Just 8 weeks after releasing the floorplan for Printwear & Promotion 2008, some 50% of the available stand space has already been booked or promised. Following the outstanding success of P&P 2007, which achieved record visitor numbers, record exhibitor numbers and more importantly, record sales leads for its participants, Printwear & Promotion 2008 which opens at the NEC, Birmingham from 2nd – 4th March, is well positioned for further success.

No, don’t panic, I’m not about to plan my take over of the world, nor am I going turn the magazine into some self-prophesising book (although there are some exciting changes afoot, which I will explain later). No, I am, of course, talking about the environment and the increasing emphasis now being placed on it, both at home and in the workplace.

Trade Only show dates

Trade Only, the resource and service provider to the promotional products industry, will hold next year’s National Show on January 29 and 30.

A new trade body for the school-specific uniform sector has launched a drive to abolish VAT on all school specific uniforms.

Currently, school uniform is only VAT exempt on sizes that the government judges would fit children under the age of 14.

EthicStar Ltd has introduced another new colour into its camouflage range of clothing.

The Pink camo is now available in the ladies’ skinny fit T-shirt range. It comes in three colours (pink, off-white and wine) and is rotary printed. The skinny fit is made from 100% Cotton Interlock.

EthicStart is also offering four different camouflage colours - the green camo, urban, beige and now pink camouflage.

A best-seller from Continental Clothing’s USA business has now arrived in the UK.

The Burnout T-shirts, which have a weathered look, are now in stock in the UK warehouses.

A Peterborough-based company has won a regional award in the Fruit of the Loom Creative Challenge Award for its farmyard scene printed and embroidered T-shirt.

Evolve Branding Ltd, of North Bretton, took the award for the UK and Ireland. Spanish company Serigrafia Pikasso scooped the first prize of business equipment to the value of 10,000 euros for its sunflower T-shirt entry.

Beezer has introduced its new-look Pembroke Tee, which now features piping to the neck and sleeve rather than along the raglan sleeve.

The changes were made following requests from customers who wanted the Pembroke design, but without the piping to the raglan sleeve.

Beezer said it liked the result so much that it added the new simplified version to the 2007/8 price list.

Adelco, which has recently completed a manufacturing facility in China, has secured major dryer installations within three of the largest textile printers in China.

Each of the installations is made up of between four and eight of the Adelco Gas Fired Jet Force high production dryers and up to 30 of its Automatic Quartz flash cure units.

Promotional wear specialist Gustav Daiber GmbH is launching several new styles in readiness for summer, which will be presented at its beach themed Fespa booth in June.

EFI, the world leader in color digital print servers, superwide format printers and inks, and print management solutions, has joined forces with Kornit Digital Ltd to bring digital inkjet technology to the textile industry.

Fruit of the Loom has launched its new, fully redesigned European website, www.fruitoftheloom.com, providing imprint customers with a reference and marketing resource.

Sportswear specialist Teamwear is taking note of the latest fashion trends with its new styles for 2007.

Originating from motorsport, the range to date features shirts, polos and fleeces but is now moving forward, said Teamwear.

Outerwear specialist Result has agreed to supply all Ralawise staff with one of its new soft shell styles to make up part of the distributor’s uniform for the coming year.

With over 600 exhibitors spread over 11 halls, FESPA will also be the platform for many new product and new technology launches covering all aspects of printing and digital imaging.

Textile specialist Gustav Daiber GmbH has taken a different approach to the exhibition this year, with the design of its beach-style booth.

The company will present its product range under yellow awnings, and there will also be a beach bar offering refreshing drinks in a bid to create a fresh summer atmosphere.

High production textile dryers manufacturer Adelco will showcase new models and concepts in conveyor drying technology at FESPA.

Best known for their gas fired, high velocity Jet Force range of dryers, Adelco has recently moved production to its own facility in Kunshan, China.

Are you finding it difficult to win business from the bigger customers you are targeting? Do you get frustrated when you know these prospect companies are buying what you sell but despite what you do, they are not buying from you? And do you feel that you are ‘frozen out’ of your target customer’s business?

The growth of technical fabrics now used within the imprint industry has driven the start of the soft shell revolution, says distributor UK Leisurewear.

“Mid season 2006, both Result and Regatta released soft shell technology on an unsuspecting UK Leisurewear customer base,” it says. “This meant that by the time the new 2007 UKL brochure hit our customers’ doorsteps they were champing at the bit to see what further products were to be introduced and by whom!

Soft shell garments are great for high-energy activities when lightweight gear is an advantage, says Regatta, which has seen the popularity of its soft shell offering go from strength to strength. The Uproar, from the Corporate wear 2007 collection, is made with a warm backed woven stretch soft shell fabric, which gives a durable water repellent finish, quick drying performance and a super soft handle.

Soft shell offers a weatherproof solution in one single piece of clothing, thus replacing three or more layers of fleece and shell, says Henbury. This creates a one piece clothing that’s so effective it can be worn almost all of the time.

“The ever popular waterproof had one downfall – it lacked breathability,” says the company. “Soft shell gives water resistantancy, allowing water vapour to escape and increasing comfort value.”

Soft shell is the latest line up of ‘must have’ performance jackets from Result. “Soft shell fabrics are at the cutting edge of jacket technology, delivering excellent breathability properties combined with water resistant and wind protection,” says Result. “The soft shell offers high levels of warmth and has to be the first choice outer layer when worn in dry and cold weather conditions, as well as the perfect mid layer when worn with a waterproof outer garment.”

Premier has introduced two new 100% windproof Soft shell jackets to its performance wear collection in response to changes in the retail market, which have seen a move away from fleece products to garments that work even harder in conjunction with the body.

As part of its Jerzees Colours range of casual wear, Russell Europe offers several soft shell jackets and gilets – to offer the “latest revolution” in outdoor clothing. Jerzees Colours claims to offer one of the most all-inclusive ranges on the market, with male and female jackets and gilets in a wide colour palette.

The textile industry has seen the same changes as most other industries in the past two decades, with globalisation and technology presenting opportunities and threats in equal measure.

Six new fashionable styles head up Beechfield’s collection of promotional headgear for 2007. Armystyle caps and low profile vintage designs translate retail favourites to the promotional marketplace for the summer; while ultra-urban insulated hats deliver similar street appeal for the winter months.

The Sharon Lee range of promotional headwear is available exclusively though BTC Activewear. New to the collection is the Hi-Vis Cap: available in yellow and orange. This six-panel microfibre baseball cap has practical reflective strips on both the peak and strap.

International Insignia is one of the UK's marketleading and longest established promotional and souvenir houses, with 35 years of experience supplying a range of promotional baseball caps as well as embroidered leisurewear and accessory products.

Because it’s worn prominently, headgear can be a really effective marketing tool as any message printed or embroidered is certain to be noticed by its intended audience, says Lea Sportswear. And in the sporting world, a good piece of headgear has an essential part to play, especially in the summer months. Tour Collection has a range of multi-coloured caps and beanies, which it says are perfect for all kinds of sports promotions or teamwear.

PenCarrie offers a total of 50 different styles for adults and children, most of which come from dedicated headwear manufacturer Beechfield, including its six new designs for 2007. New too is Tour Collection’s TR63B Kids Country Cap, another potential bestseller for this year, predicts Pencarrie.

Beechfield, Prestige Leisure UK’s main headwear supplier, has added six new styles to its range for 2007 including vintage, low profile and corduroy styles.

Ralawise has seen a large number of fashion influenced styles introduced to its headwear collection for 2007, which it says sit well alongside ‘classic’ existing styles while offering something new to customers.

Result has released 12 new styles into its range for 2007. Regarded as the ‘Embroiderers Favourites’, says Result, its caps are ideal for embellishment and are available in a wide range of colours.

New for 2007 is the RC10P Heavy Brushed Cotton Pro-Style Cap with sandwich peak. This six-panel cotton drill cap has a contrasting colour sandwich peak and aluminium coloured buckle and grommet.

It’s the current must-have fashion accessory and is practical as well as fashionable. The wide hairband – unlike the alice band – is welcomed with open arms by those seeking the completion to this season’s look, says Skinnifit, which has introduced a stretchy one-size cotton elastane hairband to its range of Modern Essentials.

A few years ago cap embroidery was seen by most embroiderers as something best left to the specialist. Many would not even contemplate this type of work themselves but would rather contract it out and, for large orders this is still a route that many take.

If you had a look on Wikipedia, you’d see a jacket termed as “a lightweight, thigh- or waist-length coat that may be worn by anyone”. This is a useful definition to bear in mind when discerning jackets from other coats, since it excludes any outer garment going down to the knee or below. However, in today’s sunnier climes, it seems that the poor old ‘coat’ is fast being superseded by the jacket, as more technical fabrics allow outerwear to become thinner and higher performing in protecting us from the elements.

From organic and Fairtrade cotton merchandise to recycled leather folders, ethical products have become firmly established in the promotional industry. But what has prompted the growing demand for eco-friendly products and why are companies choosing to go green?

Interesting colour, green, given its association with money, envy, gullibility and environmentalism. The latter, according to cynics, neatly incorporates the first three. But cynics tend to be wrong and there is no doubt that the population at large are treating green issues more seriously.

The brand new 100% cotton, Penthouse Polo from leisurewear specialists Blue Max is ideal for golf enthusiasts, says the company. The new shirt is lightweight, featuring the Penthouse extra tight knit fabric, side vents, taped neck seams, open hem seams and self-coloured buttons. It is available in five adult sizes and seven colours.

Under an exclusive arrangement for the imprint market, BTC Activewear represents PING, a high quality range of fashionable and technically advanced golfing apparel. Together, they have developed a collection specifically aimed to capitalise on the growing popularity of the sport, using luxury fabrics and a wide range of performance features.

One of the most important factors to consider when dressing for the golf course is the weather, which can be unpredictable. The key is to dress in golf clothing for all eventualities whilst maintaining a great look, says Finden + Hales.

Fruit of the Loom says its Slim Fit Polo enhances the traditional golf shirt style with a modern, sporty silhouette, and stretchy, comfort-driven fabric.

The new polo boasts a fitted masculine cut that is influenced by developments at the fashionable end of the retail golfwear market. It is made from 97% cotton/3% elastane pique fabric (210/220 gm/m2) and features styling details such as the narrow, open, two-button placket.

Golfwear has long been a staple of the promotional/corporate apparel market, says Henbury, and is continually evolving and improving.

Henbury predicts that niche styles and bright colours are set to be at the forefront in the golfwear promotional and corporate market this year, as well as products that can offer a level of performance. It offers a wide range of clothing suitable for the golf course, starting with the new H170 Fior Collar Polo with plastic stiffeners sewn into the collar edge to prevent it curling after laundering and general wear.

Headwear and leisurewear specialist International Insignia, which has recently re-located to new premises in Wolverhampton, has launched a new brand “Oakridge”.

Kustom Kit provides a wide range of polo shirts, many of which it says are particularly suited to the golf wear market.

The men’s KK606 and women’s KK706 St Mellion polos are sporty with a single tipped collar and cuffs and contrast placket. The KK602 Henley, KK604 Wentworth and KK608 Sunningdale also feature contrast and tipped collars and cuffs.

Whether competing in your local club’s competition or playing the courses on the PGA tour, Tombo’s professional standard sportswear will allow you to tee-off in style.

Made from lightweight 125gsm polyester fabric, Tombo’s TL61 Performance Sports Top is designed to keep you cool when the pressure is on, allowing air to flow around the body with its mesh panelling at side panels, across the top of the back and underarms. It teams well with the TL41 Sports Training Top and TL48 Open Hem Training Bottoms, both of which are made from 100% polyester microfibre Teflon® coating to repel water and oilbased spills.

Also from Lea Sportswear is the Mumbles MM12 Golf Tiger, which makes a novel team mascot or something a little bit different to remind your customers of a fun-filled golf tour.

The 2007 Harvest Golf range comprises 20 men’s and ladies styles from T-Shirt and polo shirt to fully functional waterproof and windproof jackets designed to be worn in the worst of weather by amateur and professional alike.

The new Eagle and Birdie Men’s and Ladies’ polo shirts feature enzyme wash fabric for a smooth and comfortable fit and 5% Lycra for added flexibility.

PenCarrie now stocks Callaway Golf clothing in addition to its three other premium golfwear brands: adidas golf, Ashworth and Glenmuir.

Technical fabrics help a player’s performance, says Pencarrie. With this in mind, Callaway Golf’s CW14 X Series™ Performance Stretch Pique Polo Shirt is made from Performance Drysport® fabric, which is moisture-wicking and quick-drying and also gives good UV protection (UPF 15+).

As a previous co-sponsor of the PGA Seniors Tour, Quinn Direct British Masters and the Official Clothing and Merchandise Supplier for the 2006 World Match Play Championships; McForsum has strong and established links to the game. With a reputation as a serious golf brand in the promotional incentives industry, McForsum offers a wide range of products with a real retail edge. This year sees three additions to the range, which includes bags, polo shirts, windbreakers and golf tool kits.

There are currently over 48 major PGA TOUR and Champions TOUR events offering over $250Million dollars in prizes. And with The world’s top players and global television coverage, the PGA TOUR attracts major corporate partners such a Coca Cola and MasterCard to name but a few.

Prestige Leisure UK has a vast selection of golfwear to choose from in its Collection Brochure 2007, including eight products from new brand Callaway Golf, which incorporates the traditional golf look with modern fibres and rich colours.

Callaway’s CW13 Ottoman Knit Turtle Neck is 60% Cotton, 40% Polyester, and has hemmed sleeves, small side vents, and branding on the left sleeve and locker patch.

In 2006 Ralawise introduced a dedicated golf section to its brochure in recognition of the developing intricacies of the game, which has been developed further for 2007.

The millions of people watching last Autumn’s Ryder Cup would have seen the victorious European team kitted out in Glenmuir garments, which are stocked by Ralawise.

Golfwear is an important consideration for promotional and corporate wear companies. Corporate golf days are becoming more and more popular, not to mention the abundance of golf tournaments, supporter clubs and boys’ and girls’ weekends away. Coordinated outfits are a must for establishing a sense of unity and creating an impression on the green, says Tour Collection, which has created a range of golfwear garments with this in mind.

The little touches make all the difference to a corporate day or promotional event and a golf towel is the ideal giveaway item to endorse a brand or company.

Golfers today are demanding stylish golfing apparel that is comfortable to wear and versatile. UK Leisurewear plc distributes a selection of golf merchandise and accessories, which are available for next day before noon delivery and UKL operates a no minimum order value service.

The Professional Golfers’ Association offers the following advice for novice golf enthusiasts: “Every golfer should wear a hat… The modern preference is a baseball cap… while in the plunging temperatures of winter the bobble hat is the most vital piece of kit in the bag.”

The UK’s £20billion promotional marketing industry is calling for entries to the 2007 Entrepreneur of the Industry Award.

The award was launched in 2006 to recognise the individuals contributing to the advancement of the far-reaching promotional marketing industry.

The British Promotional Merchandise Association (BPMA) has appointed its youngest ever board director, 24-year-old Oliver Reynaulds, to help develop its new website.

Reynaulds, European account manager of premier promotional services, will work alongside BPMA board director Gill Thorpe in developing the website services as well as in education.

The world is now a global market and this is good news for our entire industry. The EU has legislated on how we can trade within its borders, however, we need to think beyond this.

Dye-sublimation specialist Listawood Trade Supplies is offering two-day training courses for anyone interested in setting up in, or learning more about, sublimation.

The latest innovation from Sawgrass Technologies is the 4800 Hybrid system – a dual-purpose system offering flexibility to businesses that want to capitalise on the growing personalised products segment.

Grafityp UK says it offers customers the ability to purchase a variety of heat applied garment films in one place. And each of the products has its own unique features, whether it contains elasticity for application on to stretchy materials or has a slightly sticky backing to help it adhere to the fabric when laying out your design for heat pressing.

Sporting iD, the dedicated creator of iDentity heat transfers for licensed players’ sportswear, has secured a prestigious new contract.

The company, which makes name, number and badge transfers for professional team and replica sportswear, has been named the official supplier for the Premier League’s new name and number style, with effect this month.

This year sees the introduction of yet more innovative and revolutionary products, application and marketing ideas from TheMagicTouch.

Low set-up costs and the ability to produce shorter runs of personalised clothing and gifts quickly and profitably are the major benefits of incorporating a digital transfer system into your business, says Xpres, which has introduced a number of new technologies and consumables for 2007.

Apparel heat transfer producer Chris Kay Ltd has developed a range of new products for 2007 following its recent merger with transfer and licensing specialist ITW Graphics.

I was struck by one word at this year’s P&P show: technology. That surprised me, but it occurred to me how much technology has influenced our industry and, more to the point, how many businesses are adopting new methods and enjoying the profits that accompany them. The first to seize my thoughts and form the basis of this article are transfer technologies.

With the exception of a very strange evening in Rotherham in 1982, commenting on the ink technique used on a woman’s T-shirt is usually an unsuccessful method of introduction. In the unlikely event you’re reading this though Mandy, my apologies – I was young and knew nothing of transvestism.