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Remarkable Eco-Solutions Ltd in AdministrationA stark message appeared on the Remarkable website: “The company has gone into administration - please contact BDO, 125 Colmore Road, Birmingham B3 35D” and several calls to the Remarkable offices are currently met with an automated message saying ‘All of our systems are down’. Sourcing City News contacted BDO’s Birmingham office, who have confirmed that a buyer is currently being sorted and that Remarkable is in administration. (BDO’s Birmingham: Tel: 0121 352 6200) 0Read More
See What 30 Distributors Want us to Keep a Secret...Check out the Promotional Office (from Sourcing City) teaser video. Email steve@promotionaloffice.co.uk or call 0844 504 5012 http://youtu.be/Rc1tu7_mtow?list=UUS3Q4bhP_V1m8TvEw9jQZKA 0Read More
Pre-Registrations up 68% at Sourcing City MarketplaceThe SC Marketplace team are delighted to announce that pre-registrations are 68% up on this same time last year. Alistair Mylchreest said: “We are excited about the quality of professional distributors that are already registering to be at SC Marketplace. This is great news for the top suppliers attending, plus an excellent opportunity for the industry’s leading distributors to network and share experiences. It is also great that SC Marketplace is seen as the place where quality time is spent between industry professionals, and to watch new business opportunities being created for all involved at a key selling time. We are proud to have such wonderful support from the industry.” About SC Marketplace The exclusive VIP Networking Event for the senior players from the industry’s top distributors takes place a FIVE Farnborough on Tuesday 23rd & Wednesday 24th September 2014. SC Marketplace is universally acclaimed as the industry’s top networking event, and the SC Marketplace Team are confident that they are going to deliver even more excitement, and more value for your investment in time visiting or as a host. All Professional Distributors Over £250k Turnover are invited to this exclusive event, and Sourcing City CEO, Alistair Mylchreest has said; “It is never easy to make something excellent better, but we think we can!” This year the Conversation Theme is: ‘Our Top 10 Services & Latest Hot Products’. As always, the key is the Focused Conversations which as well as including Key Services it now also features presentations of Hot Products. All guests can Meet by Appointment – & also take advantage of the new informal ‘Runaround Sessions’. Every supplier has services & processes that can help a distributor be more efficient & profitable, …but the distributors do not always know. This is the place to meet both new potential suppliers, and your existing suppliers by appointment. VIP’s make appointments for supplier meetings prior to SC Marketplace, and suppliers can also contact top distributors to make key appointments prior to SC Marketplace. To ensure that all invited VIP’s can have quality conversations with the suppliers’ full attention, it is necessary to limit who is invited to SC Marketplace. VIP’s are invited from distributor companies which have a turnover of promotional merchandise sales of between £10m+ and £250k pa. All invited VIP’s enjoy Free Pre-Show Speakers, Free Breakfast, Free Roving Tea Trolley, Free Lunch & Drinks, Free Crepes & Smoothies, Free Sweets, Free Drinks Reception, Free Parking, Free WiFi, Hotel Vouchers, Travel Vouchers & Free Transfers. VIP’s from Over £3m Distributor companies are also invited to the “Platinum Networking Dinner”, and Over £1m Distributors to the “Diamond Dinner”, hosted by a group of sponsoring suppliers on the evening of Day One at SC Marketplace. The evening provides further opportunities to network, and to meet & build relationships with suppliers and fellow VIP’s. All Purple Club Members are also invited to a Free Drinks Reception at the close of Day One. For further information please visit www.sourcingcitymarketplace.co.uk0Read More
First Ever BPMA Annual Conference Goes off with a BangOn Thursday 10th July, over 150 delegates gathered at the Park Inn Heathrow for the first BPMA Annual Conference, “Building a Better Business”. Brian Binley MP, our industry MP and a staunch supporter of small business growth, opened the Conference. Following this, the BPMA released the findings of the first ever industry benchmarking study, with attendees being the first industry peers to gain access to the valuable document. The findings summarised that 70% believe demand for our industry is stronger that in the previous year, average order values in the industry are close to £600 and 82% of Distributors believe the UK Promotional Market is somewhat or more competitive than before. The rest of the day offered delegates the opportunity to book one to one appointments with a selection of experts who were there to offer valuable advice in a multitude of industry, or to sit in on 4 out of the 8 seminars which took place throughout the day. Here is what some delegates thought of the day: “Chas Williams in the Powerful Presentations seminar was great. It was a very compelling argument that presentations should be short, and focused on the client's business, not your own. You can apply these ideas to work in many different situations and it is these skills I’m interested in improving.” Richard Sullivan, Director, Navillus Print Gifts “Stef Lait from Our Social times delivered an amazing amount of informative, useful and inspiring content, delivered with confidence and passion.” Piers Miles, Managing Director, Drayton Gifts "I found the first BPMA conference really valuable. The seminar sessions have provided some great insight and the one-to-one expert sessions have been very productive. It’s good to step away from your desk for a day to learn, meet with industry peers and the return to the office full of new ideas." Christine Girven, Marketing Manager, SPS "What a great day. I took something away with me from every session. It was a very well organised event. Congrats and thanks BPMA team." Channa Madanayake, General Manager, Squeezyball Once the Conference had ended, the BPMA hosted the BPMA Building a Better Business Awards. Key Note speaker Steve Head delivered a rousing and inspirational speech which really motivated those in attendance, after this attendees enjoyed food, drink and networking while watching 6 deserving companies win brand new BPMA awards. • Ciarra Holloway, Allwag Promotions, BPMA Professional Development Student of the Year, sponsored by the BPMA Professional Development Programme • Rainshader, BPMA Newcomer of the Year, sponsored by PSI • Fluid Branding, BPMA Website of the Year, sponsored by Sourcing City • The Sourcing Team, BPMA Catalogue Cover of the Year, sponsored by Print Vision • Trade Only, BPMA Service Partner of the Year, sponsored by Incentive & Motivation • Listawood, BPMA Employer of the Year, sponsored by Incentive & Motivation Gordon Glenister, Director General of the BPMA commented: “We are delighted with the overwhelming positive response from both delegates and experts who attended the conference. This event has been in the pipeline for many years for the BPMA, and we will be announcing information reading the BPMA Annual Conference 2015 in due course.” The BPMA would like to thank Roantree, Twist Key, Laser Crystal, Print Vision, Prodir, Touch of Ginger, Bizz Badge, Crazy Bags, Cyan Group, Silverstream, Liquid Lens and Just a Drop for supporting the Building a Better Business Conference and Awards. Look out for more BPMA Building a Better Business Conference and Awards pictures on the BPMA Facebook page – www.facebook.com/thebpma0Read More

Company News

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Outstanding Branding's Designer Julie Treks for CharityOutstanding Branding’s Designer, Julie Twydell, is on course to raise over £3000 for Macmillan Cancer Support by climbing the three highest peaks in the Atlas Mountains, Morocco. Julie, who has worked at Outstanding Branding for 18 months is to fly out in September to face the gruelling challenge of climbing the three highest mountains - Toubkal 13,671ft. Ouanoukrim 13,396ft. M'Goun 13,356ft. Although she has been training hard, this is still an immense challenge and one that not everyone completes. “I’m just a normal girl trying to give something back to a great cause,” said Julie. “Most people have been affected by cancer in one way or another and with every step I will be dedicating it to my dad who lost his battle with cancer when he was just 53 and I was 17. As a child watching a parent suffering, it was always my motivation to give something back for all the support that was given”. “Macmillan Cancer Support do an amazing job in providing all sorts of help and advice, be it practical, medical, emotional or financial, to anyone who needs it. When you consider that one in three of us will get cancer, and two million are already living with it, it’s so important to ensure that charities like Macmillan Cancer Support get all the donations they need to keep providing this support”. In advance of the challenge, Julie has also been putting on a number of fundraising events and auctions to get her to her £3000 target, including a number of highly successful Indie nights. If you would like to support Julie in her fundraising mission, you can donate via her JustGiving page www.justgiving.com/juliescharitytrek/ or alternatively text ‘Donate - FEAR53 £3’ to 70070. You can also visit the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/events/317300998421006/ for more details of upcoming charity nights. More information on Outstanding Branding’s promotional merchandise is available at www.outstandingbranding.com, where details of the complete range of products and services offered can also be found. 0Read More
Hype Branding Announce Their Rebranded Website and LogoHype Branding are excited to announce their rebrand with a new look website and logo. After a busy year of planning, the launch took place in July and is being well received by clients across the UK. Director Carly Hamrouni, said ‘We are thrilled with the more modern and contemporary look and we are proud to announce the changes’. Website: www.hypebranding.co.uk 0Read More
Wild Thang Support World Merit DayWorld Merit day took place on 24th July & featured the likes of the inspirational Malala Yousafzai, who gave her personal experience on how individuals can become leaders of tomorrow & change the world for the good of mankind. Andrew Dwerryhouse commented: "We are all really proud at WildThang to have done our little bit to help the WorldMerit ethos, from the person that printed the t-shirts, to the people that made the decision to get involved. We can all making a difference, even if in a small way, because together lots of small pieces can turn into something really momentous." Pictured features Malala Yousafzai with World Merit agents wearing t-shirts & merchandise produced by Wild Thang free of charge. www.wildthang.co.uk 0Read More
Danielle Armstrong Joins Pinfold PromotionsPinfold Promotions are pleased to welcome Danielle Armstrong to their team as Business Development Executive, as the company has seen a 20% increase in sales over the last 12 months and are forecasting further growth in the next year. Danielle has just returned from travelling around Australia and says “I am really happy to be joining this thriving company and look forward to becoming a valuable member of such a wonderful team.” www.pinfoldpromotions.co.uk0Read More

Product News

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what’s not…

Senator Launches High Definition Digital Print ServiceSenator has launched a state-of-the-art high definition digital print service that uses the latest print and colour management techniques to apply even the most intricate images or logos to its pens with outstanding results. Senator can now print the barrels and clips of selected pens with high definition digital print, including the clip of several models within the best-selling entry-level Super-Hit range. In addition, a 360° digital print is now offered on the barrel of the dynamically contoured Challenger Basic and Challenger Colour Mix, making this stand-out pen even more visually impressive. The top section of the Centrix can now also be branded using 360° digital print, giving even more individuality to this award-winning pen that boasts a modern, innovative design and is instantly recognisable with its broad, angular clip prominently positioned in the middle of the pen. Melissa Chevin, Director of Marketing – UK at Senator, said: “Our revolutionary digital print service delivers unrivalled sharp, crisp branding no matter how complex the image is, giving brands confidence and flexibility when looking to create a truly distinctive high impact pen to meet their marketing needs.” www.senatorglobal.com0Read More
PushClean Wipes - New and Exclusive from PreseliPushClean Wipes are a new, practical and useful promotional item added to the Preseli range this year. The actual wipes are made with compressed natural bamboo cloth and housed in a unique 35mm diameter container. Unique because the wipes are kept dry in the centre of the container with the cleaning solution in the outside portion of the container. Pressing the centre of the container releases the liquid into the bamboo wipe which expands out of the container in just 4 seconds. Once removed, the wipe is unfolded to its full generous 22cm x 24cm size for use. As the PushClean can be supplied with a variety of solutions, it can be used for a multitude of functions e.g. Pet Wipe, Baby Wipe, Intimate Wipe, Antibacterial Hand Wipe, Make Up Remover, LCD screen Wipe, Dashboard Wipe. The label on the lid can be printed full colour to your own specification. The PushClean is available exclusively from Preseli, and represents a great opportunity to promote clean and healthy lifestyle marketing campaigns. Telephone: 01352 730 006 Email: sales@preseli.biz Website: www.preseli.biz 0Read More
Gorilla Shaped Stressballs from Urofoam LtdHairy, smelly and living on another planet... (and that's just the Urofoam stressball moulders!) With the new Planet of the Apes film being released, we thought it was the perfect time to let you know about Urofoam's Gorilla shaped stressball. A very realistic looking shape which catches the eye of any potential clients. The Dimensions of the Gorilla stressball are: Width: 75mm / Height: 90mm. The Print Area is approximately: Width: 20mm / Height: 40mm. For more information please call 01260 299 049 or email: sales@urofoam.co.uk 0Read More
Veleta Notebooks from Kernow Plusfile

Website: www.plusfile.co.uk
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Free Setup on Lip Balm Pots from Snap ProductsContact us today for a FREE sample Telephone: 01252 796860 | Email: sales@snapproducts.co.uk | Website: www.snapproducts.co.uk

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10% off Selected Pens from Inoxcrom10% discount direct on trade price for orders placed on Flamingo, Wing, Geo and Free Ink pens. Valid until 30th September 2014. (Applicable on the total order - includes article and customization*) *Excluding Film and 3D printing. www.inoxcrom.com 0Read More
Keramikos Blue Mug Sale Keramikos has slashed their prices for the much loved Midnight Blue mugs. Take advantage of these great savings such as 70p off every Café Latte Midnight Blue mug, 40p off the stylish Quadra Gloss and Matte Midnight Blue mugs and 30p off the sleek Sheraton Midnight Blue mug. This offer is only available whilst stocks last so don’t miss out, call the friendly Keramikos team today on 01773 522040 or email sales@keramikos.co.uk and remember to quote the code BLU0514. 0Read More
Free Set-up on Dye Sublimation Mugs from Promotional CeramicsPromotional ceramics are offering free setup on Dye Sublimation Mugs throughout August. Minimum quantity order: 72. We are also are offering 1 free screen on your next order. To qualify, simply follow us on twitter @proceramics and re-Tweet our last update. Website: www.promotionalceramics.co.uk0Read More