Making products in-house at its Blackburn factory, Clear Prospects has become one of the UK's leading manufacturers of bespoke promotional merchandise for trade distributors. Managing director, Michael Robinson (pictured) passionately champions the British made premise, with 96% of supplies to the promotional merchandise industry being made here.

Says Michael: "We've been manufacturing since 2001, though since I launched the 'British Made‘ initiative I have found the key has been to listen to what the clients want and respond to meet their needs, requests and suggestions.

"It's not difficult to listen and spot the gaps in the market though this simple business requirement is so key. The take up has been great and it is intensely satisfying to see a renaissance of British manufacturing without the need to compromise on quality, value or competitiveness. We really can compete with manufacture in parts with the Far East now - fact."

Michael has recently invested in the in-house printing facility and the company continues to work with partners for screen and pad printing. And there is in-house digital printing for full colour to textiles using a range of state of the art equipment.

According to Clear Prospects, the key players in the industry are attracted to the distinctive choice of home-produced promotional goods.

The list of products it manufactures can be found on the company's website though Michael says this is purely the shop window. Michael hopes the products will provide inspiration to potential customers, as the company is all about the manufacture of bespoke products.

Customers are encouraged to use their imagination. "Think service, not just the products in our brochure," says Michael.

"We have created all kinds of products including Mini Hoodies (a really cool small hoodie designed to fit over an MP3 player or mobile phone), Sandwich Bags (smaller bags for a sandwich, drink and crisps), Bottle & Can Bags (6 pack bags for cans and bottles), Water Bottle Slings (a handy strap for carrying a water bottle and a great new place for branding at festivals or exhibitions).

In-house printing has opened up opportunities for branding on larger, typically more difficult items such as tablecloths and cushions, in a variety of different fabrics, with minimum order quantities of one unit and printing capability from one colour to full colour.

Michael believes that his company offers many advantages over buying abroad with faster turnaround and delivery times, particularly on bespoke products in small to mid size quantities. "Distributors recognise that we are a viable, competitive choice to imported goods where service and quality are key. Buying British comes with the added incentive that by buying locally, money is reinvested locally too - something we are very committed to. "Sustainable procurement is proving to be a great selling point, especially because we are serious about our environmental commitments. It is particularly important to help stimulate the economy because buying locally allows local reinvestment."

He adds: "I actually think that it is a nice touch that we are helping to do our bit to kick-start our economy. It has not gone unnoticed and it is reassuring to see others starting to follow our lead."

This attitude is shared by many industry insiders who deem it crucial that businesses are conscious of the increasing awareness of consumers of the effects of business on the environment and society. Michael Damms, chief executive of East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce believes that sustainability is a very relevant consideration for all businesses. He concedes, however, that it does not make good business sense to approach the issue by compromising other competitive standards.

He says: "Buying British and using local businesses is good for business and for the local economy - but this should not be at the expense of important factors such as quality, service and price.

"During the current economic climate especially, the prosperity of Clear Prospects is pleasing because it achieves a balance of these key elements; working to achieve sustainability while not compromising on quality or the competitiveness of its pricing. Hopefully it sets a good example that other businesses in East Lancashire and across the UK will recognise."

Looking to the future, Michael believes his business is already well placed to grow.

"With total transparency, we remove other risks for clients including fluctuating exchange rates and fuel surcharges and perhaps most importantly offer a welcome audit trail and visit to our factory.

"We even publish on our website Certificates of Authenticity for raw materials especially where they have a marketing angle such as the British Woven Organic Cotton we use in production. With quicker turnaround times and total flexibility, buying home-made products is helping to sustain local jobs and acts both a stimulus and defence to the UK's economy."

"I endeavour to continue with our commitment to the British Made cause because I honestly believe that it is the future not only for our industry, but also for many other industries that rely on imports. I am very confident that we will only continue to go from strength to strength... and there's not many people running textile businesses in the UK who are under the age of 45," he adds.

"Our British Made concept is very simple - it's about going back to basics - high quality promotional merchandise - made in Britain."

For more information call 08707 391 591, email sales@clearprospects.com or visit www.clearprospectsmarketingservices.com

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