In this episode Elizabeth speaks with Angela Bell, the National Manager of Ethical Clothing Australia, an accreditation body commonly known as ECA. At ECA, Angela reports to a committee of management that is made up of employer, business and union representations from the textile, clothing and footwear industry. Angela spent the early years of her career working in media and communications before moving into corporate and environmental sustainability. Her various roles have included working as a media advisor for a Minister of the Crown; she has worked for the Commission for a Sustainable London 2012, which was set up to oversee the sustainability elements of the London Olympic Games, she has worked at the Foundation for Young Australians, and for many years before joining ECA she worked for a national law firm overseeing their corporate communications and social responsibility work. While working at the firm Angela completed a Graduate Certificate in Social Impact at Melbourne Business School. During our dynamic conversation with Angela we covered some key topics including, supply chain opportunities and obligations, the local manufacturing landscape and the benefits of becoming ECA accredited Key Takeaway's: · Educate yourself about the local industry and how it works · Educate yourself about ethical and sustainable issues and practices in the industry · Fully understanding of the local process and legal obligations · Talk to other ECA brands to see how they work with to establish relationships with manufactures · Visit the ECA website and browse accredited manufacturers and brands · The Australian Fashion council has a local directory · Value your makers and suppliers and work toward establishing long tern relationships · Understand the workforce and what role they play · Reach out to advocates and connect with the industry and organisations and start conversations · Ask for independent certifications and accreditations, do your research and due diligence · Be active in the local industry and seek out opportunities to connect and collaborate The episode was recorded in May 2020. You can find the ECA at: Website www.ethicalclothingaustralia.org.au Instagram - @ethicalclothingaustralia Want to join our 'Start Your Fashion Business' Programme & Community? If you would like to learn online, gain the support of mentors and join an engaged community, please head over to: www.fashionequipped.com.au/start-your-fashion-business-programme/ You can find Fashion Equipped over at: Instagram: @fashionequipped Podcast Insta: @fashionbusinessmindset Facebook: www.facebook.com/fashionequipped Website: www.fashionequipped.com.au Work with one of our Mentors at Your Mentor Collective www.fashionequipped.com.au/yourmentorcollective/ Let's do this together, let's make The Fashion Business, YOUR Business!