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Bologna

A small change for a big impact

To put it plainly, we are saving the world! Well, not really but we are doing our part, Here is example of an incremental change we have done to support climate change. We all know the drill—turn off the TV when you're not watching it, but what about those sneaky devices that sip power even when they're off? Yup, I’m talking about standby power. Many devices like your coffee maker, TV, or phone charger are still pulling electricity even when not in use. By using smart plugs we stop that wasted energy in its tracks. So, where ties in the link to reducing climate change? To understand we have to dive in to how electricity is actually made. In the UK, natural gas is a major source of electricity generation so we will use this as the prime example, Gas is burned with air resulting in high pressure hot gasses. These hot gasses are directed through a turbine, which spins the blades super-fast and drives a generator. This converts the energy from the spinning turbine into electricity. A waste product of this process is carbon dioxide, which significantly contributes to the greenhouse gasses in our atmosphere. Let’s escape the classroom and tell you how we have reduced our impact. By using P110 smart plugs from Tapo we are not only able to schedule when to turn off and, on our power, but we are also able to see energy usage across a period of time which we can then use to calculate how much we would save over an average year. By turning off our plugs from 19:00 – 06:00 on weekdays and completely off on weekends we are predicted to save up to 300 kWh a year! Above shows a pie chart, it shows just how much we have cut down our energy usage by adding just 8 smart plugs to our office. Now 300 kWh / 29% doesn’t sound like a lot but when you convert it into how much carbon we would save over an expected year, then we will prevent up to 48.6 kg of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere. That’s a whole giant pacific octopus! This is just the impact of just one business taking action, imagine if everyone reading this took action, the change would be incredible, a lot of octopuses. Hopefully our small example will influence the right minds, Like I said, our change is small, but our impact is big.   Premier. Look good, do good. Jack Coulson. Sustainability Administrator & Coordinator. Premier. Read More
October 17, 2024
Bologna

PRIDE Flags

Gender Identity and Gender Expression can be complicated and polarising. Some folk can be reluctant to broach the subject in fear of making a mistake or causing offence. Premier believes in treating everyone equitably, without discrimination or judgement and as such decided to look in to the colourful world of Pride Flags to equip ourselves better understanding and compassion.   Everyone has their personal story and reason for using a pride flag. For some it gives a feeling of belonging, for others it might be a way of coming out, and for others it is a way to show their support for the LGBTQ+ community. It all started in 1977…   Pride Flags and what they mean?   Gilbert Baker Pride Flag Gilbert Pride Flag, the flag that started it all… It was created in 1977 by Gilbert Baker, an artist, activist, and openly gay military veteran. Tasked by Harvey Milk, a historic figure in the fight for LGBTQ rights, to create a flag for the queer community, Baker created a rainbow flag with eight different colours. Inspired by the classic song "Over the Rainbow" from the 1939 film The Wizard from Oz, Baker created a rainbow flag to represent LGBTQ folks. Each colour in the flag also had a specific meaning. Hot Pink symbolizes sexRed equals lifeOrange symbolizes healingYellow stands for sunlightGreen represents nature|Turquoise equals magic & artIndigo stands for serenityViolet represents the spirit of LGBTQ people   6-Color Pride Flag   The 6-Color Pride Flag is one of the most well-known and used LGBT flags throughout history. This flag includes the colours red, orange, yellow, green, indigo, and violet on it.Hot pink wasn´t included in the fabrication of these flags, because the fabric was hard to find. As the demand for the flag started to rise after the assassination of gay San Francisco City Supervisor Harvey Milk on November 27, 1978.In 1979, the flag was modified again. Aiming to decorate the streetlamps along the parade route with hundreds of rainbow banners, Gilbert Baker decided to split the motif in two with an even number of stripes flanking each lamp pole. To achieve this effect, he dropped the turquoise stripe that had been used in the seven-stripe flag. The result was the six-stripe version of the flag that would become the standard for future production.     Philadelphia Pride Flag The Philadelphia Pride Flag came out in response to the demand of more inclusivity across the LGBTQ+ community. The flag launches in 2017 as part of the "More Colour More Pride" Campaign in Philadelphia and was designed by a small Philly-based PR agency. The addition of black and brown stripes to the traditional pride flag symbolized people of colour, who historically were not always included in aspects of the mainstream gay rights movement. Lena Waithe, an American actress, wore the Philadelphia Pride Flag as a cape at the 2018 Met Gala. She is a powerful advocate for black people within the entertainment industry and this flag spiked in popularity after she elevated its visibility.     Transgender Flag The Transgender Flag was first created in 1999 by Monica Helms, a transgender woman. Light blue and pink are featured because they’re the traditional colours associated with baby boys and girls, respectively. The white stands for those who are intersex, transitioning or those who don´t feel identified with any gender.Transgender people have a gender identity or gender expression that differs from the sex that they were assigned at birth. According to Amnesty International, 1.5 million transgender people live in the European Union, making up 0.3% of the population. And more than 1.4 million trans adults living in the U.S., which is about 0,5% of the population.Violence against the queer community affects trans people of colour the most. Therefore, the Transgender Flag is so important! The trans community needs representation and resources to be visible without fear.      New Progress Pride Flag Given the evolving nature of the LGBTQ+ community and society at large, the Progress Pride Flag integrates many of these flags into one. Thankfully, it has been redesigned to place a greater emphasis on “inclusion and progression.” Our community is such a huge umbrella of different kind of people and that is what makes us so special, that is what makes us so unique and that is what makes us so powerful.The modern pride flag now includes stripes to represent the experiences of people of colour, as well as stripes to represent people who identify as transgender, gender nonconforming (GNC) and/or undefined.Daniel Quasar’s flag includes the colours of the trans flag, as well as black and brown stripes harkening back to 2017 Philadelphia Pride Flag, which sought to further represent the queer and trans identities of black and brown people. Those two stripes also represent those living with HIV/AIDS, people who have passed from the virus and the overall stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS that remains today. In 2021, the Progress Pride Flag was revised by Valentino Vecchietti of Intersex Equality Rights UK to incorporate the intersex flag. In the new design, the chevron of the Progress Flag includes a yellow triangle with a purple circle in the middle.     Nonbinary Flag In 2014, Kye Rowan created the Nonbinary Pride Flag to represent people whose gender identity does not fit within the traditional male/female binary. The colours of the nonbinary flag are yellow, white, purple, and black. The colours each symbolize a different subgroup of people who identify as nonbinary.Yellow signifies something on its own or people who identify outside of the cisgender binary of male or female. A cisgender person would be a person whose gender identity matches their sex assigned at birth. White, a colour that consists of all colours mixed, stands for multi-gendered people. Purple, like the lavender colour in the genderqueer flag, represents people who identify as a blending of male and female genders. Finally, black (the absence of colour) signifies those who are agender, who feel they do not have a gender.Some non-binary/genderqueer people use gender-neutral pronouns. Usage of singular 'they', 'their' and 'them' is the most common.     Intersex Flag This flag went through a variety of iterations before the current Intersex Flag emerged. Previous versions embraced the rainbow that is often associated with queer pride, while others used colours like blue and pink, which are found on the transgender flag.In 2013, Morgan Carpenter chose the colours yellow and purple for the intersex flag. Morgan moved away from the rainbow symbolism and selected these colours because neither is associated with the social constructs of the gender binary.The circle, perfect and unbroken, represents the wholeness of intersex people. It is a reminder that intersex people are perfect the way they are or choose to be.     Asexual Flag The Flag for the Asexual Community was created in 2010 by the Asexual Visibility and Education Network. Asexual is the lack of sexual attraction to others, or a low interest in sexual activity, but asexuality can mean different things to different people, it is best to ask each individual what it means to them. For some people, it may mean that they rely on other types of attraction instead of or in place of sexual attraction.Asexual can be an umbrella term and each colour in this flag also represents something unique. Black stands for asexuality. Gray represents demisexuality, for those who develop sexual attraction to someone only after forming a deep emotional bond with them. White stands for the allies of the community. Purple represents the entire community of asexual folks.     Bisexual Flag The Bisexual Pride Flag was created in 1998 by Michael Page. His idea for the flag represents pink and blue blending to make purple. The way that bisexual people can blend into the straight community and the gay community.The colours of the flag also represent attraction to different genders. The pink symbolizes attraction to the same gender, while the blue represents attraction to a different gender. The purple represents attraction to two or more genders, the definition of bisexuality.     Pansexual Flag The Pansexual Flag was created in 2010. Pansexuality represents those people who feel attracted to a person without thinking about gender. Pansexual people may refer to themselves as gender-blind, asserting that gender and sex are not determining factors in their romantic or sexual attraction to others. This means that they can feel attraction to those who identify as women, men, both or neither.The pink on the flag represents attraction to women, blue represents attraction to men, and yellow stands for attraction to those who don’t identify with either gender.Pansexuality may be considered a sexual orientation or a branch of bisexuality, to indicate an alternative sexual identity. Because pansexual people are open to relationships with people who do not identify as strictly men or women, and pansexuality therefore rejects the gender binary, it is often considered a more inclusive term than bisexual.     Lesbian Flag The Lesbian Flag is one of the flags fewer people know about. This flag features different shades of pink and sometimes comes with a red kiss on it to represent lipstick lesbians.  This flag was created by Natalie McCray in 2010. Some lesbians oppose this flag because of its exclusion of butch lesbians but no other flag has as much popularity as this one.In the new flag, the colours represent the following: Darkest Orange: Gender nonconformityMiddle Orange: IndependenceLightest Orange: CommunityWhite: Unique relationships to womanhoodLightest Pink: Serenity and peaceMiddle Pink: Love and sexDarkest Pink: Femininity     Abrosexual Flag The Abrosexual Pride Flag has existed since 2015. The flag was created by Mod Chad of pride-flags-for-us after another anonymous person requested it. It is unknown why this person chose these colours specifically. Abrosexual refers to an individual whose sexuality is changing or fluid. For example, someone could be gay one day, then be asexual the next, then polysexual the next. While it is possible - and even common - for a person's sexual identity to shift or change in some way throughout their life, an abrosexual person's sexuality may change more frequently, over the course of hours, days, months, or years. Because of their inconsistent attraction, some abrosexual people may not feel compelled to seek out a relationship or may prefer a wavership.The timing of the fluctuations is different for every person; for some the fluctuations may be erratic and for others they may be regular. The sexualities that a person fluctuates between also varies. Some abrosexual people may be fluid between all sexualities, while others may only be fluid between a few.     Gay Men’s Pride Flag The Gay Men’s Pride Flag is another lesser-known pride flag. It features different shades of green, blue, and purple.This modern gay men’s pride flag is a revamp of an earlier gay men’s pride flag that featured a range of blue tones. That version of the flag evolved as it used colours that were perceived stereotypical of the gender binary. The updated flag is meant to be inclusive of a much wide range of gay men, including but not limited to transgender, intersex, and gender nonconforming men.     Heterosexual Pride Flag The Heterosexual Pride Flag. Straight is most viewed as men attracted to women and women attracted to men. The term "straight" is used to describe for both straight men and straight women. While straight is often used to describe non-LGBT people it is possible for straight people to be part of the LGBT community. For example, they might be transgender. They also might be, asexual heteroromantic, or aromantic heterosexual, which also makes them LGBT. However, some believe “straight pride” events are simply the latest manifestation of anti-LGBTQ bigotry. Heterosexual pride parades exist as a response to societal acceptance of LGBTQ visibility and originated in campuses in the 1990s as a backlash tactic. Straight pride is a slogan that arose in the late 1980s and early 1990s that has primarily been used by social conservatives as a political stance and strategy. The term is described as a response to gay pride adopted by various groups (later united under the moniker LGBT) in the early 1970s, or to the accommodations provided to gay pride initiatives.     Drag Feather Pride Flag The Drag Feather pride flag is an earlier, somewhat obscure version of the Drag pride flag. It was created in 1999 by Sean Campbell and was then called the Feather pride flag. It has a phoenix in its centre, which symbolizes the drag community's rebirth and the fire of passion they use to raise awareness and funds for different causes.  The phrase "to drag" refers to a performance of masculinity, femininity, or other forms of gender expression – it is to dress up or exhibit yourself in a way that differs from your everyday expressions. For example, a drag queen is someone (usually male) who performs femininity, while a drag king is someone (usually female) who performs masculinity.     Maverique Pride Flag The Maverique pride flag was first created on Tumblr by Vesper H. (queerascat) in 2014, who coined the term "Maverique" to describe their gender. The term combines the English words "maverick" and the French suffix "ique." Maverique is a non-binary or abinary gender with significant gendered experiences but is neither male nor female. However, it is not a lack of gender; it is defined by autonomy and inner conviction about a gender that is unusual and exists outside the standard conceptions of gender. Maverique individuals are free to use whatever pronouns they prefer and present themselves however they want. The colours of the Maverique pride flag are yellow, white, and orange. The yellow represents non-binary gender – as yellow is a primary colour (meaning it isn't obtainable from combining any other colours and is entirely independent of other primary colours, cyan (blue) and magenta (pink), Vesper H believed it was the perfect analogy for maverique's relationship with masculinity and femininity. Non-binary genders are also frequently related to the colour yellow. White represents autonomy or independence from the gender binary and the spectrum of genders created by the combinations of cyan/blue (masculinity) and magenta/pink (femininity). White is a blank slate upon which maverique is based. Orange represents the inner conviction of what a maverique feels regarding their gender. It also describes the unorthodox and individualistic nature of mavericks.     Bigender Pride Flag The Tumblr user no-bucks-for-this-does created the original version of the Bigender pride flag; the creation date of the flag is unknown but is assumed to have existed before July 30th, 2014. It features different shades of pink, blue, and purple. The meaning of the colours is unknown, but it is often speculated that blue represents masculinity, pink represents femininity, and purple represents a mix of genders or androgyny. The white at its centre symbolizes the nonbinary nature of bi-gender. There is, however, another commonly used variation of the Bigender pride flag, which features four horizontal lines in four different colours – pink, yellow, white, purple, and blue. The creator is unknown, and so is the colours’ meaning – but it is assumed that the colours have the same meaning as the original flag and that yellow is added to represent non-binary. It was created either before or on August 23rd, 2015. A bigender individual is a person having or experiencing two different genders of any combination. For example, a bigender person could be both a woman and a man, or be agender and a woman simultaneously. The genders may be binary or non-binary, can be experienced simultaneously or alternately, and may not be experienced equally or in the same way.      Graysexual Pride Flag Milith Rusignuolo created the first version of the Graysexual pride flag in 2013. It features two lines of purple on the top and bottom of the flag, two grey lines further in, with a white centre line. The colours are supposed to represent someone starting with no sexual attraction (purple - asexuality), then going through an episode of attraction (grey to white), with white indicating allosexuality from the asexual flag, and then returning to asexuality once again. Graysexual is used to describe a person who identifies themselves asexual but does not fall into one of the primary kinds of asexuality.     Genderflux Pride Flag There are multiple variations of the Genderflux pride flag; however, the original version is most commonly used – it is unknown who created it, and it is speculated to have been created sometime between 2014 and 2015. It has six horizontal strips and six colours where dark pink represents women, light pink represents demi girls, grey represents agender, light blue represents demi boy, dark blue represents men, and yellow represents non-binary genders. Genderflux is a catch-all phrase for gender identities where an individual's gender or sense of the intensity of their gender changes over time.     Gender Queer Pride Flag The Gender Queer pride flag was created by the advocate and genderqueer writer Marilyn Roxie in 2011. The flag has three horizontal stripes: lavender, white, and dark chartreuse green. The lavender, a mix of pink and blue which traditionally represents women and men, expresses queer identities and androgyny. White represents gender-neutral and agender identities. Chartreuse represents identities that aren't in the gender binary and the third gender.  A genderqueer does not subscribe to conventional gender distinctions but identifies with neither, both, or a combination of male and female. Gender queer is similar to non-binary but has a slightly different meaning. It is sometimes used as an umbrella term to cover any identity that isn't cisgender.     Demiboy Pride Flag The Demiboy pride fag was created in 2015 by the Tumblr user Transrants. While Transrants did not explicitly explain the colours, the demiboy community who identify with the flag have assigned meaning to them. The flag features four colours, blue represents manhood/masculinity, white represents non-binary or agender, and the shades of grey represents the grey areas and partial connections to other genders than the binary concepts of gender (male or female). A demiboy, also referred to as demiguy, demiman, demimale, or demidude, is a person who identifies with the concept of masculinity.     Straight Ally Flag The Straight Ally flag is using the black-white "colours" of the heterosexual flag as a field, it adds a large rainbow coloured "A" (for "Ally") to indicate straight support for the Gay Pride/Equal Marriage movement.A straight ally or heterosexual ally is a heterosexual and/or cisgender person who supports equal civil rights, gender equality, LGBT social movements, and challenges homophobia, biphobia and transphobia. A straight ally believes that LGBT people face discrimination and thus are socially and economically disadvantaged.                 Source & Credit:  www.volvogroup.com > News & Media   > LGBTQ+ Pride Flags and What They Stand For > 2022-12-11 https://www.volvogroup.com/en/news-and-media/news/2021/jun/lgbtq-pride-flags-and-what-they-stand-for.html#Philadelphia-Pride-Flag Read More
May 21, 2024
Bologna

10 Reasons to Support PRIDE

    1. Promoting Inclusivity and Diversity Supporting PRIDE month sends a clear message that the business values inclusivity and diversity. This helps create a welcoming environment for employees, customers, and partners from the LGBTIQA+ community, fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance.   2. Enhancing Corporate Image Being visibly supportive of PRIDE month can enhance a company's reputation as a socially responsible and progressive organisation. This positive image can attract customers who prioritise diversity and inclusion in the brands they support.   3. Employee Morale and Retention For LGBTIQA+ employees, knowing that their employer supports PRIDE month can significantly boost morale, job satisfaction, and loyalty. It demonstrates that the company respects and values their identity, which can improve retention rates and reduce turnover.   4. Attracting Talent A commitment to diversity and inclusion can make a company more attractive to a broader talent pool. Many job seekers, especially younger generations, consider a company’s stance on social issues when deciding where to work. Supporting PRIDE month can help attract top talent who want to work in an inclusive environment.   5. Reflecting Societal Values Society is increasingly recognising the importance of equality and inclusion. By supporting PRIDE month, businesses align themselves with these evolving values, ensuring they stay relevant and connected to their communities.   6. Market Opportunities The LGBTIQA+ community represents a significant and influential market. By showing support for PRIDE month, businesses can build loyalty within this community, potentially leading to increased sales and customer base expansion.   7. Legal and Ethical Responsibility Promoting equality and preventing discrimination is not just good business practice but also a legal and ethical obligation. Supporting PRIDE month aligns with broader commitments to corporate social responsibility and equality under the law.   8. Positive Impact on Innovation Diverse teams bring different perspectives and ideas, fostering innovation. Supporting PRIDE month and demonstrating a commitment to diversity can encourage a more creative and innovative workforce.   9. Community Engagement Participation in PRIDE month activities allows businesses to engage with local communities and support important causes. This can build stronger community relations and enhance the company's role as a community partner.   10. Internal Policies and Practices Publicly supporting PRIDE month can reinforce internal policies and practices aimed at creating a safe and equitable workplace. It can also prompt businesses to review and improve their diversity and inclusion strategies continuously.   By supporting PRIDE month, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to equality, enhance their corporate reputation, attract and retain talent, and connect with a broader and more diverse customer base.   Read More
May 21, 2024
Bologna

Premier obtain FSC promotional license

Buying from an FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council) promotional licensed merchandise distributor offers several advantages, particularly in terms of environmental sustainability and corporate responsibility. Here are some key benefits:   Environmental Stewardship: FSC® certification ensures that the products come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits. The forests are managed in a way that preserves biological diversity and benefits the lives of local people and workers, while ensuring it sustains economically viable operations.   Ethical Sourcing: By choosing an FSC® promotional licensed distributor, you are supporting a supply chain that promotes fair labour practices and safe working conditions. This is crucial in maintaining ethical standards in production and sourcing.   Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Utilizing FSC® certified products in your promotional merchandise can enhance your company’s CSR profile. It shows a commitment to reducing environmental impact and can improve your brand’s image with consumers who are increasingly looking for environmentally and socially responsible products.   Quality Assurance: FSC® certification is not just about forest management, but also about maintaining quality in the supply chain. Products bearing the FSC® label meet a set of criteria that are not solely focused on environmental sustainability but also on the quality of the product.   Market Access and Customer Trust: Many corporations and consumers now demand greener and more socially responsible products. FSC® certification can serve as a mark of trust and quality, helping your products stand out in the market. This can lead to increased customer loyalty and potentially higher sales volumes.   Regulatory Compliance: In some regions, there are governmental or industry-specific regulations that require or favour the use of sustainable resources. Using FSC® certified merchandise can help in complying with these regulations and avoiding any legal or financial penalties associated with non-compliance.   Educational Impact: Distributing FSC® certified promotional merchandise can also educate your audience about the importance of sustainability in forest management and the benefits of responsible consumption.     Choosing FSC® promotional merchandise not only helps in protecting the environment but also supports a broader movement towards sustainable business practices, enhancing brand reputation and customer engagement.     Check out our FSC® range HERE. Read More
April 15, 2024
Bologna

Autism Anglia charity gains support from Premier Print and Promotions

Money will be raised by Colchester based Premier Print and Promotions to make the unit at the school in Abbotts Lane, Eight Ash Green, a reality.  The print company, celebrating its 30-year anniversary in 2024, has long supported Autism Anglian. James McQuiggan, chief executive of Autism Anglia, said: "We are delighted that the team at Premier Print and Promotions are supporting our charity so generously."   Premier Print and Promotions has already planned a host of fundraising activities to raise the necessary funds for the drama studio.                 Read More
March 19, 2024
Bologna

Equality, Balance, Wellness

In our journey towards creating an inclusive and empowering workplace, we're proud to say: At Premier, every individual's contribution is valued, and opportunities are open to all, regardless of gender. Equality at the Core: From leadership roles to project teams, women and men stand side by side, contributing their best, shaping our future together. Work-Life Harmony: Understanding the importance of balance, we've implemented flexible working hours, remote work options, and support for parents. Our aim is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their gender, can excel at work while having time for what matters most to them outside of it. Mental Health Matters: We believe a healthy mind is just as important as a healthy body. Our comprehensive mental health support program, including counseling, workshops, and wellness days, ensures that all employees feel supported, valued, and heard. Investing in Our People: We're committed to the continuous growth and development of our team. Through mentorship, training programs, and leadership development, we invest in every individual, empowering them to achieve their full potential. We're a community that thrives on equality, supports balance, champions mental well-being, and invests in its people. Together, we're building a workplace where everyone can thrive. Read More
March 05, 2024
Bologna

Ryan's B Corp Ramblings

  Since achieving B Corp certification, we have been flooded with questions and enquiries from others dipping their toes in the B-Corp pond.   So here’s the honest ramblings of someone who’s no expert, but that’s been there and done it.   Let me just preface this, in case anyone from B Lab is reading, that Premier genuinely tries to do a little bit of good in everything we do.   We’re not saints, bunny huggers, hippies, or orange t-shirt-wearing lunatics. But we do care about our people, we do care about our supply chain, we do care about our community, and we do care about the environment. From a personal perspective, as a father to an 11-year-old, I do feel a responsibility to protect the planet for future generations. But I still ride motorcycles, eat steak, fly long-haul and drink from single use plastic bottles when there’s no other option.   We eventually decided to attempt certification to bring credibility and structure to all the good things we were already doing. Consequently, it wasn’t quite as hard as I was led to believe it might be.     Why go for B Corp?   There are many alternatives to B Corp. And many complimentary accreditations. All, B Corp included, have biases in particular impact areas such as sustainability, compliance or supply chain working conditions. SMETA, Ecovadis, Amfori, 1% for the planet, UNSDGs, SBTi, Carbon Neutral to name a few. Which one you chose will depend on your strategy, your mission, your market and your offering.   With companies like Ben & Jerry’s, Patagonia and Etsy joining the B Corp community and the converted B logo becoming a household name, for Premier, B Corp was the logical step.     Where to start in your B Corp Application?   Certification is based on a points system called the BIA or B Impact Assessment. It forms the backbone of the whole audit process. Answers can be worth as little as 0.1 points. You need a minimum of 80 points to submit your assessment. Expect to lose a couple during assessment – so build in some redundancy.   The BIA is free to start. And editable. So by whipping through it you’ll get an early indication of where you are. It also gives you a good idea of where the gaps are, and where you can win some easy extra points. You can then revisit, update answers, and see the impact on your score.     Is it difficult to achieve B Corp?   It depends on your starting point, skill set, and level of patience.   It’s no secret the assessment and audit process are arduous. But for good reason. And for me, the value is in the fact that certification is earned, not blagged.   Prior to setting our sights on B Corp, we had spent a couple of years getting our sh*t together. Investing time, money and focus on governance, staff, charity work, supply chain, policy, and more. Conveniently, that ended up ticking a lot of boxes. And without that, scoring points would have been much more difficult.     How long does B Corp certification take?   B Lab to their credit, are pretty transparent about wait times, backlogs, and queues. Its all on their site to find. Once you’ve submitted the progress tracking is quite intuitive too. But be prepared to wait. Be prepared to put in a load of work, then forget about it for a month or two. And expect comms to take days or weeks, not hours.   In our case, we spent around 3 months completing the BIA and providing evidence. (in addition to the work we’d put in over the previous 2 years). It took 13 months to certify. Some weeks and months required no input, others were almost a full-time job. I’d estimate I spent 20-30 full days over the period working purely on certification. That’s not including the time spent preparing the supporting evidence.     How much does it cost to get B Corp?   Submission costs us £250. Upon certification the annual cost is based on turnover and available on the B Corp UK website.   Certification lasts 3 years, at which point you must resubmit.   A big lump of points (and a prerequisite) is “Mission Lock”. In our case updating our articles of association objectives to include promoting a positive impact on society and the environment. Legal fees were quoted in the region of £2500 for this, however it is possible to undertake these changes with Companies House as the director of the organisation.   In addition, we used a B Leader for 1.5 days. A B leader is essentially a consultant on certification. We paid £750 per day. In retrospect, it may have been unnecessary. But equally they are best placed to spot easy points and missed opportunities. If you’re sitting around 75 points, a B Leader can probably get you over the line. If you’re 90+, and feeling ballsy, then I probably wouldn’t bother.   Putting man-hours aside, the unexpected costs came in the form of frameworks and solutions to capture data required to evidence answers. For example, collating and certifying GHG emissions, ISO 9001 and 14001, policy document creation, measuring and reporting waste streams or data analysis. Collectively these sundry costs exceeded the charges from B Lab.     What I learned?   It is clear the BIA and qualifying criteria is geared to a global audience. As such, some of the questions, when working according to British rules and regulations, are slightly odd.   There is a fairly hefty list of industries that B lab consider as “controversial”. Again, from a global perspective this may be justifiable, locally though, some can be a bit more difficult to fathom. It is worth reviewing this list early doors, because if your organisation relies on any of these for any significant trade, you may immediately discount yourself.   The BIA was useful in identifying weaknesses in our business, ways to improve, and areas where things taken for granted or assumed needed formalising.   Some of the questions are open to a little interpretation and in some instances, it is worth being creative with the evidence to see if it passes muster. In my experience some potentially dubious stuff sailed through when what I assumed would be an easy win got pulled.     Was it worth it?   Yes.   Personally, having done the majority of the application, getting certified was very gratifying. Achieving certification and rubbing shoulders with the likes of Innocent, Body Shop and Gusto feels like a great achievement.   As MD, I’m proud of what it represents. Proof that we have a positive impact on our staff’s lives, that of our customers, our suppliers, our community, and the environment. Regardless of the arguments against B Corp, you don’t get this certification by being fake good, blagging it or telling porkies.   From a sales perspective it has helped us retain work when buyers review their supply chain. It has won us new custom that we may not have done otherwise. It has also created conversation with existing customers.   From a recruitment perspective, having a recognisable and credible certification has attracted more and greater quality applicants.   Whilst, financially, this process will have easily paid for itself, the intangible benefits are, in my opinion, much greater.     Premier. Look good, do good.         Ryan Askew. MD. Premier. Email me: Ryan@premierpandp.com Read More
February 29, 2024
Bologna

The Future of NFC-Enabled Clothing

"Pioneering NFC Tags in Clothing" represents a groundbreaking fusion of fashion with the latest in technology, where Near Field Communication (NFC) tags are seamlessly integrated into garments. This innovative approach not only redefines personal style but also significantly enhances the functionality and interactivity of clothing. Let's delve into the various dimensions of this pioneering venture, its implications, and the future it heralds for the wearable tech industry. What Are NFC Tags? NFC tags are small, wireless devices that can store information for transfer to compatible devices, such as smartphones and tablets, without needing battery power. When an NFC-enabled device comes into close proximity (usually a few centimeters) with an NFC tag, it can read and write data to the tag. This technology is widely used in contactless payment systems, access controls, and information sharing. Integration into Clothing Integrating NFC tags into clothing involves embedding these tiny devices into garments in a way that they remain inconspicuous yet functional. These tags can be woven into fabric labels, inserted into buttons, or even embedded into the garment's material, ensuring they do not affect the clothing's aesthetics or comfort. Applications and Benefits 1. Fashion and Functionality: NFC tags add a layer of digital functionality to clothing, allowing wearers to interact with their environment in novel ways. For instance, a jacket with an NFC tag can be used to unlock a smartphone or share social media profiles with a simple tap. 2. Enhanced Customer Experience: Brands can use NFC tags in clothing as a tool for engagement, offering customers exclusive content, authenticity verification, or even personalized shopping experiences. 3. Smart Access and Payments: Similar to digital wallets, clothing embedded with NFC tags can be used for contactless payments or as digital keys for secure access to buildings or vehicles. 4. Health and Fitness: In sportswear, NFC tags can store fitness goals, track performance, or connect to health apps, providing a seamless way to monitor and motivate physical activity. Challenges and Considerations 1. Security and Privacy: Protecting the data stored on NFC tags is paramount. Encryption and secure authentication methods are necessary to prevent unauthorized access and ensure user privacy. 2. Durability and Maintenance: The NFC tags must be durable enough to withstand regular wear and tear, including washing and ironing, without losing functionality. 3. User Adoption: Despite the benefits, widespread adoption depends on consumer awareness and comfort with using NFC-enabled clothing in their daily lives. The Future of NFC-Enabled Clothing The integration of NFC tags into clothing is just scratching the surface of wearable technology's potential. Future advancements could lead to more dynamic interactions between clothing and the environment, further blurring the lines between digital and physical worlds. As technology evolves, we may see garments that adjust to temperature changes, change color based on preferences, or even collect and analyze health data in real-time. "Pioneering NFC Tags in Clothing" is not just about adding technology to fabric; it's about reimagining the role clothing plays in our lives. By turning garments into interactive, connected devices, this innovation opens up endless possibilities for personal expression, convenience, and engagement with the world around us. Read More
February 29, 2024
Bologna

BPMA Product Award Winners 2023-24

BPMA Product Award Winners 2023-24   This year’s BPMA Product Awards not only continue to include the entire promotional merchandise industry to celebrate the exceptional innovation, expertise and quality available in the market today but requirements have also increased to disclose sustainable product credentials to allow industry judges to assess product’s impact on the planet. All entrants were asked to answer key questions around price, product and sustainable credentials together with the chance to provide supporting evidence to complement entries. Judging took place across two rounds, involving senior industry distributors, guest judges including PPAI, APPA, PPPC, Sourcing City and Sourcing Machine plus catalogue heads who met to agree final winners in each category in December 2023. The coveted Product Award Grand Prix, awarded by our final panel will be revealed at the BPMA Annual Awards Dinner in January 2024.                       Read More
February 22, 2024
Bologna

Why buy from a B Corp?

Why buy from a B Corp? Becoming a B Corp represents our unwavering commitment to not just profitability but to the broader spectrum of social and environmental standards that reflect our values and mission. Here's why our B Corp status is a testament to our dedication towards our customers:   Trust and Transparency: We've undergone a rigorous certification process to assess our impact on our workers, customers, community, and environment. This process is transparent, and our results are publicly available, allowing us to build a deeper trust with you, our customers, by openly demonstrating our commitment to these essential values. Quality and Responsibility: We understand that our customers are increasingly looking for products and services from companies that are socially and environmentally responsible. Our B Corp certification signifies that we meet the highest standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. We're here to offer you products and services that not only meet your needs but also contribute positively to the world. Innovation and Improvement: At Premier, we're constantly at the forefront of developing innovative products and services that not only solve your problems but also address broader social and environmental issues. Our B Corp status encourages us to continue being innovative, ensuring you have access to the best solutions that make a real difference. Community and Connection: By choosing Premier, you're not just purchasing a product or service; you're joining a community of businesses and customers who share your values. Our B Corp certification connects us with a global movement towards sustainable and ethical business practices, and we're proud to bring you along in this journey, enhancing our collective sense of purpose and connection. Customer Engagement and Feedback: We're dedicated to engaging with you, our customers, in meaningful ways. Your feedback is invaluable as we strive to improve our social and environmental impact. This commitment to open dialogue ensures that our offerings continue to align closely with your values and needs. Supporting Systemic Change: By supporting us, you're contributing to a larger global movement that uses business as a force for good. Together, we can inspire systemic change in the business world, advocating for more companies to consider their broader impact on society and the planet.   In essence, our B Corp certification is more than a badge—it's a reflection of our core identity at Premier. It signals to you, our customers, that we're committed to a higher standard of purpose, ensuring that every decision we make not only drives our success but also contributes to a more sustainable and equitable world. Read More
February 16, 2024
Bologna

Nothing changes as everything changes at Premier!

  Feb 1st 2024   Nothing changes as everything changes at Premier!   Essex based, B Corp Certified distributor of promotional merchandise, Premier Print & Promotions has been sold to an employee owned trust.    Having started Premier in his teens, Jamie Marshall has placed Premier into a trust giving all employees a significant and meaningful stake in the business. This long-term exit strategy will see Jamie continuing to play a prominent role in Premier’s day-to-day operations for the next decade.   Jamie said “Premier’s my baby, it hasn’t really sunken in yet. They’ve not got rid of me yet though,  I’ve got a good few years of graft on my hands now! But this is the perfect way to reward the hard work and loyalty of the team and maintain the legacy of Premier for the next generation of owners.”    Following recent, successful completion of their 13th acquisition Premier welcome confidential conversations with other owner distributors looking to exit the industry.   As it enters it’s 30th year, Premier has grand plans. Ambitious charity pledges, further acquisitions, new services, collaborations, further investment in compliance and sustainability plus a big birthday party to throw. ? Read More
February 06, 2024
Bologna

Premier hits the big 3 - 0!

It’s 1994.    Harry Styles is a new-born.     A new sitcom called “Friends” debuts on TV. iPhone isn’t a thing.    DVDs aren’t even a thing.    Facebook’s a decade away.    Some fella called Jeff Bezos is selling books on the world wide web from his garage.     Another fella called Jamie Marshall, sitting in a room above his dad’s shop, finally finds time to register his fledgling business.   And so, Premier Print & Promotions Ltd was born.      In the early years Premier cut it’s teeth serving the Pharmaceutical industry. Orders quickly escalated from the likes of 500 pens to the heady heights of 340,000 sticky note pads delivered in no less than 7 articulated lorries!   Cigarette lighters, cat urine collection kits, vaginal speculums, Guatemalan worry dolls, and inflatable fleas all got the promotional treatment over the years.   As Premier’s orderbook grew, so did the headcount and the illustrious list of customers.   Later, Premier found it’s home in a purpose built office not 5 miles from Jamie’s childhood house.    In a twist of fate, Premier’s first acquisition came in the form of a company that supplied Jamie from back on day 1.   But it wasn’t all rosy… Premier suffered some lows too.    First up, the Pharma’s banned merch, cutting revenue by half overnight.   Then accidentally sending £200,000 worth of hampers to all the wrong addresses.    Or falling for a six figure con that led to private investigators and law suits.    Or having to personally hand QC 50,000 stress toys when they arrived from a very questionable source in China.    Or having to individually check thousands of USB flashdrives after some were found to contain X-rated content.   But with every disaster came a lesson and an opportunity to improve.      Then COVID came along…     Premier’s team of 32 was slashed to 9.   Premier’s pharmaceutical roots provided the network to supply PPE and help it weather the storm.   As the world retuned to normality Premier rose from the ashes a stronger, leaner, closer, well-oiled machine.    Premier had found it’s focus. Carved it’s niche.   B-Corp certification was achieved to underpin Premier’s dedication to it’s 3 values, People, Place and Karma.     As it enters it’s 30th year, Premier has grand plans. Ambitious charity pledges, further acquisitions, new services, collaborations, further investment in compliance and sustainability and even new ownership….    Plus a big birthday party to throw. ?     Read More
February 01, 2024
Bologna

How is sugarcane paper made?

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January 25, 2024
Bologna

Promotional Eco Stationery Set

In today’s eco-conscious world, where every small action can lead to significant environmental impact, we are proud to introduce our latest innovation – the Promotional Eco Stationery Set. THE PERFECT MATCH Why Eco Stationery Set?  The shift towards sustainable products is more than a trend; it’s a necessary step towards reducing our environmental footprint. The Eco Stationery Set is crafted with this very ethos in mind, offering a perfect blend of eco-responsibility and practicality. Read More
January 23, 2024
Bologna

The Impact of B Corp

B Lab was founded nearly 17 years ago in the US by university mates Bart Houlahan, Andrew Kassoy, and Jay Coen Gilbert. It is a non-profit network with the ambitious aims of revolutionising capitalism and reshaping the global economy to "benefit all people, communities, and the planet".  The concept of B Corporations, or B Corps, has been gaining significant momentum in the business world. As of today, the global network encompasses roughly 6,400 certified B Corps, spread across a wide array of 158 industries, ranging from chic fashion brands to innovative fintechs. Initially dominated by smaller enterprises focused on transforming business practices, the B Corp community has now grown to include prominent players in the corporate world. This expansion features renowned entities such as Ben & Jerry's ice cream, a part of the Unilever family, branches of the French culinary giant Danone, the esteemed outdoor clothing company Patagonia, and Natura, the Brazilian leader in cosmetics and fragrances, which is also the parent company of Body Shop and Aesop. 2023 marked a significant turning point for B Lab and the B Corp movement. Amidst the rapidly evolving global landscape, B Lab has been undergoing a transformation to more effectively address the demands of the present times and to ensure that it is adequately equipped to harness the strength of this movement and generate impactful change on a larger scale. The UK is one of the fastest-growing regions for B Lab with about 1,000 companies at the end of 2022, double the number the previous year and the highest relative to its population in the world. Data from B Lab UK — one part of the global network that sits under B Lab Global, which ultimately provides the certification — shows companies outperform on revenue growth, investment levels and employee retention rates compared with those outside of the community.    B Corps stand out for their dedication to sustainable business practices. They aim to reduce their carbon footprint, use sustainable materials, and focus on reducing waste. This approach not only benefits the environment but also sets a new standard for businesses globally. By doing so, they're creating a ripple effect, inspiring other businesses to take a more socially responsible approach. B Corp are required to maintain high standards of transparency and accountability. This rigorous process builds trust among consumers and stakeholders, who are increasingly seeking out businesses that align with their values. Despite their focus on social and environmental issues, B Corps also make significant economic contributions. They support local economies, create jobs, and often show resilience in economic downturns, thanks to their diversified focus and commitment to their stakeholders. As the movement grows, B Corps have the potential to influence policies and set new standards in business, contributing to broader systemic changes and promoting regulations that support sustainable and responsible business practices.   In conclusion, B Corps represent more than just a certification; they embody a shift in how businesses operate and their role in society. By balancing profit with purpose, they are demonstrating that business can indeed be a force for good.   Read More
January 04, 2024
Bologna

Magical Christmas for everyone

If you’re reading that, the likelihood is, you, like us, have a job.    You are probably warm, you probably have food in your tummy, you probably have a roof over your head and slept in a bed last night?     So rather than sending you a token of our appreciation for your custom this year, we’re doing a bit of good with it instead.     Every working day this December we’re running a reverse 10x advent calendar.     For example, on day 1 we provided 10 sleeping bags to rough sleepers.     On day 6 we subsidised 60 Christmas dinners to local families living in poverty that otherwise would have gone without.        Day 13 of Premier’s reverse advent 130 rucksacks packed with essentials delivered to the homeless outreach.       Ryan visited the outreach in action on the street with some trepidation.   "It was a real eye opener. Bitterly cold. Lots of interesting characters all with their own story. Food parcels from Greggs and M&S. Hot drinks served by a group from the church. And Warm Hearts distributing clothes, toiletries, blankets, towels, tents and sleeping bags. These volunteers are there, rain or shine, every week. All smiling. All trying to help people. I salute every one of them. Wonderful to see donations from Laltex Group Promotional Merchandise, Ian Webb and Bagco Ltd being put to good use and so gratefully received. Thanks again."         On day 20 we'll donate 200 packs of pasta to local foodbanks.     The objective? Firstly, with our B Corp hat on, to use our business as a force for good. But most importantly, to generate awareness.       Awareness of those less fortunate, awareness of how small actions can make big differences, awareness of the struggles of small charities and their overwhelming gratitude for assistance.   Has is worked?     Abso-bloomin-lutley. Not only has Premier donated, in this month alone, many thousands of pounds, and countless hundreds of hours to good causes, but the engagement has been phenominal. Without exagiration, every day we are receiving huge donations from customers, suppliers and total strangers alike. Others have pledged to make donations in their locality too. We have been blown away be peoples generosity.     So if you have the means, do something. We’re not asking you to be Florence Nightingale, Bill Gates or Mr Beast. Just clear out those old coats to rough sleeprs. Chuck something in the food bank bin at the supermarket. Spare a bit of time to a charity close to your heart. There is no better feeling than helping someone.     Premier. Look good, do good.                Read More
December 14, 2023
Bologna

Nails for Hardworking Hands

This week the girls and some of the men were treated to a little R&R with manicures. After a month of hard work, physical labor and filling envelopes, many broken nails crawled. Decision; beautiful, new nails for everyone! Soon broad smiles and bright nails appeared. Did you know we can provide pantone nail polish... for those looking to take their corporate attire to the next level!? Read More
December 07, 2023
Bologna

Promotional Reborn Recycled Aluminium Pen

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November 28, 2023
Bologna

Gifts for employees: what's good?

Although you aren't Santa Claus, your staff has kept your firm running all year long. Christmas presents for employees are the perfect way to thank them for their hard work.     Gifting employees can be tricky, especially when it comes to choosing the right gift. Remember that it should help them relax after a long week, make their life easier, and make them feel special!      Here are 5 tips to guide you in choosing the right corporate gift for your employees   Personal Preferences! Understand the diverse preferences and interests of your employees. Consider their roles, hobbies, and lifestyles to choose a gift that resonates with them on a personal level. Practical and Useful Gifts! Opt for gifts that are practical and useful in a professional or personal context. Items like quality office supplies, tech gadgets, or wellness-related products can enhance the daily work experience and contribute to a positive atmosphere. Reflect Company Culture! Choose gifts that align with the culture and values of your company. This reinforces a sense of unity and belonging among employees. Be Inclusive! Consider the diversity of your workforce when selecting gifts. Choose items that are inclusive and respectful of various cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and preferences. Personalise! A pen, a notebook, a mug, even a bar of chocolate. Anything with the recipient’s name on adds value.   Here some great ideas     Travel Accessories: There are plenty of options to choose from or make yourself a travel care package. For example, promotional chargers, eye masks, travel pillows and luggage tags.             Branded mugs & bottles: Give a brand. Dual branding maximised perceived value.     Quality Notebooks: This Christmas, it’s time to reward your employees with a distinctive, high-quality notebook.       Writing items: Selecting quality writing items like pens and pencils for Christmas promotional gifts is a thoughtful and practical choice. Choose a sophisticated pen and pencil set made from premium materials such as metal or wooden and engrave each with the employee's name or a holiday message for a thoughtful touch.     Stress Toys: Let’s be honest — whether we like it or not, jobs can have a toll on our mental health, especially around Christmas, when clients tend to become more demanding. Fortunately, you can alleviate some of the pressure your employees might face with a stressful toy!     Branded Socks: To personalise the socks with a unique design, such as funny or quirky artwork. That way, your gift will stand out and put a smile on your employees’ faces.       Backpack: Travel backpacks are great for employees who love to travel for work or leisure. If you decide to get this holiday employee gift, purchase a backpack that has adequate space so they can store key items for future adventures or business trips.       In a Hurry?      Last – Minute Christmas Gifts                     Read More
November 28, 2023
Bologna

Premier achieve B-Corp Certification

In a landmark moment, Premier are proud to announce our recent certification as a B Corp.    B Corp Certification means that a company has been verified as meeting B Lab’s high standards for social and environmental impact, that it has made a legal commitment to stakeholder governance, and that it is demonstrating accountability and transparency by disclosing this record of performance in a public B Corp profile.   But this is just the start...     Read More
November 22, 2023
Bologna

Jack's work experience blog

My brief time at Premier Print & Promotions had both been a useful insight and an eye widening experience in the full-time working world.   During my time I observed and spoke with all aspects of the business. Whilst I was doing hands on experience, I’ve learnt many new skills and knowledge which you wouldn’t learn in the classroom.   One of the clear ethics of Premier I instantly recognised is how serious the company takes staff welfare; I spoke to all the staff here at Premier and they all said how they are really looked after and feel welcome in the office, they are treated with respect and as a person rather than a bum on a seat. I felt the same way during my time at Premier, feeling welcome and looked after.   I could really see how Premier strive towards being as environmentally friendly as possible, where this varied from plants and foliage throughout the office, or recycled coasters and even a lot of recycling bins everywhere, Premier definitely are environmentally ethical.   I just want to say a massive thank you again to all the team treating me as one of their own, and a special thanks to the management team for allowing me to come in and bother everyone.      Jack C. 30th October 2023   Read More
October 30, 2023
Bologna

Why Ocean Bottle ?

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October 26, 2023
Bologna

The Loop

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October 26, 2023
Bologna

POP Essex

This is Alfie. Alfie is a special little boy very close to our hearts. Alfie has autism, developmental delay, sensory processing disorder, hyper mobility and is non-verbal. Alfie is also son of Keir, our Finance Director.  POP Essex was founded in July 2022 by a group of SEND parents including Keir and his wife, looking to fulfil the needs of SEND Families in Essex who needed a safe, secure and non-judgemental environment for their children to play, socialise and above all, be themselves. When Premier had the opportunity to further support POP and provide Alfie and Keir with some much needed respite care we jumped at the chance.     Read More
October 19, 2023
Bologna

The Circus with a Purpose

For the second year running Premier are proud to have sponsored 25 children and their adults to attend a very special circus in Colchester. Circus Starr’s events are an annual highlight for children who deserve a little magic, whether that is because they are disabled, disadvantaged, or because they have additional learning needs. Our inclusive shows create an environment where children are able to come along, have fun, and forget about their worries. A place where families can be themselves and make wonderful memories together. More information can be found at https://www.circus-starr.org.uk/. Read More
October 19, 2023
Bologna

Planet Mark

We are proud to announce that we are working with Planet Mark to measure our carbon footprint and have a positive impact on planet and society. Through the Planet Mark Business Certification, we will be measuring and reducing our carbon footprint to ensure that we are embedding sustainability into our business practices.   Committing to achieving Planet Mark Business Certification demonstrates our dedication to sustainability. We are excited to start reducing our carbon emissions to help create a planet that is fit for us and future generations. With the support of the entire business, we’re working to do more good.   Read More
October 18, 2023
Bologna

Let's collaboration!

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September 28, 2023
Bologna

X-mas

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September 14, 2023
Bologna

The war is not over - Ukrainian blog, part 3

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September 08, 2023
Bologna

On my way home - Ukrainian blog, part 2

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September 08, 2023
Bologna

Rather than in words, but in deeds - Ukrainian Blog, part 1

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August 25, 2023
Bologna

Student Wellness Journal Comparison

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August 03, 2023
Bologna

Student Wellness Journal

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August 02, 2023
Bologna

A pen for every pocket

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July 26, 2023
Bologna

The British Promotional Merchandise Association StepForward Sustainability Pledge

  Our industry is embracing sustinability, changing the way we work and the work we make.   Why does our industry need a Pledge?   As the global fight against climate change intensifies, businesses and consumers are paying greater attention to their environmental impact. According to a 2022 Global Sustainability Survey*, 56% of UK consumers rank sustainability as a top five value driver. Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) targets are crucial in delivering long-term benefits and business growth. To manage the risks and opportunities of ESG, embedding sustainability within our products, operations and in the communities in which we serve, we are taking the BPMA StepForward Pledge. The StepForward Pledge is a British Promotional Merchandise Association led initiative helping members take proactive steps to improve their sustainability performance, accelerating the pace of change towards a more sustainable future for the industry.   By taking the StepForward Pledge we:   ·      Join a network of forward-thinking businesses helping the industry transition to a low carbon future ·      Demonstrate to customers, staff and local community we are a business committed to supporting the transition to net zero  ·      Help raise the profile and relevance of the promotional merchandise industry; addressing climate change and environmental challenges   The StepForward pledge is supported by our Sustinability Manifesto and our Sustainability Pledges.   Premier’s Sustainability Manifesto   At Premier we believe it is everybody’s responsibility to look after our planet. That includes our suppliers, our staff and our customers. We also realise this is not a perfect world, but every action for the positive makes a difference. We are an ISO14001 certified organisation, which means we have an environmental management system to control the impact of our operations on the environment. Alongside our product offering we employ a variety of practices to reduce our impact including: ·      Our workforce is climate positive through a carbon offset scheme. ·      Our team are highly trained in product and branding methods to give the best possible advice. ·      In an industry first, we have developed our Carbon Calculator and will offer all customers the option to offset the impact of their orders. ·      Our energy comes from renewable sources. ·      We align with, and promote, members of our supply chain that hold the same ethics as us. ·      Our marketing materials and packaging are recycled and/or recyclable. ·      All our cleaning materials are plant based. ·      The management drive electric vehicles. ·      Our office waste is segmented and recycled with ZERO waste going to landfill. ·      We are a paperless office. ·      We use LED low-energy lighting. ·      We use recycled consumables (like loo paper!)      Premier’s Sustainability Pledges 22/23   We pledge: ·      to plant a tree for EVERY SINGLE ORDER we receive. ·      to continue to work towards carbon neutrality by 2035. ·      to match fund any estimated carbon offset costs using our Carbon Calculator. ·      to achieve 100% carbon neutral domestic deliveries by 2024 ·      to expand our Premier - Earth Positive range     Check out Premier - Earth Positive to find out how you can make a difference. Read More
June 09, 2023
Bologna

Make The Work Space Greener

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June 07, 2023
Bologna

The Eco Display

The Eco Display cardboard banner stand offers several benefits that make it an attractive choice for various marketing and promotional activities.        ·     Environmentally Friendly: As the name suggests, the Eco Display cardboard banner stand is designed with sustainability in mind. It is made from recycled cardboard or other eco-friendly materials, reducing the overall environmental impact compared to stands made from plastic or metal.   ·     Lightweight and Portable: Cardboard banner stands are lightweight and easy to transport. They can be quickly assembled and disassembled, making them highly portable. This feature is particularly beneficial if you need to set up and dismantle the display frequently or if you're attending trade shows, exhibitions, or events where mobility is essential.     ·     Cost-effective: Compared to stands made from more durable materials, cardboard banner stands are typically more affordable. This cost-effectiveness is especially beneficial if you have a limited budget or need to display banners in multiple locations simultaneously. The lower cost allows you to allocate your marketing budget to other essential areas.   ·     Customisable: Cardboard banner stands offer a high degree of customisation. You can print your desired graphics, text, and branding elements directly on the cardboard material, allowing you to create a unique and attention-grabbing display. Customisation options provide flexibility in aligning the stand with your brand identity and promotional messaging.   ·     Recyclable and Disposal: At the end of their lifecycle, cardboard banner stands can be easily recycled, contributing to a circular economy. The recyclability of the material makes them a sustainable choice compared to non-recyclable alternatives. Proper disposal also avoids adding to landfill waste.     ·     Temporary and Short-term Use: Cardboard banner stands are well-suited for short-term or temporary marketing campaigns. If you have a limited-time promotion, event, or special offer, the Eco Display cardboard stand provides an effective solution without the need for long-term investment in more permanent display options.    Eco Display cardboard banner stands come in various shapes and sizes, enabling you to choose the design that best suits your needs.                 Read More
May 22, 2023
Bologna

Ocean Octopus

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May 11, 2023
Bologna

Shop by THEME

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May 02, 2023
Bologna

Sun Awareness

  Did you know that even on a cloudy day, up to 80% of the sun's UV rays can still penetrate your skin? This is why it's important to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays, even when it's overcast outside.   So far, the sun has been a source of health, with heliotherapy being practiced for almost 2,400 years. The earliest indication that sunlight might not be that good for your health in the long term occurred during smallpox outbreaks. While scientific evidence did not support this theory (yet), by the 1300s, it was well-known that smallpox treatment required patients (and windows) to be covered with scarlet blankets. As time went by, more and more scientists reported adverse reactions to U.V. rays. By the end of the 19th century, studies were published that proved people working outdoors were more prone to skin cancer.   More than 210,000 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer are diagnosed annually in the UK with rates predicted to reach almost 400,000 annually by 2025. Also, every year in the UK over 16,000 people are diagnosed with melanoma - the deadliest form of skin cancer.     RAISING AWARENESS IN THE WORKPLACE     As part of creating a healthy workplace, employers should try to raise awareness among employees about the health implications the sun can have, the importance of appropriately protecting their skin, and regularly checking their skin for signs of change.   This could be particularly important among outdoor workers, such as those working on farms or construction sites, as they are exposed to direct sunlight for long periods.   PROMOTIONAL SUN-SAFE PRODUCTS CAN BE A VALUABLE TOOL FOR RAISING AWARENESS By distributing these products, you can educate people about the importance of protecting their skin from UV radiation.   HOW CAN WE BECOME SUN SAFE?     Wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen with at least SPF 30, and seeking shade during peak sun hours can all help reduce your risk of skin damage and skin cancer.   It's not necessary to discuss sunscreen's benefits and necessity. Everyone knows it's a valuable summer product!         We've got a huge selection of sunscreen products made from natural ingredients that can be made in any shape.   3 Piece Sun Care Kit A handy sun care travel set includes a protecting 50ml F25 sun lotion, a 50ml refreshing face spray, and a lip Balm. Bag made from post-consumer recycled plastic bottles (RPET).   Total Sun Block Resistant, fragrance-free non-greasy formula sunblock that helps protect sensitive areas such as lips, eyes, ears, and nose.    ECO SPF30 Stick for Face and Lips A handy, useful, and practical 2-in-1 travel lip balm and SPF30 sun protection cream stick on a lanyard.   IF YOU’RE HAVING AN OUTDOOR EVENT YOU NEED A BIG PROMOTIONAL PARASOL.     3m Square Parasol Massive three-meter square parasol with aluminum stem Robust aluminum stem and ribs with pull cord opening.   Cooling towel Microfibre cooling towel is 100% free of chemicals. 98% sun blocking function up to UV 50+ protection. The towel can be easily used by adding some cold water to the bottle creating a cool towel for fast refreshment   PROMOTIONAL HATS COVERING YOUR SKIN AND EAR SUNGLASSES THAT BLOCK 100% UV RAYS TO PROTECT YOUR EYES AND THE DELICATE SKIN AROUND THEM.     Rcanvas bucket hat The Impact Aware™ 285gsm canvas bucket hat undyed is a timeless bell-shaped model. The bucket hat protects your head from the sun, is pleasant to wear, and brightens up your outfits.   Sun Ray sunglasses This eyewear conforms to EN ISO 12312-1, and has UV400 lenses rated as Category 3, making it the perfect choice for protection against bright sunlight.     By following these tips and protecting your skin early, you can protect yourself from the sun, reduce your risk of skin damage and skin cancer, and increase your brand awareness.   Read More
April 27, 2023
Bologna

Workplace Wellbeing

It's hard to scroll the feed of any social platform without being bombarded by #wellness.   But what actually is it? and why should you be bothered?   Wellness refers to the overall state of being healthy and balanced in all aspects of life, including physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. It is a holistic approach to health that encompasses many dimensions of wellness, such as fitness, nutrition, stress management, social relationships, and self-care.   Wellness involves taking an active role in maintaining and improving one's health and well-being through various practices and habits, such as regular exercise, healthy eating, mindfulness, and self-reflection. It is not just the absence of illness or disease, but rather a dynamic state of being that allows individuals to live their lives to the fullest potential.     Why is wellness important in the workplace?   Employee wellness is critical to company success because it directly impacts the productivity, engagement, and retention of employees. A company that invests in the wellness of its employees can reap many benefits, including increased job satisfaction, higher productivity, and lower healthcare costs.   Here are some ways employee wellness is critical to company success:   ·      Reduced Absenteeism: Companies with wellness programs experience lower rates of absenteeism. When employees are physically and mentally healthy, they are less likely to miss work due to illness or stress-related issues. This translates to fewer missed workdays and less disruption to the company's operations.   ·      Improved Mental Health: Promoting employee wellness can also have a positive impact on employees' mental health. When employees feel supported and valued, they are less likely to experience stress, anxiety, or depression. This can lead to better morale and job satisfaction, which can have a positive impact on employee retention and recruitment efforts.   ·      Lower Healthcare Costs: Companies that prioritise employee wellness can also benefit from lower healthcare costs. By promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing chronic diseases, companies can reduce the frequency and severity of employee healthcare needs. This can lead to lower healthcare costs for both employees and employers.   ·      Enhanced Company Culture: Promoting employee wellness can also contribute to a positive company culture. When employees feel supported and valued, they are more likely to be engaged and committed to their work. This can lead to increased collaboration, innovation, and teamwork, which can all contribute to company success.   ·      Increased Productivity: Employees who are physically and mentally healthy are more likely to be productive at work. When employees are well-rested, well-nourished, and free from illness or chronic conditions, they are more able to focus and perform at their best. Additionally, promoting employee wellness can lead to increased motivation, job satisfaction, and engagement, which can all contribute to higher levels of productivity.     How can companies promote wellness in their organisation?   There are many ways that companies can promote wellness in their organisations.   Here are some examples:   ·      Wellness Programs: Companies can offer wellness programs that promote healthy behaviours and lifestyle choices, such as exercise, healthy eating, and stress management. These programs can include fitness classes, health screenings, and educational resources on healthy living.   ·      Mental Health Days: Companies can offer mental health days to employees as a way to promote self-care and reduce stress. These days can allow employees to take time off from work to focus on their mental health and wellbeing.   ·      Flexible Work Arrangements: Companies can offer flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting or flexible schedules, to help employees balance their work and personal responsibilities. This can help reduce stress and improve work-life balance.   ·      Training and Development Programs: Companies can offer training and development programs that help employees build skills related to stress management, communication, and emotional intelligence. These skills can help employees better manage their emotions and improve their mental wellbeing.   ·      Employee Engagement Programs: Companies can offer programs that promote employee engagement, such as team-building activities, volunteer opportunities, and recognition programs. These programs can help employees feel valued and connected to their work, which can improve their overall wellbeing.   ·      Workplace Environment: Companies can create a supportive and healthy workplace environment by providing ergonomic workstations, natural lighting, and access to healthy snacks and beverages. This can help reduce stress and improve employee productivity and satisfaction.   ·      Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): EAPs provide employees with access to confidential counselling services, wellness resources, and referrals to other health professionals. This can help employees address a variety of personal and work-related issues, such as stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship problems.     Why is mental health particularly important?   Mental health is a critical part of overall wellness and can have a significant impact on your wellbeing.   Mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel and behave; it also helps determine what we do in life. Mental health is just as important as physical health because it affects how you deal with stressors in your life.   It's important for employers to promote good mental health in the workplace so that employees can stay focused on their work tasks without being distracted by their own thoughts or feelings about themselves or others around them.   This can help improve productivity at work while reducing absenteeism due to illness caused by stressors such as depression or anxiety disorders which often go untreated until they become serious enough to require medical attention.   The Prevalence of Mental Health Issues in the Workplace   According to the Mental Health Foundation, one in four people will experience a mental health problem each year.   In the workplace, this means that an estimated 7.5 million employees suffer from depression and anxiety disorders. In addition to these statistics on common mental health issues and their prevalence in workplaces around the world, there are also several ways employers can be affected by them. For example:   An employee with depression might not perform well at work because they're experiencing symptoms such as fatigue or lack of motivation. This could lead to decreased productivity for both themselves and their coworkers who have to pick up their slack. A person with anxiety may struggle with social interactions at work--which could make it harder for them to get along with others on your team or build relationships with clients outside of work hours (and thus hurt your company's reputation).   What is a Wellness Journal?   A wellness journal is a tool that helps you keep track of your physical and mental health. It's a personal record of your daily habits, feelings, and experiences that can help you identify patterns, set goals, and track your progress. A wellness journal can take many forms, such as a physical notebook, an app, or a digital document.   Why is journaling effective?   Maintaining good physical and mental health is essential for leading a happy and fulfilling life. However, in today's fast-paced world, it's easy to overlook our wellbeing in the pursuit of success. This is where a wellness journal can come in handy. A wellness journal is a personal tool that can help you keep track of your physical and mental health, as well as provide a space for reflection and self-improvement. In this white paper, we'll explore the benefits of using a wellness journal and how it can help you achieve better overall health.   The Benefits of Using a Wellness Journal   There are several benefits to using a wellness journal, including:   ·      Better Mental Health: Using a wellness journal can improve your mental health by providing a space for reflection and self-care. You can use it to track your moods, identify triggers, and develop coping strategies.   ·      Improved Physical Health: A wellness journal can also help you improve your physical health by tracking your diet, exercise, and sleep patterns. You can set goals and track your progress towards achieving them.   ·      Increased Productivity: A wellness journal can help you stay focused and productive by providing a space to plan your day, set priorities, and track your progress.   ·      Reduced Stress: By tracking your feelings and experiences, you can identify sources of stress in your life and develop strategies for coping with them.   ·      Increased Self-Awareness: A wellness journal can help you become more aware of your physical and mental health. By tracking your habits, feelings, and experiences, you can identify patterns and gain insights into your overall wellbeing.      How to Use a Wellness Journal   Using a wellness journal is simple. Here are some steps to get you started:   ·      Choose a format: Decide on the format that works best for you. You can use a physical notebook, an app, or a digital document.   ·      Set goals: Identify your goals for using the journal. Do you want to improve your mental health, physical health, or both? What specific habits or behaviours do you want to track?   ·      Track your progress: Use your wellness journal to track your habits, feelings, and experiences. Be consistent and honest in your entries.   ·      Reflect and adjust: Use your journal to reflect on your progress and adjust your goals and strategies as needed. Celebrate your successes and learn from your challenges.   How to Implement a Wellness Journal in the Workplace   Create a plan. The first step in implementing a wellness journal is to decide how you want to do it. You can choose from several different methods:   A daily log that employees fill out at the end of each day, or weekly if they prefer. This is an easy way for them to reflect on their mental health and see how it's improving over time, but it may not give them enough space for deeper reflection. A monthly questionnaire where employees rate their stress levels and other factors that affect their mental health throughout the month (e.g., how much time they spent exercising). This gives people more freedom while still providing valuable information about what's going on in their lives outside work hours, which could be affecting their overall well-being even if we don't realize it right away!   The Challenges of Implementing a Wellness Journal in the Workplace   The first challenge is time and resource constraints. It can be difficult to find the time and resources needed to create a wellness journal, especially if you're working in an environment where resources are limited.   Another challenge is lack of buy-in from employees, who may not understand why they should use it or what it's for. If you don't have buy-in from your coworkers, they might not open up about their mental health struggles or share their thoughts with others - which defeats the purpose of having a wellness journal in the first place!   Best Practices for Using a Wellness Journal in the Workplace   When you're using a wellness journal in the workplace, it's valuable to set aside time each day for reflection. This can be done at any point during the day, but it's helpful if you have a routine that works best for you.   Setting goals is also key when using a wellness journal as part of your overall mental health strategy. You should aim to write down one or two specific things that need improvement and then think about how those changes will affect your life and work performance over time. For example: "I want my boss to notice my hard work" or "I want my coworkers' respect."   Finally, providing support for others with similar struggles is an effective way of helping yourself feel better about yourself while also helping those around them improve their mental health as well!   How does recording your feelings promote wellness?   Recording your feelings can promote wellness in several ways:   ·      Emotional Regulation: When you record your feelings, you are essentially engaging in a form of emotional regulation. This can help you better regulate your emotions in the moment and also help you develop better emotional regulation skills over time.   ·      Stress Reduction: Expressing your emotions through writing or another form of recording can help reduce stress and tension. It can be a way to release pent-up emotions and allow you to process your feelings in a more constructive way.   ·      Improved Problem-Solving: Recording your feelings can help you identify patterns in your emotions and behaviours, which can help you better understand what might be causing certain issues in your life. This can lead to improved problem-solving and decision-making skills.   ·      Increased Creativity: Recording your feelings can also be a creative outlet that can help improve your mood and increase your overall sense of wellbeing. It can be a way to express yourself in a non-judgmental way and tap into your creativity.   ·      Increased Self-Awareness: Recording your feelings can help you become more aware of your emotions and understand why you might be feeling a certain way. This increased self-awareness can help you better manage your emotions and improve your overall mental wellbeing.     How can investment in wellbeing create savings?   There are several cost savings that a company can experience if they prioritize and invest in good mental wellbeing for their employees. Here are some of the key ways in which a company can save money by promoting good mental health:   ·      Lower Employee Turnover: When employees experience poor mental health, they are more likely to leave their job. High employee turnover can be costly for a company, as it leads to increased recruitment and training costs. By promoting good mental wellbeing, companies can improve employee retention and reduce these costs.   ·      Improved Employee Engagement: Employees with good mental health are more likely to be engaged in their work and feel motivated to perform well. Engaged employees tend to be more productive and committed to their job, resulting in increased efficiency and profitability for the company.   ·      Reduced Healthcare Costs: Poor mental health can lead to a range of physical health problems, such as headaches, stomach problems, and fatigue, which can result in increased healthcare costs for the company. By promoting good mental wellbeing, companies can help to prevent these physical health problems and reduce healthcare costs.   ·      Improved Reputation: Companies that prioritize employee mental wellbeing are often seen as more socially responsible and caring. This can lead to improved reputation and brand image, which can attract new customers and increase revenue.   ·      Reduced Absenteeism and Presenteeism: Poor mental health can lead to increased absenteeism and presenteeism (working while unwell), resulting in reduced productivity and increased costs for the company. By investing in good mental wellbeing, companies can reduce these costs and maintain a healthy workforce.     Why are branded wellness journals a great tool to promote your brand?   ·      Social sharing: Your customers may share their opinion.   ·      Word-of-mouth marketing: If your branded wellness journal is well-designed and useful, your customers may recommend it to their friends and family, which can help to increase your brand awareness through word-of-mouth marketing.   ·      Cross-promotion: You can use your branded wellness journal to promote your other products or services, by including information about them in the journal or offering special discounts or promotions to journal users.   ·      Increased engagement: By providing your customers with a branded wellness journal, you can increase their engagement with your brand, as they will be more likely to think of your brand when they think about their health and wellness.   ·      Increased exposure: When your customers use your branded wellness journal, they will be exposed to your brand every time they open the journal. This can help increase brand recognition and awareness.     In summary, employees are more productive when they are happy and healthy.   A happier workforce means less stress, which leads to fewer sick days and more productivity overall.   Promoting good mental health in the workplace with a wellness journal can have many benefits. It's important for employers to be aware of these benefits so they can encourage their employees to use them and reap the rewards. Employees who feel supported by their employers will be more likely to stay with the company long-term, which saves money on recruitment costs as well as improving morale among existing staff members.   Learn more here:   Order Your Sample Name * Email * Telephone* Company Name * Address 1 * Address 2 * Town * County * Post Code * I have read and understand the privacy policy   Please select captcha   Submit Read More
April 19, 2023
Bologna

June is Pride Month

Premier is an inclusive and supportive workplace where everyone feels respected and valued, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.     Why It’s so important to support LGBTQ+ individuals and communities? By providing support and acceptance, we can help LGBTQ+ individuals to feel less isolated and more valued, which can have a positive impact on their mental health and well-being. It is also important for promoting diversity and celebrating differences. They could bring unique perspectives and experiences that can enrich our understanding of the world and help to challenge stereotypes and prejudices.       Some interesting facts There have been many significant successes for the LGBTQ+ community in recent years. Here are some notable examples:   ·      Legalization of same-sex marriage: In 2015, the United States Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples have the constitutional right to marry, effectively legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide. Many other countries have also legalized same-sex marriage in recent years, including Canada, Ireland, and Germany. ·      Anti-discrimination laws: Many countries and states have enacted anti-discrimination laws that protect LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations. ·      Increased visibility and representation: LGBTQ+ individuals are increasingly represented in media and entertainment, and are more visible in public life. This increased visibility helps to promote understanding and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community. ·      Transgender rights: In recent years, there has been increased recognition of transgender rights, including legal recognition of gender identity, and increased protections against discrimination and violence. ·      LGBTQ+ rights movements: LGBTQ+ activists have been instrumental in pushing for legal and social change, and their advocacy has led to many of the successes mentioned above.     About Britain's LGBTQ awareness:   In recent years, the United Kingdom has made significant strides in raising awareness and promoting LGBTQ rights. The country has implemented several laws and policies to protect the LGBTQ community from discrimination and provide them with equal opportunities.   One of the most significant milestones in the UK's LGBTQ journey was the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2013. This made the UK the 17th country in the world to recognize same-sex marriage. Since then, the country has continued to work towards greater acceptance and understanding of the LGBTQ community.   There are several organizations in the UK dedicated to promoting LGBTQ rights and awareness, such as Stonewall and the LGBT Foundation. These organizations work to provide support, education, and advocacy for LGBTQ individuals and communities.   However, despite the progress made, there is still work to be done in terms of LGBTQ awareness and acceptance in the UK. Discrimination and hate crimes against LGBTQ individuals still occur, and there are ongoing debates around issues such as transgender rights and conversion therapy.   Let’s support them together!   Promotional items are a great way to show support for the LGBTQ+ community during Pride parades. Here are some ideas for the best promotional items for upcoming Pride parades:       Rainbow Flags: The rainbow flag is a well-known symbol of pride and support for the LGBTQ+ community.     Pride-themed apparel: T-shirts, hats, and other apparel items with Pride-themed designs can be great giveaways at Pride events.       Rainbow-themed drinkware: Custom water bottles, tumblers, and cups in rainbow colors can be a fun way to promote your brand at Pride events.     Rainbow-themed tech accessories: Tech accessories like phone cases, laptop sleeves, and pop sockets in rainbow colors can be a fun and useful giveaway at Pride events.     The most important thing is to promote inclusivity and show support for the LGBTQ+ community. Any promotional item that can help achieve this goal is a great choice for a Pride parade giveaway.     Read More
April 06, 2023
Bologna

Premier stand with Ukraine

Since the beginning of the war, our entire team supporting Ukraine. Premier was able to deliver 16 pallets of the necessary items to the party heading to Poland. At Christmas, we gave bags of goodies to local Ukrainian refugee children in Colchester.   A year has passed and we still feel the need to help Ukraine. From our Ukrainian colleague Yana, we often hear horror stories about Ukraine's situation. All her family and friends had to live there and saw the effects of the war on a daily basis.   After receiving a lot of clothes, we decided to help Ukrainians who lost their homes in the war. Yana going to share the results of our successes: "I am very happy to thank our entire Premier team for their constant support and help. We did a lot of good deeds together, and I would like to share the results. When the war started I packed our whole life into one suitcase and drove away from the fighting. I was forced to leave my favorite job in Ukraine. In addition, I could not freely communicate in English.  It was only with hope and a desire to find a job and build a new life for us here that I had nothing more to offer. Due to the fact that my son could not be placed in the after-school club, and I couldn't work full-time.   I was in despair.   Premier came my way during the hardest time of my life! Honestly, it was a coincidence that completely changed my son's and my life profoundly! In desperation, I posted an ad in the Facebook group looking for help with my child.   And Ryan answered my message... He invited me for an interview in the office near the village. After all the rejections I didn't believe what was actually happening on with me.   My first impression of the interview was that I entered a bright, cozy office filled with many cool people. It was clear that they enjoyed their work.   After this interview, I had the feeling that I would be gently pushed aside again. This is because I understood that to get such a nice job you need experience and to speak English well. But Ryan gave me a chance and believed in me as well as the whole team that supports me and my son every day in my life. The reason I'm writing and crying is that I feel safe here and enjoy every day at work. Is it possible?   I love Premier so much and I can say with confidence that all their charitable deeds are from the bottom of their hearts. Together we prepared gifts for Ukrainian children for Christmas! Imagine how wonderful it is to be involved in this process!     Later Ryan offered to send 6 boxes of warm, new, high-quality clothes to Ukraine and asked for help with this. It dawned on me that there is a community of Ukrainians who do charity work near my house. Read more here. I contacted them and got very encouraging news.   As part of their campaign for a month, they collected clothes and everything else needed. They planned to send them to the hottest spots in Ukraine where people really needed them. Also, they got the English Company, which covered all transportation costs. This was the last week before shipping.     And we made it!!   We delivered all the clothes to a collection point in Colchester and on the weekend I helped the girls sort and pack everything. The big lorry left this week! It definitely makes me happy!   I would like to say thanks to everyone who is always there to help my compatriots and me! Your kindness and help will always be remembered!".  Я пишаюся тим, що працюю з Premier. З великою любов'ю Яна xxx             Read More
March 29, 2023
Bologna

Explore outdoors

Promoting your company with outdoor activities for business can be a great way to attract attention and create a positive image for your brand.   Here are some promotional ideas:   Host a charity event: Hosting a charity event, such as a walkathon or charity auction, can be a great way to promote your company while also supporting a good cause. You can use your company's name and logo on promotional materials and merchandise, and you can invite employees, clients, and other stakeholders to participate.   Sponsor an outdoor event: Sponsoring an outdoor event, such as a festival or concert, can be a great way to promote your company and increase brand awareness. You can display your company's name and logo on banners, signs, and other promotional materials, and you can offer discounts or giveaways to attendees.   Organize a community clean-up: Organizing a community clean-up event can be a great way to promote your company's commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. You can provide volunteers with branded t-shirts or hats, and you can share photos and videos of the event on social media.   Offer outdoor fitness classes: Offering outdoor fitness classes, such as yoga or boot camp, can be a great way to promote your company's commitment to health and wellness. You can use branded mats or water bottles, and you can offer discounts or promotional codes to participants.   Create a branded outdoor experience: Creating a branded outdoor experience, such as a pop-up park or outdoor lounge, can be a great way to promote your company's products or services. You can display your company's name and logo on signage and furniture, and you can offer interactive activities or demonstrations to engage attendees.      When it comes to choosing the best promotional items for an outdoor event we suggest considering items that are both practical and relevant to the setting.             Making outdoor events a part of a company's culture has numerous benefits, some of which include:    1.   Improved employee well-being:Outdoor activities provide an opportunity for employees to get some fresh air and exercise, which can boost their mood and overall well-being. 2.   Increased productivity:Studies have shown that employees who take breaks and engage in physical activity are more productive and engaged than those who don't.   3.   Enhanced teamwork and collaboration: Outdoor events provide a relaxed and informal setting for employees to connect and bond, which can improve teamwork and collaboration back in the workplace. 4.   Positive company culture:Outdoor events can help create a positive company culture by demonstrating that the company cares about its employees' well-being and values work-life balance.     Overall, create events that align with your company's values and mission, and choose promotional products that will be useful for a long time.     Read More
March 28, 2023
Bologna

A day out with the Reds!

A long time supporter of the iconic RAF Red Arrows, Premier were recently invited to spend the day with the team. An early start on a frosty February morning was dampened by the news the whole fleet had been grounded as a precaution following the discovery of a minor fault. So no display today. The plus side, more time with the team. After a morning briefing with pilots Red 4 and Red 6 and an extensive and fascinating Q&A, Jamie and Ryan were treated to lunch with top gun, Wing Commander Collins. After lunch, the main event... the hangar tour. Two members of the "circus", a team of engineers paired to each pilot, who have intimate knowledge of the aircraft guided the guests around the aircraft and explained the daily rigours of maintaining these aging yet agile and perfectly suited aircraft.  A quick photo with the team in front of Red 1, the plane and pilot always at the point of the iconic arrow formation, then it was time to bid them farewell. Not before being presented with a fantastic selection of goodies in a bag... ironically, all produced by Premier! As license holders to the MOD for the British Army, Navy, RAF and The Red Arrows, Premier are honoured to work alongside these world famous brands to produce incredible merchandise.     Read More
March 21, 2023
Bologna

International Women's Day

International Women's Day has long been celebrated and the promotional products industry joined the supporting messages all over the world. This year, the BPMA has launched its International Women’s Day Lunch to be held on 8th March in London as part of a series of diversity and inclusion measures for members.  Hosted at 30 Euston Square in London, the event boasted a networking drinks reception followed by a delicious three course lunch. Members heard from keynote speaker, Kathryn Jacob OBE, CEO of Pearl & Dean, on the role we play in making our industries diverse plus insights from the BPMA executive  panel. Driving the conversation, the theme of International Women’s Day was #EmbraceEquity, focusing on the equity we all expect is not a nice-to-have, it’s a must-have to ensure we create a fair and equal world.  This  was the first time the BPMA has celebrated the annual event and was supported by a panel of female members. It addressed a range of challenges from the lack of information about the diversity in our sector through to recruitment and careers in the industry, the panel set out a series of goals for the coming year. Premer were proud to be gold sponsors of the event what was attended by Premier's MD, Ryan Askew and Emma-Jade Hodge. Emma-Jade was quoted of saying: “It was an amazing day, to be surrounded by such inspirational women and able to hear stories and the successes of how well our industry is doing in terms of inclusion was eye opening. Strides need to be made in every sector but to know the BPMA and the companies that attended are willing to open their minds and be receptive of such an important topic is incredible”   Read More
March 21, 2023
Bologna

Boost your brand with The Wellness journal

The wellness journal is a useful tool to help you track and reflect on your physical, mental, and emotional health. It can serve as a personal record of your daily habits and routines, as well as a way to identify patterns and areas for improvement.   5 reasons why branded wellness journal can be a great tool to promote your brand and increase awareness of your products or services:   1. Increased exposure: When your customers use your branded wellness journal, they will be exposed to your brand every time they open the journal. This can help increase brand recognition and awareness. 2. Social sharing: Your customers may share their opinion. 3. Word-of-mouth marketing: If your branded wellness journal is well-designed and useful, your customers may recommend it to their friends and family, which can help to increase your brand awareness through word-of-mouth marketing. 4. Cross-promotion: You can use your branded wellness journal to promote your other products or services, by including information about them in the journal or offering special discounts or promotions to journal users. 5. Increased engagement: By providing your customers with a branded wellness journal, you can increase their engagement with your brand, as they will be more likely to think of your brand when they think about their health and wellness.     Bringing you the AWARD WINNING PRODUCT 2022-23   Stationery Product of the Year         The branded wellness journal can be an effective way to increase your brand awareness and build brand loyalty among your customers.  It provides structure and guidance, helps you track your progress, promotes self-awareness, and can reduce stress.   Ultimately, the goal of the wellness journal is to help the user develop a greater sense of self-awareness and take positive steps towards improving their overall wellbeing.   Remember, it's important to make sure that your journal is well-designed, useful, and provides value to your customers, in order to maximize its effectiveness as a marketing tool.    Request your free copy now. Name * Email * Telephone* Company Name *  I have read and understand the privacy policy     Submit     Read More
February 15, 2023
Bologna

Mr Bio 2.0

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February 01, 2023
Bologna

Tech in Focus - Fast Charging

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January 31, 2023
Bologna

Tech in Focus - Bluetooth

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January 31, 2023
Bologna

Tech in Focus - MagSafe

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January 31, 2023
Bologna

Tech in Focus - NFC

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January 31, 2023
Bologna

Tech in Focus - USB Type-C

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January 31, 2023
Bologna

Tech in Focus - Noise Cancelling

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January 31, 2023
Bologna

2023 Product Award Winners

This year’s BPMA Product Awards were expanded to include the entire promotional merchandise industry to celebrate the exceptional innovation, expertise and quality available in the market today.All entrants were asked to answer key questions around price, product and sustainable credentials together with supporting evidence complement their entries. Judging took place across two rounds, involving senior industry distributors, guest judges including Made In Britain, PPAI, APPA, PPPC, Sourcing City and Sourcing Machine plus catalogue heads who met to agree final winners in each category in December 2022. A new Award has also been introduced, the Product Award Grand Prix, awarded by our final panel and this coveted prize was revealed at the BPMA Annual Awards Dinner in January 2023.In a hard-fought competition, the panels of judges were impressed with the wide array and quality of entries. The results were announced live on 4th January to mark the occasion with trophies to be delivered in person to winners at Merchandise World.    Stationery Product of the Year     Wellness Journal Notebook   Cafeco A5 Wellness Journal in a range of contemporary pastel colours. The journal developed to encourage users to catalogue wellness. An easy-to-use tool for encouraging emotional and physical wellbeing and balance between work and home life. The foreword by Karin Blak, a wellness coach, suggests strategies for work/life balance, stress management and healthy living, emphasising how physical and mental health are interlinked. The journal offers a light touch to managing personal goals whilst offering plenty of pages for notes and idea     Apparel Product of the Year       Rab Downpour Eco Waterproof Promotional Jacket    Built from recycled 2.5-layer Pertex® Revolve fabric with a fluorocarbon-free DWR treatment, the Rab Downpour Eco Jacket is Rab's first ever mono-polymer waterproof jacket. It uses a polyester outer and membrane, which means that, in addition to being 100% recycled, it also has the future potential to be fully recycled at the end of its life. Available in an array of corporate colours, it's an excellent, sustainably made piece to co-brand. Waterproof to 20,000 HH with an MVTR breathability rating of 20,000g, it features a pair of zipped handwarmer pockets large enough for a map. To help tailor the fit to the conditions, it uses an adjustable hem and cuffs, plus a two-way adjustable hood with polymer peak. Lightweight and packable, it also comes with a pair of deep-venting pit zips to keep you fresh and in control when the pace, the trail or the temperature climbs.      Award & Gifting Product of the Year   Oak Column Award with Metal Wrap   Solid real oak wood award with printed aluminium wrap. Made in the UK from sustainably sourced wood supplies. Hand-finished with satin wood oil & wax. Each of the hardwood species worked with holds the highest G5 SECURE conservation status (source NatureServe). Wood is inherently renewable and sustainable if properly managed and sourced. Only wood from fully certified suppliers to stringent international standards for the sustainability of the hardwoods they provide is used.   Bag & Folder Product of the Year   Ninga Recycled PET (rPET) Recron® GreenGold Tote Bag   In troducing the trailblazing Ninga Recycled PET Recron® GreenGold Tote Bag made from 100% recycled plastic water bottles. A stylish, robust and eco-friendly shopper, each bag is embedded with tracer technology for forward and backward traceability, providing full product transparency. The Ninga has an extensive list of eco-credentials that sets it apart from standard rPET bags. Plastic bottles are shredded, transformed into yarn and woven into beautiful and versatile tote bags. Completely free of harmful chemicals and made using renewable energy - c.90% of the water used in the production process is recycled. The manufacturing process is tracked using GreenGold tracers to verify each bag has been made by Reliance Industries at one of their rPET conversion manufacturing plants. Complete peace of mind for businesses when choosing the recycled Ninga tote bag. Available in white, black and Navy. GRS certified.   Drinkware Product of the Year   H2O Active® Eco Tempo 700ml Flip Lid Sport Bottle   A single-wall sports bottle featuring an ergonomic design, made from Prevented Ocean Plastic. Plastic is collected within 50km of an ocean coastline or major waterway that feeds into the ocean. Then sorted and transformed into high-quality and food-safe recycled plastic. Features a spill-proof lid with flip top, available in multiple colours. The black lid is made from in-house pre-consumer recycled plastic. Volume capacity is 700 ml. Mix and match colours to create the perfect bottle. Made in the UK. Packed in a home-compostable bag.   Food & Drink Product of the Year     Canvas Cake   12 portion cake, handmade with full coverage icing print. Print applied on all faces, including top and sides. Each cake is packaged in a presentation gift box, designed to be sent via Royal Mail or Courier. Provided as a visually appealing cake, great value-for-money large cake option. Clients have been able to enhance their celebrations with customers and staff with the help of Canvas Cakes. Canvas Cake offers a solution that can be sent to addresses at a low cost. Royal Mail delivery is available from just £3.99, making it an affordable way to engage with staff and customers.   Health & Travel Product of the Year The Little Brown Wellbeing Kit A handy, relaxing wellbeing kit in a cardboard tube, including sleep balm, sleep mask, roll on pulse point and natural relaxing foam bath. The perfect set to help people through the challenges of the last 2 years as we all battled the  affects COVID had on working and personal lives.   Innovative Product of the Year     Direct to Paper - DTP Transfers by tranSMART "Direct to Paper" or DTP is the latest technology to heat applied transfers and used to personalise almost any item with either a vibrant, photorealistic image, or a simple company logo. Requiring a heat press to begin embellishing. DTP has tremendous added benefits, with FSC certified paper as a waste product, rather than the more commonly used plastic film, boosting eco-credentials, reduces carbon footprint and reduces the production cost dramatically. Ultimately, this makes the product cheaper to buy for the customer whilst also being of the highest quality. Packaged in a clear biodegradable bag, equipped with a test pack and tranSMART booklet for each and every customer. The transfer market is only continuing to grow, a sustainable and eco-friendly method of creating transfers was until now, sorely lacking.   Sustainable Product Innovation of the Year   Impact AWARE™ rPET Lightweight Rolltop Backpack   No greenwashing, but telling a true story about sustainability! The Impact 300D RPET rolltop backpack, made with AWARE™ tracer. With AWARE™, the use of genuine recycled fabric materials and water reduction impact claims are guaranteed, by using the AWARE disruptive physical tracer and blockchain technology. Save water and use genuine recycled fabrics. With focus on water 2% of proceeds of each Impact product sold donated to Water.org. Keep it simple and stylish with the rolltop backpack. A perfect size for all essentials. The backpack has reused 11,6 500ml PETbottles and saved 6,92 litres of water. Water savings are based on figures when compared to conventional fibre. The calculated indication based on reliable LCA data as published by Textile Exchange in Material Snapshots 2016.    Sustainable Product of the Year    rHIPS.b Product Range   rHIPS.b, a revolutionary new material developed by CHX Products. The material tested to ISO 15985 and ASTM B5511 certification. This Is plastic – but not as you know it: no virgin material used. No deforestation needed to grow ‘eco’ materials. Fully Biodegradeable: Unlike other popular bioplastics the material does not require extremely particular conditions to biodegrade.  rHIPS.b polymer is broken down by over 600 naturally occurring microbes. Naturally biodegrading in home compost, marine, and landfill faster than standard plastic. No Microplastics, just rich biomass: biodegredation occurs by friendly microbes fully digesting the polymer. No microplastics. All that is left is rich biomass and water. New Colourways Inspired By Nature: Colourways inspired by the manufacturers location, Cornwall. Reminders of recycled history are visible – much like newspaper pulp in egg cartons, the flecks seen in rHIPS.b are flecks from recycled products used to create it. Design and manufactured In the UK: rHIPS.b products are made from waste materials sourced from the UK, or from manufacturer waste created at CHX. All designed, manufactured, and distributed from Cornwall to wherever it needs to go. Meaning no air miles and more smiles.   Technology Product of the Year   MR BIO FAST Charge Cable   NEW and uniquely useful FAST charge cable made from recycled plastic / RPET - supplied in 1M length makeing charging easy for any device whether in the office, car, hotel or while travelling. Capable of charging up to 60W (regular cables go to 20W) allows for this latest MR BIO cable to charge Macs, laptops, tablets and phones. With great branding options to 4 col process (two sides) and supplied in FSC card packaging (which can be bespoke printed from 50 pcs) this latest in the award winning range of Xoopar MR BIO tech is the perfect choice for promotional technology gifting / promotions. Patented dual input power plug allows for either USB-C (Fast) or traditional USB-A charging. Output connectors support USB-C and Apple lightning allowing phones to be charged at over 4 x times faster than a standard charge cable when used in conjunction with a 20W fast charge AC plug. Also supports data transfer meaning great for use in the car to work with the latest CarPlay software. A truly the next generation charging cable.    UK Made Product of the Year  Miyo Lunch Box   The MIYO lunch box you can truly make it your own! A practical lunch box ideal for school, work or picnics anywhere. With one or two 700 ml capacity bases, ideal for fruit, salads, sandwiches and much more. Follow simple steps to choose your base colours, lid colour and recycled PET band. Even add a spork or inner compartment as an optional extra. Microwave safe, dishwasher safe, BPA-free and fully recyclable. Made in the UK and packed in a home compostable bag.     Work & Play Product of the Year   D-Base speaker   The D-Base speaker. A retail quality Bluetooth speaker designed with wide reaching appeal and providing a high end corporate gift or merchandise product, both practical and highly desirable. The D-Base, suitable for both gifts and rewards and merchandising schemes - retail quality working well in web shops.The D-Base has two aluminium passive radiators (top and bottom) which provide an ideal platform for engraving with the option for dual branding. The 10W output ensures good quality, clear sound with strong base. Bluetooth range is up to 10m and is ideal for both indoor use, for work and leisure and outdoors. At 100mm in height the D-Base is convenient for travel and easy to transport. IPX7 waterproof rating means the D-Base will carry on playing even if dropped in water and is a robust gadget. Playback time is an impressive 20 hours. The D-Base has a stand out, contemporary design with simple functionality for easy pairing and song selection. The moderndesign combined with the retail gift box increases the perceived value making it ideal for merchandising. CE, RoHS, IPX7 certification and MSDS reports all provide distributors with confidence they are supplying quality electronics.   Writing Instrument Product of the Year     Karst® 5-pack 2B Woodless Graphite Pencils   A set of 5 solid graphite Woodless Pencils. Made of 100% pure graphite with 2B hardness, the best lead grade for Karst paper products. With matte coating to keep fingers clean.     Read More
January 31, 2023
Bologna

Distributor Of The Year!

So it might not be first place... But we are not going to grumble about placing in the top three amongst an industry of 2600 odd companies in the UK.  Premier was voted by its supply chain for this prestigious award which represents our standing within the industry and the respect earned amongst our peers. Nice huh? Read More
January 31, 2023
Bologna

Premier bag the Briman Award

25th January 2023. The British Promotional Merchandise Association annual awards.   Not only did Premier come runner up for Distributor Of The Year, we also bagged the Briman Award in recognition of our support for British manufactured promotional products.   Yeah, Ryan looks smug AF, but other than him, and maybe his mum, who actually cares?! And more importantly, what does it mean for our customers?   Premier have long been advocates of British manufacturing. Not least because it meant we could combine factory visits with wine-fuelled evenings out with their proprietors. But the benefits of British made merch are more salient now than ever. Additionally, those relationships forged in the early hours, secure the best service, the best prices and the most favours for our customers.   British manufacturing represents the pinnacle of quality, speed, flexibility, sustainability and reliability across the merchandise world. By championing these products we can offer our customers unique, innovative ideas, slash lead-times and reduce minimums whilst supporting the economy to boot.   When you have witnessed the glint in the eye of a hair-brained inventor or listened intently to a factory owner talk passionately, and at great length, about their vision, promoting them and their range becomes easy. Every order placed with them prompts a little, tiny dance of joy. Because each one signifies a vote for the products that have cost them blood, sweat, tears and sleepless nights.   So, dear reader, our relentless banging of the British drum will continue loud and proud, because sharing these benefits with our customers allow them to look good and do good. And if we pick up the odd award along the way then all the better!              Read More
January 31, 2023
Bologna

A deep dive in to WEEE...

The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive is a piece of European Union legislation that aims to reduce the amount of electronic waste produced by encouraging the recycling and proper disposal of electronic equipment. This legislation applies to all companies that produce, sell, or import electronic equipment in the UK and Europe, and it also affects the promotional merchandise industry. Promotional merchandise items that fall under the WEEE Directive include electronic devices such as power banks, USB drives, and Bluetooth speakers. These items are often used as promotional products and are given away to customers, employees, or potential clients as a way to promote a brand. Promotional merchandise distributors must comply with the WEEE Directive by ensuring that the electronic equipment they produce, sell, or import is properly recycled or disposed of at the end of its life. This can be done by participating in a producer compliance scheme, which is an organization that is approved by the government to collect and recycle electronic waste on behalf of producers. Compliance with the WEEE Directive is important for a few reasons. First and foremost, it helps to reduce the amount of electronic waste that ends up in landfills, which can be harmful to the environment. It also helps to conserve natural resources by encouraging the recycling of electronic materials. Furthermore, failing to comply with the WEEE Directive can result in significant fines and penalties for companies. In addition, non-compliance can damage a company's reputation, as consumers and stakeholders are becoming increasingly conscious of environmental issues and expect companies to act responsibly. In conclusion, the WEEE Directive is an important piece of legislation that affects the promotional merchandise industry. Companies in this industry must comply with the directive by ensuring that electronic equipment is properly recycled or disposed of at the end of its life. Compliance is not only important for the environment but also for the reputation of the company. By taking the necessary steps to comply with the WEEE Directive, companies in the promotional merchandise industry can demonstrate their commitment to environmental responsibility and protect their bottom line. Premier is a registered distributor of WEEE with the Environment Agency and a member of the Producer Compliance Scheme mannaged by Clarity Environmental Ltd. (clarity.eu.com) Our registration number is WEE/BC0782SR. Our obligation as a distributor means we accept back any WEEE that we have supplied at the end of its life, free of charge, for proper recycling and disposal. Any items featuring the crossed-out wheelie bin logo are classified as Electrical and Electronic Equipment and as such should not be disposed of in regular waste. Instead it should be disposed of to a certified WEEE recycling centre. Most local authorities offer a kerbside collection facilty for recyclable materials including WEEE. Read More
January 12, 2023
Bologna

#PremierGives

2022 has been quite a year. A real challenge for a lot of people.   Despite these challenges, Premier have been successful in many ways.   We are firm believers in karma. So much so it forms one of our 3 values. Every interaction we make, good or bad, creates ripples.   We have spent 2022 making as many good ripples as we can. And the only reason that has been possible is because of the amazing support of our customers and suppliers.   In the early part of the year we made multiple donations of food to homeless charities, our part in trying to eradicate homelessness in the UK.   We donated some IT equipment and a printer to the organisers of Clacton Pride.   We were proud to open and operate a donation hub in support of Ukrainian families when the war took hold. Eventually we were able to supply 16 pallets of necessities to a consignment bound for Poland.   We sponsored, cast vote and supplied the prizes for a bake-off competition in aid of Autism Anglia. A very tasty chore!     Premier also entered a sponsored mud run in aid of the same charity. The video needs to be seen to be believed - Click Here   During the summer heatwave not only did we donate many hundreds of bottles of water for rough sleepers, we threw open the doors at Premier HQ’s airconditioned office for local vulnerable people to get some respite from the heat.   Over the year team Premier have donated many days of time to aid charitable causes including volunteering and pro bono work.   Come September Premier donated a vast amount of stationery, PPE and sanitising equipment to local schools, organisations and charities.   In October we arranged for 15 local disadvantaged children to attend a circus especially presented for people with special needs.     As the year went on and the weather began to turn Premier donated enough warm clothing to local homeless charities to see them through until spring. One of our proudest achievements.     Premier also supported The Feering Community Lounge with donations of cups and mugs. We also produced 2500 leaflets to advertise it and hand delivered them to every house in the surrounding villages.     When the inevitable calls for Christmas charity-raffle prizes came, Premier were able to donate multiple pairs of VIP tickets to events at The O2. Collectively the prizes raised multiple thousands of pounds for the organisations.   Finally, as thoughts shifted to giving at Xmas time, Premier pledged to match the number of gifts given to their customers and suppliers with care packages to further support rough sleepers and provide bags of goodies to local Ukrainian refugee children.   Premier’s mission statement of “Look good, do good” compels us to drive success which, in turn, means we can do more good. We are excited by what 2023 brings and look forward to creating more of those good ripples.       For more information:   See our Mission & Values   Learn about Refugee Action Colchester   Warm Hearts for Cold Hands     Cool To Be Kind       Read More
November 24, 2022
Bologna

Top 10 Tech

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November 04, 2022
Bologna

It's not easy bein' GREEN.

Back in the 70’s Kermit the Frog sung those immortal words and fifty years later they have never been so apt.   In a world of sustainable, fake-news, plant-based, bunny-hugging, green-washed, biodegradable eco-activism actually knowing if the choices we make are actually “green” can be tricky.   Lots of “green” words are bandied around and even more opinions about what’s best are vocalised in marketing, media and social networks. Every brand suddenly has super-sustainable, zero-carbon, earth-friendly products made entirely from the fluff found down the back of their sofa and that weird juice lurking at the bottom of your food recycling bin.   To be able to confidently talk about our range and to interpret what our supply chain are selling to us firstly we needed to understand it all. Separate the wheat from the chaff to coin an appropriate phrase.   By sharing our findings, warts and all, and by being transparent, we can not only offer a comprehensive range of eco promotional merchandise but also help to educate our customers and ultimately the wider audience. Allowing them to make informed decisions about how they do their bit.   Let’s delve into some terminology and look at the pros, cons and ambiguity of the most common claims:       Our interpretation of what “Sustainable” means: According to Wikipedia sustainability means that a process or state can be maintained at a certain level for as long as is wanted. Think perpetual motion. There are often 3 pillars referred to – People, Planet and Profit. For something to be sustainable it needs to provide an environmental, social or economic benefit.   From a promotional merchandise perspective a sustainable product would be something that has been contentiously manufactured and delivered, by a factory that protects its workforce and its surroundings, that has a decent useful lifespan and limits the impact on the environment at the end of its life. That’s a lot of boxes to tick. The fact is there is no magic solution. Everything has an impact.   Our interpretation of what “Eco Friendly”, “Green”, “Eco” and “environmentally friendly” actually mean: In a nutshell they are broad terms for something that claims to be better for the environment than an alternative. Note the words “better for”. Not necessarily “good for”. Whilst, generally speaking, that is the case, it’s all about point of reference and a little bit about opinion.   Understanding Waste Management: Global Recycling Standard The waste pyramid demonstrates responsible waste management and can be used to make decisions on purchasing. For example the ideal use of plastic is to make a reusable product (such as a sports bottle rather than a single use disposable bottle). At the end of its life all plastic should be recycled, currently in the UK only about 40% of material can be recycled (and nowhere near this figure is actually reaching the correct place). The next band of the pyramid is widely miss understood- recovery. Technology currently exists to incinerate plastic waste which can’t be recycled generating electricity from the energy generated. These processes filter out all dangerous waste and are totally carbon neutral. There is basically no reason why plastic should enter landfill!       How we’re doing our bit: We are only too aware that historically promotional merchandise has been perceived as cheap plastic from China. But the landscape has changed. Premier is an ISO14001 certified organisation, which means we have an environmental management system to control the impact of our operations on the environment. Alongside our product offering we employ a variety of practices to reduce our impact. Such as:   -        All our cleaning materials are plant based. -        The boss drives an electric vehicle. -        Our office waste is segmented and recycled with ZERO waste going to landfill. -        We are a paperless office. -        We use LED low-energy lighting. -        We use recycled consumables (like loo paper!) -        Our milk is delivered in glass, reusable bottles. -        Our marketing materials and packaging are recycled and/or recyclable.   But that’s just the start. Our energy contract is moving over to renewable sources. Our courier is rolling out a carbon-offset service. We are working with the local community on various initiatives to benefit our surroundings and the environment. Nobody is perfect. But we genuinely care. And we’re always looking for ways to better ourselves.   To summarise:   Do something. Something is better than nothing. Be open minded.   Do you research, ask questions, consult our professionals, don’t be green-washed, don’t make snap decisions based on current media scaremongering.    Consider the entire life of the item from raw-material to disposal.   Ask yourself is a short-life “eco” product flown in from China really better than something infinitely reusable, made of plastic, in Birmingham? We think not.   It all comes back to knowing your stuff and most importantly knowing what’s best for you and your objectives.      Read More
November 02, 2022
Bologna

Premier Charity Mud Run

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October 19, 2022
Bologna

10 Reasons why British Made Merch is BEST!

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October 19, 2022
Bologna

Value for Money

Does “value” still come from high volume, low cost? Or do sustainable, considered products work harder for your money?   We know in today’s world that budgets are tighter than ever and that value for money is key.   Whilst there’ll always be a place for them, cheap promotional items are not the only way to get the best value.   Now more than ever there is incredible value in how your business is perceived when you switch to eco branded products.   Cost effective printed items may mean higher volumes and sometimes a reprint is the easy option - but coming over to the “green” side can result in greater impressions, longer “shelf-life” and greater respect from the audience.   Making the switch to sustainable promotional products doesn't mean you need to invest in water-powered clocks, solar-powered torches or socks made from reclaimed fishing nets (which, by the way, are all available!). Simply swapping to a recycled pen next time you need to reorder is an easy way to start your journey towards being a certified bunny-hugger.   Because in a world of plastic pens, an eco version with a definitive purpose and story will have a much greater impression on its user than its throwaway doppelganger.   Recently, there has been a huge increase in companies that are pledging to meet eco friendly targets; being an environmentally friendly company has many long term advantages. Including an ‘eco brief’ in your marketing strategy shows that you have made a conscience decision to become more environmentally aware.   An example of this is global travel company Thomas Cook. They had a pledge towards a more sustainable future with their #NoPlaceForPlastic campaign. To protect beach holiday destinations by reducing the amount of plastic that ends up in the ocean, Thomas Cook pledged to:    Remove 70 million single use plastic items across the business. Substitute disposable items with those made from recycled plastic, biodegradable or compostable options. Ensure when plastic is used it is recycled, where possible and to improve recycling and waste capabilities across travel destinations. Use their size to influence customers, employees, suppliers and the wider travel industry to raise awareness on this issue. Premier Print & Promotions are often asked by our customers for eco alternatives for some of the most popular promotional products on the market.   We can help you get more out of your budget by suggesting products from our budget “Pop” range, as well as talk you through the huge variety of eco we have available from “Great & Green”. Our sales team are the experts in delivering the best options for you and your customers.   The Senator Super Hit Polished Ballpen is the budget twin of the Senator Super Hit Bio. The Super Hit Polished is great if you’re looking for printed pens on an express delivery service, it’s stylish and available in a variety of colours to meet your needs. The Senator Super Hit Bio is the eco-friendly version, made from 100% biodegradable material. Using sugarcane in the production process means they are 100% compostable according to EN 13432. Great for making a real eco statement for your business or brand.   The classic Americano travel mug is rigid, leak proof, looks great and is available in a huge range of colours, it offers a large branding area and is made in the UK. Looking at the eco equivalent of this we see that products made from bamboo fibre are a new trend in the market. Naturally organic bamboo fibre is one of the most sustainable and environmentally responsible materials on the market today due to its fast growth and use of minimal resources. Bamboo products are biodegradable, when you are finished with the product it could be placed in the ground and naturally break down in the soil. Premier Print & Promotions offer a wide range of branded bamboo products that can be both cost effective and are increasingly on trend.   Does anybody really use CD’s anymore? One great eco-friendly alternative to a standard pencil is recycled CD case pencils. They are available in a huge variety of colours, are UK made and can be delivered on an express service. Standard Pencils give great bang for buck, are available on an express delivery service and slightly cheaper than their eco counterparts.   Cost vs Conscience. If cost is king and volume is key we’ve got your back. Similarly, if you need a hand to hold whilst taking the first step on the eco ladder then we’re ready for you! Read More
October 18, 2022
Bologna

Think inside the box.

It’s no coincidence that since workers have been confined to home, merch suppliers have invented ways to get their goodies through a letterbox.   That’s not to say we’ve all gone a bit “Amazon” though. These boxes are crafted and curated for some very special purposes.    The perfect storm of the global pandemic, lockdown and working from home has meant wellness, mental health and engagement is tougher than ever to maintain.   And whilst the term “reaching-out” is about as sickening as “retching-out” it’s actually pretty apt. Right now even the strongest, most positive people may need some light relief or 5 minutes break from all the crazy.    So let’s look at our 10 why’s and how’s of maintaining that all important contact.   Send a text or email. It’s free. You might get some honesty from behind the keyboard. But it’s pretty lame. You can probably do better than that. Hand write and post a note or letter. The personal touch speaks volumes. It’s low cost. But a time drain.  So the saying goes “the way to a man’s heart is through his belly”…. But the the same applies to the fairer sex too. Food and drink by post is deep rooted corporate gifting. There is nothing better to break the monotony than a mouthful of delicious chocolate! We’ve got almost a year’s practice of working from home. But that’s not to say some new headphones, a USB hub or a webcam not from circa 1990 would be appreciated.  The breakfast meeting. Albeit easier now you can do it in Pjs from the waist down, why not deliver a breakfast box to each member to nibble while on mute! The personal touch goes a long way. Branded candles, homeware, reasons to keep active… all perfect as a “just because” gift to an appreciated customer or employee. Make a date. Get the team together for a virtual social. Gin tasting, party games, muder mystery, dress up - all good ways to unwind, relax and reconnect.  National days make a perfect reason to treat people. Valentine's flowers, pancake competition, Easter egg hunt, staycation survival kit.. Individually personalised sets of stationery or drinkware feel infinitely more valuable than a mass-mailed whojamaflip. Treat the long suffering partners instead. Whilst mum or dad are beavering away locked in the spare bedroom their significant other could be juggling kids, home school, a job, the cooking, cleaning and shopping… who’s the real hero? And how lost would you be without their full attention all day. Spa in a box. Massage kit. Bath bombs. Ear plugs, Valium. All gratefully received by the homemaker.    Let’s not forget the box itself. You can go stealth mode to surprise the recipient once they break it open or go all-out Rupaul style with exciting theatre, ribbons and bows.   Bottom line, people like to be remembered. People need interaction. People need a break. Whatever you choose to do, do something. If you want help with that, slip in to our DMs. If not, at least slip into theirs.   Read More
October 18, 2022
Bologna

Bamboo

The Jekyll and Hyde of materials.   In a world of sustainable, fake-news, plant-based, bunny-hugging, green-washing, biodegradable eco-activism actually knowing if the choices we make are genuinely “green” can be tricky. Lots of “green” words are bandied around and even more opinions about what’s best are vocalised in marketing, media and social networks. Every brand suddenly has super-sustainable, zero-carbon, earth-friendly products bragging about being made entirely from the fluff found down the back of their sofa and that weird juice that collects at the bottom of your food recycling bin.  To be able to confidently talk about our range and to interpret what our supply chain are selling to us firstly we needed to understand it all. Separate the wheat from the chaff to coin an appropriate phrase.  By sharing our findings, warts and all, and by being transparent, we can not only offer a comprehensive range of eco promotional merchandise but also help to educate our customers and ultimately the wider audience. Allowing them to make informed decisions about how they do their bit. Bamboo has just hit the headlines harder than Kim Kardashian divorce proceedings. Suppliers are pulling from the shelves faster than you can say non-compliance. Let’s put bamboo under the microscope…      Bamboo is a grass. When you harvest bamboo you aren’t killing a plant, you’re basically just mowing the lawn. Bamboo grows really fast. Some bamboo plants can grow 1 meter in a day.   Bamboo takes two forms… Natural wood and chemically processed fabric.   Bamboo as a fabric:   Rayon: The general term for regenerated cellulose fibers. Rayon is considered a semi-synthetic material as the cellulose fibers are natural but always broken down using chemicals. Viscose: Regenerated cellulose fiber made from wood pulp or plants using the viscose process. The wood pulp is treated with chemicals, filtered, and then spun into thread Modal: A stronger version of viscose. Modal is often blended with other textiles, such as cotton and spandex, to make it even stronger. Lyocell: Similar to viscose and modal, but it is made using a different solvent. Lyocell is produced in a solvent-spinning technique called dry jet-wet spinning. TENCEL: The branded version of lyocell and modal. TENCEL is often considered the most sustainable way to produce cellulose fiber-based fabrics. It focuses on closed-loop production and using less resource-intensive processes.   Unprocessed = Good.   Bamboo absorbs 2x more carbon dioxide than trees, which is why they are known to act as carbon sinks. It also generates a vast amount of oxygen, totalling up to 30% more than most plants and trees.   Bamboo only takes 3-5 years to reach a point where it can be harvested, and as long as you harvest properly you can harvest it forever. This is much faster and more sustainable than trees which take years and years to grow to maturity.   Wood made from bamboo will biodegrade once thrown out. One thing to note is that artificial aspects such as finishes or paint will not be biodegradable.   Bamboo as a plant is naturally pest resistant, 100% biodegradable, antifungal and antibacterial. Processed = bad.   Just because it is a “natural” material doesn’t mean it does not have a negative impact on the ecosystem and environment where it was made/grown.   Bamboo products are mostly imported. Which has a negative impact on the environment from transport. Flying bamboo in from China is very eco unfriendly.   Bamboo has been deemed by the EU to be unsafe to come in direct contact with food. Essentially it’s not food safe.    Many bamboo products are made with adhesives that contain formaldehyde, which can emit some toxic gasses.   Similar to other types of natural materials, bamboo wood needs to be transported. This causes pollutants to be put into the environment as a result of the shipping and transportation processes.   The FTC (Federal Trade Commission) has announced that the bamboo fabric takes too long to break down after disposal and therefore cannot be classed as biodegradable. Lastly, why would you want to deprive a panda of its lunch? Read More
October 18, 2022
Bologna

Why is British Made merch is best?

It’s 1990.   You’re sat in your bedroom playing MarioKart on the SNES. Pogs litter the carpet, a Tamagotchi is dying not-so quietly next to you and a Magna-doodle gathers dust. A shell suit hangs on a hook by a tatty poster of New Kids On The Block.   ‘Made in China’ adorns just about everything you can see.   Once a symbol of progression, value and quality its reputation slowly deteriorated. Increased competition, rising labour costs and growing regulation all lead to ‘product fade’. A phenomenon where quality declines over time to maintain a price point.   Soon flimsy, poorly made products of questionable conformity, ‘Chinglish’ instruction manuals and dreadfully photoshopped packaging were becoming the norm.   Sourcing moved further and further inland and into other far-flung 3rd world countries to chase price. Leadtime, communication, reliability, consistency, quality and compliance all suffered. As did the consumer.   Over time, we started to get clued up. Mr Attenborough and Miss Thunberg dominated the headlines. The G7 became the G8 and then the G7 again. Brexit became a word. COVID became another word. Suddenly the UK was out on its own. Castaway like Tom Hanks screaming “Wiiillllllsson’.   The forgotten factories of our great nation took the spotlight. With manufacturing in their genes and tea in their mugs they lit the kilns, sharpened their tools and rolled up their sleeves once more. So to speak.   In actuality, these factories and their custodians never left. They just waited patiently for their day to return, honing their skills and creating wonderful products to boot.   Today the breadth of homegrown products and ingenuity is truly awe-inspiring. Across almost every category in the promotional industry there is a British solution. But it’s not just product. Science, technology and evolution all play a part in bringing cutting edge, useful, clever products to the market.   So why is British Made Merch Best?   Because it’s flexible. Case in point, within 7 weeks a UK supplier launched a product to help in the fight against Covid-19.   Because it’s complaint. You can be assured the products are made to some of the highest standards in the world.   Because it’s more sustainable. No air miles, low land miles, low impact, state of the art factories, British compliance. More renewable energy.   Because it supports the economy, provides jobs and retains traditional skills and crafts that might otherwise be lost.   Because its faster. When you’re really in a bind, who’s there to save the day? British merch. Some products can be branded and delivered next-day!   Because it commands lower minimum volumes. In today’s uncertain world, nobody wants shelves full of redundant stock. British factories manufacture from just 1 piece in some cases. Meaning you don’t tie up ever-shrinking budget.   Because it’s reliable. No port delays. No getting stuck in a queue for the Suez Canal. Countless times has a superstar supplier thrown product in the boot and delivered it personally to make a deadline.   Because it’s transparent. No surprise fees. No shock import duty. No back-hander boarder bribes.   Because it’s adaptive. Specifications can be adjusted to fit a brief or budget. Even the packaging evolves to reduce waste and single use plastic.   Because it’s dynamic. It works in parallel to the market, pivoting to provide suitable products to suit demand. For example, an umbrella factory using its sewing machines for facemasks instead. Or a confectioner introducing home delivery postal packs during lockdown.   But most of all British made merch is best because the people that make it are our friends. Our family. Our colleagues. Our acquaintances. Brothers, sisters, mates, even ex’s!     As they help our brands to flourish, our customers to engage, our staff to excel and our message to be delivered loud and clear to its audience, they flourish too.     British Merch Bites.   Hey! Pots. Perfectly imperfect and every one unique. Small concrete pots to house a variety of plants or even a candle. Once you’ve forgotten to water the plant and it`s died you can use it as a pen pot or to hold your odds and sods. Even the packaging is well thought out and mail safe. With a choice of stony colours and a laser engraving of your branding this lovely little pot makes the perfect addition to a desk or windowsill.   Leathergoods. From a second generation family owned factory in Northampton the E-leather range is a UK made recycled leather that can be made in to a variety of promotional merch. Most notably the Recyco Notebook is 100% post consumer wate and recyclable.   Brummy Bottles. Plastic is not the devil. Made into something indefinitely reusable and ultimately recyclable it makes an ideal material for sports bottles. Add the combination of full-colour, full wrap around printing they make great, useful, promotional give aways.   We got wood. Take wood, machine it into something beautiful, decorate with aluminium if required, branded by laser or direct digital print, even add an individual name and the result is a unique, sustainable and attractive promotional item. Be it a coaster, desk tidy, award or vase the natural look and feel will deliver the right message to your audience. Read More
October 18, 2022
Bologna

Desk Drop 2.0

Desk Drop /dɛsk/ /drɒp/ verb - To place a piece of promotional merchandise on the desk of each of your employees or customers to communicate a message.   As dust accumulates on empty desks from Dundee to Dartmoor the traditional desk drop may be a thing of the past, at least for now. But that’s not to say you can’t deliver goodies directly to any doorstep, kitchen table or study of your remote team.   Here are a few tips and tricks for making your direct mailing campaign run as smoothly as a cashmere codpiece.    Size matters. Basically the bigger or heavier it is, the more it will cost to send. Obvious right? But sometimes, couriers charge per consignment rather than weight.  Bear in mind Royal Mail has some size brackets for parcels. Meaning you may be able to send more for very little extra cost. Adversely, slimming down a bit might save you a pretty penny. Data is key. Consistent, accurate addresses separated into separate fields in a CSV will mean much more successful and timely deliveries. GDPR. Don’t fall down on data protection. Seek advice. Don’t expect perfection. Couriers will inevitably put deliveries in a safe place. Like in a wheelie bin. Or under the cat. Or perhaps just run out of time, say they attempted delivery, then try again tomorrow. Have a contingency.  Select products that will suit the message, the situation and the recipient. Ask the experts! Use individual names to give that added personal touch.  Including a leaflet or note to reinforce your message or brand adds little cost and great exposure. Be eco. Packaging soon adds up. Single use plastic is not cool.   So, don’t let today’s world stop you from engaging with your customers or boosting the wellbeing of your team. Follow these simple steps and boss your next campaign. Read More
October 18, 2022
Bologna

Wellbeing.

The topic that’s on everybody’s lips right now.   But why is promoting well being in your organisation important and how can you do it?   Here’s 7 reasons why: Wellbeing improves staff health behaviors. In other words, if you feel good, you’re more inclined to look after yourself. Eat well, work out, chill out.  Wellbeing reduces health risks. Similarly, if you’re looking after yourself, you’re less likely to get ill. Simples.  As a result of the above, Healthcare costs and impact on the NHS are reduced. Healthcare and life policies are lower.  Wellbeing improves productivity. It’s proven that poor life choices such as smoking, poor diet and lack of exercise significantly reduces productivity. Absence is reduced by improved wellbeing. If you’re feeling rubbish about yourself or you’re stressed to the eyeballs you are more likely to go sick, bunk off or play hooky! Wellbeing is infectious. Recruitment and retention are both easier with a happy team.  Wellbeing builds and maintains good morale, creativity, problem solving and spontaneity.   And here’s some ways you can promote wellbeing: Practice and promote selfcare. Healthy body, healthy mind. Prevention is better than cure. Chill Winston. Take breaks. Destress. Maintain work-life balance. Working from home makes it easy to pop on the laptop or scroll yourself into a linkedin coma.  Communicate. Zoom, Whatsapp, letter, a walk round the block, a public outpouring of emotion on Facebook. Whatever it takes. It’s good to talk.  Employee support. Professional help is out there. Some of it is even free. If you need help, ask for it. Don’t suffer in silence.  Practice mindfulness. It is scientifically proven to help relieve pain, reduce stress, and ease anxiety.   Lastly, here’s our tips on things you can give to promote wellbeing:   Colouring books for adults are proven to release tension and stress. They can be supplied with generic colouring patterns or customised to your industry or theme. They can be made with as few or many pages as required to achieve your budget. We can supply them with pencils or pens for colouring. The books can also include corporate messages, tips or details on wellbeing. They are also a perfect size for posting.   Our bullet journal is packed with pages to document your life, thoughts and feelings. Journalling is the new big thing and recording your thoughts is a method used in CBT for mindfulness. The covers and pages can be personalised. We can also include special pages with your custom information. They can also be made in recycled material. Made in the UK.   The handy can. Wrapper can be completely personalised according to your design. The intrigue of popping the lid for the first time to reveal the hand picked content is very exciting. The content can be branded if required or supplied plain to reduce cost. Choose from a huge range of content options or even provide your own product to pack inside. Once used, the can makes a handy desk pen tidy. Adding a calendar to the design makes it year-long useful and maximises budget.   Sometimes a touch of luxury and ten minutes away is just what the doctor ordered. And doing it with a steaming cup of hot chocolate takes the prize. This wooden spoon encased in chocolate and topped with marshmallows stirred in to hot milk makes an indulgent smooth chocolate drink. The header card can be printed with your message and the spoon is useful for fishing out warm soggy marshmallows!   Made in the UK. The mental health essentials kit is a little brown tube with an eco feel packed with goodies to help stress melt away. The tube and content can be branded. The kit includes a sleep balm and sleep mask, relaxing foam bath and pulse point roll-on. The content can also be pick and mixed or adapted according to your audience. A miniature bottle of Gordons Gin can also be includes for that extra special bonus! hic!   Growing plants is not only satisfying but also a great way to de-stress! These eco friendly pots are supplied with a soil pellet ready for rehydration and a pack of seeds, from a huge choice including edibles, herbs or flowers. They are delivered with a card wrapper including instructions that can be branded in full colour with your design. Small packets of seeds and seed-stix are also available at a lower price point.   Made in the UK from sustainably sourced timber this range of beautifully crafted wooden items can be laser engraved or printed with your message. Products include vases, coasters, clocks, desk tidies and message cubes. They feature natural grain and are polished to a high quality, tactile finish. Make your next give-away something memorable, sustainable and support British manufacturing at the same time. Read More
October 18, 2022
Bologna

"Reboarding"

Reboarding is the new onboarding.   With each jab we are inching closer and closer to some semblance of normality.   Hugs have resumed. A cold glass in a pub garden is a thing again. Gyms are dusting-off the machines. People have even mentioned the “exhibition” word…    Reboarding is the new buzz word…. that I just made up.   Welcoming staff back to the office and getting back in the groove is not as easy as unlocking the door and opening the floodgates.    Safety comes first. Steps and policies must be put into place to maintain the health and safety of employees. New sanitising protocols may be necessary. Workstations may need adapting. PPE may be required when once it was not.    Strategies will need to be put in place to manage who returns and when. Headcounts may need to be kept low temporarily to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. Guidance for customer facing staff will be required for traveling and face-to-face meetings.   Most importantly employee wellbeing and safeguarding mental health must be priority. Even the best laid plans will fail without buy in from all concerned. Sensitivity is key. Some may be reluctant to return and others may be eager to see the end of working from home.   Concessions must be made to help employees re-acclimatise to office working. That may include a temporary hours change or shift in their physical workspace.    Staff must be reassured and comfortable that management are doing everything in their power to ensure the safety of the workforce. Communication is invaluable.    To “reboard” your team means to welcome them back to the office. That may include a desk drop of gifts, merchandise or stationery. It can be company branded and used to convey a specific message. It may include items to support the new way of working - pocket hand sanitiser or device wipes for example.   Reboarding might also include training or refreshers on office hygiene, new policies or systems. Merchandise can be used to support that with reminders or tips on their new, old life.   Reboarding could include team building and icebreakers. After 18 months of near solitary confinement people might need coaxing into socialising and cooperation again. Staff apparel and team branding is an ideal way to help bond a group.   Reboarding may include a reward for the commitment during so much time out of the work environment. Or reassurance their role is secure and they are appreciated.    Lastly reboarding is staying in touch with staff. Having an open flow of conversation on how the reintroduction is going. Reinforcing messages and ensuring wellbeing is in check.    Reboarding doesn't need to cost the earth either. A stress ball or pack of sweets with the right message or sentiment can be as valuable to an employee as a seriously instagramable goody box overflowing with the latest tech. But equally the excitement and theatre of a beautifully crafted and considered selection of useful gifts can really light up eyes and blow minds. Read More
October 18, 2022
Bologna

Retention Gifting

10 ways to gift your employees.     Read More
October 18, 2022
Bologna

Power Banks

All there is to know about power banks.     Read More
October 18, 2022

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