Somerset furniture company, Myakka, has received brand new cushion samples from a very special new product development project in India by SKSN. The project is ‘a first’ for SKSN: a school for physically challenged children that runs an education program for children and now this artisan skills program for older teenagers as a form of vocational training.
“We are excited about forming this new working relationship with SKSN,” explains Georgie Hopkins, director for Myakka. “Although this is early days of production for SKSN, it is a milestone for the future of our working relationship.”
“It is vitally important that the supply and demand is managed to help nurture this new relationship and project with SKSN. Ordering too few cushions will not satisfy demand in the UK but ordering too many at once will cause production problems for SKSN, so we are looking to order small, regular batches,” explains Simon Whitehead, director of operations for Myakka.
To ensure supply and demand match, Myakka will be putting the two ranges of cushions in silk and linen on a 3 for 2 offer both online and in-store. This will ensure a steady flow of sales so Myakka can place smaller, regular orders.
Georgie specified the design and colours for the cushions during the last overseas trip earlier this year. It was decided that a wider range of scatter cushions, handmade in neutral and subtle colours would fit well with the existing ranges of natural solid wood furniture and vibrant soft furnishings.
“With the samples now here in the UK, we can photograph these new cushions so that customers can preview the designs and pre-order online,” explains Georgie. The first batch of stock is due to be completed, shipped and ready for customers in July.
In their ongoing commitment to SKSN, approximately £2,200 has just been donated by Myakka which will pay for the materials to make 70 new desks for students studying at SKSN – another project initiated by Myakka which has involved the co-operation of Myakka’s furniture manufacturer in Jodhpur, who have designed the desks and are covering the cost of manufacture.
SKSN is currently home to 550 children and approximately 50 fully able day scholars and the desks will provide seating for 140 students. It is hoped that the desks will be delivered to the school in time for the new school year which starts on 1st July. Photos to follow later in the year!
“The SKSN project gives so many children a chance of a decent future that many take for granted in the UK. By offering basic child needs such as desks, clothes and medicines, we are able to take small steps in assisting developing countries. It seems only right to do as much as we can to help especially when their beautiful products are so well received by our customers,” adds Georgie.
Cushions transform any room, giving it an injection of personality and mood, and these cushions are no different. They will be available for viewing online soon, so put www.myakka.co.uk in your favourites and check back soon! To find out more about the fantastic work of SKSN visit http://www.sksn.org/.
