Industry News


MD of Madeira UK steps down after 40 years of service


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adeira UK has offered its thanks to managing director Karen Burrows, who celebrated her retirement after 40 years with the company.


Ms Burrows joined the embroidery solutions supplier in 1985, working in stock control and purchasing, but her dedication and leadership saw her rise through the ranks to become MD.


The company said: “Karen’s contribution to Madeira and the embroidery industry as a whole has been profound. Her legacy is one of resilience, excellence, and unwavering dedication.” As well as her role as MD, since


2012 Ms Burrows has also overseen Madeira’s Partners in Scandinavia and Finland, later extending her responsibilities to include the Baltics from 2014.


A couple of years later, she also took on the role of global marketing at the company’s HQ in Freiburg. But a key part of her legacy is her support for the Embroidery Training Academy, established in 2010. The company said: “Karen has been a strong advocate for sharing knowledge and developing skills within the industry, ensuring that expertise continues to flourish for future generations. “As Karen steps into her


well-earned retirement, we want to


AIM Smarter UK transforms supplier product data with new AI-driven API system


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IM Smarter UK has launched a major upgrade to its product data infrastructure, introducing a new API-powered system designed to deliver real-time, enriched supplier data across its AIM Tech Suite. The development marks a significant step forward for the UK promotional products sector, where suppliers are increasingly seeking faster, automated ways to keep product catalogues accurate and up to date.


The new platform enables suppliers to feed product data directly


into AIM’s ecosystem via API connections, removing the need for manual uploads and dramatically reducing the delay between product changes and marketplace visibility. AIM says the combination of automated feeds and AI-driven data enrichment will improve accuracy, consistency and efficiency for both suppliers and distributors. COO, Deborah Wilkinson, said: “Our new API integration framework is live, and this represents a major leap forward for AIM and the wider industry.


“We’re delivering a level of scalability, accuracy and intelligence that suppliers and distributors have been waiting for.”


The company is now inviting suppliers to share details of their existing API feeds – including data formats, authentication methods and update frequency – to support smooth onboarding.


AIM Smarter UK has launched a major upgrade to its product data infrastructure


www.printwearandpromotion.co.uk


AIM says the new system lays the groundwork for broader future-ready capabilities as it continues its mission to make product data management smarter and more connected.


Karen Burrows


earned retirement, we want to thank her sincerely for all she’s given to Madeira. We’ll miss her greatly and wish her every happiness for the future.”


TheMagicTouch transitions to EOT


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he Magic Transfer Company, trading as TheMagicTouch, has officially announced it has transitioned to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT).


The change was made in November but was made public a month later, securing the long-term future of the business. For founders Jim and Alison Nicol, the move to employee ownership was a natural progression.


Mr Nicol said: “The creation of the EOT was the only decision to make. “The business has been built through the dedication of our staff and the loyalty of our customers, and this structure safeguards our culture for the future.” As part of the transition, long-serving team members Carl Newbury (general manager) and Paul Meade (head of technical) have been appointed directors, while Mark Rossi (head of sales) joins the Trust board alongside Ms Nicol.


TheMagicTouch team photo September 2025 |9 |


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