The range, which is available from stock, is being pitched between Stormtech and Result in terms of price points and will offer high levels of performance, comfort and style, say PTMC directors Andrew Kouroushi and Spencer Newton.

“Using the latest research and technology the fabrics used offer the user the best performance for breathability, waterproofness, comfort and warmth as well as price.We offer one of the highest levels of performance fabrics and membranes available to the market and still fit within an affordable budget,” says Kouroushi.

Now for the science bit: the Rocks Lane Soft Shell fabric is made up of a 92% polyester/8% spandex outer layer; a TPU breathable membrane mid-layer; and a 75D micro-fleece inner layer. It is waterproof up to 8,000mm and breathable up to 5,000g.

Put simply, Rocks Lane offers a three-layer laminated construction – a very tough stretch fabric with a durable water repellent (DWR) coating on the outside with a microfleece inner lining. Between these layers is a laminated membrane to aid weather protection without inhibiting breathability.

Three models

The initial offering is made up of three models, all of which feature full dull waterproof zips and are available in sizes S-XXL. The Colorado has a fashionable comfort fit with a longer shaped back panel, full front double zip fastening and inner storm flap. There are also two zipped side pockets and one outer breast pocket. This model comes with 3M Scotchlite piping to the side panels, an ideal feature for work wear, says PTMC. It is available in black and navy.

The second model, the Vermont is a dual colour panel jacket, again, mostly plain with contrast panels to both sides and with a longer shaped back panel. There are two zipped side pockets and one outer breast pocket. It is available in black/light grey and navy/light grey.

The third option, the Montana is a plain style with the same fashionable comfort fit and longer shaped back panel. It has full front double zip fastening and an inner storm flap, two zipped side pockets and one outer breast pocket. It is available in black and navy.

Newton and Kouroushi also expect to bring PTMC’s bespoke service into the range, if, for instance, a customer wanted one of the styles in a different colour.

The new soft shell range is just one small part of PTMC’s offering, however. Last month we brought you details of the Boost Up range (page 48) – a high spec jackets range, which is available in the UK exclusively through PTMC.

“We provide jackets to service many areas of trade,” says Newton, “from corporate uniforms and workwear to motor sport teams, drinks companies and football/rugby clubs.”

PTMC uses the latest technologies and fabrics such as nylon, polyester, micro fibre, rip-stop and micro polar fleece to produce a performance range of innovative jackets that can be tailored to customers’ needs.

Over the past six years PTMC has grown from its early days of being an end user supplier of T-shirts to a trade supplier of pretty much any type of promotional wear going.

It was tough going in the beginning, says Newton, as 9/11 happened within two weeks of setting up the company, but things picked up and over the past six years the company has gone from strength to strength, expanding its offering and, in particular, growing its bespoke service.

“We are not trying to compete with the likes of Result,” stresses Newton, “bespoke is the attraction for us – it’s a bit of a niche market. But over the years it has snowballed from doing jackets, to getting enquiries and orders for other garments. Now we provide a complete clothing service and over 80% of our business is bespoke.”

The bespoke garments are made in factories in the Far East and Turkey, and PTMC has established good working relationships with each factory it works with, which eliminates a lot of problems says Spencer.

“Each factory we deal with has an office we can talk to and discuss any issues that might crop up, which minimises any communication problems that can sometimes occur when using factories overseas. There will always be issues that you have no control over though, such as bad weather stopping a shipment – although, sadly, customers sometimes don’t understand this!”

The company deals mainly with merchandise companies, having taken the decision not to deal with agencies on the basis that they “give the industry a bad name by putting too much mark-up on products”.

Kouroushi admits the company is “not the cheapest for jackets” but claims it is still competitive on price and that with PTMC, customers get a lot more for their money – including the reassurance of a string of standards and accreditations.

“Our aim is to provide high quality products to a price. If you’re looking for something a little bit different but that is still competitive on price, that’s what we offer,” he says.

“We always ask people what their costs are and how much they have to spend.We’d rather not work on the basis of a customer saying ‘what’s your best price’.We have to source all the fabrics depending on what the garment is, so that will determine price to an extent.”

He adds: “People always want to drive prices down but there are other factors to be considered – it’s no good ordering a load of cheap T-shirts for a big national charity event, only for them not to be delivered in time, as happened to one prospective customer of ours who chose to go elsewhere because they thought it was cheaper!”

Indeed, communication with customers is often one of the main pressures the company faces, says Newton. “It’s all about getting the customers to open up and tell us what they want,” he explains. “We need to know what the garment is going to be used for, because that will determine what fabric will be used etc. But clients can be guarded and then you find yourself battling with them just to give them what they want or to help them out.”

This communication barrier also exists between PTMC’s customers and their clients, he adds. “It’s frustrating when we offer our customers marketing tools, such as blank brochures they can put their own name on and take to their clients to help sell the products, and they don’t want them,” he bemoans.

Communication is one of the most important aspects of the company’s bespoke service, says Newton, who questions the idea that bespoke garments can be made using an online service. “You need to speak to someone to really design a bespoke garment,” he says.

“We offer a one-stop solution to the increase in demand for custom made clothing. Our combined experience of nearly 20 years in manufacturing and decoration, together with our factory partners enables us to provide the full package – from inhouse design right through to warehousing and fulfilment.

“When a customer calls us they are speaking directly to individuals who understand the manufacturing process and can guide them through the possibilities on offer.We bring a genuine and competitive alternative to the market with quality assured factories, socially responsible staffing and environmental issues addressed.”

The pair are aware that price is always going to be a factor in a competitive market, particularly the bespoke clothing, but say bespoke isn’t always as expensive as people think.

“Our prices are always competitive but the important thing is that bespoke allows our customers to provide a unique product to their important customers, which is a key factor in building stronger relationships and potentially longterm commitments for orders.”

Tel: 020 8416 0100

Email: sales@ptmcuk.com

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