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!

Incorporatewear the UK’s premier corporate clothing supplier will be exhibiting at two major events over the next two of months.

Law Autumn Olympia is one of three flagship events for the legal profession and will be held for the sixth consecutive year at Olympia Conference Centre, London. The event regularly attracts over 2,000 legal professionals and is widely regarded as one of the leading events for the legal profession. LAW 2012 is supported by the professions largest training congress incorporating over 12 conferences over three days and featuring some of the professions most esteemed speakers.

Incorporatewear will be in attendance to cater for all corporate clothing and uniform requirements. The event is a great opportunity for the company to showcase its “ICW Tailored by Jeff Banks” corporate catalogue range.

Brian Lamb, Incorporatewear’s production direct stated, “LAW 2012 is a great opportunity for Incorporatewear to promote the ICW catalogue range directly to one of its core target markets. We believe the range is ideal to solicitors and legal firms, combining flexibility and strength of supply with a beautifully designed and customisable range.”

The second of Incorporatewear’s ventures this autumn will be at the Pub and Bar Live exhibition at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry.

The Pub & Bar Live is a unique, one-day, business-building trade show for the whole industry, providing a one-stop shop for pub and bar operators. Licensees are invited to attend on a free-of-charge basis, and will have the opportunity to meet with existing and potential suppliers, as well as watching live, interactive demonstrations and seminars.

The show offers a Main Stage area where celebrity chefs will be demonstrating menu ideas and innovative products. The event will also have a Food Menu Development Workshop, offering a free review of your current menu, whilst the Drinks Bar will showcase everything from beers and ciders, to cocktails, wine, and Champagne.

Incorporatewear will again be on hand to discuss any uniform, workwear or other corporate clothing requirements. Available on the stand will be it ICW Tailored by Jeff Banks collection as well as examples from its extensive bespoke corporatewear collections.
We look forward to seeing you at LAW 2012, 25th-27th September and Pub and Bar live, 8th October 2012.

2012 is a year synonymous with great sporting events and achievements, however, Bradley Wiggins and team GB’s achievements are no match for Incorporatewear’s intrepid adventurers.
Last month teams from all over the UK endured a gruelling 26 mile adventure, across multiple disciplines and over some rugged terrain. Kayaking, cycling and running were on the agenda across the Dorset coastline, all in aid of poverty charity CARE International.

Team member, Mark Jenkins, Incorporatewear’s Finance Manager, comments, “We have been in the textile industry for most of our careers. Fundraising for a charity that focuses on alleviating poverty in the countries where we have historically made product is a way of giving something back to those communities.“

Incorporatewear is keen to support any initiative focused on welfare in the countries in which it manufactures. As the UK’s premier corporate clothing supplier, Incorporatewear Ltd follows rigorous corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs and ethical policies and procedures. Staff welfare, living conditions, hygiene and, of course, safety are audited throughout the entire manufacturing process.

The team raised a massive £2166.00 in total…

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 corporatewear supplier, remains an enthusiastic member of The Association of Suppliers to the British Clothing Industry (ASBCI) whose annual Students’ Dissertation Prize for 2012, sponsored by Marks & Spencer, is already well under way.

Nominations have been received from entrants studying fashion, design and textile management across the UK and judging is taking place across the summer.

Chris Wood, Managing Director of Incorporatewear, is again a member of this year’s judging panel – which comprises representatives from the academic, retail and clothing consultancy sectors – and is delighted to be involved.

“Incorporatewear has been involved in judging the competition for the last three years,” explains Chris, “and the standard of nominations is consistently extremely high which always makes finding a winner challenging. Nevertheless I’m very much looking forward to reading this year’s entries, which I expect to be as inventive, thought-provoking, and academically rigorous as in previous years.”

Incorporatewear is steadfast in its support of the future leaders of UK fashion and the wider textile industry. The company believes that actively supporting ASBCI events such as these events is the best way of demonstrating this commitment.

History would certainly suggest that Incorporatewear’s involvement is well-founded as previous years’ dissertations have dwelt on the development of technical fabrics, design trends and environmental and sustainability issues: all areas which sit at the very heart of the firm’s innovative philosophy.

The ASBCI represents all sectors on the UK clothing industry and provides technical support, trade information and an open forum for discussion and debate.

Corporate clothing specialist Incorporatewear has completed another successful roll-out of corporate uniform for Nationwide Building Society.
The 2012 collection refocuses the Nationwide wardrobe on its core brand colours, delivering a smart, professional and modern collection that demonstrates Nationwide’s commitment to its customers and wearers alike.

The rollout comes hot on the heels of a highly commended award for Best Bespoke Uniform at the Professional Clothing Awards 2012. This recognition is testament to the constant design, evolution and commitment from both Nationwide and Incorporatewear.
Shelley Arnett, Nationwide Corporate Clothing Manager says, “Incorporatewear have been supplying Nationwide for over a decade, each roll-out has been successful, completed on time and without disruption to the day to day workings of our business. During this time corporatewear colour and design has evolved considerably and Incorporatewear has consistently met Nationwide’s branding and wearer needs.”

Incorporatewear is not only an expert in meeting design needs for now, but is also instrumental in ensuring that previous range uniform garments are recycled appropriately and securely. Nationwide and Incorporatewear are committed to producing corporate clothing garments that can be recycled at the end of their life rather than going into landfill.

Karen Lamb, Nationwide Account Manager explains, “Once the new uniform has been issued Incorporatewear works together with Nationwide to collect used garments and redistribute them to our recycling partners. These garments are then de-branded and sent to developing countries to be reworn or broken down and recycled into sound proofing and seat stuffing.”

Chris Wood, Managing Director adds, Incorporatewear is proud that Nationwide Building Society is one of its longest serving customers, both companies have realised the benefits of building long term relationships.“

Incorporatewear Ltd, the UK’s premier corporate clothing supplier, has recently released its results for the financial year 2011/12 which again show growth and profitability. Since last year the company’s turnover has increased by more than 16% to £14.7 mn, with operating profits of £0.3 mn.

“The last couple of years have been extraordinarily challenging for the entire corporate clothing sector.” notes Chris Wood, Incorporatewear’s Managing Director, “Nonetheless, Incorporatewear has continued to adapt its business model to secure its market position and attracted new clients through continuing high levels of service.”

“Incorporatewear grew in 2011 through new business with Virgin Atlantic, easyJet and Wizz air.” explains Chris. “Just as importantly, however, we’ve also managed to retain all of our established clients who have provided the company with magnificent support over the years.”

Incorporatewear has already started their new financial year strongly with uniform roll-outs to such diverse clients as Nationwide building society, Beaverbrooks the Jewellers, and Stagecoach London.

Jeff Banks and New Victoria Hospital- create a lasting first impression!

Jeff Bank’s ‘s new ‘designer branded working wardrobe’ has been selected by the New Victoria Hospital in Kingston as the new business clothing range for over 60 of their reception and admin staff .

New Victoria selected a capsule range from the collection which best suited the needs of their staff allowing them personal choice and practicality but emphasising the corporate look across the hospital

To reinforce their corporate colours, the ladies selected a pale blue pin-stripe, short sleeve fitted blouse complemented by a choice of two jackets. The longer length four button jacket or a shorter fitted jacket and two skirts – one with a pleated back and one pencil straight in the dark navy easy care suiting. There was also the choice of a long fine knit navy cardigan with delicate ribbing at the waist.

Created and manufactured by ICW the UK’S leading company clothing provider, this stunning range of Jeff Banks business wear was tissue wrapped and delivered in individual red suit boxes to each member of staff.

Jeff has personally styled and fitted the garments, which have been meticulously researched, graded and tested to ensure that each piece in the collection fits beautifully across all sizes. The attention to detail on stitching, linings and trimmings on each garment is incomparable. The skirts and jackets are machine washable on a low heat – ideal for the stringent requirements of the hospital environment.”

Says Jeff, “I am delighted that New Victoria has selected from my new ICWJEFFBANKS range – the ladies look stunning in the collection which looks great in terms of style and practicality across all sizes. The new blue striped blouse is really flattering and a real change from the previous pink. They were delightful to work with and I look forward to a close working relationship.”

Kath Dobson, Head of Purchasing and Quality at New Victoria says, ”We are delighted with the new range from Jeff Banks, we had excellent and immediate service and our ladies are over the moon with their new outfits which gives them a brand new professional look . The design and quality is excellent and we will be ordering more of the range for our new starters. ”

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