Yorkshire-based distributor, LSi celebrated 25 years in business in November 2019. The company opened its doors in 1994 and since then has won numerous industry awards, outgrown three buildings and grown to employ a team of 38.
HMRC are currently contacting businesses in the UK who may import and export between the UK and the EU to explain what they can do next to prepare for changes to customs arrangements after the UK has left the EU.
With the end of 2019 in sight, now is arguably the perfect time for a business to reflect on its various achievements throughout the year – and for Total Merchandise, a year of ‘giving back’ has certainly given them something to be proud of.
Screenworks, one of the UK’s longest established garment screen print, embroidery and digital print service providers, is pleased to announce the launch of its Inspired division. The company’s new business unit is focused on delivering customised textiles and promotional clothing, along with its exceptional design services, in response to client demand for more individualisation.
Hay Hampers celebrated 35 years in business and supported Macmillan’s World’s Biggest Coffee Morning by launching a brand new hamper. Sales of each Chari-Tea hamper will result in a £5 donation to the cancer charity.
After a career in promotional merchandise spanning more than three decades, Haydn Willetts has lost none of his love of the sector. The regional director, UK & Ireland, for midocean, one of Europe’s main wholesalers and decorators of merchandise, says he feels fortunate to enjoy his job and relishes the challenges an evolving market presents to both suppliers and distributors alike.
Geiger BTC has announced it is acquiring London-based distributor Shout Promotional Merchandise as part of a continued expansion strategy to support clients in the UK and across Europe. Shout Promotional Merchandise has been in business since 2003 as a promotional merchandise distributor.
The US trade association for promotional products, the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) is alerting members to a bill that cuts US government spending on promotional products.
Christmas brings distinct challenges to cashflow. Don’t get caught out, says Mike Collins Whisper it but the ‘C is on the Yes indeed, Christmas is coming and no matter how much we may not like it or be looking forward to it, you must be prepared for it. Regular readers will know that we at Direct Route like to keep BPMA members informed and educated as to handy hints and tips to ensure their credit management is as up to date, and as robust and successful as it can be.
The speed at which we browse, download and upload data are about to get a whole lot quicker due to a refresh of the Wi-Fi standard. Wi-Fi 6 or 802.11ax to give it its technical name is just around the corner – the sixth change of the standards since it was invented, so how will it affect us?
It’s been a hectic nine months both in our industry and at the BPMA. Taking on the role of Chairman, having been Vice Chairman for the past two years, has not only meant getting more involved with the team but also with engaged members and the wider-reaching trade association network both in the UK and in Europe. Juggling the voluntary role of Chair for the BPMA, my own business, and my family can be tough at times, especially with two teenage daughters.
A household name, BIC became synonymous with quality and reliability in 1950 with the launch of the BIC Cristal, the first high-quality ballpoint pen at an affordable price. BIC took its first step in the promotional sector 50 years ago in 1969, the same year Neil Armstrong took his first step on the moon. In the 1970s it launched the iconic BIC Lighter and BIC Shaver, and today sells 32 million BIC products every day worldwide, 20.2 million of which are stationery products. BIC is known for pens but sees itself as selling solutions.
With Merchandise World taking place this month, Clive Allcott advises you to plan to get the most from the event –
As a seasoned attendee and exhibitor, it’s only fair to pass on my top tips for getting the most out of your visit. You have one day, so use it wisely.
Research carried out in 2018 indicated that 40% of millennials who don’t receive the necessary on the job training to become more effective in their role will leave their positions within the first year. That’s quite a high percentage, but it’s not only the modern workforce that ranks training and development opportunities in the workplace so highly.