience through Pattern cutting/Designing/Range building also managing two factories. During this period, I learned how to operate and adjust the footwear machinery to product requirements.

Ashley Footwear was my own manufacturing factory where I designed and made ladies fashion shoes and children's shoes.

Retail

I have gained retail experience with some of the largest names in the retail market, Matalan / Shop Direct / Littlewoods / Cotton Traders, and more recently working with Sainsburys /Primark and MISSGUIDED as a consultant.

Understanding the demands of footwear fitting / sealing / returns together with critical dates are always at the forefront of any retail business. Returns are one of the largest costs which can impact on any company's margins, with the effect of dissatisfied customers and a loss of revenue.

During my 15 years working in retail and my consultancy period, I have been working in the Far East, liaising/R&D with factories through style development and fitting/auditing, in:- India, China, Vietnam, Italy, Indonesia and Cambodia. I also have experience in the UK working in shoe factories for 22 years, including establishing and managing two factories - one of which was my own.

My services cover:-

* Design/style assessment/shoe development with designers and buyers.

* Sealing footwear (fit assessment and improving).

* Risk assessment/safety critical assessment (all genders).

* Footwear returns analysis and improvment.

* Production Training/shoe fitting specialist accross all footwear genders.

* Pre-production.

* Ethical auditing/factory planning/quality control.

* Stock checking/analysing/packaging.

* Mould prevention advice.

* Off shore production and sourcing.

* Pattern Cutting/shoe making on all constructions.

* General footwear problem solving.

                                              

About Ashley