Blue Max PASSED:Layout 1 17/02/2009 09:26 Page 43
BLUE MAX PROFILE
Ever keen to move with the times, this now to our warehouse,” adds Ian, who reveals that
encompasses a fashionable new soft-shell jacket, the recent creation of school academies across
which is anticipated to prove a real hit with England has resulted in larger volumes of
children. uniforms being created.
Another area in which it will no-doubt Blue Max has also been mindful of other
continue to achieve success is in terms of marketing opportunities including devising a ‘plus
supplying bespoke clothing. It seems there’s a size’ range to its garments, which has also seen a
growing demand for smaller-volume school rise in demand.
teamwear and uniforms, something Blue Max is Its range spans everything from cotton rich
well placed to meet. sweatshirts, outerwear and fleeces catering for
With a dramatically expanded range of those school trips to a tidy selection of blazers
and knitwear.
Furthermore, it’s not just school uniforms
“
Personally I get
which are on offer, the company also turns a
smart rate of business in workwear, leisure wear
hopping mad at a lack of
and even rugged outdoor boots and trainers.
service, so when I
There’s also a range of hi-vis gear.
started the business with
After taking a tour round its facilities it’s clear
to see it’s a well-oiled machine staffed by a
my husband it was with
knowledgeable team who take a good deal of
the intention of treating
pride in their work.
people as we expect to
From its warehouse operatives to those in its
quality control department, staff are motivated
be treated ourselves. -
and well trained.
Mary Fawcus, Blue
Beyond the pure cost of the two million cubic
Max founder.
”
feet warehouse extension (which includes smart
eco-friendly features such as aisles with sensors
designed to operate lighting only when they are
in use) have been further significant logistic and
clothing at its disposal there is a buoyant mood systems enhancements.
within the firm. Among these is a computer controlled ordering
“We have had a very good start to the year system that allows garment pickers to locate
and are hoping that 2009 will be one of growth goods far quicker and more efficiently than ever
as far as schoolwear is concerned. We are before. On its mezzanine floor there is an
offering good quality garments at reasonable ingenious automated jacket garment storage
prices,” comments Ian with conviction. system that staff have likened to a giant train set, European and overseas suppliers to ensure that
“Acquiring Stag was a watershed for us in which has also had a big impact. welfare standards are fully complied with. Its
terms of driving forward the business. Our whole While there has been plenty of structural strong work ethic coupled with providing quality
ethos has been ‘stocked to the gunnels and ready development within the company, I was left with products at realistic prices has seen it retain its
to go.’ We always aim to be in stock and offer the distinct impression Blue Max is still very much position as a significant force in the printwear
next day service – which is something that was a family orientated business. market.
not standard in the schoolwear market in There’s a sense of informality about the place All in all, Blue Max appears well geared-up to
particular. It makes a big difference to schools. that’s quite infectious and you’d certainly be hard deal with a challenging year ahead and is
In our opinion we have the best logistics pushed to think of many firms offering the bonus continually striving to meet the requirements of
system and warehouse infrastructure in the of free staff lunches in a communal canteen. customers across the UK.
business – we have had a few challenges with it Significantly, working in a market largely aimed
last year but we have resolved those. at children, the company has been diligent to For further information about the Blue Max
We are now in a position where we can grow ensure its ethical trading standards have been schoolwear range contact 0845 23 00 88 or visit
the company at its present site another 50 maintained. the website at www.bluemaxgroup.co.uk
percent without having to make further changes It makes regular inspections of both its
www.printwearandpromotion.co.uk March 2009 | 43 |
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