ImagesMagUK_October_2021

www.images-magazine.com OCTOBER 2021 images 41 IS SCHOOLWEAR | BRAND PROFILE been welcomed by retailers, Neil adds. “It is giving our customers more to talk about and a more powerful message.” Online ordering Another change is the introduction of online ordering for retailers, which began roll-out in August and was made possible by bolstering the technology team who have been working on it since last year. “It’s enabled retailers to place an order out of hours after the shop closes at 6pm or 7pm,” Neil explains. “The feedback is that it’s more convenient, quick and easy to use.” One+All is also looking at whether it is possible to take orders for next-day delivery later in the day, going beyond the industry norm of 5.30pm. “We have lots of technology-based initiatives that we’ve been looking at through our technology team. Expect a lot more exciting stuff to come.” The evolution into One+All has been matched by new product development. “We’ve grown over the past 20 years, but it’s been the last few years where we’ve really thought what other products could we do a good job with,” Neil says. “We’re always exploring what’s out there in the market and if it’s something that we could do in a way that would add something and suit our strengths. But we remain pragmatic and cautious so we wouldn’t introduce 10 new products overnight. We would want to make sure we absolutely got it right and could deliver the quality and service that customers expect.” New ties range At The Schoolwear Show in October, One+All will showcase its first range of ties. Made from recycled polyester, they are available for next-day delivery from stock or can be made to order. Neil says the new range builds on the company’s reputation for its ethically made, good- quality and durable schoolwear such as pullovers, cardigans, sweatshirts and polo shirts. It follows the introduction two years ago of blazers and jackets. “Those weren’t a product we’d done before, but they have been absolutely flying,” he comments. The Performa Eco blazers and Eco jackets are made from 100% recycled polyester, and are both available in unisex and girls’ styles. In the next six months, One+All intends to introduce a second style for the girls’ jacket in response to customer feedback. Neil points out that trends move more slowly in school uniform, especially as schools literally want uniformity from year to year, but he has identified some key changes. “There’s been a movement in primary schools from what historically would have been thick knitwear to more lightweight knitwear or even sweatshirts over the past 10 to 15 years.” Suppliers saw more demand for warmer garments last year, with schools forced to keep windows open to increase ventilation during the pandemic, but he says it is unclear whether that will be repeated this year. “Things have got a bit more back to normal over the past few months.” Neil, who joined the business five years ago, initially as commercial director, says that One+All is now embarking on the next chapter of its story, but it remains faithful to its values. “People expect a lot from us: great service and great-quality products ethically made, so we have to make sure that when we are doing anything new, it is done in the One+All way. People work with us because they expect us to be a safe pair of hands.” www.oneandall.co.uk are. Only then can you truly understand what is going on to make your product, how people are being treated, what’s happening to the chemicals being used.” One+All has its own employees on the ground in all of its factories. “By having One+All people there day in, day out, you can make sure that not only the quality of the garments is fantastic, but that the factory is being operated day to day in an ethical way and according to the standards that we set.” A powerful message The company has also ensured it is carbon neutral from port of origin, not just in the UK. At its headquarters, eco- friendly practices include using hybrid cars and installing solar power that means it has a net-positive impact on the national grid. Led by chair Donald Moore, the company is working with Marketing Stockport to run the Sustainability in Action Summit, which is linked to Planet Mark’s nationwide Zero Carbon Tour, in October 2021 to inspire local businesses. One+All is certified by Planet Mark and a full member of the Ethical Trading Initiative as well as an accredited Living Wage employer and a member of Greater Manchester’s Good Employment Charter. “People often think that being more sustainable is a cost but, if done well, it will make a business more efficient – and it’s the right thing to do,” Neil stresses. With children increasingly aware of the climate crisis, schools are under pressure to be eco-friendly, and that includes uniforms. “Our planet needs to be protected or these kids are going to find themselves in a difficult position. What we’re doing now is about not just protecting them but protecting their kids and their kids’ kids.” On top of using materials such as recycled polyester, One+All is planning a new initiative to help its retailers and their customers to recycle school uniforms. “The amount of resource that goes into clothing is high. If we can extend the life of garments by even a few months, that has a massive impact on the planet.” Reflecting these values in the new brand identity has Neil Ward, managing director of One+All The One+All team celebrate the company’s rebranding in July One+All’s new range of ties