In the past decade, the movement to support local businesses has taken on an added dimension as distributors across the globe have expanded their operations far beyond their own borders to deliver a more personal experience to far-flung customers. Leicester-based distributor EverythingBranded, reportedly the largest distributor employer in the UK with 130 staff and projected 2018 sales topping $29 million, is investing $1.1 million in the coming months to open its first US office located in Las Vegas. It will accommodate approximately 70-100 new employees and will focus on serving customers on the West Coast. The company, which was founded in 2010 as part of the Charles Alexander Distribution Group, currently has a UK-based call centre that services the US eastern and central time zones.

Outstanding Branding outlined its global vision for the next three years at a revitalised annual company conference that brought together team members from around the world. The event, titled OBcon, was the first of its kind to be held by the company. Held at Devere Theobalds Estate, the full day and night event was designed to put the global team at the centre of proceedings.

On a recent visit to the ASI (Advertising Speciality Institute) education day and trade show in Chicago I was lucky enough to meet some truly amazing industry folk. They are just as passionate and committed to raising standards, sharing knowledge with others and supporting and inspiring businesses to grow as we are here within the BPMA community.

Awareness of NABS within the promotional industry is limited, but a deal with the BPMA means it is there to help, says Diana Tickell

NABS (the National Advertising Benevolent Society) has been working in the UK advertising, marketing and media industry for 105 years. Our century-plus of offering industry advice, support and guidance, at no cost to the employee, has helped countless people get their careers and lives back on track.

Summer has been in full swing, but the first of autumn’s major trade shows, Merchandise World, will have been occupying suppliers. With many registered it looks like the event will be a popular attraction offering promotional supply solutions under one roof at the new Farnborough International venue. Trade shows are multifaceted because they allow you a chance to hear from leading experts, meet with potential supply partners, and see all the new product on the market. If you are specifically looking for a new garment supplier and decorator make sure you come to the show prepared. Organise and set up appointments with the proposed supplier. There is an appointment diary running with most suppliers.

BPMA members have adapted to the recent heatwave to ensure that clients continue to be serviced, while staff are looked after. With temperatures in the thirties during July and August, manufacturing companies have been faced with even higher temperatures in their premises. Several BPMA members have reported adapting their shift patterns to allow staff to work in cooler periods at night and early morning, and avoiding the hottest parts of the day.

Your Gateway has appointed Jon Britton as managing director, bringing more than 20 years of experience to the trade only supplier. Britton has most recently led the on boarding and implementation process for a strategic client win for Essex-based distributor Promo International. His merchandise career started at Product Plus, before spending 17 years at Brand Addition, where he managed accounts for key customers including MasterCard and Mars.

Jon brings a wealth of industry knowledge having worked in the sector both as a supplier and most recently as a distributor for GeigerBTC.

Power brands are leading the way by choosing biodegradable promotional products to advertise with. But are these products really eco-friendly? At senator®, the whole production chain of our Nature Plus Bio pen family is eco-friendly. Avoid the risk of ‘greenwashing’…buy senator®!

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Old Trafford-based merchandise distributor restructures ahead of further growth.

AD Merchandise have successfully completed a partner buyout, giving Amo Singh full ownership of the promotional merchandise distributor based in Old Trafford, Manchester.

Having grown the business to a turnover of £3.5 million alongside co-founder David Moodie, the deal comes as part of a planned restructure to unlock the company’s next chapter of growth.

Amo and David established AD Merchandise in October 2009, bringing together decades’ worth of experience and a passion to develop a profitable business with solid systems and processes and robust, ethical management.

EverythingBranded.co.uk have announced their new national charity partner, Global’s Make Some Noise.

Since 2010, EverythingBranded.co.uk has achieved significant growth and supported many local causes. Having recently launched their American sister company, EverythingBranded USA, the promotional products distributor has been able to commit to offering year-round support to Global’s Make Some Noise.