Printwear & Promotion’s resident screenprinting expert Andy MacDougall looks at the quality issues faced by screenprinters, and how to tackle the problem of jobs being completed abroad.

Lancer Group has announced a series of new launches for 2006. Firstly there is the recent launch of the Evolution series of PVC/Phthalate Free textile screen printing inks.

Oyo Instruments, Europe Ltd, has introduced a new Thermal Imaging based Direct To Screen output solution.

Following the introduction of an industry standard to govern childrenswear and schoolwear, Blue Max talked to Printwear & Promotion about its benefits and hindrances to the industry.

The Government’s own research shows that while most parents think children should wear school uniform, nearly half are worried that it is too expensive. Sara McDonnell looks into how much schools, parents and the government expect uniforms to cost.

BTC activewear has expanded the childrenswear section of its 2006 brochure by adding a number of new garments ideally suited to meet the exacting demands of the schoolwear sector.

Parents increasingly look for a range of schoolwear that is good quality, but is a reasonable price; Blue Max has been able to meet these requirements again and again.

The 2006 UK Leisurewear brochure boasts a 34-page Children’s section.

Regatta's Corporate range for 2006 features a number of schoolwear garments that are of superb quality, excellent design and offer great value for money.

Because kids are tough on clothes, Kustom Kit kids wear is produced using only the finest fabrics and exacting technical specifications to ensure they easily withstand the rigours of the playground, playing field and class room, as well as continuing to look great wash after wash.

When it comes to schoolwear, every parent knows that robust, hardwearing garments are what boisterous, playful children need.

'Improving Performance In Our Schools' is the aptly titled new schoolwear brochure from Fruit of the Loom.

Three premium brands providing schoolwear favourites are Whytes (for its classic V-neck sweater); Tombo (for sports team wear that really performs); and Front Row (for great after-school wear).

There is an exceptional choice of quality schoolwear available from PenCarrie - check out the website at www.pencarrie.com or turn to pages 203-215 of this year's catalogue to see the full selection.

Having entered 2006 with a refreshed new look, the Jerzees Schoolgear brand continues to recognise the need for quality, durability, cost-effectiveness and consistency, ensuring its popularity with schools, parents and children alike.

Sweatshirts still remain a firm favourite for any school wishing to create a uniform in the UK and this is why Gildan has added the new 18000B Youth Crewneck sweatshirt.

With back to school looming, all thoughts move to school wear and Henbury is no exception.

Result's dedicated Junior Range of high-quality jackets combines both functional and fashion elements for 2-14 year olds.

The 2006 Printwear & Promotion exhibition was a great success for EthicStar.

Still buzzing after being announced winners of the PROMOTA Clothing Supplier of the Year 2006 award a few days earlier, the BTC activewear team took to its stand with eager enthusiasm.

CKL offered adrenaline-charged motor sports in its tombola prize draw and bonus prize draw at the exhibition!

P&P 2006 has now come and gone with it being a whirlwind few days for all that visited.

Having launched the Kwik Tapes label printer several years ago to a hugely receptive schoolwear market, the system has continued to sell well in the promotional industry too.

The Sensport sporting range was introduced at the exhibition by Caldoni Clothing.

Russell Europe had a presence at this year’s Printwear and Promotion show in Birmingham through two of its UK distributors; Ralawise and UK Leisurewear.

Last year, Printwear & Promotion brought you information on the range of sublimation garments from The Transfer Press.

Providing diamante decoration at the exhibition was Creative Art Makers, who also made their debut at the show.

Also among the visitors to this year’s exhibition was Blue Promotions, led by Stephanie Blue and her business partner who were both sporting diamante designs.

Among the visitors to this year's show was Jennifer Sherratt, who had developed a format to ensure that her daughter was never lost!

As end users and wearers become more and more aware of environmental issues regarding clothing, one brand was launched with Fairtrade as its message.

This year's exhibition saw many brands returning to exhibit and show their products and services to the visitors.

P&P 2006 saw the launch of several new brands into the industry, and among them was Legea UK Ltd.

At 2:30pm on the final day of the exhibition, the winner of the YES Ltd 10th anniversary competition was announced.

Garment decorators Screenworks Ltd have been awarded ISO 9000.

BTC Group has appointed Gurjinder Bhandal to head up its in-house design team.

BTC activewear was announced as winners of the prestigious PROMOTA Clothing Supplier of the Year award.

The number of girls and women playing football has been increasing significantly in recent years.

Garment brand Skinni Fit has launched its new 2006 website at www.skinnifit.com.

Fruit of the Loom presented Estonian garment decorators Fifaa AS with their coveted 2005 Creative Challenge Award during the PSI show in Düsseldorf, Germany.

With a firm eye on making sure that every order received leaves with nothing less than a perfect decoration finish, Essential Embroidery Design told Dan Raywood about its setup and how it has established its reputation.