As we move into the New Year, there are plenty of developments within the garment decoration industry in new materials, technology and ever-expanding product ranges.  It's with this in mind that I'd like to introduce myself, Neill Barston, as the new editor of Printwear and Promotion. Many thanks are due to the former post holder, Rebecca Green who made great strides with the publication during her time in terms of its design and content. It's a credit to her that I'm taking the helm on a title that's in such fine health and wish Rebecca all the very best.

Friday 14 November saw a Disney themed fancy dress day at Ralawise's head office as the company raised money for Children In Need. Staff were invited to dress as their chosen Disney character with a number taking the opportunity to show their creative side.

Bags2Keep has launched what is described as the totally green bag for life. The 100 per cent recyclable or biodegradable VertVivant range is made from either unbleached cotton calico, recycled cotton waste or fully certified organic cotton.

The challenges of printing and personalising packaging with Braille is an important industry issue. Atlantic Zeiser's new Braillejet printing system is described as an innovative and accurate solution for personalisation and encoding applications. The company states Braillejet features a unique micro valve for printing high viscosity UV ink which allows immediate dot fixation.

Workwear and Corporate Clothing Show's conference on sustainability is designed to help manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and buyers improve their sustainability in a world where consumers are increasingly aware of sustainable manufacturing processes, eco textiles and green clothing.

Supporting women's sport

Essex-based promotional clothing and corporate wear supplier, IS Enterprises, is supporting Colchester United ladies U19 Football team and the Community Sports Trust. The team recently won the prestigious Gothia Cup also known as the World Youth Cup. IS Enterprises supported the team by providing G12500A Gildan Ultra Cotton Adult Hooded Sweatshirts with the special Gothia cup logo for the whole team.

www.isenterprisesintl.com

RSK Tech has signed a reseller agreement with Innovative Garment Solutions to distribute the RSK NetShirt range of custom garment decoration solutions throughout the UK. IGS already distributes the T-Jet printer range manufactured by US Screen Print and Inkjet Technology.

PressMech's A3 Bag Press is designed for heat transfer bag applications including school bags, sports bags, suitcases, briefcases and even popular ‘bags for life' style products. Its quick change platens and free-arm-free space design allows decoration on any size and shape bag from 50 by 50mm to 510 by 386mm without double handling, seam pressing or special folding.

Promotional merchandise industry trade association, Promota, has launched a new website ahead of the International Promota Show 2009. Designed to provide essential exhibitor and visitor information, the site features updated information, news and booking details.

Welcome back everyone. As usual I spent the Christmas period at my ski lodge in Aspen Colorado, sipping the gluvine, and impressing friends with the size of my yuletide log.

Mantis World has won the Manufacturer Award at the Re:Fashion 2008 ethical fashion awards. The judges, including designer Katherine Hamnett and Daily Telegraph fashion director Hilary Alexander, measured entrants on their impact on world poverty, sustainability and the environment. Mantis World, in partnership with its affiliated Tanzanian factory, received the Manufacturer of the Year Award in the category of Making a Difference.

Totex polo shirts are available in 15 stock colours in 200g poly cotton. Typical price  (including 10K stitch embroidery to the left breast and 5K to the right sleeve or back neck, back neck and side seam labelling) is £4.95p each: landed and delivered using stocked fabric.

The organiser of Sign & Digital UK 2009 states the show is filling fast with exhibitors including Hewlett-Packard, Roland DG, Robert Horne Group, Hybrid Services, Hexis, Spandex, William Smith, AXYZ and Fujifilm Sericol.

The organiser of UK promotional products industry show, Trade Only, states the event will see host the launch of thousands of new products from companies including PF Concept, Mid Ocean Brands, Impression Europe, Macma and Easy Gifts UK.

B&C has announced UKL has been appointed as a stockist from January 2009. The B&C collection is designed for quality and fit, with the company always keen to try new things. In 2009, metallics are being extended into gold and silver Sirocco jackets, plus a Sirocco camouflage jacket.

South West-based T Shirt and Sons was invited to present developments in organic printed certified clothing at this year's Rite Group conference. Director of T Shirt and Sons, Andy Lunt, has been working with the Soil Association to pioneer a Global Organic Standards (GOTS) compliant organic ink system for the last six years.

Central London was the location and 3am on a Monday morning was the time when MHM closed an otherwise busy street to install a client's new dryer. To add to the drama the window through which the dryer passed was directly above the entrance to an underground station. Also, the dryer had to be tipped on its side to fit through the opening. The company's technicians had the dryer installed and working ready for the Monday morning shift.

2009 will see the launch of the newest addition to the Barudan product range, the V series 18 head.

Reflexite has introduced an environmentally friendly reflective film for badges, piping and other safety accessories.

BTC activewear has launched a new logo and corporate identity across its marketing material, including its new 2009 catalogue.

Continental chocolate and confectionery supplier, House of Sarunds, has added chocolate business cards to its corporate range. Turn any box of chocolates into a tasty business card. House of Sarunds can place a clear plastic holder across the lid and then position a business card inside: et voila.

Embroidery and decoration technology specialist, Wilcom International, claims to have raised the level of supplier engagement and e-commerce expertise thanks to Wilcom DecoNetwork.com. This business solution lets embroiders and printers use the web to promote and sell their products.

Balmoral's 2009 Directory features stock and bespoke knitwear, plus fleeces, polos, sweatshirts and shirts. The company has expanded its school knitwear range which is made off-shore to Balmoral standards in NewTPA yarn. Tumble-dryable, machine-wash, low iron, soft-handle and durable, the raglan pullovers are now available in Vintage Port, Pine Green, Mariner Blue, Mid Grey and Black.

‘We know how important colour, fit and performance are to you. We know you want to be able to mix and match, and that co-ordination of product is key. We also understand that you want to be able to select from men's, women's and kids' wear.

I am delighted to be starting the year by contributing my first column to the magazine. The Schoolwear Association had a successful year in 2008; with the Untax Our Teens campaign during the summer and our stand at The Schoolwear Show, which had a remarkable turnout from people within the industry. During the back to school period I was anticipating an onslaught of negative press regarding the price of the schoolwear uniforms as we have come to expect from previous years.  It appears that it was combated, in part, by the fantastic work put forward by everyone who works with or alongside the Schoolwear Association and we look to continue this momentum right through 2009.

I am not Private Fraser and we are not all doomed. But you'd have to hunt high and low in the serious business press to read that message. Deloitte's, at least, have gone on record that Christmas spending is expected to hold up especially amongst younger consumers, but elsewhere the Jeremiahs are having a field day. It is easy to write doom and gloom copy and so contribute to economic woes, but I refuse to join in, not because I'm a fool with rose-tinted spectacles but because of the conversations I've had with printwear businesses these past weeks.

P&P: Are you surprised by the number of people who use and continue to sign up to use PromoServe Software?

AT:  No, because this industry is large enough to warrant its own specialist system. Traditionally distributors and suppliers have got by using systems designed for similar industries and adapting them as best as they could to work for corporate merchandise and clothing. This will only work to a degree though, and frequently creates more effort than it saves. Software should work for you - it should save you time and money - and fundamentally PromoServe's success is down to it fulfilling these requirements.

BTC activewear has increased its range by nearly 25% for 2009, offering 38 market leading brands. They were the first and still are the largest UK distributor of both Fruit of the Loom and Gildan, and once again offer their entire collections for 2009.

American Apparel just added the HJ401 Army Surplus Tee. The classic T-shirt, made from thick and ultra-comfy Heather Cotton Rayon Mock Jersey is perfect for cooler months.

KITGUM POPOVER FLEECE HOODIE - EL7U3001

The first 100% African fleece Hoodie.

• Cozy unisex popover hooded sweatshirt with central pouch pocket and comfortable hood with drawstring. Classic fit. 
• 50% organic cotton/30% conventional cotton/20% polyester. 300 grams Knitted and manufactured in Swaziland.
• Available in Organic or Conventional Cotton.
• Easy to wash
• Sizes: S- 4XL. *Unisex style - women may wish to order one size smaller.
• Colours: Black and White.

The B&C collection is based on an insatiable desire for all things new, and curiosity combined with an endless fascination with creativity. Every garment in the collection should evoke a promotion, a campaign, an event or a message... and the creative work lying behind them. Every garment is designed to be decorated.

Teamwear is not a new concept: it's been around for many years in some formats. However, 2008 was the year in which teamwear suddenly was thrust into the spotlight and customers recognised the benefits of a range of fully interchangeable, sports-inspired clothing. Finden+Hales enjoyed a record 2008, and are predicting a steady growth in business for 2009. Teamwear is wearable sportswear: clothing for teams, clubs and societies who have a requirement to look united and cohesive. This is not restricted to sporting groups either: Finden+Hales are reporting healthy sales in other markets such as corporate-wear, staff uniforms and utility companies.

‘Organic cotton garments', ‘lightweight fabrics' and ‘even more colours' are the main focus of Fruit of the Loom's new product developments for 2009. The company is launching eight new styles, two brand new fabrics, and two new colours - Apricot and Mint. It is also adding 34 extra colour options across 22 established styles.

Do you want to show your curves but don't want to squeeze yourself in an uncomfortable body tight T-shirt? Or are comfort fitting shirts not your style? In short, are you looking for a comfortable but still feminine T-shirt? if so, Hanes says its new  TasTy range will be just the thing for you.

Welcome to the Henbury 2009 Collection.  The label that represents quality, innovation and detailed design in the world of Corporate, Promotion and Workwear Clothing.

This year sees the addition of a new brand to the I.S.Enterprises brochure in the form of Mantis - who specialise in women, men's and children's clothing. New to the I.S.Enterprises brochure is the M63 Women's Pull-On Hoodie from Mantis, an 80% Cotton / 20% Polyester hoodie, which features self-colour drawcord to the hood, a double layered hood, kangaroo pouch pockets and shaped side seams.

Leading suppliers Listawood promote largest ever range of new products:

Styles introduced across the four brands - Mantis, Humbugz, Babybugz and TLC - include cool, sheer Jersey Tees in fashion colours, and funky stripes in a variety of tees and cute babywear.  All available from stock. The entire Mantis World range is Oeko-Tex certified and this year the organic cotton collection, TLC, has further achieved GOTS certification.

PenCarrie's portfolio of brands and products for 2009 is more impressive than ever with the addition of over 325 garments and accessories, all beautifully introduced in a special New Products supplement as well as featuring in the company's main brochure.  There are collections from four brands new to PenCarrie, namely Dickies (durable workwear and industrial footwear); Pen Duick (sailing inspired outerwear); Stormtech (performance clothing for the outdoor enthusiast); and RTXTRA. 

Ralawise are looking forward to 2009 with a number of key additions to our brand portfolio. With a total of 61 brands now available offering 1700+ products, Ralawise are sure we can fulfill your needs over the next 12 months and beyond.

With the credit crunch biting on all areas of business, reliability and durability become even more important in the world of corporatewear. With fantastic experience and a history of producing high quality, good value product, Regatta are well placed to fight the credit crunch.

The current economic climate will obviously result in some market changes but the feeling at Skinnifit isn't one of doom and depression. One of the key trends as identified within the marketplace is for an increase in retail-type styling with end users demanding the quality of fabrics, construction, fit and look of retail brands. The inevitable shift towards focusing on value will mean customers paying more attention to product - and ensuring that their money is well spent. The lowest price does not necessarily mean the best value for money: if the product isn't right then the customer won't be happy. Skinnifit are well placed here: reflecting retail styling with a range of great quality garments that will last and that people want to wear.

Skinnifitmen, now in its fourth year, is the only 100% menswear brand in the marketplace, and ‘09 sees the introduction of four new products.

Skinni Minni: there may not be a huge range of products but what there is packs a mighty punch! Latest to the Skinni Minni nursery is the Modern Essential Polo (SM042): a scaled down version of the increasingly popular Skinnifit style. Let's face it: the little ones are happiest when wearing something lovely and trendy. Available in three colours including the new favourite (black), the ever popular fuchsia and the divine white, and from ages 4/6 up to 10/12.

Whilst the retail sector in general has been going through a tough time in recent months, e-commerce continues to buck the trend, and can be the perfect vehicle to grow your business and find new customers. Campbell Cameron, Sales and Marketing Director with RSK Tech explains why.

Shugon Bags & Leather Goods Ltd has been established in the promotional industry for over 25 years, designing and manufacturing a wide range of bags and leather goods. Our products are manufactured to ISO 9001 quality standard, using only the finest materials and accessories.

Russell Workwear

When looking for Workwear often complete work uniforms are required. That's why Russell Workwear introduces new products and colours for 2009 that further enhance the possibilities to create and offer full work uniforms.

TheMagicTouch approach 2009 with more image transfer innovation covering new aspects of garment and promotional product decoration. Since 1992, the company in the UK has seen considerable advances in digital printer technology resulting today in quality, value and reliability that are "second to none".

Last year was not a great year for the Teamwear shorts, TT105, mostly due to the weather. We can blame the economic climate, except that everything else has sold well.

B&C, the market leader in mainland Europe, offer garments with quality in mind as well as being cut for the perfect fit. In the collection is the DUO  CONCEPT, these are garments all with a ‘his and hers' version, both in matching colourways but with specific men's and women's tailoring and details. The B&C Collection includes everything from T-Shirts through to Jackets.

Have you ever said ‘yes' to an embroidery job then realised you've bitten off more than you can chew? If so, then you'll understand what a relief it is when you find a company like Premier Embroidery - a friendly, family run embroiderer based in Nottingham.

Blue Max is a well-established importer of a range of quality garments for corporate wear.  Blue Max says its garments have become synonymous with a quality and reputation that can withstand the demands of the working environment - all at genuine, value for money prices. 

BTC activewear has added Russell Collection to its ever-growing portfolio of brands for 2009. The range includes the popular Men's Easy Care Oxford Shirt, available in both short and long sleeve options and in a choice of six corporate colours.

Fruit of the Loom is adding the colour navy to its men's and women's Poplin Shirts for 2009, as demand for its Work Shirts range continues to rise.

The Henbury Business Wear Collection offers a totally co-ordinated range of clothing for both men and women, offering unparalleled choice in design and colour. Henbury focuses on providing the highest quality of garments, incorporating stylish designs and innovative ideas. All the fabrics have been chosen specially to ensure durability and performance, many with fabric treatments for easy care. Whether for a casual or more formal environment, Henbury says it wants you to feel comfortable in what you are wearing.

I.S.Enterprises promotional clothing company is based in Colchester, Essex. Established in 1971 it caters for the middle to top end of the market, supplying to companies requiring a long-term reliable source of supply for a varied and full range of products. It handles a variety of different clothing and apparel brands including, Fruit of the Loom, Gildan, Jerzees, Kustom Kit, Quadra, Mantis and Result jackets and headwear.

The 2009 Kustom Kit corporate collection features modern tailoring teamed with soft, innovative fabrics in beautiful colours and an unbeatable selection of matching options for men and women - all ensuring that your whole team is completely co-ordinated.

New corporatewear styles available from PenCarrie reflect the diversity of this sector, where formal businesswear is as much in demand as more relaxed smart-casual clothes. Styles all offer something extra and different for 2009, with quality brands such as Russell Collection, Kustom Kit and Henbury.

Ralawise offers a selection of corporate styles from trusted brands such as Premier, Russell Collection, Kustom Kit, Fruit of the Loom, Henbury and Hanes.

Result says it designs smart outerwear to compliment any formal outfit using traditional tailoring with contemporary styling in the most up-to-date fabric using Result breathable weatherproof technology.

Confidence and style are central to the Russell Collection design philosophy. Russell's superbly tailored shirts for men and women add an edge to every organisation, says UKL. New for 2009, is the Non-Iron range, bringing a new sense of luxury to the workplace, with a revolutionary fabric and a choice of fit for men.

"We can no longer say that ethical textiles are just another marketing tool aimed at ethically minded consumer, it's about ensuring that the product you are producing is regulated and safe," says Asif Shah of UK testing laboratory Shirley Technologies, which now provides certification for Made in Green approved products.

Eco-Option is the new sub-brand from Beechfield Brands, which offers a coordinated collection of printable promotional bags and headwear with guaranteed ethical and environmental credentials.

BTC activewear has been offering Shugon's range of great value bags exclusively for some years and for 2009 has added many exciting new additions to this popular brand's range.

According to I.S. Enterprises, for 2009 there is an emphasis on providing an alternative carrying solution for shoppers as it is quickly becoming the 'norm' to take your own re-usable carrier bags for shopping in the supermarket or high street. This trend is reflected in the new 2009 I.S.Enterprises brochure, which offers ideal Quadra products from their Westfield range.

PF Concept claims to be the largest supplier of bags in the UK promotional industry. With over 200 stock styles to choose from and a stock holding well in excess of one million pieces across all bag styles at any one time, it offers a stylish and functional product range to suit any budget and any requirement.

New bags stocked by PenCarrie for 2009 come in a variety of shapes and a multitude of colours.  Some are highly innovative. There's a shopper made from recycled plastic bottles from Okarma; a high visibility backpack and messenger bag from RTY Workwear; and three sports bags from Finden & Hales that co-ordinate with their teamwear.  The majority of new bags, however, including a selection of ‘Eco-Option' bags, come from the mainstream bag brand Quadra, its colourful counterpart BagBase and volume-promotions partner Westford Mill.

William Turner & Son has developed a fully bespoke range of team bags for the club and school markets. This includes three sizes of holdall, backpacks, boot bags, nylon bags and gift accessories such as wallets, pencil cases and lunch bags.

Originally being promoted as a sell-on product, Bags are now well established apparel items within our industry, with customers now seeing the benefit of bags as a core product for a range of sectors, says Ralawise. Bags are perfect to complete a corporate style, school uniform or team kit. 

Shugon Bags & Leather Goods Ltd has been established in the promotional industry for over 25 years, designing and manufacturing a wide range of bags and leather goods. Its products are manufactured to ISO 9001 quality standard, using only the finest materials and accessories.

Why is it that New Year's resolutions always seem to fall through, however much you try and stick to them? As we look forward to a new year why not look to setting yourself targets which will really help you and your business. At the top of this list really should be attending trade exhibitions. Attending a trade exhibition immediately sets your business up for the coming months, be this in terms of new business leads through networking, great promotional show offers or just helping your general understanding of the industry.

Robert Hicks from RHR Select has been a Promota member for 16 years and certainly understands the importance of attending members' only exhibitions. 

Printwear & Promotion - THE annual trade show for the UK garment decoration and promotional products industry - celebrates its 20th birthday with some exciting changes and developments.

We've enjoyed the prawn cocktail or the melon balls, the steak and the crinkle chips; unsure of which part of the chicken they come from we may have avoided the goujons, but the black forest gateau is a must for all but the most adventurous...there is however, always one...