Industry News G
David Burgess retires after four decades in the schoolwear industry
uests from across the schoolwear industry joined colleagues past and present from The Parently Group at Manchester Science and Industry Museum on Thursday, September 29 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of David Luke and to honour the retirement of co-founder David Burgess. Following a warm welcome from Kathryn Shuttleworth, managing director of The Parently Group/ David Luke the evening began with a tour of the Textiles Gallery, setting the scene for a ground- breaking announcement from the Circular Textiles Foundation. Manchester is built on cotton and the tour told the story of the people, products and pioneers that made cotton their continuing legacy in the city and world today.
During the second part of the evening the focus was on David Burgess, an industry pioneer of sustainable business practices that have led David Luke to this moment in its history.
L-R Kirsty Conroy, David Burgess, Adrian Luke and Kathryn Shuttleworth of The Parently Group/ David Luke
Attendees at the event
This focus on textiles was further amplified in the opening speech from Tim Cross of the Circular Textiles Foundation who proudly announced an innovative partnership between the CTF and David Luke, during which he confirmed that the school uniform brand will launch the first fully recyclable blazer in January 2023. An industry first which sees David Luke come full circle in its mission to close the loop on the circularity journey of its most iconic eco-uniform product; from introducing recycled polyester yarn over a decade ago to becoming the first schoolwear brand to offer a fully recyclable blazer product.
There wasn’t a dry eye in the house as Adrian Luke, co-founder of David Luke took to the stage to recall fond memories of their lifetime in business together.
Laughter and cheers filled the Revolution Gallery as Mr Burgess stepped into the spotlight to deliver his own leaving speech. After four decades of dedicated service to the schoolwear Industry, his words resonated with guests who gave him a standing ovation as presentation screens filled with anecdotes from his closest business friends.
There can be no doubt that this was a landmark moment in the history of The Parently Group as Ms Shuttleworth, said: “Celebrating key milestones and key contributions is such an important thing to do in business, and to do so in this fabulous location, whilst honouring both the past and future of textiles, made the whole event extra-special.”
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Visitors bowled over by new ideas at the Big New Products Trade Show
o-one was stumped for ideas when the Big New Products Trade Show arrived at the home of Lancashire cricket on Wednesday, September 28.
Visitors flocked to The Point at Emirates Old Trafford to see the latest and greatest offerings in the world of promotional merchandise, with clothing and eco-friendly products particularly to the fore.
Distributors were impressed with what they saw. Drew Kale of Heatons said: “I find that being able to see and touch a product means I have a better idea about it, and if I buy in to something, I’ve got more chance of selling it to the customer.”
The diversity of visitors underlined the fact that here was a show for everyone. Geoff Walton of Gorilla Workwear said: “We mainly do workwear and PPE but
| 16 | November 2022
get asked for merchandise quite a lot too, so this is another string to our bow. “I like that you can get up close and personal with the products here – if you’ve touched it and tried it for yourself, you can be confident you’re buying quality.”
Sustainable products were in high demand. David Reid of Promobox said: “We made a decision recently to move over exclusively to products with good environmental credentials. It means we’re having to ditch a few ‘old favourites’ and find alternatives. “As this is billed as a new products show, and the industry is definitely going in this eco direction, this has been great for us. Plus, unlike the big shows, it’s much easier to talk to people and have proper conversations here.” That personal touch also made an impact with Love To Brand’s Jude
Visitors were excited to see new products at the Big New Products Trade Show
Glover, who said: “It’s good to be out and about again – this is our first trade show of the year. I’ve really enjoyed seeing everybody and catching up.” Exhibitors were equally as happy with their day. Ian Hewlett, from United Brands of Scandinavia, said: “People have come with focused questioning and a real idea of what they want to get out of the show, so the meetings I’ve had have all been very constructive.”
www.printwearandpromotion.co.uk
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