At Erve Group, global collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. Following the visit of Shuvo and Fatima to Belgium, one of our Belgian designers, Fay, had the opportunity to travel to Bangladesh and spend a week immersing herself in the local office and manufacturing processes. Her visit provided a fresh perspective on production, teamwork, and cultural exchange, further strengthening the bridge between our offices. Here’s a look at her experience.
Deepening Knowledge: The Purpose of the Visit
For Fay, the primary goal of her visit was to gain a deeper understanding of printing and garment manufacturing. “It was a unique opportunity to see firsthand how our designs come to life and to meet colleagues I work with every day, but had never met in person,” she explained. By observing the entire production process, she was able to connect the dots between design choices and their real impact on manufacturing.
Her expectations before the trip revolved around learning more about on-site operations and team collaboration. However, reality exceeded her expectations. “Visiting the factories was eye-opening—I realized just how much even small design changes can affect production and pricing. It gave me a clearer picture of why certain decisions are made and how we can improve the workflow between our offices.”
First Impressions: A Dynamic and Engaging Environment
Stepping into the Bangladesh office, Fay was met with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. “The energy is amazing. People work closely together, and there’s a lot of direct communication, which creates a great dynamic,” she noted.
Hands-On Learning: Work and Collaboration
During her stay, Fay focused on improving Erve Group’s “First Time Right” approach to reduce back-and-forth adjustments. Strengthening collaboration with the Beconnected office was another key aspect, ensuring better alignment in delivering top-quality products to customers.
One of the biggest revelations was understanding the direct impact of design decisions on pricing and production efficiency. “Seeing the manufacturing process up close helped me grasp how interconnected everything is. It’s something we often don’t fully realize from our desks in Belgium.”
Cultural Immersion: A Rich and Eye-Opening Experience
Adapting to a new environment is always an adventure, but Fay embraced it with curiosity. “I love traveling and learning about different cultures. Staying open-minded made the experience even more enriching.”
Although movement in Dhaka was somewhat restricted, she still managed to explore local gems. “We visited Panam City, which is full of historical ruins, and explored some local markets. I wish I could have seen more, but we had to be cautious given the situation.”
When it came to food, Fay dived right in. “I tried so many different dishes with varying levels of spice! Learning to eat with one hand, as it’s traditionally done, was a fun experience. My favorites were Beef Bulgogi and Kan Ban.”
Memorable Moments: A Celebration of Culture and Teamwork
One of the most special moments during Fay’s visit was when her colleagues dressed her in a Sharee. “All the women in the office wore theirs too. It was such a beautiful and meaningful exchange—it really made me feel part of the team.”
Beyond the work-related lessons, the experience reinforced the importance of real human connections. “We live in such a digital world that sometimes we forget the value of face-to-face interactions. Meeting my colleagues in person, seeing how they work, and sharing moments together truly strengthened our collaboration and trust.”
Looking Ahead: Lessons for the Future
For colleagues who might have the opportunity to work abroad at another Erve office, Fay has one piece of advice: “Go with an open mind and be curious! Your colleagues will welcome you, and you’ll learn so much—not just about work, but about different ways of thinking and doing things. It’s an experience that truly broadens your perspective.”
This visit highlighted the importance of direct exchanges between global teams. “Being there in person sparked new ideas and gave me a clearer understanding of what each team needs to work more efficiently. I’m confident this experience will help strengthen our collaboration and create new ways of working together.”
Final Reflections: A Journey of Growth and Connection
Fay’s visit to Bangladesh was more than just a work trip—it was an opportunity to connect, learn, and grow. “This trip was incredible—it really put the human side of our work back at the center of everything. I built friendships, strengthened trust, and created wonderful memories.”
She left Bangladesh with a deeper appreciation for the entire production process, a stronger connection to her colleagues, and a renewed enthusiasm for global teamwork. “I’m excited to see what new dynamics can emerge from this experience. The future of collaboration at Erve is looking brighter than ever!”
About ERVE:
Erve is a European leader in character licenses and brands. We produce branded fashion and apparel featuring TV, film, cartoon and video game heroes. As part of Erve Group, we have eight offices across three continents and we control the supply chain between raw materials and stores. Starting with our in-house design team and portfolio of licences – we source, produce, pack and transport collections at the request of major fashion retailers. With 37 years in the industry, our dynamic team values growth, transparency and customer focus. Our exceptional quality and sustainable practices have earned us a reputation for excellence.
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