Comedian Russell Brand has again been in the headlines with a national newspaper accusing the millionaire comedian of selling branded sweat tops produced in Bangladesh as being screen printed and produced in the UK.

The investigation by the Mail on Sunday reported that the Stanley and Stella sweatshirts on Brand’s “The Trews” online merchandise shop, which are on sale from £60 each, had labels sewn into the product revealing their Bangladeshi origins.

The issue highlights again concerns over product labelling regulations which have been the focus of much criticism both in the UK and in other EU marketplaces.

Daniela Arena has been appointed Professional Development Manager of the bpma’s revamped education programme. The move highlights the importance that the trade association places on raising industry standards and best practice through education and training.

Daniela told Product Media: “Education remains at the heart of the bpma. We seek to encourage industry learning and professional development to enhance the skills of all individuals working in the industry.”

With demand increasing for higher-specification hoodies, sweats and sportswear at affordable prices, BTC activewear has added new garments from existing brands Fruit of the Loom, Gildan, FDM and Anvil alongside new brands Tee Jay’s and Active by Stedman.

They include four vibrant colours added to the Fruit of the Loom Men’s 61390 Performance Tee range (pictured): Bright Yellow, Fuchsia, Lime and Azure, also available in ladies’ size code 61392 and children’s size code 61013. The 100% textured polyester is for excellent moisture wicking and quick-dry performance.

Promotional products distributor AD Merchandise has moved to larger offices in Manchester as part of a planned growth strategy.

The strong and robust colours of the company’s brand identity have been applied to refurbishing the new offices on the 14th floor of the landmark West Point office building in Chester Road.

For the first time in Germany’s 55-year history of the promotional merchandise industry, the country has a single united promotional merchandise trade association. The move which unites 5,000 companies and more than 50,000 employees in a single body has been subject to lengthy negotiations with each of the old associations having to declare a formal vote in favour of the change.

Blueprint Promotional Product is celebrating record sales of over £1 million at the end of its financial year, boosted by expansion into export markets. It gained 24 new contracts, resulting in over £250,000 worth of promotional merchandise being delivered globally to clients.

Matt Franks, Chairman of the bpma, on how the bpma is evolving to adapt to a changing environment.

I’m delighted to be involved in this launch edition of Product Media, the new trade magazine from the bpma.