ImagesMagUK_March_2022

www.images-magazine.com 04 images MARCH 2022 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. MARCH 2022 | VOL.31 NO.3 EDITORIAL N obody needs reminding that the cost of living in the UK is increasing at rates not seen for decades – the evidence is right there in front of our eyes every day. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose to 5.4% in December – the highest rate in 30 years – and is forecast to have risen to 7% by next month. Food, fuel, energy... everything costs more, with the predicted further rise in interest rates the bitter ‘cherry on the cake’ for many households. Likewise, the cost of doing business is increasing. Have you calculated how much the rise in energy prices is costing you to run that tunnel dryer? With 500,000 fewer people in employment, labour The perception of value 1992-2022 shortages are not only hampering many print and embroidery businesses’ growth, they are also driving up wages – more cost. The prices of brandable products, consumables and equipment have also been rising: suppliers are subject to the same price increases, which have been exacerbated for many by the ten-fold increase in their shipping costs over the past two years. (There is a glimmer of hope here, as it was anounced shortly before going to press that the UK competition watchdog is joining forces with those in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the US to investigate collusion between suppliers and shipping groups to hike prices, following complaints from businesses about their supply chains.) That’s the reality – it costs more to live and to conduct business. So, what can you do about it? You could raise your prices: Marshall Atkinson provided some prescient advice on how best to go about doing just that in our December 2021 issue – imagesmag.uk/marshall_prices. In this issue, Erich Campbell approaches matters from a different angle, focusing on how to boost efficiency and ‘validate your value’ in order to maintain embroidrey (and print) as a viable, desirable and affordable option in the customer’s eyes (page 66). He shares practical tips on how to control costs in your shop along with some thoughts on how to appeal to customers’ perception of value (over price). Enjoy the article and hopefully you’ll discover some pointers that will be of direct benefit to you and your business. Jonathan Vince The cost of doing business is rising; Erich Campbell has some solutions to help maintain decorated garments as a viable, desirable and affordable option for customers (page 66) 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 1992-2022 I find Image s a go-to source for all the latest news – from brands to suppliers, latest trends, and sector-related topics within the industry. I also like how it features and high- lights other garment decorator businesses on what they have been up to, and Print Shop Pooches, which is always a fun article to read. – Mark Freeman, director, Personalised Warehouse