As summer races scarily on and we find ourselves at the mid point in the year (and still without even a hint of a suntan!), it is interesting to look back at the issues and trends that have shaped the first half, while considering what the next six months, or even years, might hold for the promotional industry.

Dickies

Founded in Texas in 1922 from humble beginnings as manufacturers of bib and brace, Dickies have grown into one of the most internationally recognised work wear brands. Dickies is now the number one manufacturer of work apparel worldwide. The UKL 2007 range includes core styles from the Dickies Redhawk range including the WD4839 range of boiler suits.

It continues to be a busy year for Blue Max Group and we are pleased to announce our latest line up of garments for 2007.

The acquisition of Stag has been an exciting time for Blue Max and, with the addition of a number of new products including blazers, trousers, skirts, knitwear and rugby jerseys, we are now offering one of the widest range of schoolwear garments available from one company in the UK.

Gildan continues to lead the way in apparel manufacturing worldwide, with over 15,000+ workers committed to delivering the highest quality, best value products inside each and every carton. Our position as a fully vertical manufacturer means that we control every step of the process from raw fibre to finished garments, which allows us to guarantee that every Gildan garment meets the industry's most stringent quality standards.

With Autumn fast approaching, the demand for warmer clothing will grow over the next few months.

Jerzees best selling 762M Raglan Sweatshirt is made from 295gsm SpotShield™ stain resistant fabric with a tubular body construction for shape retention. This Sweatshirt comes in sizes ranging from XS to 4XL, and an extensive colour palette of 16 colours.

Since it was founded four years ago, Dundee based company RSK Tech Ltd has been focused on developing software technology in the areas of e-commerce and workflow specifically for garment decorators. Today RSK Tech has 14 employees of which 7 are Programmers.

The interest for the garment decoration industry came from founder Anders Rask. He had been working with Danish heat transfer printer NS System which his parents founded all the way back in 1965. Anders started doing minor work at a very young age and by the age of 12 he could run a flatbed screen printer.

Printing and Embroidery, two disciplines that are very different in the way they are produced but that have one important thing in common - a personalised, high quality final product. It is therefore unsurprising that many Embroidery suppliers are routinely asked if they can supply printed items. If this applies to your company or if you are just looking to expand your business into other areas then maybe a Digital Garment Printer is a solution.

Operating beyond the compass of the usual stock suppliers is a company that says it likes you to tell them exactly what you want - the look, the fit, the colours, the quantities.

Such versatility and adaptability - here in the UK? Could such a company exist?...

EthicStar for 2007 has added great new styles into its collection. With the success of the striper skinny fits and with increased demand EthicStar is now also offering the different colour combination of striper tees in the men’s tees. The trendy striper tshirt in standard men’s size is being offered from stock. The classic rotary printed garment with black gothic stripes running across the garment give it a real trendy look. The ladies stripers being offered from stock are red/black, white/black, hot pink/black and fuchsia/lime (in 2 sizes S/M and M/L).

DAIBER offers a broad range of trendy fan apparel for the Rugby World Cup. The James & Nicholson collection comprises short and longsleeved polo shirts in many styles. Furthermore fans can fly the flag with Flag Shirts. Fitting Myrtle Beach Flag Caps even top the style. The shirts and caps with the flag design of different countries are a must for every fan. Let the game get started…

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.