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PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS
Home grown products are
a clear winner
Clear Prospects Ltd is revolutionising the promotional merchandise industry with
its 100% British Made proposition. And at a time when other firms are struggling,
the company is experiencing growth in stark defiance of the recession.
Making products in-house at its Blackburn factory, in our brochure,” says Michael. because it achieves a balance of these key
Clear Prospects has become one of the UK’s "We have created all kinds of elements; working to achieve sustainability while
leading manufacturers of bespoke promotional products including Mini not compromising on quality or the
merchandise for trade distributors. Managing Hoodies (a really cool small competitiveness of its pricing. Hopefully it sets
director, Michael Robinson (pictured) passionately hoodie designed to fit over an a good example that other businesses in
champions the British made premise, with 96% of MP3 player or mobile phone), East Lancashire and across the UK will
supplies to the promotional merchandise industry Sandwich Bags (smaller bags recognise.”
being made here. for a sandwich, drink and Looking to the future, Michael
Says Michael: “We’ve been manufacturing since crisps), Bottle & Can Bags (6 pack believes his business is already well
2001, though since I launched the ’British Made‘ bags for cans and bottles), Water Bottle Slings (a placed to grow.
initiative I have found the key has been to listen to handy strap for carrying a water bottle and a great “With total transparency, we
what the clients want and respond to meet their new place for branding at festivals or exhibitions). remove other risks for clients
needs, requests and suggestions. In-house printing has opened up opportunities for including fluctuating exchange
"It’s not difficult to listen and spot the gaps in the branding on larger, typically more difficult items rates and fuel surcharges and
market though this simple business requirement is such as tablecloths and cushions, in a variety of perhaps most importantly offer a
so key. The take up has been great and it is different fabrics, with minimum order quantities of welcome audit trail and visit
intensely satisfying to see a renaissance of British one unit and printing capability from one colour to to our factory.
manufacturing without the need to compromise on full colour. "We even publish on our
quality, value or competitiveness. We really can Michael believes that his company offers many website Certificates of
compete with manufacture in parts with the Far advantages over buying abroad with faster Authenticity for raw
East now – fact.” turnaround and delivery times, particularly on materials especially where
Michael has recently invested in the in-house bespoke products in small to mid size quantities. they have a marketing angle
printing facility and the company continues to “Distributors recognise that we are a viable, such as the British Woven Organic Cotton we use
work with partners for screen and pad printing. competitive choice to imported goods where in production. With quicker turnaround times and
And there is in-house digital printing for full colour service and quality are key. Buying British comes total flexibility, buying home-made products is
to textiles using a range of state of the art with the added incentive that by buying locally, helping to sustain local jobs and acts both a
equipment. money is reinvested locally too – something we stimulus and defence to the UK’s economy.”
According to Clear Prospects, the key players in are very committed to. "Sustainable procurement “I endeavour to continue with our commitment to
the industry are attracted to the distinctive choice is proving to be a great selling point, especially the British Made cause because I honestly believe
of home-produced promotional goods. because we are serious about our environmental that it is the future not only for our industry, but
The list of products it manufactures can be found commitments. It is particularly important to help also for many other industries that rely on imports.
on the company's website though Michael says stimulate the economy because buying locally I am very confident that we will only continue to
this is purely the shop window. Michael hopes the allows local reinvestment.” go from strength to strength... and there’s not
products will provide inspiration to potential He adds: “I actually think that it is a nice touch many people running textile businesses in the UK
customers, as the company is all about the that we are helping to do our bit to kick-start our who are under the age of 45,” he adds.
manufacture of bespoke products. economy. It has not gone unnoticed and it is “Our British Made concept is very simple – it’s
Customers are encouraged to use their reassuring to see others starting to follow our about going back to basics – high quality
imagination. “Think service, not just the products lead.” promotional merchandise – made in Britain.”
This attitude is shared by many industry insiders
who deem it crucial that businesses are conscious For more information call 08707 391 591, email
of the increasing awareness of consumers of the sales@clearprospects.com or visit
effects of business on the environment and www.clearprospectsmarketingservices.com
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
| 58 | September 2009 www.printwearandpromotion.co.uk
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