CWB110 SCHOOLWEAR BUYER JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018

SCHOOLWEAR BUYER: THE LATEST NEWS AND OPINION FROM THE SCHOOLWEAR INDUSTRY

61: News

62: Turning point for Turners With a dedicated workforce at its heart, British manufacturer William Turner is embarking on an exciting new chapter in its history, filled with new opportunities and milestones.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 - 59

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SCHOOLWEAR NEWS | CWB-ONLINE.CO

Schoolwear NEWS: The latest news from the schoolwear industry.

ROWLINSON SCOOPS EO AWARDS

Rowlinson Knitwear has won the Employee Owned Rising Star of the Year award at the UK Employee Ownership Awards 2017, sponsored by Baxendale. Rowlinson’s head of people services, Nicola Ryan, also received a Highly Commended accolade in the Employee Owner of the Year category in recognition of her outstanding contribution to Rowlinson and its values-led culture.

Commending Rowlinson on its win, Deb Oxley, CEO of the Employee Ownership Association, says: “The awards recognise the productivity, innovation and excellence driven by teams and individuals in employee-owned businesses, demonstrating how employees having a stake in the business, teamed with a robust culture of transparency and employee engagement, result in outstanding performance in growth and resilience.”

“We’re delighted to be recognised as the EO Rising Star of the Year,” adds Rowlinson’s MD, Donald Moore. “It’s testament to the continued passion, commitment and hard work of all our people, who have embraced employee ownership wholeheartedly. This award acknowledges and reinforces our philosophy that achieving high levels of employee engagement in a purposeful and ethical enterprise goes hand in hand with business growth and sustainable commercial success.”

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NEWS IN BRIEF

DAVID LUKE FILM TO CELEBRATE 35TH ANNIVERSARY School uniform supplier David Luke marked its 35th anniversary late last year with a video showing members of the team celebrating their collective experience.

Between them, the David Luke team has over 400 years’ experience, with the short film featuring comments from employees on how many years they have worked for David Luke and why they enjoy working there.

As the company moves into its 36th year in 2018, it has pledged to continue growing its team and concentrate on delivering innovative products and services into the schoolwear market.

Additionally, as it has done since 1982, David Luke will remain supportive of the independent schoolwear trade, committing its efforts to helping and prioritising independent stockists.

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TRUTEX TEAMS UP WITH PARENTPAY School uniform supplier Trutex has joined forces with ParentPay, a cashless online payment service for schools and families. The new partnership means any school that switches to Trutex as its main uniform supplier will get the ParentPay online payment system set up for their school for free, instead of the typical cost of £1,200 for the first year. The online payment system is a cashless service used by schools to charge for trips, school dinners, clubs and more.

“This is a great arrangement which provides fantastic value for schools and parents,” says Trutex sales director Heather Walker. “It is another initiative we are leading to ensure school life is made better for everyone, including busy parents.”

ParentPay sales director Nicola Howard adds: “Over the past 14 years, we’ve helped more than 7,500 schools save admin and staff time, reducing costs and hassle for parents. We’re thrilled to be working with Trutex and hope to be adding more schools to ParentPay soon.”

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As the UK’s national trade show for footwear, Moda Footwear is the essential destination for men’s, women’s and children’s shoes. The a/w 18 edition of the show, on 18-20 February at Birmingham’s NEC, will include a selection of Back to School footwear, including ranges from Pod, Lelli Kelly, Froddo, Primigi, Ricosta and Petasil.

A NEW INNOVATION

Family-run school uniform supplier Innovation Schoolwear has relocated to a brand new, 80,000 sq ft purpose-built warehouse.

Over the last two weeks of December, Innovation Schoolwear moved the business to its new site in Edmonton, north London. The new warehouse has been filled with stock, leaving space for new lines in anticipation for a prosperous and busy 2018.

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SA’S CONTRIBUTION TO KIDS’ WELL-BEING IN 2017 Demonstrating school uniforms’ contribution to children’s mental health was a key theme in 2017 for the Schoolwear Association (SA). In a busy year that also saw the launch of the inaugural SA Awards, the not-for-profit organisation continued to campaign for every child to have a good-quality uniform.

Amid its work it commissioned a poll of teachers and an in-depth study by a respected child psychology team to provide evidence of uniforms’ benefits. Research carried out with school children reinforced teachers’ views that school uniforms have significant benefits for well-being in young people. The study by Family Kids and Youth revealed insight into how uniforms help to reduce children’s anxiety about their appearance and fitting in with their peers.

“School uniform seems to play an important role in establishing identity among young people of this age,” says Family Kids and Youth’s lead researcher, Dr Barbie Clarke. “It can protect adolescents from being picked on. This creates a greater degree of self-confidence, and ultimately helps with the fundamental adolescent need to be accepted by others.”

SA chairman David Burgess adds: “At a time when young people are under more pressure than ever to buy into fashion and ‘look right’, we wanted to find out the role that uniform plays in children’s well-being in school. It’s clear that both teachers and young people think uniform helps students to feel they belong. It has a role in reducing bullying and establishing children’s identity within the boundaries set by their school.

We think every child deserves that.”

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Blazerbear.co.uk offers a service by which a child’s school uniform can be turned into a keepsake teddy bear. Over time, the range has expanded with the introduction of a smaller bear for group orders and, more recently, school leaver and memory cushions. Each keepsake is handmade from what the customer supplies to the Blazer Bear team and can be personalised with embroidered names, dates or special messages.

Backpack brand Madpax is looking for new distribution partners as it expands further into Europe.

Currently with well-established distribution in the UK, Spain, Greece and Italy, SD Marketing Ltd, the appointed distributors for western Europe, are seeking distribution partnerships in France, Portugal, Belgium, Holland and Luxembourg.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 - 61

CWB-ONLINE.CO | PROFILE

TURNING POINT FOR TURNERS With a dedicated workforce at its heart, British manufacturer William Turner is embarking on an exciting new chapter in its history, filled with new opportunities and milestones.

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Exciting times are ahead for school tie and accessories supplier William Turner. The company’s main development is motivated by the lease-end of its factory in Colne, Lancashire. Seizing the opportunity to relocate, William Turner is moving to a brand new factory in March, which is located in Nelson, not too far away from its current site in Colne.

“Our previous factory lease in Colne was due to expire and a site became available to buy a few miles away,” explains William Turner’s production director, John Turner. “We employ a lot of incredibly skilled people locally, so this was a great way to move into a better spec premises and have full control of all aspects of our production without causing any disruption to our dedicated staff. It’s an exciting time for the company”.

In addition to being slightly closer to the company’s Stockport offices and warehouse, 62 - JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018

the new Nelson factory is primed to provide multiple benefits. Along with potential to increase output, the new site – fully owned by William Turner – will help the company consolidate and protect UK manufacturing as well as giving it more control and stability in the market; important factors considering the results of William Turner’s recent customer survey revealed that over 50 per cent of its customers ranked ‘lead times’ in their top three most important supplier factors.

“This is what is key about being a UK manufacturer,” adds John Turner. “That we’re able to offer lower minimums, and focus on quality control and our supply chain.”

Following the transition to the new site, William Turner’s doors will be open once again for customer tours of the factory, with bookings being taken for later in the year after the busy Back to School period.

“We’re really looking forward to getting all of the staff together, initially to mark the opening of the new site, and then, of course, we’re excited to show it off to our customers,” says John Turner. “The Nelson site is a great achievement for the business and it’s only through a collaborative effort from everyone at William Turner that we’re able to purchase the new factory.”

In addition to the new factory, William Turner has also added new products across its ranges. The company’s 2018 schoolwear brochure, which was previewed at the 20th anniversary Schoolwear Show in October, provided customers with a first look at the new lines, which include hats, pre-school bags and new design junior and infant hi viz backpacks.

Aside from making around 40,000 ties a week in its UK-based factories, William Turner also produces UK-made wool scarves. Sourced

PROFILE | CWB-ONLINE.CO

NEW FACTORY

ANDY SMITH

from the finest Saxony merino wool and with the option to add crest embroidery, the scarves are a well-suited addition to any organisation looking to promote a sophisticated identity.

Finally, William Turner’s bottle range has been extended to tap into today’s healthy lifestyle culture with the addition of protein shakers and fruit infusers, all suitable for printing with school logos.

While much of the company’s focus for early 2018 is on the new factory, another spotlight is the company’s sales director, Andy Smith, who celebrates 40 years with the business this month.

It was in January 1978 that 19-year-old Smith made his first appearance with William Turner & Son. During his time with the business, Smith has been the force behind many a new product line, including breaking the business into bags, which are now one of William Turner’s core product ranges. Having learned the business from the ground up, Smith eventually earned the position of company sales director.

“Andy is a formidable force within William Turner,” says John Turner. “He has a constant drive that is personally inspiring. He never stops working on behalf of our customers to meet the ever-changing demands, whether that be a new product or improved service. He always puts the customer first and has been at the heart of our success for the whole of his 40 years.”

William Turner’s managing director, Daniel Turner, adds: “Even after 40 years,

Andy is still so full of enthusiasm for sales and passionate about our industry. He gives 110 per cent to everything he does and is a firm believer in building relationships as the way to grow the business. Having Andy alongside John and I has been like having another member of the family at work – we are extremely grateful for his outstanding contribution over so many years.”

Having worked beside the founders of the company, William and Keith Turner, from very early on in the firm’s history, Smith has earned a special place in the business – and among its staff.

“Andy’s main contribution has been to bring his infectious enthusiasm to developing and increasing sales year after year,” comments William Turner’s co-founder, Keith Turner. “This, and his great loyalty, has helped provide continuity and stability to a growing, fast-changing company. He has also been the driving force behind the ever-widening product range at William Turner, being heavily involved at the outset of an idea – often his – to that product eventually being added to the range. Andy’s ethos has always been the same from the very beginning – to be fair, to be honest and to deal with everybody in the same friendly and open way. It is an ethos that he spreads by example throughout the company.”

The aforementioned company ethos, taking the acronym of P.A.C.E – Pride, Accountability, Commitment and Excellence – is something key drivers of William Turner, such as Andy Smith, strive to uphold and pass

on to newer members of the business to ensure everyone at William Turner adheres to the philosophy.

While passionate about its ethos and holding onto its family values, William Turner is also constantly looking for new ways to develop and push forward with innovative technologies and processes.

The business’s 50th anniversary next year will provide the perfect opportunity to plot a course for future growth, while also reflecting on founding principles and celebrating what has already been achieved.

“We’re working on a dedicated campaign to mark our 50th anniversary, which will of course tie in with the Schoolwear Show in October 2018,” says Hayley Bonnick, William Turner’s marketing manager. “There are a few things in the pipeline that I don’t want to reveal just yet, but we’re really excited to be marking half a century of William Turner. We’ll also be celebrating the milestone internally, which will be a great opportunity to get everyone in the company together from all three of our sites.”

For the next couple of months, William Turner will be busy working on a smooth transition to its new site, as well as investing into its digital strategies.

Long term, its aim is for a thriving Back to School that benefits all, something the company plans to support through investment into its supply chain, further improvements to its manufacturing efficiency and its ongoing support of UK retailers.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 - 63

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3137 3503 www.vida-kids.co.uk • Noodoll 020 7253 1890 www.noodoll.com O OGK 07581 231283 www.oliviagraekids.bigcartel.com P Pepa & Co. 020 3489 4025 www.pepaandcompany.com • Petit Stellou info@ petit-stellou.com www.petit-stellou.net • Pigeon Organics info@organicsforkids.com www. pigeonorganics.com • Poppie & George info@poppieandgeorge.com www. poppieandgeorge.com • Primigi 0039 0755 0281 www.primigi.com Q QAlpha office@qkid.club www.qkid.club / www.qalpha.design R Rachel Riley 020 7935 7007 www.rachelriley.co.uk • Rex London info@rexlondon.com www.rexlondontrade.com • Rice 07969 175564 www.ricebyrice.com • Ricosta 0116 259 7427 www.ricosta.de • Rider 020 7377 2570 www.zaxyshoes.co.uk • Rockahula Kids info@rockahulakids.com www.rockahulakids.com • Rowlinson 0161 4777791 www. rowlinson-knitwear.com S Sass & Belle 020 7346 0100 info@sassandbelle.com • Schoolwear Association info@ schoolwearassociation.co.uk www.schoolwearassociation.co.uk • Selfie Clothing 01638 333321 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DIRECTORY | CWB-ONLINE.CO

ACCESSORIES

DISTRIBUTOR WANTED

AGENCY

ORCHARD AGENCY New organic label with a unique concept are looking for a distributor in the UK.

BamBam – innovative, high quality but also surprisingly affordable.

Tel: 01442 248099 Email: sales@finestforbaby.co.uk

Chris, Carol, Lisa & Ray are the team behind Orchard, a leading second generation childrens clothing agency in the UK, with expertise in London and the South East.

Orchard Agency, 28 Fourth Avenue, Frinton-on-Sea, Essex CO13 9DX Tel: 01255 674301 Email: chris@orchardagency.co.uk carol&ray@orchardagency.co.uk

The Telegraph(UK) March 2015 “I am impressed by this organic babywear brand”.

Tel: +31(0)30 7514025 Email: natalie@daddyproof.nl www.daddyproofkidswear.com

CWB BUSINESS DIRECTORY SCHOOLWEAR

WELDON AGENCIES

www.candybows.co.uk Hand tied, classic hair bows for school, parties & everyday.

Pettiskirts, dresses, baby onesies, tutus, wings & wands & t-shirts.

SCHOOLWEAR ENTERPRISE HOUSE 34 FARINGDON AVENUE HAROLD HILL ROMFORD ESSEX RM3 8SU T: 01708 739 390 F: 01708 341 382 E: sales@zecoschoolwear.com

BamBam – innovative, high quality but also surprisingly affordable.

zecoschoolwear.co.uk

Tel: 01442 248099 Email: sales@finestforbaby.co.uk

BABY & KIDS SHOES

Established for over 25 years, two generations, covering all areas of the UK. Representing leading brands from Europe, Canada and Russia. Catering for boys and girls 0 to 16 years. Styling from contemporary to traditional.

FUN & FUN, LE CHIC, DEUX PAR DEUX, FOQUE, SARDON, LARANJINHA, JEYCAT, GULLIVER Weldon Agencies, Southport, Merseyside Tel: 01704 576033 Email: barrieweldon@btconnect.com, andrewweldon@btconnect.com www.weldonagencies.co.uk

VANHUIZEN AGENCIES Van Huizen Agencies is a young, fresh and vibrant agency, for the more discerning retailer requiring beautiful and unique collections.

OILILY KIDS, ROOM SEVEN KIDS, RAP KIDS SHOES Unit 12, Derwent Business center, Clarke Street, DERBY DE1 2BU Tel: 07967 560633 Email: franck@vanhuizenagencies.co.uk www.vanhuizenagencies.co.uk

SCHOOL TIES

TO ADVERTISE IN THE CWB DIRECTORY PLEASE CALL MICHELE ON

01484 848337 OR EMAIL

www.inchblue.com

MICHELE@RAS-PUBLISHING.COM

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 - 65

CWB-ONLINE.CO | TALKING POINT

EMILY MCCURRACH Founder of Moccstars CWB catches up with Emily McCurrach, founder of Moccstars, a UK brand of fashionable, soft, handmade leather moccasins designed for a child’s developing foot.

—

Laura Turner: What’s the story behind Moccstars?

Emily McCurrach: Moccstars officially launched mid-2015, although the concept was born after the arrival of my first child, Sebastian, in late 2013. Soon after his birth, I realised that there was a lack of high-quality (yet affordable), fashionable (yet functional), soft leather shoes available for newborns and toddlers. This was the beginning of the Moccstars journey – a moccasin-inspired collection with something to suit the personality and individual style of every child.

LT: What has helped you shape the Moccstars brand?

EM: I studied fashion and have worked extensively in sales and marketing, but more than anything, my experiences as a mother.

I’ve faced the frustrations of not being able to find shoes that stay on my kids’ feet, or shoes suitable for a specific occasion, as well as the disappointment when a purchase is neither comfortable nor durable. Since Moccstars’ inception, my focus has always been on creating a brand that I would trust for my own children and one that I would personally recommend to friends.

LT: Why moccasins as the basis for your designs?

EM: Our collection is definitely moccasin inspired/orientated, but whether its traditional moccasins, moccasins ‘with a twist’ – e.g. Mary Janes, T-bars, Chelsea boots, Oxfords, pumps and ballerinas – or our booties and sandals, they all have one

thing in common – they are soft and lovingly handmade with only the highest quality leathers and suedes. Moccstars are extremely comfortable, accommodate growth and thus encourage movement, helping to strengthen little muscles and ligaments, making them ideal for newborns, pre-walkers and walkers alike.

LT: Where do you source design inspiration?

EM: As well as my kids and everything that they are involved in day-to-day, I draw inspiration from the broader fashion and design industry, particularly vintage fashion.

Another source is our family travel adventures, experiencing different cultures and appreciating their individual aesthetic. Beyond design, I invest a lot of time in product naming in tribute to either people or places from which I have drawn creativity.

LT: What does the collection comprise?

EM: In short, it extends to over 70 design, colour and material variations with the aim of offering something for every occasion and season. All products are available in an array of colour options, including classics, combinations, pastels, metallics and prints.

Size-wise we cater from newborn to roughly two years of age, with larger sizes available with non-slip soles.

LT: Would you ever consider expanding the size range further?

EM: Possibly, going forward. Many customers, particularly those whose kids have crawled then progressed through to walking in

Moccstars, have requested larger sizes, which we always try to accommodate.

LT: What can we expect for a/w 18?

EM: The a/w 18 collection includes both new designs as well as some old favourites that have been reinvented – follow our social media for sneak peaks.

LT: What are your current bestsellers?

EM: Our Chelsea boots, ballerinas, pumps and T-bars have all been particularly popular this season.

LT: Moccstars made its Bubble London debut for s/s 18 and won the Stand Out competition for the show’s best dressed stand – what was your winning display?

EM: We framed our products with backgrounds carefully selected to complement each product.

This approach, while relatively simple, made best use of display space while being visually engaging. The white-washed wooden frames that we used looked great alongside our favourite blown up lifestyle images. Winning the Stand Out competition was a wonderful achievement for us on our Bubble London debut.

LT: What are your plans for Moccstars?

EM: We remain focused on expanding the Moccstars collection beyond footwear and growing our global stockist network, with a particular focus on Europe and Asia.

66 - JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018