The Promo Column
Every little helps T
here are no two ways about it. The past month hasn’t been a time of cheering news with the
situation in the Ukraine. Not only is it depressing on a humanitarian level, but it also seems to usher in a whole load of business problems too.
Global supply chains which are still recovering from the stress they have been under in the past two years dealing with the challenges wrought by the pandemic, are under strain yet again. Ports are closed, airspace is being avoided, energy costs are spiralling, sanctions are being imposed, and supplies of raw materials are being affected. Nobody would be crass enough to equate the problems of the merchandise sector with those of people forced to fl ee from their homes with no idea when they can return, but it doesn’t make life any easier for businesses that are trying to get back on their own feet after the trials of the past two years.
Heartening
It is heartening then to see that the merchandise sector doing what it does best by looking beyond its own current trials and trying to chip in and help out in some way. A number of businesses have already stepped up to offer assistance in a variety of ways.
Supplier Stricker has opened 100 job offers within its Brno factory in the Czech Republic to any Ukrainian citizen. The company will not require any previous experience or specifi c language ability, and will provide extensive support on all paperwork management and accommodation booking. Jobs will be provided on the same terms as its current employees.
PF Concept has promised to donate up to 1% of its March sales to the Red Cross Poland and other charities, enabling them to provide the much-needed humanitarian aid in the region.
CHX is looking to raise £5,000 by creating a badge in the shape of a
| 86 | April 2022 The Corktopus from USB2U
sunfl ower, which has become a symbol of solidarity for Ukraine.
Sow Easy has also landed on a sunfl ower theme to try and raise £1,000 with its Sunfl ower Seedsticks. It is targeting a donation of £1,000 for the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. It has 500 of the Seedsticks available to those who donate to a Justgiving page.
Well done to all of the companies and to those who back their efforts.
The current situation is a further reminder to companies of the importance of being prepared, given the way in which the world can often intrude on the best laid plans. In case anyone needs reminding, we are still not out of the woods yet with regards to COVID as the recent shutdown in Shenzhen shows. The area is the tech manufacturing hub of China and the world’s most valuable company, Apple has already seen two of its suppliers’ factories close for a week, with ports affected too. Tech merchandise specialist USB2U has highlighted the issue and advises that buyers check on lead times with their suppliers, as they may be extended. The company’s production is currently unaffected and it has invested in its biggest range of UK stock to date, with tens of thousands of USB sticks, power banks, wireless chargers, cables and more in stock. These are available with or without a company logo delivered in one to fi ve days.
Technology has been one of the fastest growing sectors of merchandise, especially over the past few years as we have all become more and more reliant on our gadgets. However, it’s not always allied so
Businesses in the merchandise sector are doing what they can to help those in Ukraine aff ected by the current crisis. Promotional products commentator, Stuart Derrick, reports.
closely to that other great trend of recent years, sustainability.
Step forwards the Corktopus, a wireless charging plate made from a soft touch cork material and biodegradable plastic. The charging cable is made from recycled plastic bottles. As well as having a great branding area on the top of the product, it looks really fun, which makes it really stand out from all of the slightly more boring and worthy tech products that abound.
Off course
It was brought my attention by Desktop Ideas, who also this month has gone slightly off course from its usual portfolio with a range of golf products from Pitchfi x including a handy Aquabrush multitool for helping keep your clubs in top condition. The tool’s ABS casing is rubberised for a soft comfortable touch and grip, available in four attractive colours and fi nished with a suction cap that can feature a logo. While on a sporting tip, I also noticed Brightways Concepts’ funky hand sewn football keychain. It’s a mini football with a six-panel construction that gives ample space for a logo and company message. If football isn’t your game, don’t worry as they also do rugby versions, cricket balls and even pool balls. Just choose your sport.
The
Chameleon mug from Snap
Products
Finally, let’s end with a cuppa, courtesy of our friends at Snap Products, who bring a little desktop magic in the form of the Chameleon mug. Its specially formulated heat sensitive thermo-chromic coating reveals a picture or design when it is fi lled with a hot beverage, bring a smile to anyone who receives it.
We could all do with that at the moment, couldn’t we?
www.printwearandpromotion.co.uk
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