My uniform was one of the best things about going to school. I was proud of my blazer with its distinctive badge (although I wasn't so keen on the felt bowler, which sometimes got knocked off my head by kids from another school).

Of course, it was expensive. And it could only be purchased from one dedicated supplier (still a bone of contention for today's cash-strapped parents).

We have exciting news for garment decorators this month. The prestigious Printwear & Promotion Garment Decoration Awards are back with a bang for 2010.

You will find everything you need to know about the awards on pages 62 and 63 of this issue, plus the entry form and the list of categories, which include a new combined decoration category to reflect the latest technologies. 

Workwear specialist Mascot has launched two new jackets within its Frontline and Safe Compete ranges this autumn, in response to customer feedback.

The Paros jacket joins the Frontline range which has been designed specifically for the service, transport and warehousing sectors.

Printworld, based in Dublin has been a preferred choice for Irish distributors for many years and now their expertise will be shared with distributors in the UK.

The new company, Promotional Paper Works UK Ltd, will be offering all the most popular paper products such as Sticky Notes, Wiro pads and the 3 in 1 combi sets.

The ECB vCricket team wanted to offer a reward to their 5000 club volunteers and approached Citigear, the bespoke short run specialists based in Norfolk to provide a range of clothing.

Within 10 days of being approached, Citigear had designed the range and full production samples were signed off. 

In a bid to illustrate his commitment to developing his group of brands, Keith Black has promoted Graham Rickard to managing director of Dare 2b, with immediate effect. Jo Hawkins will take over Graham's responsibilities in marketing for Regatta while continuing to head up product management for the Regatta brand.

BTC Group has secured Wembley Stadium for its 2009 Promotional Merchandise and Corporate Clothing showcase on Wednesday, October 21.

IGS-UK have partnered with a professional ink manufacturer with over 30 years experience in the garment decoration industry to develop StayBright4.

According to IGS-UK, the professional direct-to-garment ink is the biggest step forward for the UK and European d-t-g market since the original concept was developed over six years ago.

The latest Daiber collection is certainly attracting attention - which is exactly the aim of the colourful new James & Nicholson reflective safety wear.

The loud colours are designed to be seen, not just in a work environment but at night and in bad weather.

Following Alistair Darling's ‘three line whip' to Britain's banks over the rising cost of loans to small businesses, independent invoice financier Bibby Financial Services, is urging start-up businesses to do their homework when seeking funding and to consider alternatives to traditional bank lending.

Business information provider, Equifax, has seen the use of some of its business monitoring alerts increase threefold in the past year.

The phenomenal rise, they say, demonstrates that businesses have switched on to the importance of staying up to date with the status of customers and suppliers, in order to protect cashflow and safeguard against bad debt.

Argon Promotions, one of the UK's largest online promotional merchandise distributors has been acquired by Infinity Incorporated, the Leeds-based promotional merchandise and clothing group.

ATMS plc, the Birmingham-based provider of warehouse management and track and trace solutions, has launched a new range of radio data terminals. 

Beezer have just introduced the all new rugby shirt, primarily with the schoolwear sector in mind, although the company have noted an interest from more senior sporting groups.

The rugby shirt comes in three styles - the R1, which is a plain outer and inner garment, the R2 which features a contrast band on outside and plain inner, and the R3 with a plain outside and contrast band on the inner.

AWT World Trade Inc, manufacturers of screen printing equipment and supplies, are seeking distributors to help expand their international dealer base.

Since they were founded in 1983, AWT has emerged as a global leader in the screen printing equipment industry and is looking for distributors who share the company's goal of making screen printing faster, cleaner, and more economical.

Swindon-based distributor UKL opens its doors on December 9 and 10 for its popular Trade Show event which attracts more than 600 visitors.

The event is an excellent platform to showcase all the major brands that supply UKL and many will be featuring their latest products giving visitors their first glimpse of the new 2010 ranges.

The British Promotional Merchandise Association (bpma) has announced the categories for its 2010 Awards - to be held at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry on January 27.

New awards have been introduced to reflect the changing nature of the industry, including Campaign of the Year, British Manufacturer of the Year and Personality of the Year.

Condé Systems are now offering Neoprene laptop cases as part of their DyeTrans family of sublimatable products.

TeamTogs, the Hertfordshire-based specialists in off the peg and bespoke uniforms and merchandise, have recently supplied celebrity chef Alan Coxon with a new chef's tunic.

TeamTogs have become the UK retailer for premier Italian manufacturer Giblor's and were able to source the finest catering uniforms, from an eclectic range of styles and colours.

For the second year running, Invista's Cordura brand will be the main sponsor of The Workwear and Corporate Clothing Show's Business Manager Awards.

The Business Manager Awards recognise the importance of the buyer-supplier partnership involved in the procurement of uniforms for workwear, corporate clothing and PPE.

AJS Embroidery Services Ltd is bucking the downward trend with news of expansion and a new dealer network agreement to supply Tajima single head machines.

AJS, based in Eastwood, Nottinghamshire, have been the sole importer of Tajima embroidery machines since 1994 but they recently recognised a niche in the market for the supply of single head machines.

Golden Finishes Ltd, one of the UK's largest badge makers, has appointed a sales and marketing executive to develop and strengthen the brand.

Sherwood Press Group managing director Jeremy Bacon and Wyndeham Press Group CEO Paul Utting have joined the BPIF's board of directors following the organisation's AGM in July.

Trade only promotional merchandise supplier Everything Environmental has introduced all-natural LipNature balm to its product range.

It is said to be the UK's first lip care range manufactured entirely out of biodegradable materials.

Regatta has a plethora of new products for 2010, some with a cross over into the workwear market as well as a dedicated new workwear range (which will be reviewed in more depth in P&P's workwear feature next month).

Distributor PenCarrie has announced a Monster Prize Give Away, encouraging customers to use the new Online Order Pad available at www.pencarrie.com

Octi-Tech Limited has announced the release of their custom designed range of coatings for sublimation transfer and digital image protection. The Digi Coat range was developed over an 18 month period in conjunction with some of the UK's leading polymer research centres and provides a simple and reliable method for digital decorators to coat their own products for sublimation transfer.

Budget has to be the first port of call as, without some clear guidelines here, both you and your prospective supplier are going to struggle. Deciding your spend though might not be as straight forward as you may first think as it will depend on the market you are aiming at. It is no good setting a budget that will restrict you to a single head machine when to fulfil your orders you need a 4 head.

Spending a marketing budget is easy - there are infinite options available, but many have a salesman's promise and little else going for them. Getting the balance right between the various techniques is where the success comes from.

Balmoral are adding to their stock range and building on their success with up-to-date ladies' business knitwear styles.

A new shade, charcoal, has been added to the existing black and dark midnight for the long-length Melrose and mid-length Iona fashioned knitted jackets

Following the acquisition of the Stag Knitwear Group, Blue Max is now one of the leading providers of knitwear to the schoolwear industry.

The new Blue Max brochure introduces a re-styled range of 50/50 cotton/acrylic knitwear in a V-neck and cardigan format. This well priced, high quality range of knitwear is an ideal school uniform item and is available in seven colours.

The current BTC activewear portfolio reflects the continuing popularity of sweatshirts and in particular hoodies.

Made from 50% cotton/50% polyester 270gms fleece, the Gildan 18500 hooded sweatshirt uses air jet spun yarn for a softer feel and no pill.

The ingredients of a good sweatshirt are simple - comfort, style and a great fit - but getting the recipe exactly right is an art that not many have perfected. With their selection of great looking sweatshirts that strike the difficult balance between fashion and practicality, comfort and style, Front Row have hit upon an award-winning recipe for sweatshirt success.

Finden+Hales sweats and hoods have been designed to mix and match with the rest of the range, with contrast panel and piping as familiar features across the collection.

With its five models, Hanes has been expanding for years. And now the company is writing the next chapter of its success story - in its current 2009 catalogue. The Beefy Sweat portfolio has been enhanced by three smart colours, with royal blue, khaki and brown all adding a new, fashionable dimension.

Cosy and trendy - that's the new knitwear by Daiber's own brand Myrtle Beach.

Kids can play outside even on chilly days with the hot Myrtle Beach fashion. The double knitted Kids Beanie (MB 7016) will keep your kids‘ ears warm. It is available in black, light-grey melange, navy, light blue, dark green, lime green, burgundy, red, pink, light pink, orange, yellow and off white.

Fruit of the Loom's sweatshirt collection has something for everyone. There are sweatshirts (and jog pants) designed for men, women and children. Styles range from traditional crew necks and sporty hooded designs (both pullover and zip-through), to the fashionable sweat jackets and zip-neck sweat.

Henbury's machine washable knitwear is well known for its classic styling, warmth and durability.

The H730 V-neck lambswool jumper is a must for corporate workwear. The Woolmark approved 100% lambswool can be machine washed time and time again.

Essex-based promotional clothing supplier, I.S. Enterprises, can offer garment decorators a large range of classically styled, top brand named sweatshirts suitable for print and embroidery decoration.

Classic styling is at the heart of the range of sweatshirts available from Jerzees Colours.

While we may never want to hug a hoodie, we all feel hugged by one when we wear it! There's something about having a hood nestled about your neck that makes you feel a little snugger, a little safer. Add a kangaroo pouch to the front and you've got a classic. Our 575 is available in adults and kids sizes and it's worth noting that the children's product has a fixed draw cord, preventing any unwanted accidents, making your choice even safer.

Knitwear and sweatshirts are used in probably every market sector there is!

Henbury's H730 V neck jumper is 100% pure new lambswool. This jumper, which can be machine washed with Woolmark approved detergents only, has a semi fashioned armhole and neck, with the hem, neckband and cuff in 1x1 rib. Available in eight colours including cornflower and oatmeal, sizes are S to XXL.

PenCarrie's knitwear range comes from top brands including Henbury, Russell Collection, RTY Workwear and Kariban Sailing.

Most of the 17 styles available are aimed at the corporate and workwear market.

Promo QC sweatshirts are among the best in the business with what we call the best formula all through the range.

We believe we are beating the big brand quality, without the big brand price tag.

Ralawise have a host of brands offering a range of garments suitable for workwear, hospitality, sport, promotional or leisure.

Sweatshirts offer versatility, with a multitude of options available, from the classic sweatshirts and knits to full zipped sweats and hoodies.

With more than 14 fleeces in the Regatta Corporate range, this is an area of particular expertise.

And as a true family brand, the Thor is available for men, women and children, making it the perfect choice for workwear and schoolwear.

The winning formula is as simple as it is ingenious. Just take an extremely successful item from the men's collection, adapt the cut, sizes and colours to the needs of female customers and there you go - the next big seller!

Skinnifit's new Premium Hoodie (SK and SF056) is proving that there is more to the hood market than all those repetitive, samey garments that are flooding the market.

While representing only a small part of the total UKL product offer, knitwear is an important item, and is available in both traditional and more contemporary styles.

Printwear & Promotion previews PenCarrie on Tour which kicks off next month. The initiative has been designed to give garment decorators a head start for 2010, showcasing all the new products and highlighting the market-leading support offered by the distributor's business development, marketing and customer services teams.

If you can't think what to buy someone for their birthday, or you just need to take a ‘thank you' gift to a dinner party, chocolate or something sweet is generally considered a safe bet, after all who doesn't like chocolate?

Q - How are schoolwear buying habits changing?

A - Increasingly we are seeing parents opt to buy uniform at the last minute

Q - What is prompting this change?

A - Like almost every other buying decision at the moment it seems to be prompted by the current economic climate

Hoodies are increasingly becoming part of schoolwear, perhaps inevitably when they are so important as a popular, practical and comfortable clothing item

They are not yet much in evidence for general mainstream uniform but they are massively popular for school sports and for trip and year group mementos.

Beezer have been successfully producing schoolwear for more than two decades. One of the main reasons for that success is the company's ability to adapt existing garments to suit current trends within the industry.

Beechfield has all your school hat and cap requirements covered. The brand's Junior Collection offers a choice of five styles, including the B171b Junior Teamwear Competition Cap (perfect for sports), the new B34b Junior Army Cap (fashion headwear for youngsters) and the B45b Junior Knitted Hat, (a winter schoolwear essential).

The latest Blue Max brochure boasts an even bigger and better school wear collection.

For Back to School 2010, the Ziggys shirt collection has been extended with a range specifically designed for girls. It is available in both a short and long-sleeved format in a choice of white or light blue and features a slightly fitted shape for a more flattering fit.

Finden+Hales know the importance of encouraging kids to get involved with teams. Schools are now, on average, linked to seven different sports clubs including football, dance, athletics and rugby, and secondary schools offer up to 21 different sporting activities as part of the curriculum.

BTC activewear offers a wide choice of popular schoolwear brands including Jerzees Schoolgear, Fruit of the Loom, Gildan, Regatta and Result.

Fruit of the Loom's Schoolwear collection has evolved over the years as the company has developed and expanded its product offering to provide an extensive modern school uniform solution. What has remained consistent, however, is the garments' durability and lifetime value.

Sweatshirts still remain a firm favourite for any school wishing to create a uniform in the UK and this is why Gildan have endeavoured to create a comprehensive youth offering.

The 18000B youth crewneck sweatshirt is available in 14 colours: white, navy, gold, forest green, black, red, royal, light blue, light pink, purple, kiwi, maroon, ash and sport grey.

Schoolwear figures prominently in the marketplace today and Henbury has a number of products to meet the demand. The Henbury children's and adults tipped polo shirt are perfect examples.

Gustav Daiber's Club 'n' School Now Collection - a range of trendy team wear - can be mixed and matched according to the occasion.

The collection ranges from trendy caps to fashionable tops and casual jackets.

I.S. Enterprises offers a large range of schoolwear suitable for print and embroidery decoration. With garments available from top brands such as Result, Gildan and Fruit of the Loom, I.S. Enterprises is able to provide decorators with indoor and outdoor garments suitable for a multitude of pursuits.

Prestige Leisure have a wide range of products available to customers who service the schoolwear market.

Key products decorators should be presenting in their schoolwear ranges include Fruit of the Loom's SS28B Kids' Valueweight Tee which is 100% cotton, 165gsm (colours) and 160gsm (white).

Jerzees Schoolgear continues to tick all the boxes with particular emphasis on choice and lifetime value.

An awful lot is demanded of school clothing and, as a market leader, Jerzees Schooglear prides itself in delivering across all the areas that we know are key to parents, schools - and children - alike.

School uniform is all about creating a smart, positive image in the public domain as well as giving children a sense of pride, according to Andrea Charteris, PenCarrie's customer services manager.

We have a range of schoolwear that can compete with the best of them. QC1.3 has the same winning formula as the 220GSM  QC1.1 polo shirt.

All the main features that made the adults polo a success are carried down to the QC1.3 children‘s polo shirt. which comes in nine must have schoolwear colours.

Quadra's School Essentials collection comprises a targeted range of products that covers all the core school bag requirements.

The QD17 Gymsac is water-resistant yet fully printable. Reinforced corners feature metal eyelets for additional strength and guaranteed long-term performance. The QD17 has a 7-litre capacity and is available in 10 colours.

Regatta's reputation for superior garments at excellent value does not stop at their adult ranges.

New from November 2009 is the TRA652 Kids Uproar softshell. Regatta's first kids' softshell for the school uniform market provides a sporty, stylish alternative. Made from a resilient Regatta Softshell fabric with water-repellent finish, reflective trim and a printed name label, this jacket is ready for the rough and tumble of the playground.

When it comes to school uniform, quality, durability and style are at the top of the checklist. Ralawise are pleased to offer schoolwear from a range of brands that use technologies to ensure uniforms will maintain their smart look throughout the year. 

Result's dedicated Junior and Youth range of high-quality jackets combines both functional and fashion elements for two to 16-year-olds.

Children can enjoy wearing RESULT jackets with designs in keeping with their school and leisure time activities.

Putting together a child's sports kit can be a bit of a minefield. You want professional, but you don't want pricey. You want style, but you don't want fuss. You want durability, but you don't want hard-to-wash.

Core business for many garments decorators is the school uniform market and UKL has many brands to feed their need.

With many schools preferring to source uniform from a local supplier, there has never been a better time to review the schoolwear selection available from UKL.

As long as there are kids, there will be a need for school uniform. So acquiring schoolwear supplier Stag was a no-brainer for Blue Max.

Blue Max already had a proven track record in supplying primary and secondary school wear so Stag was a tantalising proposition with its complementary range of blazers, shirts, trousers, skirts and specialist tartan skirts.

They're back by popular demand and there are a host of new categories in our new, improved garment decoration awards. Winners will be announced at the Printwear & Promotion Exhibition 2010.

The UK has a lot to be proud of in the next decade after winning the Olympics 2012, The Ryder Cup and the Cricket World Cup.

Kornit, leaders in industrial direct to garment digital printers have launched a new RIP system for their range of printers.

Suitable for both their single and dual pallet Digital Garment printers, the new Quick-P RIP works in tandem with Photoshop to produce fast, automated file manipulation and ripping.

Digital printing of garments and other substrates has become more and more popular over the last few years.  

This type of printing offers you another profitable line to your business without time consuming setting up costs.

TheMagicTouch are preparing to celebrate 20 years in the industry, during which time the company has grown to become one of the world leaders in digital image transfer technology, with offices in more than 50 countries worldwide.

Digital printing technologies have advanced over recent years to make the process easier than ever before, providing customers with excellent results and quality digital image transfer onto garments.

Putting it simply, we were keen to expand into the digital market place and found the perfect partners in EZtrans. We are able to offer excellent and innovative products for a rapidly expanding market.

Whereas the Romans made sure all roads led to Rome, the Greeks stole the lead in mythology and philosophical thought and the ancient Egyptians even resorted to mummification to preserve their spirit after death, as we all know now, just about everything we buy these days has the ubiquitous "Made in China" label sewn into the seam somewhere.

From T shirts to hoodies and sweatshirts the ability to produce one-off garments has seen the digital print business quickly establish its own position in this sector.

As simple to use as a normal desktop printer, direct to garment printers produce bright and vibrant prints on all styles and colours of garments.

There has been a lot of publicity about direct to garment printing, particularly with the technology advancing so quickly. With this in mind, James Carpenter of DoroTape UK Ltd discusses the merits of the more established digital film transfer printing over the new boy in town.

With the Christmas gift season fast approaching, more and more people are turning to dye sublimation printing as a quick, easy and profitable way to take advantage of the ever increasing demand for personalised presents. Nova Chrome sales director Ian McDowell tells you how.

From the included computer and workstation to the complete startup kit, M&R's i-Dot comes with nearly everything you need to get started in digital textile printing. In no time at all, you'll be turning out amazingly sharp text and line art with exceptional blending and photographic transitions.

The PreJet is more of a preparation machine as its sole purpose is to apply the pre-treat needed to print onto coloured fabrics. To create the same quality prints as those produced on white T shirts, you need to substitute the white base that would otherwise be the fabric with a white ink base.

The Tipping Point

Anyone who read the book published in 2000 is likely to have been impressed by the concept that success can be achieved by recruiting as your advocates a small number of very influential people.