STRATEGY : THE THINKING
Great products need more than great development. Behind every successful collection is a framework of informed decisions, effective systems, responsible practices and commercial understanding.
I work with founders, creative teams and established businesses to strengthen the processes and technical standards that underpin product performance. From development workflows and supplier governance to regulatory compliance, commercial analysis and operational improvement, I bring structure and strategic thinking to complex challenges.
Whether establishing the foundations for growth, improving existing ways of working or navigating changing industry requirements, my approach combines practical experience, technical knowledge and commercial judgement to create stronger, more resilient product businesses.
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Product Operations & Technical Systems
Improving how product work moves through your business, from the first brief to production handover. Practical processes that make responsibilities, information and approvals easier to manage.
01 | Development Workflow Reviews
Map your existing process, identify bottlenecks and establish approval stages, responsibilities and handover points.02 | PLM & Digital Workflows
Support PLM selection, implementation or improvement through defined user requirements, data structures and workflows suited to your team.03 | Critical Paths & Development Calendars
Build or refine calendars, milestones and reporting tools so teams can see dependencies, outstanding decisions and delivery risks.04 | Documentation Frameworks & Supplier Manuals
Create reusable templates, supplier guidelines and document-control processes that establish how technical information is recorded, approved and shared.05 | Supplier Performance Measures
Develop scorecards, review processes and reporting tools to track quality, delivery and agreed improvement actions.06 | Operational Improvement Plans
Turn a review of your product operations into prioritised recommendations, with responsibilities and a practical implementation plan. -
Product Compliance & Responsible Practice
Helping your business identify product requirements, organise supporting evidence and translate responsible-production commitments into everyday technical practice.
01 | Product Requirements & Gap Reviews
Review relevant safety, labelling and market requirements, identifying gaps in your existing processes and documentation.02 | Restricted Substances & Chemical Management
Develop or review restricted substances requirements, supplier declarations and testing protocols for your products and markets.03 | Testing Plans & Acceptance Standards
Define appropriate fabric, component and finished-product tests, with acceptance criteria and a process for addressing failures.04 | Material & Sourcing Evidence
Review composition records, certifications and supplier information supporting material selection and sourcing claims.05 | Traceability & Record Keeping
Establish practical ways to collect, organise and maintain supplier, material and certification records.06 | Product Sustainability Improvements
Identify achievable changes to durability, material use, sampling and production waste, with actions and measures to track progress. -
Product & Commercial Insight
Connecting product decisions with customer demand, costs and business priorities. Drawing on industry experience and the perspective of having built and run an independent retail business.
01 | Product & Range Reviews
Assess your assortment, category balance and development priorities to identify gaps, duplication and opportunities.02 | Costing, Pricing & Margins
Review cost structures and pricing, identifying where changes to materials, construction or sourcing could improve commercial viability.03 | Sales, Returns & Product Performance
Analyse available trading and customer information to inform product amendments, future development and range investment.04 | Customer & Competitor Reviews
Examine positioning, comparable products and customer expectations to inform your product offer.05 | E-commerce & Digital Merchandising
Review product presentation, descriptions, category structures and customer journeys, with recommendations for improving the online shopping experience.06 | Product Growth Planning
Assess new categories and product opportunities against the investment, supplier capabilities and operational resources needed to deliver them.
BETTER SYSTEMS.
STRONGER DECISIONS.
MORE RESILIENT BUSINESSES.
From a focused operational review to a defined compliance project or wider commercial strategy, Dubh Studio provides independent expertise to help businesses navigate complexity, strengthen performance and plan with confidence.