Incorporatewear_News

Fifteen, eh?

Interesting and useful. Fifteen minutes: a quarter to this, a quarter past that.

Andy Warhol claimed that everyone will be world-famous for fifteen minutes, although his watch might have stopped.

You’ll need fifteen players to take the field for a game of rugby (union-flavour). Fifteen is the atomic number of the infamously versatile but volatile element phosphorous. The first point needed if you’re planning on becoming a Wimbledon champion.

Mathematicians find it difficult not to exaggerate the extraordinary significance of the number fifteen: the beauty of its factors and its seemingly near-magical qualities. They might linger, too, observing that it rather pleasingly fits that awkward gap between 14 and 16.

But if you’re fifteen years old then fifteen years must seem like a lifetime and fifteen years have passed since Incorporatewear, now the UK’s premier corporate clothing company, was begun.

Since 1997 Incorporatewear has sought to stretch the boundaries, push the envelope, go that little bit further……and do so with a dash of style and a truly bespoke approach.

So Happy Birthday to us! Let there be cake, candles and celebrations!

But, more importantly, we’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of our clients (you know who you are), our suppliers, our partners, shareholders, stakeholder and staff for fifteen years of superb support, service and strength without which we would have long succumbed to mediocrity and malaise.

HAPPY 15TH BIRTHDAY INCORPORATEWEAR!

Having created the uniforms for the winning bid committee in 2007 for Shanghai Jeff Banks knows a thing or two about winning outfits.

The Belize Olympic committee asked Jeff Banks to create their uniforms for the Olympic opening ceremony on July 27th, which will be watched by an estimated 1.5 billion people.

They only have eight competitors so rank as the smallest nation at the games but are determined to stand out against some of the largest competitors in the world.

“I used the Great Gatsby as my inspiration with a modern touch reflecting the Belize Caribbean sprit” said Jeff.

Both men and women will wear Gatsby style blazers in the country national blue with white contrast edging. the men will wear pleat fronted white flannel trousers while the ladies will be wearing white flannel skirts that just touch the knee. Shirts and blouses are in blue and white stripe sea island cotton with white collars, ties and scarves in blue, white &red national colours. Yvette Jelfs in Scotland hand blocked the panama hats for the men and panama cloches for the ladies both trimmed in the national colours.

The blazers carry the national badge produced in gold plated wire by Toy Kenning & Spencer from Birmingham. One of the badges was recently presented to Prince Harry by chef-de mission, Mr. Owen Sonny Meighan on his recent visit to Belize.

Precious feet are protected by specialty made white nubuck leather shoes for both men and ladies. Jeff has gifted his work to the Belize nation in the Olympic sprit of co-operation.

Incorporatewear the UK’s premier corporate clothing supplier is delighted to announce that Richard McGregor-Cheers has joined its ranks as Account Manager.

Richard brings with him over 25 years’ experience working across the textile and garment sectors in a number of commercial and management roles. He has also worked with Bureau Veritas, a quality assurance company focussed on ethical compliance within garment manufacturing operations.

Richard said: “Incorporatewear is a forward thinking company with a firm focus on outstanding customer service. My focus will be on enhancing the company’s already fantastic reputation for outstanding corporate clothing solutions”

Richards’ appointment follows another strong year of growth for Incorporatewear with, amongst others, easyJet, Wizz Air and Virgin Money recently joining its wide portfolio of existing blue-chip clients in addition to success in the recently prestigious Corporate Clothing and Workwear Show awards.

Out of the office, Richard is a keen home improvement enthusiast and horticulturalist and claims that his “garden would rival anything you’ll see at the Chelsea Flower Show this week.” Incorporatewear expects Richard’s green-fingered skills to be equally effective in the world of corporatewear.

Chris Wood, Managing Director comments: “I am absolutely delighted that Richard has chosen to join Incorporatewear at what is already proving to be a highly successful year for the company. I wish him every success in his new role.”

As costs rise in newly developing countries, such as China and India, through salary inflation and increasing manufacturing costs, greater attention is now being given to bringing production and the provision of previously outsourced services back to Europe and the UK. However, this may not be quite so simple.

Certainly cost differentials are reducing and making such transitions of manufacture more achievable. According to recent reports in the Financial Times, “many SMEs are considering whether now is the time to ‘re-shore’ back to the UK.”

Positively, such a reversal, after years of off-shoring activity, raises the prospect for European manufacturers of fewer language barriers, transparent legal systems and, of course, the absence of time zone differences.

Indeed, ahead of these broader economic changes, Incorporatewear, the UK’s premier corporate clothing company, has for some time recognised the benefits of European manufacture and garment sourcing as both an alternative to the Far East and as a means of reducing supply chain risks through dual-sourcing.

Consequently Incorporatewear has established manufacturing partner relationships stretching from the Far East through Eastern Europe to Portugal which allow for security of supply, flexibility in minimum order volumes and, of course, optimisation of cost.

However, although the mitigation of cost is important this has to be balanced with wider business priorities.

“Cost is not everything,” explains Incorporatewear’s Managing Director, Chris Wood. “As a firm that provides corporatewear to some of the UK’s largest companies – such as Virgin Atlantic, Barclays Bank and the Nationwide building society – Incorporatewear has also to consider the quality of garments and local adherence to corporate social responsibility and ethical trading principals. Dealing with overseas sourcing naturally puts pressure on a business. Local knowledge is vitally important and we deal with this through in-house specialists and local agents who often have complementary operations, which reduces operational and legal risk.”

Clearly, whether offshoring, re-shoring or manufacturing locally, companies are faced with a range of concerns and perhaps none more so than SMEs operating in the garment sector.

Incorporatewear is able to meet these challenges pragmatically and practically through a mixed methodology: balancing cost, quality and delivery options through a truly global approach.

Read more at www.FT.com

Incorporatewear the Uk’s premier corporate clothing company proves once again that it is leading the way in sustainable sourcing and development, as top red carpet designers begin to follow its lead.
The Green Carpet Challenge, pioneered by Livia Firth, enabled Hollywood’s finest to showcase sustainable fashion in the most high-profile of surroundings over the awards season.
Mrs Firth recruited Meryl Streep, Michael Fassbender and her husband Colin, amongst others, to promote her campaign, where she has pledged to wear only eco-friendly, responsibly sourced or recycled clothes to every red carpet event she attends including the BAFTAS and the OSCARS.
It has been an uphill battle for Mrs Firth, with the fashion industry, at times, unwilling to support her campaign, yet back in the UK firms such as Incorporatewear Ltd, have spent years developing sustainable products for their clients.
These environmentally friendly, projects are nothing new to Incorporatewear, who have been undertaking R&D, sourcing and supplying products from recycled PET, organic cotton and Tagua “vegetable ivory” for many years.
Chris Wood, Incorporatewear Managing Director, said: “Credit to Livia Firth for bring environmental issues to such a high profile stage, the media interest it has generated can only serve to enhance the profile of such sustainable innovation. Although this kind of garment is the exception rather than the norm in the corporate clothing market at present, it is clear that sustainability will become an increasingly important aspect of corporatewear procurement.”
The publicity gained from this project not only directly highlights an urgent environmental issue; it has also helped raise awareness of other recycling controversies, such as textile waste.
In the UK it is estimated that more than 1 million tonnes of textiles are thrown away every year, at least 50% of those are recyclable, with only 25% of textiles reused or recycled annually.
Mr Wood added: “It is our responsibility to do everything we can to adapt our business in line with the needs of a changing environment, but we wish not to rest on our laurels – we strive to embrace all issues garment and textile-related effecting the environment.”
Given the obvious benefits of using recycled plastic bottles, it is no surprise film stars from around the world are lending their support to this inventive and forward-thinking industry movement.
“Incorporatewear will proceed to develop products in the sustainable mould, whilst continuing to meet the demands of its growing client base.”
We have clients worldwide who strive not only to reduce their own carbon footprint, but will try to influence others into doing the same and we at Incorporatewear are consistently generating research ideas to meet these requirements,” concluded Mr Wood.

Charlotte Jay : Head of Business Development
Navigate to www.incorporatewear.co.uk to see the full article

What does your role entail?

The planning and strategic development of new business. Understanding potential clients, what is key to their own strategic development plans, and their greater business wide emphasis so I can approach them at the right level, at the right time and with an opportunity that is relevant to help them achieve their own goals.

What is the best part of your job?

Meeting and talking to new people and understanding what drives them in their business role.

What do you see happening in terms of business development for Incorporatewear?

Incorporatewear is the UK’s premier provider of corporate clothing, and although not the largest, we are more flexible and adaptable than many of our competitors. Previously tenders were solely price driven, but in today’s demanding economic climate, organisations are recognising that this can no longer be the sole driver for selecting new suppliers. Recent new wins have been focused on the level of service and the essential requirement to get a quality garments to the right person, ethically, economically and efficiently.

What is your greatest achievement?

Competing for England in the Junior squad athletics team.

What do you see for the future of the company?

To compete in today’s market and ensure we are here tomorrow to service the contracts, I am having to be more selective about the clients we approach. Our core strengths are in the supply of quality tailored wear with the ability to deliver quickly, offering clients complete support through the provision of a comprehensive ‘one stop shop’ sourcing solution and to provide all their corporate clothing and workwear needs, even sourcing ice tongs and clothing care kits.

What sets Incorporatewear apart?

Incorporatewear offers a unique approach to the provision of corporate clothing and workwear, the results of which are visible through the people wearing our clothing in retailers and banks on the high streets, tour operators, aircraft ground staff and cabin crew, train and bus drivers across the UK and globally. Incorporatewear achieves this through its flexible and client centred solutions.

Incorporatewear will be closed from midday Friday 23rd December 2011 until Tuesday 3rd January 2012.
Incorporatewear wishes to thank all clients, wearers and suppliers for their support during 2011 and we look forward to resuming service in 2012.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from all at Incorporatewear

Incorporatewear is flying high after landing the contract to design and supply uniforms for staff in Virgin Atlantic’s prestigious Clubhouse lounges.

The corporate clothing specialist, which already kits out the airline’s flying crew, has now supplied a branded wardrobe with “first class” extras for Clubhouse personnel.

Incorporatewear designer Paula Cannon created the range for around 140 Virgin employees working in the lounges, plus 15 specially-tailored uniforms for senior staff.

She said: “It was an absolute delight to be able to work on this project. Virgin’s striking red uniform is known worldwide, and it was a fantastic starting point for this special first class range.”

The uniform includes customised silk scarves and ties, best quality fabrics, and fully bespoke, made-to-measure uniforms for duty managers.

It is supplied to Clubhouse lounges around the world including New York, Washington, Boston and San Francisco.

Paula said: “The bespoken silk scarves and ties designed by us with matching cufflinks for the male and female duty managers, give a real feeling of attention to detail about the uniform to match the opulent surroundings.”

Incorporatewear also supplies the salon and spa uniforms within the Clubhouse where passengers can have beauty treatments and hair care whilst waiting for the flight.

The garments are made from luxury polyester & wool blends, Italian fabric, and lined with red satin.
Incorporatewear, which already boasts a strong portfolio of blue-chip clients, is supplier and managing agent for Virgin Atlantic’s corporate clothing, supplying bespoke suiting, outerwear and accessories for cabin crew.

One of the world’s leading airlines, Virgin Atlantic flies nearly six million passengers across the globe annually from hubs at Heathrow, Gatwick, and Manchester.

Incorporatewear, the UK’s premier corporatewear supplier, has recently completed an equity rights issue in order to further develop its business model.

“Incorporatewear is currently working on a number of exciting, ground-breaking market developments for 2012 and has sought support from its shareholders to bolster its capital base,” explains Chris Wood, Incorporatewear’s Managing Director.

“I am consequently delighted that our shareholders have been so generous in supporting the company’s growth initiatives,” continues Chris. “Unfortunately our plans must remain under wraps until next year but this is a great boost to the company. It certainly illustrates our shareholders’ continuing support for Incorporatewear and their belief in its future success.”

Incorporatewear has seen considerable success recent years with, amongst others, Virgin Atlantic Airways, Specsavers and Thomas Cook joining a wide portfolio of prestigious blue-chip clients.

The company’s expertise lies in the design, procurement, distribution and management of corporatewear programmes to UK and international blue-chip companies operating predominantly in the financial services, travel and leisure and retail sectors.

Incorporatewear, the UK’s premier corporate clothing company, has recently extended its relationship with Matalan for the supply of corporate uniforms.

Matalan is one of the UK’s largest high street retailers with an annual turnover in excess of £1 billion.

Incorporatewear has supplied corporatewear to Matalan since 2009 when it launched a new uniform across the retailer’s network of more than 200 stores.

Over the last two years Incorporatewear has since worked successfully with Matalan in developing the retailer’s in-store brand image.

The results have paid off with Matalan now extending its relationship for the foreseeable future.

“We have a new team on board at Matalan who have taken a great interest in the management of this contract and are fantastic to work with”, explained Kelly Bromley, one of Incorporatewear’s Account Managers. “Although we expect this extension will allow Incorporatewear to further develop Matalan’s uniform, we are not complacent and continually seek to improve the wearer experience by listening to the views of staff and acting accordingly.”

Incorporatewear, based in Coleshill, Birmingham, was co-founded by celebrity designer Jeff Banks and counts among its blue chip clients Virgin Atlantic Airways, Nationwide, Barclays Bank, Specsavers and London Midland Trains.