The British Garment Decorators Federation is a completely free Internet based networking resource portal for garment and promotional product decorators. It aims to help others in business by providing free access to: peer-to-peer networking; technical and general business advice; industry views and comment; design and software advice; new product updates and market trends; and information and advice on developing new routes to market.

It will also offer: free information and advice on breaking into new potential markets; business management advice and services; marketing, PR and promotional advice and services; help and guidance with business acquisitio; and access to suppliers of goods and services.

The BGDF seeks to help garment decorators to build better businesses for themselves while encouraging debate and positive comment. Its principal aim is to support garment printers, embroiderers and their suppliers to work in partnership towards generating sustainable business benefits and employment for future generations.

BGDF industry relations manager Paul Stephenson, one of three industry figures who set up the federation, explained how the idea came about: “We know what it feels like when a customer asks for moon dust on their Tshirts and we say no problem, because we're desperate for work, and then wonder where we're going to find a space suit.

“We created the BGDF because we care about the people that make their living from this industry every day and we seek to understand their problems and maximise their profits.” The overriding principal behind the BGDF is social entrepreneurship, said Stephenson – a combination of sound business practice with charitable instinctd.

“Imagine a cross between Alan Sugar and Ghandi,” said Stephenson. “A man in a suit but wearing flip-flops. We believe that social entrepreneurship has to see what doesn't exist, and make it happen with an emphasis on industry improvement.”

For more information, or to join, log on to www.bgdf.co.uk. All members must agree to the BGDF charter.

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