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Survive and thrive: IBA Good Business stories

29 March 2022
Jobs, Land and Economy
Two men and a woman in casual clothing stand next to a table on which is a laptop, some papers and a roll of material. In the background is a desk and shelves filled with papers, boxes and office supplies.

The IBA’s Business Relief Package enabled the Ark Clothing Company to change their manufacturing emphasis from fashion to corporate wear when Covid-19 hit.

When COVID-19 hit, Ark Clothing Company’s retail and manufacturing was significantly impacted.

However, Lyn and David McPherson who bought the company four years earlier saw an opportunity to expand another part of their business, Thread Group Australia, which provided healthcare, hospitality and corporate industries with Australian made apparel for business.

‘We were quick to move to making fabric masks for community usage with surgical masks being prioritised for frontline healthcare workers,’ David said.

‘This ability was wholly reliant upon the transferrable skills of our amazing Ark staff, from design to pattern-making to production.’

During this period of change, IBA reached out to Lyn and David offering support and guidance as part of the IBA Business Relief Package. This enabled both of Lyn and David’s companies to continue manufacturing fashion pieces, community masks and personal protective equipment for Australians when they needed it most during COVID-19.

David and Lyn are grateful to IBA for reaching out and for the provision of skilled assistance and encouragement during this difficult time for the business.

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Indigenous Business Australia’s (IBA) role is to enhance economic development opportunities for Indigenous Australians including those who are starting or growing their own business.