Kwintet News Issue 5. October 2013
W e l c o m e t o i s s u e 5 o f t h e K w i n t e t N e w s l e t t e r. . In this issue, we welcome Hayley Henshaw to the Kwintet Team, introduce you to the New Improved Tailored Qualitas Collection from Simon Jersey. The Kwintet staff have been busy raising money for more worthy causes and we give you a peak at another recycling partnership of Kwintet. Remember Laura Nelson, Business Development Manager is always available to chat or meet up to discuss areas where Kwintet could add value to your business, contact her by either mobile 07966255110 or email laura.nelson@kwintet.com
A Cut Above The Rest September saw the launch of our New Tailored Collection of Qualitas suiting. Helen Harker, Design Manager has given an overview of the collection. “Making our best ever range of suiting wasn’t easy, but the results were well worth the effort. Through extensive research and development, we have perfected every element of style, fit and functionality of our new range. We also carried out extensive field testing and listened to our customers’ feedback, and, through innovative design and modern tailoring techniques, we’ve made every aspect of the range look, fit and perform better than before. The result is a collection that will make your entire team look good and feel great.” Key Changes and Benefits “Qualitas 2.0 is a longer lasting fabric; it has been independently tested to last 33% longer in rub tests than equivalent competitor fabrics. All our brand new trouser styles feature Responsive Waistbands which continually adjust with the body’s movements to provide the perfect fit making them probably the most comfortable trousers you have ever worn. Hidden elastic intersections have been discreetly tailored into the waistline to provide the ultimate in flexibility and comfort. So no matter whether you are sitting standing, bending, lifting, moving around all day long, they’ll provide all the comfort you need, but with the elegant appearance of a beautiful tailored formal pair of trousers. All our new plain coloured tailored trousers are now also available in finished leg lengths. “We have also introduced brand new jacket styles in a range of different lengths. The internal floating chest piece in the interlining of the jacket is constructed using three layers of fabric which mirror’s the body's natural movements, providing more spring back, whilst retaining the shape of the jacket. The lightweight nature of this new internal formation, along with new shoulder pads, means the jacket feels much lighter to wear. Every last detail has been considered and improved, right down to the stitching used, seam fusing and new design buttons.” Mix and Match “Our previous range of suiting has been replaced by a new and improved collection, but don’t worry; the range will match your existing Qualitas 2.0 suiting. In fact, the only thing we haven’t changed is the price, which remains exactly the same as our previous range. “We are very excited about our new Tailored collection, we hope you will be too!”
Safety, Security & Health at work. International Trade Show 5th to the 8th November 2013 We wanted to remind you that Kwintet are exhibiting at the A+A Show. The Kwintet booth 9D42 will be situated in hall 9. We look forward to seeing you there. We will proudly be presenting the latest garment developments from our product brands and featuring Kwintet Solutions the customised solution for the larger company across the world.
Introducing Hayley Henshaw – Commercial Manager We are very happy to announce the appointment of Hayley Henshaw as Commercial Manager for the UK. Hayley has over eight years experience in Surgical sales and management of large field sales teams. Hayley will be responsibility for the regional sales teams, combing all UK brands under a single sales strategy and will work closely with distributors and retailers. Commenting on her appointment, Hayley said; “I am looking forward to help shape the sales strategy of such an ambitious and forward thinking company.” Steve Ciuffini, Commercial Director for Kwintet, commented, “With Hayley's wealth of sales experience and proven leadership qualities, Hayley will make a fantastic addition to our growing team”
New Business Wins - L’Oreal Kwintet are happy to be working with the prestigious brand L’Oreal and will be rolling out their new uniform to store Fragrance Consultants across the UK within the coming weeks. The new uniform range consists of Simon Jersey new Tailored Black Qualitas collection worn with a silk bespoke scarf. Kwintet has also recently rolled out 2000 Armani scarves for L’Oreal to use with their existing uniform. Now a preferred supplier to the L’Oreal UK Group, Kwintet has the potential to supply up to 30 brands in the UK.
Kwintet News Biggest Challenge Yet?
Everyone Loves A Cake Bake
Forecast Manager Mark Payler has set himself his biggest charity challenge yet! Over the next 9 months Mark will be competing in the 3 Spartan race challenges, a series of off road obstacle courses which become progressively harder over the 3 distances, and if that is not enough, to finish off in May he will run the Edinburgh Marathon! Mark will be donating all money raised to MaaChild a charity which provides sustainable secondary educational support for Maasai students in Southern Kenya. Having received free primary education many children have no choice or chance to continue their studies. The aim of MaaChild is to take the brightest children and help them achieve their dreams with an educational bursary. Up to a maximum of £1200 will provide 4 years of secondary schooling, a dream for many children in this part of Kenya. By providing secondary education the Maachild students will be able to make a useful contribution to the wider understanding of the issues that their community may face in the coming years in response to development and globalisation. Not only will they be capable to offer an informed critical political voice, the Maachild students will also be competent to represent their community both locally or nationally and; to contribute financially towards community or social benefits such as teachers, nurses etc.
Especially now The Great British Bake Off has come to an end for another year! So Kwintet staff have decided to do a Great Pink Bake Off in aid of Breast Cancer Awareness. Budding bakers will be donned with oven gloves and aprons this week, to help raise money for charity; and for the non bakers, they will be wearing pink to work and donating £2 to the worthy cause. The winning cake will be revealed in our next issue, though here is a taste of what happened at our Jeans for Genes Charity Bake Off last month which raised £120…
The Maasai charity is also close to another member of the Kwintet Team, Anne Yarker HR Director. Anne along with her 12 year old son and 6 other adults and their children are going on a field trip in February next year to Amboseli in Kenya to meet the Maasai students and families in their home villages and spend time in the local schools. We look forward to hearing Anne's diary of events on her return.
Bragard Exhibits at The Restaurant Show Last month we exhibited with our Bragard brand for the first time in the UK at The Restaurant Show at Earls Court. On show was our world famous Grand Chef Jacket, the brand new Grand Chef Lady jacket, which is specifically created for a female silhouette and our Chef on the Move Collection which is based on a ‘sportswear chic’ look, inspired by high street fashion and sports clothing in terms of its functionality and t e ch n i ca l f e a tu re s . I t i s manufactured with a mix of the most innovative materials in the market, including COOLMAX mesh panels.
Kwintet's aspiring bakers produced a range of delicious, home-baked goodies to be sold for employees to purchase and enjoy. Non-bakers also provided shop bought goodies and all buns, cakes and biscuits helped raise funds. Julie Pollard who organises the charity events judged the entries which varied from delicious Chocolate Brownies, Carrot Cake to the good old fairy cakes decorated with various toppings. Julie said “It was great to see everyone get involved and such a wide range of tasty treats baked for such a worthy cause. I’m sure our Great Pink Bake Off will be just as successful.”
Smart Works (Formally Dress for Success) Smart Works is a non profitable organisation which is similar to Suited & Booted (whom we mentioned in our last newsletter) though for women. Their mission is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. Each Smart Works client receives one suit when she has a job interview and can return for a second suit or separates when she finds work. The high quality interview clothes, styling advice and interview training, provides the women with confidence to succeed in their job interview and move on with their life. Each year Smart Work dress more than 1,200 women in a complete outfit of stylish, high quality clothes donated by retailers and professionals. Smart Works opened a new centre in Manchester in July this year and are opening a second centre in West London in November 2013. These centres will help reach even more women.
Bragard clothing for Hotel, Restaurant and Catering offers premium quality and is celebrating 80 years in the market. We take pride on our celebrated partnership with gastronomy at the highest level and are world renowned for our chef jackets, supplying chefs with high quality, stylish, comfortable clothing. Hayley Henshaw Regional Commercial Manager said “The show was a great success, thank you for visiting us, it was great to see you. We hope you like what you saw of the Bragard range. If you would like one of our regional Sales Managers to arrange to come and visit you, please feel free to contact me hayley.henshaw@kwintet.com”
Kwintet are proud to be partner of this worthy charity by donating our end of line garments.
“Hi Laura, The items you sent were fantastic! We are so short of shirts, so your donation couldn’t have come at a better time. Thank you so much for sending them across. We really appreciate your support.” Thank you Again Louise Head of Operations