In the grips of a recession, it’s important that staff feel valued, confident and motivated to perform to optimum levels. One way of ensuring this is to provide comfortable, fit-for-purpose work clothing.

In customer-facing scenarios, corporate clothing also brings the benefit of brand reinforcement, whilst employees involved in work that is in any way hazardous must be provided with suitable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), a market sector that is populated by EU directives and legislation.

Show Description

Now in it’s second year, The Workwear and Corporate Clothing Show (NEC, 1 & 2 April) covers all aspects of working wardrobes, from the garments themselves (leisure clothing, corporatewear and workwear) and the accessories (shoes, boots, hats, goggles, etc), to the hi-tech fabrics and other components of the garments, the systems used to store and distribute the clothing, laundering, identification and much, much more.

Exhibitor Profile
With over 70 exhibitors the event will showcase all the important names in the industry, including Arco, CAT Apparel, CORDURA® Fabric, Crocs, Engel Workwear, Helly Hansen, incorporatewear, Prêt Apparel, Russell Europe, Skechers, Syscom plc, Thomas Fattorini and William Sugden and Sons Limited.

(List of exhibitors, stand number and description of exhibit on page 20 onwards or visit http://www.workwearshow.co.uk/exhibitorslist2009/)

The Visitors
Being the only UK show solely dedicated to senior buyers, suppliers, distributors and manufacturers for the workwear, corporate clothing and PPE industry, The Workwear and Corporate Clothing Show is set to attract 2000+ visitors from all over the world. Pre-registrations are already up by 16% compared to the same time last year.

Visitors will be able to see the latest garments both on the stands and in the catwalk show, learn of the latest services and gain the latest industry knowledge from the show’s own conference, which focuses on sustainability.
Visitors can pre-register for free entry to the show at www.workwearshow.co.uk

Catwalk Fashion Show
Internationally renowned, professional choreographer, Debbie Astell, is currently creating a series of stunning catwalk shows to display exhibitors' clothing at its finest. The exciting fashion show is sponsored by promotional and corporatewear supplier, Russell Europe.

The shows will run regularly throughout the exhibition – three performances each day. Each show will last for around 30 minutes and consist of a maximum of 10 scenes, each lasting for approximately three minutes.

Fashion scenes will focus on all areas of workwear and corporatewear including scenes from exhibitors CAT, 3M, Russell Collection, Russell Workwear, Hi Tec Sports, Fristad and Co and Dr Martens.

Sustainability – The Topic for The Show’s Compelling Conference
The 2009 Workwear and Corporate Clothing Show Conference will address one of the most important issues facing working garment manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and buyers today: SUSTAINABILITY. Taking place on the morning of the 2 April, in the Gallery Suite, right next to the exhibition hall, the conference will bring together ten inspiring speakers to present on the three key areas of sustainability: environment, social and economy.

Brought together from across the industry, their unique insights will shed light on how sustainability can be achieved through recycling, reuse, ethical sourcing and supply chain management – all whilst remaining profitable. Microsoft Gold Partner Syscom, which provides ERP software solutions for the industry, is sponsoring the event for the second year running, along with Lectra, which provides the industry with CAD/CAM equipment and services.

Visitors can find out more about the speakers and book their seat at this important event by visiting http://www.workwearshow.co.uk/conference

For further press information, photos or quotes, please contact Carole Bull of
Carole Bull Communications Ltd T 01455 202088, M 07525 206712
E carole@carolebull.com

Dated: February 2009

A full list of exhibitors with stand numbers and short description is available by return.

Show logo and any of these pics from The Workwear and Corporate Clothing Show 2008 available by return.

1. Hi vis clothing on show
2. Promotional clothing on show
3. Hi vis jackets
4. Scene from fashion show – careerwear and leisurewear
5. Businesswear scene from fashion show
6. ARA t-shirt
7. Fristard jacket
8. Fristard t-shirt
9. Mascot Batura boot
10. Mascot Lagarto trousers
11. Mascot Zafra shorts
12. Workwear on the catwalk
13. Stand at 2008 show
14. Businesswear scene two from fashion show
15. CAT stand at Workwear and Careerwear show 2008
16. Russell Uniforms
17. Possible Bar Wear
18. Airline Uniforms
19. Pilot Jacket
20. Waistcoat
21. Hairdressing Uniform
22. Healthcare Uniforms from fashion show

Shortlist Announced for the Business Manager Awards

Expectation builds ahead of the Workwear and Corporate Clothing Show’s
unique awards ceremony

The shortlist has been chosen for the much-awaited Business Manager Awards. The awards, which will be hosted by UK fashion designer Jeff Banks on the evening of 1 April 2009 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel, are a new feature at the Workwear and Corporate Clothing Show. The shortlist includes buyers from in the finance sector, the Nationwide Building Society, Halifax, Lloyds TSB, Royal Bank of Scotland, Barclays, from the retail sector Somerfield Stores Ltd, Focus DIY Ltd, from the airline sector Easyjet Airline, Virgin Atlantic, from the service sector Royal Mail, Kent Police, Post Office, Strathclyde Fire & Rescue, Greater Manchester Police, plus entities such as Leicester City Council, Arco Ltd., Go-Ahead Group plc and Keeping Up Appearances. The full list will be published in the April issue of director-e magazine.

The Business Manager Awards aim to raise an awareness and appreciation for the contribution that buyers of corporate clothing, workwear and PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) make to these sectors, as without them this multi-million pound industry wouldn’t exist.

In July last year, suppliers were invited to nominate the buyers who they believed had gone beyond the call of duty in the development of their uniform. These buyers were then asked to complete a form that asked them to demonstrate how they had gone that extra mile in the design, style and innovation of their uniforms as well as support of sustainable and ethical practises, among other areas.

The deadline to hand in completed forms was in October 2008 and the judging panel – made up of leading academics and figures in textiles, uniforms and fashion – chose the shortlist on 10 December. Successful applicants will be notified over the next few weeks, and the winners and runners-up in the three categories of workwear, corporate clothing and PPE will be announced on the evening of the awards.

Joint managing director of the Workwear and Corporate Clothing Show Yvette Ashby said: “Thank you to everybody who entered and for supporting this inaugural event. The number and the standard of entries we received were overwhelming. It’s very heartening to see just how passionate people are about this industry and I can’t wait to celebrate the hard work and commitment of these individuals at the ceremony.”

The awards will take place as part of a stunning champagne reception, gala dinner and dance.

To book your tickets you can log onto www.workwearshow/bma or contact Hannah Johnson Tel: +44 (0)870 870 4578 or Email: Hannah@director-e.com

Press enquiries to:
Carole Bull
Managing director
Carole Bull Communications Ltd
Tel: 01455 202088
Fax: 01455 202692
Email: carolebull@aol.com

Note to editors:

Well-known names Crocs, Buffera and Helly Hansen are the latest to book stands at the only UK show dedicated to clothing for the workplace.

Are you aware that around 30% of the UK’s working population (just under 11 million people) wear some form of clothing provided by their employer? Or that the working garment industry was estimated to be worth £446 million (wholesale) for the year 2007? (Statistics provided by Malcolm Newbery consultant to the workwear and careerwear industry and writer, speaker and teacher of fashion management at UK universities.)

Clothing for the workplace is an important part of the apparel industry in the UK, and as such the Workwear and Corporate Clothing Show is continuing to attract new exhibitors for its second show on 1 – 2 April 2009 at Birmingham’s NEC.

Crocs continue to go down a storm on the high street, but those who wear a working wardrobe also deserve to look good and feel great at work. This is why Crocs will also be showcasing its comfortable, functional and funky footwear on its stand and in the show’s popular fashion catwalk show.

Buffera Ltd may be known in outerwear for its Original Buff® – the ultimate in multi-functional headwear – but since exhibiting at the 2008 Workwear and Corporate Clothing Show, the working garment industry has been catching on to the potential of its Buff® Protection range. This tubular piece of high-performance microfibre can be worn in 12 different ways to protect workers in a range of harsh environments.

Well-known Norwegian brand Helly Hansen will be displaying its range of high quality, protective technical gear for work. The company’s workwear division produces approximately one million garments a year and its customers include Mercedes, Audi, SAAB, Volvo, Kraft Foods, Greenpeace and NATO.

To see the full list of exhibitors and register to visit the show click on www.workwearshow.co.uk

Pic from 2008 Workwear and Corporate Clothing Show fashion show
Many more pics available by return.

Press enquiries to:
Carole Bull
Managing director
Carole Bull Communications Ltd
Tel: 01455 202088
Fax: 01455 202692
Email: carolebull@aol.com

Note to editors:

19th November 2008
Impressive Line-Up Announced for Sustainability Conference at the Workwear and Corporate Clothing Show

Organiser Corporate Clothes Show LLP has unveiled the speaker list for the Workwear and Corporate Clothing Show Conference on sustainability

The conference, which is sponsored by Syscom PLC, is aimed at manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and buyers across the workwear, corporate clothing and PPE industry. It will focus on how companies throughout the whole supply chain can become more sustainable in a world where sustainable manufacturing processes, eco textiles and ‘green’ clothing are now a part of mainstream consumer awareness.

Held at 9am on 2nd April 2009, next to Hall 10 at the Birmingham NEC (where the Workwear and Corporate Clothing Show takes place on 1 & 2 April), speakers will draw on their unique experiences to shed light on areas within the three key areas of sustainability: environment, social and economy.

Recycling, reuse, ethical sourcing and supply chain management are just some of the areas that will be addressed by buyers, suppliers and organisations that are making sustainability work for them whilst remaining profitable.

Corporate Clothes Show LLP Joint Managing Director, Yvette Ashby said: “Sustainability is an enormously important topic in the working garment industry and it will continue to gain in importance in the years to come. The conference will examine what this complex term actually means and what role it will play in the future of our industry.”

Yvette added: “We are really fortunate to have such experienced and inspiring speakers from across the entire spectrum of workwear, corporate clothing and PPE presenting on this crucial topic.”

The list of speakers is as follows:

Karen Sparrow, Head of Uniform at Virgin Atlantic Airways, will chair the conference and provide an insight into the sustainable developments taking place within the airline’s uniform department.

Peter Waeber, CEO of Bluesign Technologies Ag will present on the development and increasing importance of the independent bluesign® standard, which addresses not only consumer safety aspects, but covers the complete range of environment, health and safety (EHS) issues within the entire textile manufacturing chain.

Nick Morley, Director of Sustainable Innovation at the Centre for Remanufacturing and Reuse, will break down the exact meaning of the slippery term – sustainability, whilst exploring cases of best practice in the industry. He will then discuss the developments in the CRR’s “Uniform Reuse” project, which is investigating ways to increase corporatewear reuse rates at end-of-service-life.

Miles Marchant, Business Development Manager at Teijin Shoji Europe GmbH, will discuss the process of closed loop recycling and weigh up the benefits.

Whilst, Robin Vryenhoef, Sales Manager of Syscom PLC will explore how product development management software can be used to design, source and manufacture clothing within ethical fashion.

Hayley Brooks, Sales and Marketing Director at Dimensions Corporatewear – the second largest corporatewear supplier in the UK – claims to have a 100% recycling and reuse policy when it comes to obsolete clothing. So how exactly do they do it? All will be explained in what promises to be an insightful presentation.

Campbell Bland, UK Market Manager for Lenzing Fibers, discusses the sustainable developments taking place right at the beginning of the manufacturing process – with fibres.

He will be followed by Michelle Goggi, Director of Laurence M. Barry & Co, which has been collecting, sorting and selling clothes, textiles and shoes to other countries since 1985. How to design corporatewear and workwear to facilitate end of life reuse and recycling; and how to ensure a secure and ethical disposal of your unwanted clothes will both be covered.

Steve Milner, Managing Director of EU Business at Noble Biomaterials Inc will present on the sustainable benefits of using silver in garments, and Dan Rees, Director of the Ethical Trading Initiative will close the conference with a presentation on ethically traded work wear.

There are limited spaces available. To avoid disappointment or for more information visit: www.workwearshow.co.uk/conference or contact organiser Hannah Johnson on T:+44 (0)870 870 4578 E:hannah@director-e.com

Press enquiries to:
Carole Bull
Managing director
Carole Bull Communications Ltd
Tel: 01455 202088
Fax: 01455 202692
Email: carolebull@aol.com

Note to editors:

Syscom, A Microsoft gold partner, is proud to sponsor the Conference at the 2009 Workwear and Corporate Clothing Show. Syscom is dedicated to providing software to clothing companies, which can help organisations to become more efficient, competitive and profitable.

The 2009 Workwear and Corporate Clothing Show has added to its impressive exhibitor line-up by attracting three heavyweights from within the working garment industry.

Bond Safety – European distributor of well-known workwear brand CAT – has doubled the size of its stand space to 144 m2. The company exhibited at the 2008 show with an 80 m2 stand dedicated to CAT workwear. It was so pleased with the results, however, that it now plans to showcase brands Hi-Tec Works and Dr. Martens workwear on separate stands next year.

Bond Safety managing director Paul Bond said: “We were so impressed with the level and quality of visitors last year that we want to take full advantage of this important sales opportunity again. The Workwear and Corporate Clothing Show is the premium exhibition and we have the premium brands, where else would we show?”

Another satisfied customer is Russell Europe. The supplier of promotional clothing and corporatewear is sponsor of the spectacular fashion catwalk show for the second year running, after receiving a fantastic response from the event. And now, the company has decided to build on its success by also taking a 50 m2 stand right by the stage.
Good things really do come in threes though as Arco – a leading UK supplier of workwear and PPE – has also confirmed its plans to exhibit at the show for the first time.

The 2009 Workwear and Corporate Clothing Show will take place on 1-2 April at the Birmingham NEC.

To book your stand or for further sponsorship opportunities contact show manager Emma Barrett on Tel: +44 (0)1425 470666 Fax: +44 (0)1425 470678 or Email: emma@workwearshow.co.uk

Press enquiries to:
Carole Bull
Managing director
Carole Bull Communications Ltd
Tel: 01455 202088
Fax: 01455 202692
Email: carolebull@aol.com

Note to editors:

Stand bookings for the 2009 Workwear & Corporate Clothing Show are gaining incredible momentum. Organiser, Corporate Clothes Show LLP, reveals that there’s been a significant increase in the number of exhibitors signing up to the show. Compared to last September, stand bookings are up by over 60% and 80% more net space has been sold.

The first ever Workwear and Corporate Clothing Show took place in April at the Birmingham NEC, and attracted more than 2000 visitors and 70 exhibitors. Now, more and more companies are deciding to exhibit at the next show, which will return to Birmingham on the
1-2 April 2009.

Returning exhibitors – delighted with the business that they generated from the 2008 show – include William Sugden & Sons, MASCOT International, Sharon Lee, CKL, Supertouch, P&R Fabrics Ltd, Cotton Roots, Pioner Fristad (UK) and Kempton Clothing. Companies such as ApparelGMS and Brandvis will be amongst those exhibiting for the first time.

Commenting on the rise in stand bookings, joint show director Lorne Cheetham said: "It’s very encouraging news that suppliers and manufacturers are taking the wise decision to include the UK's only event of its kind in their budgets and marketing plans.

“As organisers, our aim is to stage a truly international event that emulates the big fashion/safetywear shows of France and Germany,” he added. “It takes many years to build an event that enjoys global recognition, but at this rate we should be able to reach our goal of 200 exhibitors in just a couple of years.

“When you look at the bolt-on attractions such as the catwalk fashion show, industry conference and the Business Manager Awards – the event looks set to be one of Europe's most important experiences for everyone involved in this multi-billion pound industry.”

Big names who are already throwing their weight behind the 2009 Workwear and Corporate Clothing Show include corporatewear supplier Russell Europe, sponsoring the fashion catwalk show; conference sponsor Syscom PLC; and INVISTA’s CORDURA ® brand, which is the overall sponsor for the Business Manager Awards.

To book your stand or for further sponsorship opportunities contact show manager Emma Barrett on Tel: +44 (0) 1425 470666 Fax: +44 (0) 1425 470678 or
Email: emma@workwearshow.co.uk

Press enquiries to:
Carole Bull
Managing director
Carole Bull Communications Ltd
Tel: 01455 202088
Fax: 01455 202692
Email: carolebull@aol.com
Photographs from the 2008 event available by return.

Note to editors:

There’s not long to go until nominations close for the prestigious Business Manager Awards. The deadline for suppliers and buyers to enter is the 12 September – so suppliers get your thinking caps on and nominate the buyers who you think deserve to be rewarded for the development of their uniforms. And buyers – don't be shy! If you think your hard work in the field of sourcing and specifying workwear and corporate clothing should be recognised, have a word with your supplier.

The innovative Business Manager Awards, sponsored by CORDURA® Fabric, were set up this year to recognise the hard work and contribution of the buyers to the multi-million pound workwear, corporate clothing and PPE industry. It is just one of the events listed at next year’s Workwear and Corporate Clothing Show, which takes place at the Birmingham NEC on 1 and 2 April.

Corporate Clothes Show LLP Joint Managing Director, Yvette Ashby, who established the awards said, “Thank you to everyone who has already sent their nominations in and booked their tickets for what promises to be a spectacular event; and for those who are still thinking about nominating a buyer – there is still time to get your nominations in!”

For buyers to be in with a chance of winning one of 20 awards, they must first be nominated by their main supplier. Suppliers, who will also be recognised if their buyer wins, can nominate more than one buyer online at www.workwearshow.co.uk or by post.

Once a buyer has been nominated they will receive an email informing them of their nomination and directing them to an online application form that they must also fill out.

Shortlisted entrants will be announced in October and invited to attend the ceremony, on the evening of the 1 April 2009. Hosted by designer and Clothes Show Live founder Jeff Banks, it will take place at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel as part of a champagne reception, three-course dinner and dance.

Tickets for the event are available to buy now and priced at £65 per person plus VAT. To book your tickets, contact Hannah Johnson on Tel: +44 (0)870 870 4578 Fax: +44 (0)870 870 4679 or Email: Hannah@director-e.com. Also contact Hannah for a nomination form if you wish to nominate a buyer by post.

Press enquiries to:
Carole Bull
Managing Director
Carole Bull Communications Ltd
Tel: 01455 202088
Fax: 01455 202692
Email: carolebull@aol.com

Note to editors:

Celebrity designer and global company get behind the
Workwear and Corporate Clothing Show 2009

Clothes Show Live Founder Jeff Banks will lead the celebrations when it comes to toasting the hard work of corporate clothing, workwear and PPE buyers. The world-renowned designer will host the Business Manager Awards on 1st April 2009 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel as part of a glamorous black tie champagne reception and three course dinner and dance. Meanwhile, CORDURA® Fabrics, which is owned by global company INVISTA, has also thrown its weight behind the event by signing up to sponsor the awards for the next two years.

These brand new awards have been set up by Corporate Clothes Show LLP, the organisers of the Workwear and Corporate Clothing Show, which takes place at the Birmingham NEC on 1st and 2nd April.

Joint managing director Yvette Ashby believes that the Business Manager Awards are an exciting step for the industry: “Having been in the industry for 15 years, I have seen how hard the buyers work to bring functionality, design and innovation to their uniforms,” she says. “I felt it was time that they were recognised for their contribution to the industry as a whole and for helping it to grow and evolve. After all, some buyers particularly those procuring PPE are responsible for saving lives.”

For a buyer to be in with a chance of winning one of the 20 awards that have been designed by Thomas Fattorini of London, they must be nominated by their main supplier. Nomination forms will be available to download from www.workwearshow.co.uk from 4th August. Alternatively, to receive one by post, contact Hannah Johnson on Tel: +44 (0) 870 870 4578 Fax: +44 (0) 870 870 4679 or Email: Hannah@director-e.com
The Business Manager Awards won’t be the only attraction for those considering visiting or exhibiting at the Workwear and Corporate Clothing Show. The popular fashion catwalk show is to return for a second year, and will again be sponsored by corporate clothing company, Russell Europe and choreographed by celebrated choreographer Debbie Astell, who’s impressive CV includes choreography for the film Mrs Henderson Presents.

A conference will take place on the morning of the second day of the exhibition. Sponsored by ERP software solutions company Syscom, the conference will consist of eight industry-renowned speakers discussing cutting edge topics that are vital to the industry.

A significant number of manufacturers, distributors and suppliers who exhibited in April have already rebooked their stands for the 2009 show. These include: CKL, Sharon Lee, T.W Kempton, Mascot International, Pionér Fristads and Goliath Footwear. To avoid disappointment book yours now. Contact show manager Emma Barrett on: Tel: +44 (0) 1425 470666
Fax: +44 (0) 1425 470678 or email emma@workwearshow.co.uk

Press enquiries to:
Carole Bull
Managing Director
Carole Bull Communications Ltd
Tel: +44 (0) 1455 202088
Fax: +44 (0) 1455 202692
Email: carole@carolebull.com

Note to editors: