ImagesMagUK_July_2021

www.images-magazine.com 04 images JULY 2021 Published by: 360 Communications Ltd images magazine, 360 Communications Ltd, 58a Livingstone Road, Hove, BN3 3WL, UK 01273 748482 | www.images-magazine.com Advertising: advertising@images-magazine.com Editorial: editorial@images-magazine.com Subscriptions: subscriptions@images-magazine.com | Images is available free of charge to UK subscribers Subscribe online: imagesmag.uk/register | Update your subscription/contact details online: imagesmag.uk/subs-update Publisher/advertising: Jonathan Vince | jonathan@images-magazine.com Features editor: Rachael Glazier | rachael@images-magazine.com Features writer: Mark Ludmon | mark@images-magazine.com Publishing assistant: Gaby Bowring | gaby@images-magazine.com Design/Production: ATG Media | production@atgraphicsuk.com Printing: Stephens & George Ltd | Goat Mill Road,Dowlais, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 3TD ( issn 0966 7512) Opinions expressed by contributors in this magazine are not necessarily shared by the Publisher. Editorial contributions are invited, on the understanding that the Publisher has the right to alter or abridge all such material as he sees fit. While the greatest care has been taken to ensure accuracy, the Publisher accepts no liability for either errors or omissions. JULY 2021 | VOL.30 NO.7 EDITORIAL A t the time of writing, the UEFA European Football Championship finals are edging towards the round of 16, and by the time this issue of Images is published the quarter finals will be fast approaching. A strong showing by one or more of the home nations could prompt a veritable ‘goal rush’ of late orders for fanshirts, promowear and memorabilia, giving the UK garment decoration industry a timely boost. Folker Stachetzki, Brother’s marketing manager, confirms that fanshirts are already big news this summer thanks to the Euros, and he predicts that this demand will continue after the trophy has been lifted at Wembley Stadium on 11 July. We question Folker about the ins and outs of DTG printing on polyester garments – including sports and fanshirts – in ‘Direct-to-polyester’ (page 46). All roads lead toWembley If DTG is a recent call-up to the polyester printing squad, then dye sublimation is the team’s veteran player. We take a close look at the latest dye sub printing machinery in this month’s equipment showcase (‘Simply sublime’, page 50), and for those of you that are newcomers to the process, we’ve pulled together some helpful tips from established suppliers in this sector of the market to help you get set up and earning profits straight away (‘Sublimation success for newbies’, page 48). Another relative newcomer to the printing on polyester game is DTF (direct-to-fabric) printing – the ‘do-it-all’ process that is kicking up a storm at present. Resolute’s Colin Marsh tells you everything you need to know to get started in DTF printing in this month’s ‘Digital helpdesk’ (page 24). A year ago, we spoke to a number of garment decorators about how the early days of the pandemic had affected their businesses. Twelve months and multiple lockdowns later, we caught up with Alex at Inkthreadable, Ady at South East Workwear, Jemma at OHM Clothing and Chessie at Squeegee & Ink to see how they have coped with the demands of the past year, the changes they have implemented, and the current state of their businesses. And it was fascinating! Whether it’s a major expansion of production facilities along with a new stock management strategy; a move towards an entirely sales-focused operation; the promotion of branded workwear for Zoom calls and an increase in work for charities; or the development of an own-brand clothing line that promises higher profit margins compared with customers’ orders – all of those interviewed have pivoted their business in some way in response to the pandemic. Turn to ‘Covid-19 diaries: 2021’ (page 28) to read the interviews and learn about the changes they have introduced. As always, be safe, keep well and stay busy. Jonathan Vince A strong showing by one or more of the home nations at this summer’s Euros finals could prompt a ‘goal rush’ of late orders for fanshirts and competition memorabilia REGISTER Subscribe now to receive your own free monthly copy of Images: imagesmag.uk/subscribe UPDATE YOUR CONTACT DETAILS Working from home? Moved to new premises? Update your details online: imagesmag.uk/subs-update © Marco Verch