Advantage Buying Group goes behind the scenes at PF Concept

Advantage Buying Group members recently spent two days with PF Concept in Blackpool for an immersive supplier visit combining product insight, production expertise, hands-on learning and a detailed look behind the scenes at the company’s UK operation.

The visit began with an evening in Blackpool, giving everyone the chance to catch up informally before the main programme the following day. With the Tower, seafront and illuminations as the backdrop, it was a great start to what proved to be a very full and worthwhile visit.

The following morning, the focus moved firmly behind the scenes. In-depth presentations and product sessions were followed by a factory tour, giving members a first-hand look at the scale, technology and thinking that goes into bringing promotional merchandise to life.

A particular highlight was the digital print operation, which was hugely impressive, as was seeing cobots working alongside the production team. It offered a fascinating glimpse of how automation and people are increasingly working together on the factory floor.

There was plenty of hands-on learning too, including the chance to print our own notebooks during an interactive session. It brought the production process to life and highlighted the level of detail and expertise involved in taking a product from concept through to finished merchandise.

The visit also opened up useful conversations around product, compliance, production, sustainability and innovation, as well as the practical capabilities PF Concept can bring to customer briefs.

Lawrence Angelow of Advantage Buying Group said:

“There is enormous value in getting behind the scenes with the suppliers we work with. Seeing the digital print operation and the cobots in action gave us a much better understanding of the scale, technology and expertise involved, while the wider sessions gave us plenty of useful insight to take away.

“What stood out just as much, though, was the PF Concept team. They were incredibly open with their time and knowledge and genuinely passionate about what they do. It was a really worthwhile visit and exactly the kind of supplier engagement we want to encourage.”

“A huge thank you to the PF Concept UK team for the outstanding hospitality, openness and time they gave us. We came away with plenty to digest, plenty of fresh ideas and a much deeper understanding of the operation behind the products we work with every day.”