Nexus Collections, Europe’s largest manufacturer of conference bags has maintained only a marginal increase in costs despite heavy investment in fair-trade.
In February 2011, Nexus announced the launch of a brand new fair trade factory, based in China. Since then, interest in their fair trade range of products has increased, with over 125,000 bags sold in the last three months alone.
Nick Jones, the MD of Nexus collection said: “In fifteen years this is the first time we have ever needed to raise our prices, however we have done so with good reason. Our factory in China is rapidly becoming known as one of the best places to work due to the fair trade initiatives we have implemented. There have however been rises in the costs of our raw materials which required a review of our cost structure. Despite this, the increase remains below the current rate of inflation.”
Nick continues: “Many businesses can be reticent to raise prices, however, we firmly believe that the measures we have taken to improve the lives of our workforce justify the small additional cost and it is clear from our customers and sales figures that this belief is justified.”
Nexus’ production process guarantees that their products meet the highest production, ethical and environment standards in parallel with some of the best fair trade practices in the world.
Nexus Collection has global market presence across Europe, Northern America, and Australia as well as markets that are considered by many to be challenging or encumbered by difficult stereotypes including Western Africa, parts of the Caribbean and China. The company has got an impeccable reputation of delivering branded bags in 5 days anywhere in the world.
Nick concludes: “There are other production units manufacturing conference bags in the north of China that remain as cheap as ever. However, it is a fact that many of the suppliers, particularly the local companies, are turning a blind eye to working condition and none of the factories in the north adhere to fair trade norms. Such poor welfare has also led to lower quality manufacturing techniques and products. Their location also means delivery and logistics are less reliable – over the years we have developed a very efficient global supply chain that ensures prompt delivery of our product before an event.”