57 In what ways do Agad and Eurouniforms coincide? In what professional capacities? Both are associations grouping independent specialists in workwear and protective products.Eurouniforms is more specialized in work- wear and AGAD, in PPE, so they are complementary groups. As I was about to graduate as a Technical Textile Engineer I was in contact with the military wear sector.And my interest in it was so great I started to study workwear and PPE, so that my project, for finishing my studies, was about the implementation of a an ISO9001:2000 quality system for the production of hi- vis clothing. What awakened your interest in Eurouniforms? Its great focus on workwear and its major development in marke- ting as an area. My involvement with the Eurouniforms Group began 10 years ago. I started as a product technician and grew professionally, along with the group. Prior to that I worked at a workwear company where I could learn and understand – now, more de- eply – what our members need. What kind of collaboration work are you carrying out? We have created a joint database of suppliers. And we also work together in the development of common marketing strategies, co- ordinating our negotiations with suppliers. What do you do as the Director of Eurouniforms? Trade reports How many points of sale does Agad have? My work involves the planning, direction and coordination of the company’s activity in general terms. My main goals are rela- ted to coordinating our marketing tools.Today, we launch four campaigns a year. I’m also in charge of the development of cata- logues, so vital to our company. Our most recent catalogue was for the hostelry sector. I also coordinate online sales, and our store www.turopadetrabajo.com continues to grow. I am a con- sultant, and also train our members, while coordinating with our partner suppliers the work with our product committee group at Eurouniforms. We have 21, and sell a total 60 million Euros. Our expansion plans for 2015 foresees the addition of 3 or 4 stores to this number. What are the benefits Agad expects, from this co- llaboration work? We expect better conditions when buying from current suppliers, and also contact new ones, and make more progress in marke- ting.We seek to make European distribution a strong, credible force in workwear and PPE, and are now representing the first alliance in Europe, in this area. We want to show that international cooperation is feasible, that in fact it works. Are brands represented by you also available to all in Eurouniforms? Yes, they have a distribution network. Purchases may be made in Spain for opening markets is an opportunity for these suppliers. We want Eurouniforms members to be in contact with Agad sup- pliers, and sign agreements with them. What do you find most attractive in the group? What about the other way round? I suppose that one of the challenges implies ad- ding new members, in order to reach all sectors. What is the strategy? The same strategy we have used throughout our history.We try to add new members, in those areas where we are not yet pre- sent.The profile is that of existing companies seeking to share their own experience with others, in order to grow together. Fortunately, there are more and more small companies that be- lieve the future challenges might be too hard if you are alone, involving so many competitive aspects in today’s markets. It works the same way.We will need to do away with clichés, for the network of representatives associated to suppliers will never agree with this revolution, as they’ll regard it as a threat to their interests. Do you have any future projects in common? What are your priorities today? We want to develop all of the above mentioned points, to seek agreements with other European groups, and have our members’ methods contribute to the improvement of all of us, empowering an exchange of information among groups and members. Perhaps, in the future, each one of the groups will have some participation in the other, and this will strengthen a mutual commitment, thus promoting greater coordination. Right now, I’m supervising the promotions and offers campaign for the summer, and preparing the autumn-winter campaign. I also focus on the development of our online store, and prepare the meeting of members to be held next September. Gema Ponce (Director of Eurouniforms Group): “One of our main goals is to have our mem- bers get stronger and more competitive in their respective areas” Do you have any experience in the workwear and PPE sectors? I’ve been in this sector for over 12 years. What are the goals you must attain for Eurouni- forms Group To maintain our name as the first and leading group of work- wear distributors in Spain, to expand and work in collaboration with groups in Europe, to support the growth of Eurouniforms as a group selling online and offline. What do you think the group will be like in 5 more years? We hope the economic situation to become more favourable, so there will be many more companies in the group, and we will work in collaboration with other European group to jointly carry our projects that will make us stronger, more competitive, for competitors will always continue to be there. I admire the way Eurouniforms works with such consistence, and its knowledge of the sector.This is a defining feature to help our members grow and become more competitive in their areas. JOBWEAR 69 No II / 2014