Trend Forward is a trend forecasting and Consultancy Company headed up by

Dave Nemeth, who in recent articles in various publications has been referred to as one of South Africa's leading trend gurus. It is no longer good enough to simply think out of the box, the box has been destroyed and we need to start thinking in polygons & hexagons.

What we do.We simply study all aspects of the world around us from consumer attitudes, social & economic trends, design, art, technology, retail and new business models. We then filter this information into what we believe will be micro and macro trends and focus on the macro trends to help businesses take the lead and gain valuable market share. We believe that the speed at which business in all spheres is changing it is vital for companies to "LEAPFROG" the competition. This means than companies create such calculated innovation in the way in which they do business that it would take a substantial amount of time for any competitor to catch up. Once they do, the Niche has been filled and the leading business is already doing the "Next Big Thing".

We believe that great results are achieved by consulting with an external company such as Trend-Forward, rather than purely trying to do this in-house due to the day to day operations that hinder the activities that we specialize in.

How we do it.Once we have established the clients needs or areas of improvement, we make suggestions in the form of detailed rollout plans including the ROI these new strategies will generate. This is done in collaboration with the internal workforce in the various relevant departments within the organisation. we know that having the "correct" company culture is at the top of the list of innovation. We conduct workshops, Think Tanks based on factual information that we have researched on our side and suggestions we have based on current trend direction as well as future strengths.

Strengths.Our strengths lie in the fact that we have all been involved in Blue chip companies in executive positions and have a clear understanding of adapting our "Trend Sourcing" to realistic, profitable solutions considering all logistics and costs to implement. Our services are intended to give clients a determined ROI within the shortest period of time and NOT creative and uncalculated proposals.

Collaboration.

We all know that collaboration is the way of the future, with more and more businesses outsourcing rather than employing. we like to see ourselves as part of your business even though we work externally.Depending on projects we too collaborate with some of the leading forward thinkers across most industries.Our services are NOT limited to any specific industry.

Some services we offer.

Industry specific trend forecasting reports and findings.Industry specific colour forecasting.Connecting emotionally with customers.Creation of private labels & brands.In-store experience.Directional Think TanksUnderstanding & changing company culture.Innovative revenue streams.New Marketing and connecting.Changing the workspace to promote productivity.Forward thinking campaigns and launches.Organisational as well as product sustainability.

These are just some of the areas in which we , along with your management team and our constant research of trends can assist.

Solutions for retailers & wholesalers.

Analysis of current ranges based on future trends & buying patterns.

Specific trend reports to buying teams.

Competition analysis and plans for differentiation.

Assisting with fashion buys, seasonal strategy.

Local sourcing and private label creation.

Project plan on perception of being the authority in market place.

Testing strategies – both for merchandise as well as marketing campaigns.

Monthly laydown strategy.

ExpertiseI completed a ND in interior design at Wits Technikon, I have been in the industry for the past 17 years. I have travelled extensively and done in the region of 150 international flights in the past 5 years. I have been a furniture buyer for one of the largest groups in South Africa and then move on to head up the trend forecasting for the homewares division. More recently I was the Merchandise executive / director for one of SA’s leading upmarket furniture stores also overseeing the marketing and overall merchandising I currently produce the only dedicated interiors, furniture & décor trend report in South Africa and this is endorsed by the IID (Institute of interior design professionals) with whom I have collaborated. The latest trend forecast was presented a month ago to one of the world’s largest forecasting agencies in Paris. I am presenting this in collaboration with Decorex nationwide as well as doing workshops for the industry. I am also currently consulting to various brands and international companies, my services extend to creating in-house brands, private labels as well as creating new and fresh business models for interior related industries and the retail sector. I am a regular contributor to Bizcommunity as well as other publications.

Current companies include:Several international brands looking to break through into the South African market.British & French trade commissions.One of S.A’s leading strategy companies.Several international retailers, procuring local ranges.S.A’s largest retailer - private label creation.