FACILITIES & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT : ALEXANDRA
Fabrics undergo numerous tests , from colour fastness , abrasion , pilling , tear strength and colour stability , to high and low temperature washing . After fabric testing , wearer trials are conducted to ensure that designs and fabrics meet the demands of the wearer and the workplace .
“ Not only do we factor fabric and concept garment testing into our development cycle at an early stage , we also undertake extensive wearer trialing with our customers . For example , if we are looking to introduce a new Tungsten style , we would arrange a wearer trial , with generally but not limited to between 20 to 50 employees . We ’ d give the garments to the company for up to 4 weeks so the wearers have a decent amount of time to trial the garments . They get to wash and care for the items , experiencing how durable but also how easy they are to care for from one week to the next .
“ Wearer testing ensures that we have adequate comment and data . If garments have been tried and tested in the right environment and we have the resulting evidence and feedback , we know that there ’ s a great chance of a successful product launch and outstanding customer experience .
“ Alexandra is seen by our customers as a ‘ Trusted Expert ’, a title which we are very proud to have . Some of our team have been with Alexandra for over 30 years , so they really do know the ins and outs of garment design and manufacture .”
ACCREDITATIONS
Alexandra strives to achieve continuous improvement and innovation through the implementation of formal accreditations .
“ We are certified under the Quality Management System EN ISO 9001:2008 for the design , procurement and warehousing of corporate wear for distribution by third parties , and BS EN ISO 14001:2004 for the storage of corporate wear for distribution by third parties .
“ In 2014 we received certification for Information Security Management System ISO / IEC 27001:2005 across all our sites , which includes the hosting and protection of client information and the provision of business services to commercial and public sectors . This was reaccredited in 2016 .
“ We have a responsibility to provide products that are successful , not just commercially but in terms of legislation and certification . We ensure that our garments are suitably certified whenever and wherever these standards apply .”
MEMBERSHIPS & AFFILIATIONS Alexandra is a member of Sedex ®, The Ethical Trading
Initiative , SATRA and UL STR .
Sedex ® is the world ’ s largest collaborative platform for driving ethical improvements in global supply and manufacturing chains . Sedex ® help ensure that clear principles of environmental sustainability , labour conditions and welfare are upheld by suppliers .
The Ethical Trading Initiative ( ETI ) is an alliance of companies , trade unions and NGOs that work collaboratively to promote respect for workers ’ rights around the world . As a member since 2007 , Alexandra is committed to improving the working conditions and labour practices under which its facilities and suppliers operate .
“ All Alexandra own brand products are guaranteed for two years unless specified , and are rigorously tested to ensure that standards and quality are maintained throughout the manufacture , delivery , and life cycle of the garments .”
SATRA is a leading research and testing facility . It is considered an authority on international legislation and testing relating to a wide range of consumer products .
UL is a global independent safety science company offering expertise across three strategic businesses : Commercial & Industrial , Consumer and UL Ventures . UL helps companies demonstrate safety , confirm compliance , enhance sustainability , manage transparency , deliver quality and performance , strengthen security , protect brand reputation , build workplace excellence , and advance societal wellbeing .
HEALTH , SAFETY & RELIABILITY
Alexandra is dedicated to minimising the potential harmful effects of its day to day operations . Via an Environmental Policy , Alexandra endeavours to work within a robust framework to monitor and continually improve operations ; wherever and whenever practical . This includes the review of energy and transport usage and the prevention of pollution through re-use and recycling . Associates and sub-contractors wherever possible are accountable to these policy goals .
Additional policies ensure the welfare of employees , visitors , contractors , external stakeholders , and the wider community . These include :
• An Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy that ensures the organisation embraces the principles of the Equality Act 2010 .
• A Health & Safety Policy that provides a safe working environment with adequate controls , equipment and resources in place . This policy also ensures the provision of appropriate information , instruction and training necessary for the wellbeing of staff .
“ At Alexandra , we must guarantee that our products are ethically sourced in a manner that is right for our employees , our customers , and for the environment . We would never want our activities to expose anybody to risks .
“ Equally , we do not take risks when it comes to our staff as they ’ re the one of the most important parts of our business . Some of our team members have been with us for 10 , 20 and even 30 years . You only establish this type of loyalty and level of enthusiasm by valuing the people who work alongside you .” �
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HSE INTERNATIONAL