The Hungarian Fashion & Design Agency’s Fourth Manufacturers Mentoring Programme Has Ended
The fourth Manufacturers Mentoring Programme, realised in the collaboration of the Hungarian Fashion & Design Agency (HFDA) and the Hungarian Export Promotion Agency (HEPA), has ended, with the participation of eleven domestic textile and garment industry and other creative manufacturing industry businesses.
The Manufacturers Mentoring Programme by the Hungarian Fashion & Design Agency (HFDA) aims to develop the Hungarian fashion and design industry, enhance local manufacturing methods, and support selected manufacturers in entering international markets. The businesses in the programme gained new knowledge about, among other things, brand and organisational development through online and offline hybrid training over the course of five months, with guidance from recognised domestic experts.
It was important in the selection of manufacturers that they place a strong emphasis on opportunities for entering international markets, as well as sustainability and innovation goals in their current operations. The businesses in the programme came from more sectors than ever before. The HFDA accepted applications from industries such as bag, footwear, and jewellery making, household ceramics, the production of concrete, plaster, and cement products, stone working, office and kitchen furniture, electrical lighting equipment, as well as clothing and textile manufacturing.
Based on the decision of the jury comprised of HFDA representatives, industry experts, and HEPA professionals, eleven domestic businesses could enter the programme. In 2024, Bérszövöde Kft., Thinwood Kft., Fabak Kft., Gaálhab Kft., Glass-Maker Kft., Inoosteel Kft., Metal Plus Design Kft., Minerva Team Kft., Petite Kft., Printextil Kft., and Manual Divat Kft. got an opportunity for participation in the programme. This year, the tender covered nearly all major regions in Hungary, with manufacturers from Pécs, Isaszeg, Nyíregyháza, Zalaegerszeg, Debrecen, as well as two sites in Nagykanizsa and three in Budapest.
“Until now, nearly 40 Hungarian businesses have taken part in the Manufacturers Mentoring Programme, launched by the Agency. We successfully expanded the initial range of garment businesses to include manufacturers in other creative manufacturing industries. As a result, this year, the programme provides development opportunities for a wider range of manufacturers. It is also beneficial as manufacturers with export potential have a better chance of finding collaborating partners among the mentees in the programme, as has been the case in the past. We are proud that colleagues from the Agency have visited all of the participating businesses in person to discuss the results and challenges. I believe that encouraging dialogue and fostering strong professional relationships are key to further strengthening Hungary's creative industry businesses, enabling them to become drivers of economic development,"– said Zsófia Jakab, Ministerial Commissioner for the Creative Industry and CEO of the Hungarian Fashion & Design Agency, about the results of the Manufacturers Mentoring Programme.
At the beginning of the mentoring programme, the selected manufacturers participated in webinars and lectures presented by invited speakers. This year, more programme elements supported the creation of new relations between the manufacturers than ever, and in the second phase, we realised more factory visits than in earlier editions. The HFDA’s training covers several topics and programme points, including entering foreign markets, current world economic trends, sustainability efforts within the domestic design and fashion industry, production efficiency, as well as consultation on brand, web, and organisational development. Individual consultations were also available in addition to group training sessions to tailor the mentoring programme to the specific needs and challenges of the businesses.
After the conclusion of the mentoring programme, the Agency continues to place special emphasis on encouraging and developing further partnerships. It will also regularly provide its former mentees with information about relevant projects, international business opportunities, and professional platforms in the future. Like the participants in previous years, the mentored businesses concluded the five-month training with valuable professional experience and new business connections.
About the Hungarian Fashion & Design Agency
The Hungarian Fashion & Design Agency was founded in 2018 to support every actor in the fashion and design industry in an efficient and structured way, following predetermined strategic pillars: professional coordination, enhancing Hungarian brands’ availability and trade opportunities, educational development and manufacturing development. To realise its goals, HFDA organises domestic events each year, such as the region’s major fashion event, the Budapest Central European Fashion Week, or the 360 Design Budapest exhibition, which has received international awards. Besides, they provide Hungarian creators opportunities for participation and debuting at international fashion events such as the Milano Fashion Week and the Maison & Objet design fair. Strategic cooperation with professional organisations, increasing exports, and supporting Hungarian brands’ professional development with mentoring programmes are among their accentuated goals.
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