ImagesMagUK_Digital-Edition_Dec17

INDUSTRY NEWS www.images-magazine.com 06 images DECEMBER 2017 Natasha Berry named BSGA Young Signmaker of the Year Natasha Berry of Printdot was named Young Signmaker of the Year at the BSGA British Sign Awards in Leicester on 9 November 2017. The award, which was sponsored by Roland DG UK, is for UK signmakers under the age of 25 who are deemed to be making outstanding contribution to the industry through innovation, creativity or dedication. Printdot boss, Keith Milford nominated Natasha, who started work at the Wolverhampton-based company in November 2013, for the award. He explained: “Natasha has created many eye-catching signs in her role and assisted on many major projects. She is very committed, tough and ambitious and this recognition has been a long time coming.” www.printdot.co.uk Natasha Berry, the Young Signmaker of the Year Schoolwear Association announces award winners The Schoolwear Association held its inaugural Schoolwear Industry awards evening on 15 October, with Rowlinson Knitwear, Whittakers Schoolwear and Stevensons all taking top honours. The awards were sponsored by CWB magazine, Banner, William Turner and David Luke. Rowlinson Knitwear was named Best Schoolwear Supplier on account of its financial and customer satisfaction performance. Staff satisfaction was also high and the firm demonstrated significant investment in infrastructure, IT and service, according to the judges. The Best Schoolwear Specialist award went to Whittakers Schoolwear. The company impressed the judges with its recently refurbished store, which has led to a notable increase in sales. Whittaker’s good relationships with suppliers, high levels of staff training, and regular involvement with schools and the local community also contributed to its success. Stevenson secured The Best Digital Schoolwear award for the usability and responsive design of its recently upgraded website, which includes an online appointment booking facility and the ability to download gender- and year- specific price lists. The Outstanding Service to Schoolwear award was presented to Rob Facey of William Turner for his 40 year service to the company as UK production manager. A Lifetime Achievement Award was given to David Burgess, chairman of David Luke and the Schoolwear Association. Representatives from across the industry gathered at the Strictly Come Dancing themed event to mark the achievements of the award winners and of the schoolwear sector as a whole. David Burgess, said: “The awards have been a wonderful celebration of an industry that is incredibly proud of its standards. The nominees and indeed the winners are proof that we have much talent in our sector.” www.schoolwearassociation.co.uk Fusible Systems wins business relationship award At the preview of the new James & Nicholson and Myrtle Beach collections in Frankfurt, Germany, on 8 November 2017, the brands’ UK distributor, Fusible Systems, received an award for its long business relationship with both brands. Neil Kippen, managing director of Fusible Systems, was honoured at an awards ceremony for his company’s 35-year partnership with James & Nicholson and Myrtle Beach. “I feel incredibly privileged to have had the pleasure of working with Daiber GMBH for so many years, and I consider Rolf Daiber and Kai Gminder to be true friends,” said Neil. “We have not always agreed about everything but we have always been able to sit down, talk things through and respect each other’s views (normally with a small glass of red wine!). They have never been afraid of trying any of our suggestions.” Neil added that the standout garments at the preview were the new James & Nicholson jackets, which he said are brilliantly designed and very reasonably priced. www.fusiblesystems.co.uk Neil Kippen (second from left) jokingly asks for bigger discounts to reflect the 35-year partnership with Daiber. Also pictured are (L-R) Rolf Daiber and Kai Gminder, joint managing directors, and Tobias Seidel, head of marketing, from Daiber Andrew McConnell receives Rowlinson Knitwear’s Best Schoolwear Supplier award from Laura Turner of CWB magazine