Blue Max PASSED:Layout 1 17/02/2009 09:26 Page 42
BLUE MAX PROFILE
Living life to the Max
The printwear market may be ever-competitive, but Blue Max has
ensured space for future expansion with major enhancements to its
warehouse and logistics systems. Neill Barston met company founder
Mary Fawcus (centre pic, with Ian Ryden right) to find out more.
A
s a business model, Mary She explains that while she had no formal “Blue Max was a beautiful and charming horse.
Fawcus’s philosophy of business training, it’s a case of dedication and a The business started the day that he retired- I had
supplying quality products and will to succeed which has been vital to success. been asked to raise funds for the British equestrian
smart service at realistic prices has proven a There’s no doubt she has seen the business Olympic fund in 1988 and that was it. Ours was
winning formula. founded with husband David expand beyond very nearly the largest donation,” she explained of
So much so that last year Blue Max spent over recognition from its origins in her attic at Keevil her fledgling efforts in printwear.
£1 million on increasing the size of its warehouse near Trowbridge in the late 1980s. It was not until 1992 that the firm gained its
which will ensure the company is primed for “I feel that I’m very lucky to have fantastic staff first full premises, but several moves down the
further expansion over the coming years. here, some of whom have been with me for many line, it appears well settled at its present location
Clearly, complacency is not a word in the years,” says Mary. “It’s great fun but extremely on the outskirts of Trowbridge.
company’s dictionary and those at its heart are hard work - we have a great work ethic here. My It now employs 48 in total at Trowbridge,
aiming to ensure it stays that way during the husband leads by example, and certainly during Nottingham and a further 40 at a Polish factory,
present economic downturn. those early years he worked all hours and often which offers an edge over many competitors
Of course any strategy needs to be underpinned still does! reliant on suppliers from outside of
by strong products and that’s exactly what the “When we first started there were very few Europe.
Wiltshire company delivers in spades. Its range of suppliers in the schoolwear market, so we were a Such a shrewd move will
school wear in particular is especially strong. It has breath of fresh air. doubtless prove
built on the success garnered by its best-selling “Personally I get hopping mad at a lack of invaluable in
Penthouse Polo shirt with the acquisition of Stag, service, so when I started the business with my extremely
which has added blazers, trousers, skirts and husband it was with the intention of treating tough
knitwear to its staple range. people as we expect to be treated ourselves.” trading
While some firms will struggle to fulfil orders, Naming their company after their daughter’s conditions this
Blue Max has ensured that its huge warehouse champion eventing horse may not on the year.
stock supply is of paramount importance, 10,000 surface seem entirely conventional, As chief operating
products on its books. This can hold up to 5 but there’s no doubt it has a officer,Ian Ryden explains,
million garments in stock at any one time. certain distinctive “there’s no such thing as a recession
As the company’s business development sales ring to it. proof business,” but enthuses that the
director, Mary comes across as keenly focused but company has a strong degree of confidence in its
perfectly down to earth. clothing portfolio.
| 42 | March 2009 www.printwearandpromotion.co.uk
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