The new 12-sided UK £1 coin will enter circulation in March 2017, and The Royal Mint is producing 1.5 billion of the new coins. All sides of the promotional merchandise industry may want to consider this change when offering products relating to the one pound coin, such as coin holders etc.

The exhibition stands and conversation pods for Merchandise World next September went on sale over three days at the end of last week. To say the response was extraordinary is an understatement! Over three days, exactly 100 suppliers called in to book their space at this exciting new event.

Distributors and suppliers across the industry are voting in their hundreds in the Sourcing City Awards 2016. The competition is fierce with the leaders in some categories changing almost daily.

At the HAPTICA® live, professionals from the marketing, sales and purchasing departments, advertising agencies and the promotional products trade will learn how give-aways, event items, mailing boosters, onpacks, premiums and merchandise provide tangible assistance in impressing the target groups and winning over their loyalty long-term.

The Promotional Showcase finalised the 2016 season with an entertaining get together of over 60 individuals; who all enjoyed a Spanish tapas evening at the Iberica restaurant in the Spinning Fields district of Manchester.

The UK’s largest and most recognised Trophy, Awards and Personalisation Show has some very exciting news to share! – Trophex 2017 is taking place from the 15th – 16th January and is moving to a new location within The NEC.