Industry News


Garment Graphixs acquires Top Marques Uniform Solutions


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arment Graphixs has acquired Suffolk-based workwear and garment decoration specialist Top Marques Uniform Solutions, following the retirement of owner Steve Gates.


The acquisition sees family-run Garment Graphixs take over the company, with owner Dale Tipping outlining plans to invest in future growth while maintaining the customer service for which Top Marques is known.


Mr Gates and his wife Lisa made the decision to sell the business as he prepares for retirement, having continued to run the company for


has many years’ experience in garment decoration and Dale Tipping is the right person to take the business forward. I know he has plans to widen the current offering but is keen to carry on the work we have done since we bought the business in 2014.”


Steve and Lisa Gates


several years after reaching state pension age. Their children, Tessa and Jordan, will remain with the business to provide continuity during the transition. Mr Gates said: “Garment Graphixs


Ponda designs new garment with Imperial College London


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iomaterials company Ponda has partnered with Imperial College London to launch a new range of branded apparel featuring BioPuff, a plant-based insulation material designed as an alternative to synthetic and animal-derived fillings.


The collaboration will see a branded gilet and cap, available through the Imperial College Union Shop this autumn, insulated using BioPuff, which is made from bulrush grown on restored wetlands rather than fossil fuel-based materials.


Ponda says the partnership highlights the potential for organisations to adopt more sustainable branded merchandise


and a particular way of producing them. This collaboration helps demonstrate a different model, one where the products we choose can create demand for ecosystem restoration rather than depletion.”


BioPuff has previously been used by brands including Stella McCartney,


Mr Tipping added: “We’re delighted to be taking Top Marques forward and building on the fantastic reputation that Steve and Lisa have established over the years. Our aim is to maintain the high levels of service while investing in the future of the business through an expanded showroom, increased stock holding and an even wider range of products.”


Print Mastermind to make expo debut


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rint Mastermind is set to make its debut at PRINTING United Expo 2026 through a new collaboration with PRINTING United Alliance.


Hosted within the Expo’s Spill the Ink District, the Print Mastermind x Spill the Ink initiative will feature a series of informal sessions covering topics including business growth, leadership, sales, marketing and artificial intelligence. Rather than formal presentations, the discussions are designed to encourage printers to


Colin Sinclair McDermott, The Online Print Coach


share experiences, tackle common challenges and exchange practical ideas.


New BioPuff garment by Ponda and Imperial College London


by using regenerative materials that support wetland restoration while reducing the environmental impact of promotional apparel.


Julian Ellis-Brown, co-founder and CEO of Ponda, said: “Every order creates demand for a particular set of materials


| 8 | August 2026


Berghaus and Ahluwalia. Ponda says the collaboration forms part of Imperial College London’s wider sustainability strategy and demonstrates how branded merchandise can play a role in supporting lower-impact textile innovation.


Founded by Colin Sinclair McDermott, The Online Print Coach, Print Mastermind has developed into an international community where print business owners collaborate and support one another.


Mr McDermott said: “Print Mastermind has always been about creating a safe space where business owners can share challenges, exchange ideas, and leave with practical actions they can implement immediately.”


www.printwearandpromotion.co.uk


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