p17 Schoolwear:p17 Schoolwear 18/12/2008 09:56 Page 17
SCHOOLWEAR ASSOCIATION
Taking pride
in uniforms is
key to success
New Schoolwear Association
Chairman David Burgess looks
at the year ahead with renewed
optimism...
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.
With my 40 years of experience in the schoolwear market I will be
using my knowledge to benefit the whole of the industry as the new
Chairman of the Schoolwear Association. I think it is important that the
school specific market continues to become more professional so that
schools are offered the best support as well as providing quality
products to heighten the standard of school uniforms, in order to
ultimately offer the best value for money. There will also be a focus to
concentrate on building on a cohesive relationship with our schools, in
order to have greater awareness of the role and work of the Schoolwear
Association.
The research conducted in 2008 by Oxford Brookes University revealed
that children who wear school uniforms have a greater sense of pride for
themselves as well as for their school, but the traditional British values
and behaviour that are also part of school uniform continue to evolve. In
2009, we will be finding new and creative ways to continue to promote
the benefits of school specific uniform.
I think it is vital for our progression, and for future campaigns, that we
continue to work with Government, Opposition and other agencies such
as Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) in order to
further successful progress of the UnTax our Teens campaign and take up
other important issues. We received a lot of support from retailers,
parents, schools and MPs as well as our Early Days Motion receiving 64
signatures.
We have set goals for ourselves that requires a need to increase the
membership of the Schoolwear Association, in order to achieve what we
have set out. If you have not yet joined please do so whilst visiting www.
schoolwearassociation.co.uk, where you will find lots more information
on our work. It is incredible what has been achieved in two years, with so
little resource. I think 2009 is going to be a great year for progress.
www.printwearandpromotion.co.uk January 2009 | 17 |
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