Welcome to this month’s issue – and what a jam-packed one it is! I had so much information this month (thank you) it was a struggle fitting it all in, but I did my best.

Accreditation first for Gildan

Gildan has become the first basic activewear apparel manufacturer to receive Fair Labor Association Accreditation

The results of a national survey, What’s on Your Desk, have shown that promotional merchandise really can help increase brand awareness.

Source-e, an online and printed catalogue sourcing company, carried out the survey of 429 workers in April. Nine out of 10 people (92%) believed that branded promotional merchandise increases a company’s brand awareness and over three quarters (76%) said they could name a brand or company/organisation featured on promotional merchandise on their desk without looking.

Ralawise has launched three new sector orientated mini brochures covering Corporatewear, Schoolwear and Workwear.

Focusing on key styles from established brands, the 16-page A5 brochures weigh 43g, making them ideal for targeting new business, said Ralawise.

Being green and ethical is no longer an option but a commercial and environmental necessity for the clothing supply chain, according to speakers from the recent ASBCI Annual Industry Conference.

Datateam Publishing has appointed Tony Gardner as advertisement manager on Printwear & Promotion to replace Tony Oliver, who retired at the end of June.

EthicStar has added another new colour to its striped zipper range. The white/black is being offered from stock for next day delivery, alongside the red/black and charcoal/black combinations.

The garment is rotary printed and carefully stitched so that the black stripes match perfectly, and made from 65/35 cotton polyester, said EthicStar.

In the summer sun, fans of the outdoors need protection from the sun and sweat, says Daiber, which is offering its Myrtle Beach sunvisors and colourful sweat bands as the solution.

Promotional products company Senator has added five new colour options to its Duo-Pen range for 2007.

The Duo-Pen is a twist-mechanism ballpen at one end and a highlighter at the other, making it an efficient desktop accessory as well as particularly useful for the conference circuit and people on the go.

Printwear & Promotion magazine has become the only publication in its market to have a 100% individually requested distribution.

Following extensive work on the readership database, an impressive 5,550 individuals now specifically request the magazine every month, making it their book of choice.

Dear Editor,

Take an active role in changing skills training

Skillfast-UK is the Sector Skills Council for the apparel, footwear and textiles industry. As Chief Executive I would like to encourage readers of Printwear and Promotion to tell us about their particular skills needs and to consider their role in the wider training and skills infrastructure.

Printwear & Promotion is delighted to announce the launch of a comprehensive new awards programme for the decorated garment and promotional products industrty. The annual Printwear & Promotion Awards have been designed to bring together the entire industry in a celebration of the companies, innovations and people that are achieving the highest professional standards and helping to drive this dynamic and rapidly expanding business sector forward.

Liz Karn, board director of the British Promotional Merchandise Association (BPMA) and founder and md of Essex-based, Merit Promotional Clothing, has been presented with the prestigious Victor Rosewell Award in recognition of her longstanding contributions to the promotional merchandise industry.

With the 2012 Olympics drawing closer and big companies continuing to refine the methods they use to deal with suppliers, e-tendering is very much a part of what will become day-to-day supplier client relations.

Touchstone Exhibitions & Conferences Ltd, the UK events organiser responsible for the forthcoming National Incentive Show in September, is to sponsor the British Promotional Merchandise Association’s (BPMA) Entrepreneur of the Industry Award 2007.

“The global garment workforce in 2007 is tired, underpaid and unable to benefit from globalisation.” Tired and underpaid – probably how many of us feel after a hard weeks work – but it’s all too easy to take our way of life for granted and forget the appalling working conditions that are still the norm for millions of garment workers across the world.

It was four and a half years in the making but the end result is definitely worth the wait. TheMagicTouch’s new, patented WOW transfer paper is being hailed as a ‘milestone’ in garment decoration.

It is easy to become confused by and suspicious of the proliferation of ‘ethical’ claims by manufacturers about textiles, and T-shirts in particular. Eco-friendly, green, sustainable, organic, 100% natural, azo-free, fairly traded, Fairtrade, ethically traded... What does each mean exactly, what difference do they make, and are they legitimate? Continental Clothing’s Philip Charles gives an abridged version of the PAN UK guide My Sustainable Tshirt, which provides a clear explanation of each to allow you to decide what is genuine.

Ethically produced clothing is not a passing fad. High street clothing giants such as Marks & Spencer, H&M and Topshop are publicly committed to increasing the number of fair trade and/or organic cotton garments that they offer.

Over the last few years, the rise in popularity of organic cotton clothing has been unprecedented. As a result of increased global concern about environmental issues, a spotlight has focused on the garment industry in particular, which has long been criticised for its often non-environmentally friendly and unethical production methods.

The organic cotton label by Continental is a stock collection of the highest quality blank garments produced in 100% pure, organically grown cotton. It is certified by the Control Union World Group, to the Organic Exchange 100 guidelines and the Skal International Standards for sustainable textile production, which verifies conformity with organic regulations of Europe, Japan and the US.

The UK’s only dedicated supplier of environmentally friendly business incentives has launched a new range of organic t-shirts.

Eco Incentives’ Bamboo T-shirt is manufactured from naturally sustainable bamboo – a light and almost translucent yarn that feels like silk but with the practical advantage of being machine washable. This fabric is gaining popularity in the fashion world and is ideal for promotional campaigns, says Eco.

Fairtrade is a real buzzword for 2007 with everyone from Topshop to Razorlight getting involved, says Epona. But there is still a lot of confusion about what Fairtrade actually means and a scepticism surrounding price, quality and the authenticity of Fairtrade products.

In 2005 Mantis World launched its 100% certified organic cotton collection – Tender Loving Clothing (TLC) – to the printwear and promotional market, through mainstream distributors.

PenCarrie stocks organic cotton clothing from new ethical brand Okarma, whose collection of three staple designs – a men’s tee, a ladies’ fitted tee, and a unisex polo shirt – have been available since February and are selling well.

In recent years public awareness of ethically sound products has been heightened. Consumer buying habits have changed, with more people choosing to shop for Fairtrade products. Individuals are now doing their bit to try and stabilise the long term future of our planet.

It has become a top priority for corporate buyers, and individuals, to buy from suppliers who demonstrate that they care for the environment and look after people whose livelihoods depend on farming and manufacturing.

Saf has been supplying organic cotton clothing to the promotional market in the UK for almost two years now and says it has seen the demand for organic cotton grow consistently over that period.

Since the start of the new millennium, our collective conscience has pushed forward notions of Fair Trade and the ‘benefit’ of organic products, says UK Leisurewear.

Being part of an industry that produces thousands of garments a day this seems a positive step forward.

Sandbag is an established UK ethical clothing brand – although you might not know it as, until now, it has worked behind the scenes to supply socially accountable clothing for recording artists, charities and NGOs.

Wombat has produced three products for women in 100% Fairtrade certified cotton in response to growing consumer concern over how products are produced.

Small businesses, as many garment decorators are, don't do enough marketing. Not that I blame you. In the first case, it's perceived as expensive, and, of course, it can be, although it's not always the case. Then you don't have the necessary expertise in house (and bought in expertise is invariably expensive). Finally there's the fear that you'll charge off in the wrong direction and get nil result from your time and money. Any of these concerns are valid so let's address solutions.

Think of the food industry in terms of clothing and you're likely to think aprons, chef's whites and those funny cylindrical white hats. There are a lot more garments to consider, however.

Leading headwear brand Beechfield reports that pink is shaping up to be this summer’s hot colour choice… for men!

“Sales figures suggest that pink is no longer a women-only colour,” confirms Beecfield’s Roger McHugh. He suggests that garment decorators could reap dividends by including a pink cap in sales presentations to fashion-conscious clients this season.

According to Mary Fawcus, business development director at Blue Max Stag, “garment decorators are looking for products that combine high performance at value for money prices”.

Men typically get by with a short list of clothing basics and, with the coming of warmer months; the must-haves boil down to a few classic essentials. These fundamentals should be comfortable, durable and easy on the wallet.

Two new slim fit shirts are the headline styles in Fruit of the Loom’s summer 2007 menswear collection.

The Slim Fit Polo and Slim Fit T are designed specifically for men and are heavily inspired by current trends in retail, with both styles featuring subtly shaped side seams for a closer, more athletic cut.

This summer the Continental Clothing Company recommends two key menswear styles from its Tshirt range. Both are new products that became available from stock this May.

The Men’s Burnout Jersey T-shirt, in 50/50 Cotton/Polyester Jersey 160g, is described as the ‘New Fasion T-shirt’.

Men are fickle creatures but invariably their tastes never change, says Henbury. “The majority of men will still be wearing the same polo shirt, jumper and pair of chinos in 10 years time, but thank goodness the corporate and business wear market has changed in the last 10 years,” it says.

“At Front Row, we don’t want to dictate style: we want to respond to it.” In order to achieve this and stay ahead of the game, the company closely monitors existing sales, ensures that styles and colourways are constantly assessed and keeps a close eye on competitors. “Above all, Front Row responds to market demand. This includes gathering, but more importantly, taking on board customer feedback,” says managing director Clive Hurley.

Mantis World claims to have recognised early on the differences between men’s and women’s wear, and the Mantis range has been crafted to bring a range of garments dedicated to meet the needs of each sex.

Vintage-look menswear is everywhere on the high street and PenCarrie reports strong demand for the new colour-faded pigment dyed and enzyme washed styles now available to garment decorators.

Current trends in the menswear market provide an excellent opportunity for the Regatta promotional and corporatewear brand, which says it has the expertise and experience to offer the menswear market something different.

In the printwear and promotion market menswear is driven by performance, with workwear being the most popular area in the market, says Prestige.

Ralawise has commented in the past on the great scope for sales in the menswear market, solely down to the fact that the modern man takes far more of an interest in his appearance than in days gone by. Male grooming and appearance is no longer something men shy away from. Quite the opposite in fact, says Ralawise, with more male orientated products on high street store shelves than ever before.

There was a time in the not too distant past when, in general, men and fashion just didn’t appear to go together, says Russell Europe. Men were not interested in shopping, even in men only stores, and tended to choose their clothes on the basis of functionality rather than style.

You don’t have to be skinny, nor indeed do you necessarily have to be fit to wear Skinnifitmen. Wearing the clothes won’t work wonders with your pecs, nor will it transform a couch potato into an Olympic athlete. What Skinnifitmen does offer, however, is “a range of carefully thought out menswear that fits well, looks good and reflects what’s happening within the retail sector”.

The menswear available from distributors is now so much broader than T-shirts, sweats and polos, says UK Leisurewear.

Within Jerzees Colours’ range of popular promotional garments is a brand new sub collection – Vintage. Vintage encompasses smart cotton T’s and polos that have been pigment dyed to impart a depth of colour and then enzyme washed to give the Vintage look and feel to the fabric. The polos and T’s are complemented by a zip through sweat in fashionable French Terry, offering an up to the minute street look.

As one of the biggest distributors in the industry, Pencarrie prides itself on its customer service. Rebecca Green met the team and discovered how things are done the Pencarrie way

Sixteen years ago things looked very different at PenCarrie, which started out as a small clothing manufacturer before making the move into distribution.

Ask any rugby fan to pick the most influential player in their team, and they will almost certainly point to the number 10. The Fly Half calls the shots, drops the goals and kicks the conversions. As Jonny Wilkinson showed in 2003, and the All Blacks’ Daniel Carter has been demonstrating ever since, choosing the right number 10 is crucial to success.

European promotional brand B&C has developed a complete range of ‘his and her’ polo shirts for the Rugby World Cup. The B&C Rugby has been pepped-up for 2007, with a more modern and up-to-date cut, making it perfect for this unique occasion, says the company. It is made with heavy Jersey for comfort and is designed for perfect printing, while its reinforced placket and white twill collar give it a modern look. It comes in five colours and four sizes (M to XXL).

The stylish new KooGa collection offers the garment decoration industry a brand that fulfils all the needs of the modern rugby player and supporter, says BTC activewear, from training and match-play clothing to rugby lifestyle sportswear.

Evo Clothing md John Sunderland looks at some of the issues to consider when stocking up for the Rugby World Cup

The England team is entering the Rugby World Cup this year as World Champions so there is a lot of expectation for them to perform well.

Daiber offers a broad range of trendy fan apparel for the Rugby World Cup. The James & Nicholson collection comprises short and long-sleeved polo shirts in many styles, and fans can fly the flag for their team with Flag Shirts and Flag Caps.

EthicStar offers a variety of styles in rugby shirts, including the traditional men’s rugby shirts in classic colours such as navy, red and black from stock.

The company also offers rugby shirts specifically for women. “Recently we have seen a growing trend for styles which give a better fitting and shape for women.We have seen the increased demand for women’s T-shirts but increasingly customers are asking for women’s rugby shirts,” says EthicStar.

Rugby shirt supplier Front Row has increased stock levels to cope with demand leading up to and after the World Cup tournament takes place.

Polo shirts are the garment of choice for fans at this summer’s World Cup Finals, according to fashion and rugby experts, says Fruit of the Loom.

Listawood Promotional Products offers a large range of sporting incentives that are ideal for events such as the Rugby World Cup.

With the Rugby World Cup fast approaching in September, the garment decoration industry is gearing up for a busy time.

Prestige Leisure UK is offering its customers a wide range of both rugby performance wear and rugby leisurewear, the full range of which can be found at www.prestigeleisure.com.

PenCarrie has increased its stockholding ahead of the expected demand for merchandise in the run up to September’s Rugby World Cup (RWC).

The Rugby World Cup is now only a few months away and excitement is starting to build. The event will attract millions of viewers and media interest. For our industry this offers great scope for increased sales in rugby wear both pre and post World Cup. With foresight, Ralawise has introduced a dedicated Rugby section to its 2007 Directory and website to make life easier for customers sourcing rugby attire.

Companies are busy planning their promotional events to take advantage ofith this year’s fast approaching Rugby World Cup. With such an international appeal, rugby provides abundant promotional and corporate opportunities, from mass rugby-themed giveaways to catering events and printed themed garments.

September and October 2007 are set to be Rugby mad with the forthcoming World Cup and there are plenty of ways to capitalise on this international sporting event, says UK Leisurewear.

The first point of call is bound to be the rugby shirt and the first name that springs to mind is Front Row.

We now live in a world where consumers are seriously beginning to take into consideration the environmental and ethical impact their purchases make on the planet – on both a professional and personal level.

It’s a fact, the hottest buzzword in the promotional merchandise sector is ‘green’. With a passion not seen for many years, both manufacturers and distributors are seeking out products, including clothes, which are ecologically safe and environmentally sound.

EVERYTHING ENVIRONMENTAL specialises exclusively in the manufacture, sourcing and supply of eco friendly business gifts, and has been a member of PROMOTA since it first started trading in 2005.

Taking a stand at a trade show is an investment in terms of financial and human resources for any company. Properly planned and executed, an exhibit at the right show is an excellent opportunity for interacting with current customers, making contact with new customers and networking with your peers.

Trade shows can be a great way of developing new business and strengthening relationships with existing clients. While we’ve all got used to doing business over the phone or via email, you can’t beat some good old-fashioned networking and face to face contact – particularly in this industry where the feel of garments is a crucial factor. But how can businesses get the most out of exhibitions and turn those enquiries into orders? Over the next few pages Printwear & Promotion will bring you tips, tricks and best practice ideas from some of the leading players in the industry that should ensure blisters aren’t the only things you take home from your next exhibition.

The idea for this month’s article came from an old 80's track I was listening to on the radio the other day (Depeche Mode - Personal Jesus I think) when a line, 'reach out and touch me', got me thinking that marketing a business is exactly this.

Fifty ways to leave your lover; how to re-style your living room into a Californian beachfront paradise; a hundred fish finger recipes to excite your party guests; the way to a more sustained orgasm while reducing house work and re-shaping a buttock… Women's magazines will argue about various methods to improve your life and steer you away from that malodorous lump in the armchair –the one in the gravy stained vest drooling into his special brew.