Sourcing City have published the Promotional Merchandise Market Report to end of June 2015. The first half of 2015 has again seen a steady continued growth as the UK economy recovers from the banking crisis of 2008.

The Purple Club Summit took place at Wyck Hill House Hotel in The Cotswolds on Wednesday 22nd July 2015. The Discussion Topics were submitted from the 40+ Purple Club Members who registered prior to attending.

Sarah Penn & Andy Thorne of Outstanding Branding were part of the UK delegation joining Sourcing City at the ASI Show in Chicago. Sarah insightfully and amusingly observed: “I’d never been to the States before. I’d never set foot in the Land of Opportunity. But as opportunity, in the shape of global partnerships, was what I was looking for, off I went.

The ASI Show took place in Chicago from 14th to 16th July. The scale of this event is unlike anything seen in the UK, with more than 4,000 distributors and over 700 suppliers coming together from across the country. Sourcing City had invited Purple Club Members to accept an preferential package to join them in visiting this prestigious event.

It may be six months away but it’s never too early to start thinking about the next Trophex exhibition. Trophex 2016 will take place at the NEC Pavilion in Birmingham on 17th and 18th January. Trophex is the only dedicated show for the UK trophy, awards, engraving and personalisation industry.

Bright Ideas Business Gifts Ltd is pleased to announce the acquisition of The Business Gift Company Ltd (TBGC), effective from 13th July 2015. Having built a successful merchandise business over the last 26 years, TBGC owner Keith Rowe felt the time was right to pursue other interests.