Merchandise solved

The industry returns to Milton Keynes to help build for a successful end of the year push.

If it’s September then it’s time for Merchandise World in Milton Keynes. The kid sibling of January’s mighty industry get together is still an important calendar date in its own right.

At the time of writing, 94 exhibitors had signed up for the one-day showcase in Buckingham, including such industry players as BIC Graphic, Desktop Ideas, Listawood, Goldstar Europe, Midocean, PF Concept, Senator, and The Sweet People.

September is a one-day event for both frontline teams and business leaders from professional distributors.

Teams can discover new products for the peak season and learn about product branding techniques. The relaxed atmosphere allows time for business leaders to have quality conversations, negotiate trading partnerships, and build relationships with top suppliers.

To deal with any distributor the relationship must be built from the top, and this event provides the opportunity to establish and build these top-level relationships.

David Long, founder of Sourcing City, organiser of the show, said: “As everyone gears up for the industry’s peak season, September is the perfect time to meet with lots of suppliers in one go, to hear their latest news, and of course to build new relationships and reinforce existing ones.”

The number of exhibitors and high interest from visitors is a clear reflection that in spite of the difficulties in the general UK economy, the promotional merchandise industry remains buoyant and bucking the trend, Long said. This year’s show is expecting to build on previous successful shows held in Milton Keynes.

“Merchandise World in September is the perfect time to introduce new starters to the suppliers and market in general. This show of course remains of great interest to all distributors, as new products and in particular ‘eco products’ are the lifeblood of the industry,” he added.

“Being in the centre of the country, Milton Keynes makes an ideal location for distributors to visit, and so much true value can be discovered in just a few hours.”

Eco world

In an increasingly eco world, Merchandise World continues to reflect the efforts of suppliers to innovate products that their clients are crying out for.

Drinkware specialist First Editions is inviting Merchandise World visitors into its ‘inner circle’ as it unveils a revolutionary innovation in sustainability – a new bottle crafted from 100% post-consumer waste and designed to keep recyclables out of landfill. 

With both safety and quality at its core, the newcomer is food grade assured, BPA free and dishwasher safe.

First Editions’ MD Mark Alderson said: “We’re confident that our latest innovation represents a pivotal moment in drinkware sustainability. With this product, we’re aiming to redefine sustainability standards, and of course once more showcase our dedication to responsible and transparent business practices.”

The new product will launch at Merchandise World with the help of Birmingham Energy Institute’s Climate Innovation Platform (CIP). First Editions was selected as one of thirteen businesses to join the platform and marks a major milestone in their commitment to achieving net-zero emissions and driving the development of sustainable products. 

As a member of Briman, First Editions will also be representing the best of British made merchandise, alongside other members including WCM+A, Sow Easy, Bio Laboratories, CHX, Eat My Logo, and Juniper.

Responsible merchandise

The BPMA, which jointly owns the show with Sourcing City, will be present at the show with the team looking to meet with existing members and sign up new ones.

An important strand going forward is explaining its StepForward Pledge to support members on their sustainable pathways.

North Wales-based trade supplier Preseli has announced a lanyard repurposing initiative as part of its commitment to the Pledge. As one of the first members to take the Pledge, Preseli is taking active steps to reduce, reuse and recycle materials wherever possible.

Merchandise World will see dedicated lanyard recycling bins in place for the first time, encouraging visitors to return their lanyards for onward use. The initiative has been developed by Preseli with the support of the Merchandise World team at Sourcing City and the BPMA.

Preseli is working with local charities to find ways to repurpose items and will ensure that all lanyards are repurposed, or appropriately recycled with nothing going to landfill.

The company has provided the show lanyards for several years and already uses recycled PET material and responsibly sourced components. This commitment to recycling will take this step further into 2024.

BPMA CEO, Carey Trevill, said: “This is a simple and effective step to help reduce event waste at Merchandise World. We all tend to take lanyards home after events and we’re delighted to support Preseli, one of our first members to take the StepForward Pledge, with this initiative.”

Preseli started a programme of initiatives this summer with a repurposing ideas competition. This is the first step to encourage responsible buying and disposal of promotional items.

Bags galore

Other companies will be using the show as a launchpad for new products in the run up to the Christmas peak selling period.

Goldstar is extending its promotional offering beyond its core speciality of pens and will be showing its whole new bags collection during Merchandise World.

After launching drinkware, it now has a Simply Bags proposition which aims to provide distributors with even more products from one supplier, with a promise to prioritise simplicity and style.

Whatever your needs, the gathering of suppliers at the show will be able to cater to your needs.

 

The Essentials

Where – Marshall Arena, Stadium MK, Milton Keynes

When – Wednesday 13th September 2023. Show opens from 9.00 and closes 16.30. Breakfast is served from 8.00-10.00. There’s also free lunch, tea and coffee.

Why – this one day event for frontline teams and leaders from professional distributors will help them discover new products for the Peak Season and learn about product branding techniques.
A relaxed atmosphere allows time for quality conversations, negotiating trading partnerships, and building relationships with top suppliers.

How – visitors can register at merchandiseworld.co.uk. There is a free station transfer shuttle bus every 30 minutes between Milton Keynes Central station  and the Marshall Arena between 8am and 5pm (no pickups between noon and 1pm).

Free airport transfers from Luton are available by prior arrangement. Call 0844 504 5006 for details.

Onsite parking in all car parks is now chargeable at £5 per day, payable via RingGo.