Helen Boden Colebourn is Softlines’ Technical Consultant for Bureau Veritas CPS and an SME on Product Durability and Sustainability. Prior to this role, Helen has over 20 years’ experience in various technical roles within the industry covering manufacturing both on and offshore, garment technology, pattern technology, sourcing, supply chain management and social auditing. She has worked supplying the majority of the High Street over the years as well as the retail industry.

During her six-year maternity break from industry, Helen qualified as a Secondary Teacher of Design and Technology specialising in Textiles and headed up the Textiles Department of one of the top Grammar schools in the UK.

She is a Fellow of the Textile Institute and as well as sitting on several of their committees she is Chair of the Manchester and the North West Section.

Helen is involved in a number of professional organisations including The Microfibre Consortium, WRAP UK PACT, Society of Dyers and Colourists (of which she is an Associate) and the ASBCI serving on several committees/working groups.

Helen is currently supporting start-ups as well as global companies with their garment technology needs, advising on fit, manufacturing and construction.

Her role with Bureau Veritas allows her provide technical support with Testing, Sustainability and Regulatory matters.