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.