ImagesMagUK_Digital-Edition_Nov17

INDUSTRY EVENT

“We’re honoured to have won the Best Supplier of the Year at the inaugural Schoolwear show awards,” commented Neil. “For us, being outstanding means going the extra mile for our customers and helping them to succeed. Our focus on continual improvement has helped us develop our reputation as the go-to schoolwear supplier of choice. Winning this award is a testament to the hard work and collective passion of our people.” This award followed hot on the heels of another major success, with the company’s head of people services, Nicola Ryan, winning Business Person of the Year at the Stockport Business Awards on Thursday 12 October. With regards to Rowlinson’s product range, the company’s aim continues to be to provide quality garments that are built to last when being worn five days a week, 40 weeks a year, and which look the same at the end of the school year as they did at the beginning. The latest launch – a bespoke range of sweats, called Woodbank Signatures – was well-received at the show and taps into the continuing trend, noted by Donald, of schools opting for smart, coordinated and school-specific uniforms that promote a sense of belonging amongst their students. Much as Rowlinson does with its staff. www.rowlinson-knitwear.com

Trutex’s marketing manager, Rowena Allen, was demonstrating the new Senior Boys Contemporary Trouser, Senior Girls Contemporary Trouser and Senior Girls Contemporary Skirt, all of which have been designed to coordinate with the brand’s Contemporary Jackets for a suit look that’s aimed at sixth formers. Also on showwas knitwear with a new finish called Trutex Stay Smart, which offers a water- and stain-repellent finish for easy washing, and has elastane for shape retention. Rowena revealed the company has seen a resurgence in shirts, ties and jumpers in both primary and secondary schools as the general move towards smarter school uniforms continues. www.trutex.com Andrew Clark on the PenCarrie/Russell/ Jerzees/Fruit of the Loom stand was keen to show the new colours that will be added to the Russell V-necks in 2018: cranberry, marl and denim. Also on showwas the new full zip version of the HD sweats, along with the new ‘bionic’ jacket featuring Bionic-Finish Eco, a fluorine-free, formaldehyde-free, hydrophobic finish that repels both water and aqueous soiling substances. www.russelleurope.com www.pencarrie.com At the David Luke stand the teamwas showing a rail of samples and inviting feedback on the items from customers. The skirt with tartan inlay was being well received, as was a blazer for young children made from a jersey material to allow for easy movement, reported business development executive Emma Kennedy. Feedback from last year had resulted in the team adding waist adjusters to the slim-fit trouser, straight skirt and drop waist skirt, added Emma, who emphasised that the company continues to invest heavily in the development side of its business. www.davidluke.com Lila Schiffer from PenCarrie demonstrated the reflective qualities of the new Junior Reflective Bobble Beanie (B406b) and Reflective Beanie (B407) from Beechfield. The B407 beanie features reflective threads throughout while the junior style has reflective threads in the pom pom, making them ideal for children walking to and from school in low light. The adult style is made from 84% acrylic/16% polyester, and the junior style is 100% acrylic; both feature double knit, cuffed designs. On the Chadwick stand the main focus was the core iGen PE range of polo, short and skort, which will be available at the end of this year in ten bulk stock colours following last year’s soft launch. Also on showwas the new Academy Legging (838), which has been specially designed for the schoolwear market and offers maximum potential for branding, plus the School Hold-All (824) in its new extended colour palette. Originally launched in a choice of navy and black, the hold-all’s success has prompted Chadwick to introduce an additional five colourways. www.chadwicktextiles.co.uk www.beechfield.com www.pencarrie.com

Rowlinson has introduced the bespoke Woodbank Signatures sweatshirts range

Rowlinson is moving to its new 76,000 sq ft premises in December

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