Balloonies 188 Winter 2016

188 Issue 4 2016 NABAS The only independent trade association for the party & promotional balloon industry in the UK

NABAS The National Association of Balloon & Party Professionals - Helping You Take Your Business To A Higher Level

BALLOONIES

FROM YOUR COMMITTEE Dear NABAS member,

BALLOONIES EDUCATE - PROMOTE - INFORM

As we fast approach the end of another year it’s hard not to look back for many reasons, what was good, what we learned, our high points, and of course the mistakes and low points, and yes, we all had some of those in 2016!

It has been a very challenging year, and I’ve had numerous conversations with retailers and manufacturers highlighting the issues we all face. Whether it’s the uncertainty of Brexit, or what seems the consistent unfair price comparisons on the high street, with supermarkets and certain ecommerce sites.

The truth is, whether we like it or not, that is how it is, and if we expect things to change, without our being an active part of that change then the future looks uncertain! However, if you recognise and accept what is happening in our industry, then you can make the necessary changes to your business model and adapt accordingly. Don’t expect things to get better unless you make them better. You can’t keep doing the same things that aren’t working and expect a different result.

While the business of selling requires many skills, there are five skills every sales person needs. And, most of us will need to develop these on our own.

You see, one of the most important lessons I’ve learned in life is that no one else is going to look out for you as well as you should look out for yourself. To become and remain a professional in business, you must recognise that you are in charge of your own success and training and act on that fact.

Build on your strengths and correct your weaknesses. If you aren’t sure of what to work on first, there is certainly someone in your life who will gladly tell you!!

Here are five skill areas that I strongly recommend you consider developing or strengthening as they have made all the difference for me and those I have worked with over the years. In fact I always teach these skills on my mentoring programme, and without exception, they ALWAYS have a positive impact on my mentees: Negotiation: Do you consider yourself a good negotiator? Negotiators can quickly and effectively analyse the details of situations and determine the best route to resolution. If that brief description doesn’t fit you, make an effort to find a book, a recording or course on the subject. Then schedule the time to learn from it. You have to be able to negotiate so BOTH you AND your client feels comfortable and happy with the outcome. In any business it has to be a Win Win and not just about “What’s in it for me”!

Balloonies No. 188

Issue 4 2016

© NABAS - The Balloon Association 2014 Published by: NABAS The Balloon Association Ltd Katepwa House, Ashfield Park Avenue, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, HR9 5AX T: 01989 762204 Content Editor: NABAS Front cover: Image courtesy of Pink Tree Parties

NABAS Committee Angie George, Mitch Gilbert, Kelli Kelly, Matthew Lewis, George Oustayiannis Secretariat Gill Hinton, Kate Walker, Hilary Pulsford

Voice: Since your clients choose to buy your products or services based on what you say and how you represent them, doesn’t it make sense that you train your voice to give the highest level of professional presentation? If you’ve never considered voice training before, record yourself giving a portion of your presentation. Better still record a conversation you are having with a client, then listen to it. Most of us hate the sound of our voices. Just imagine how our clients must feel when listening to us. Learn to project your message with clarity and power. It’s much easier to do this if you believe in your product and your skills.

Public Speaking: This fills most of us with Fear, but it is a necessary skill for any business owner. Many sales professionals find that giving short speeches in their communities helps build their name recognition and their business. You have to be seen as a specialist and the “Go To” person in your community, so what better way than talking about it? Public speaking is also a great way to build your confidence, and improving your voice. Try your skills out by speaking to a school class about what you do. Join Toastmasters International. There are local clubs close to you, you can find out more here: https:// www.toastmasters.org. They provide excellent opportunities to hone your skills and meet other business professionals with whom you might do business or share referrals.

Memory : Having a good memory is critical to anyone in today’s world, but especially so to those of us who meet many new people every day. I challenge myself to remember as many people and their stories as I can. There are some great courses and books written on this subject. Even if you learn and use only one small strategy, I guarantee you’ll reap the benefit of having done so. The value of remembering your clients’ details is priceless. More importantly, make this a genuine interest, not just some automated process.

Maths: Don’t cringe at this. I know that there is a large percentage of you who hate maths. However, in business, you need to know some basic math skills really well. How does it look when you take too long to calculate figures? Do you think that will raise any doubts about your competency in the client’s mind? Of course it will. Also, when clients toss out figures of their expectations, you have to be quick on the uptake in understanding what that means in your business. Looking at many of the questions asked on Facebook by our members, a basic understanding of maths is an essential requirement.

Choose just one of these five areas and dedicate yourself to improving in it this month. Then, next month, choose another. Once you get started on this journey of self-education, you’ll be amazed at what you learn and how simple things can have a powerful impact on your overall success in life. The day we stop learning is the day we stop earning!

Wishing You A Healthy And Happy Christmas And Successful 2017.

George Oustayiannis George Oustayiannis is the current Chairman of NABAS and the Managing Director of GO International. He can be contacted via NABAS or by email: george@nabas.co.uk or by calling : 01438 745746.

Please note that inclusions of any inserts/adverts within Balloonies are paid-for advertisements and therefore members should not consider this action as an endorsement by NABAS of

NABAS Facebook page - Like it and use it to upload your designs and see industry related information.

Follow us on Twitter @YOURNABAS

NABAS members have been doing some amazing jobs - just take a look over the following pages. If you have something that you want to share then do let the NABAS office know - info@nabas.co.uk - what better way to promote your work to show future clients than an article in your association's magazine.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Amazing festive décor by Stuart Davies of Beyond Balloons

Champagne bottle foil on a column by Oluremi Jones of Remi Jones Enterprise

Festive décor by Jacqueline McHenry, Balloons For All

I was asked to design something with height and to create balloon dĂŠcor with great impact for a corporate Christmas party.

I designed the large balloon flowers which were attached to wide sparkling ribbon and organza covered weight. I scattered crystals onto the table centre to complete the effect.

My client and her guests thought they were amazing.

Julie Kraunialis, BDD Events Ltd

A Festive assortment from Alison Galley of Celebration Balloons of Rothwell

I am particularly proud of a wedding I recently worked on where I supplied giant 3ft tassel tailed balloons. The photographer is amazing and has allowed me permission to use her photos providing that she is credited – Katherine Ashdown, www.katherineashdown.co.uk . The Bride and Groom were called James and Leanna and the wedding took place at the end of July at a venue called Brasteds in Framingham Pigot, Norfolk. This was my first wedding supplying these balloons and I also made the tassels myself to ensure they would match the brides theme and colour scheme. This provided its own challenges in calculating how many tassels I could use, how to make them, what weight they could be, and what the float time would be on that size of balloon etc. I think the finished result speaks for itself and the happy couple were very happy with them!

Sarah Chandler ~ Special Occasions

A couple of spiral arches from Bola Oshodi-Solarin of Partyonestop

BEFORE and AFTER - What a difference balloons make!

Same venue two different Grotto’s. It's a grotto that a neighbourhood project office have for one afternoon!

They have a tiny budget.

This year we are doing Charlie and the chocolate factory theme so less Christmas but so much more balloon potential!

Jude & Katherine, The Amazing Balloon Co

A selection of Halloween projects:

Natalie Saunders of The Balloon Room -

Toni of Balloonz

- Kelley Butler of Sparkles Balloons

NABAS INSURANCE NABAS members have asked about the provision of Business and van/motor insurance. We have discussed this with your insurance broker who provides the combined public & employers liability insurance and below is their advice: We have discussed several times the possibility of the inclusion of cover for premises based risks such as stock, shop front etc but it was decided that to protect the claims balance sheet and competitive rating for the overall NABAS membership scheme, any member requiring cover for a shop or perhaps business contents at home, would be referred to us directly so that we could provide a bespoke insurance solution for their specific needs. We are quite capable of offering simple optional extensions but the risk of offering simple fixed “bolt-on” cover for items such as business equipment and stock is that the membership asset levels are extremely varied, as are their own storage facilities and there is a high risk of a member falling foul of an imbedded security or property construction requirement, hence why it is much better for them to have an insurance solution specifically tailored to their own unique circumstances.

Any member wishing to add such insurance on to their NABAS policy should contact our Broker direct for a personalised quote.: Steve Parish Cert CII, Account Director, Commercial Clients Jelf | Clarke Roxburgh Tel: 01989 564696

Last year Jelf were the first broker to be voted the number one SME broker by all three main industry awards.

Their expertise stretches across the following: Commercial insurance; Property protection; Business Interruption

insurance; Employers’, Public and Products liability cover; Goods in transit and marine risks cover; Engineering insurance and inspection; Directors’ and Officers’ insurance; Motor, Home and Travel insurance; Human risk insurance; Cyber insurance. In

addition they are one of the UK’s leading advisors for: Financial Services; Risk Management; Employee Benefits; Auto Enrolment; Commercial Finance

The NABAS scheme has continually evolved and expanded substantially over the years to match the wide variety of activities the NABAS membership have diversified in to. The NABAS offering also includes Professional Indemnity cover and Commercial Assistance and Legal Advice Helpline and we are currently developing a Director & Officers extension to offer additional protection to the growing number of limited companies within the NABAS membership. As a reminder below is what is covered under the public liability:

The practice of selling, hiring, decorating, sculpting & displaying balloons and allied products and flowers including exploding balloons, Chinese confetti bursts, flutter fetti, table centre pieces with candles (with & without balloons), celebration cakes and Christmas trees as part of decorations (provided Christmas trees are erected outdoors) excluding all other special effects.

Additional miscellaneous activities also covered are listed below:  Hiring of catering utensils including plate warmers, table cloths, chair covers, starlight backdrops, LED uplighters, temporary dance floors and chocolate fountains, popcorn and candy floss machines  Provision of “slight of hand” magic & juggling entertainment (excludes hazardous tricks involving powder flashes, knives & the like)  Hiring of sky-guy signs  Hair Beading and Face Painting**  Operation of unmanned concession stalls in bona fide retail centres for the purposes of selling goods listed in business description  Use of, Hire and/or Supply of helium & nitrogen gas bottles and the use of associated pressure regulators or compressors/electric inflators for the purpose of inflating balloons  Manufacture/Retail of dress jewellery  Manufacture/Retail of printed ribbons  Fancy Dress Hire  Organising of themed children’s parties  Teaching/training in respect to NABAS related courses  Supply of decorated cakes for parties and functions  Supply of candy buffets & fun casinos  Provision of Glitter Tattoos – Excluding facial work & subject to the use of products specifically designed for purposes of glitter tattoos  Provision of clothes parties  Provision of Nappy Cakes  Tarot Reading  Supply & Release of sky lanterns  Retail of fancy goods at trade fairs and markets  Provision of gift wrapping service  Use of decorative mannequins, red carpet, battery floor lights, rope and pole barrier etc. at venues  Provision of favour tree  Provision of bespoke stationary  Provision of themed photo booths  Provision of tombola , hoopla and ice cream tricycle at private events (excluding use on the public roads and highways)  Activities relating to “Princess” appearances and mascots attending children's’ parties It is a condition precedent to liability that in respect of all exploding balloons, Chinese confetti bursts and flutter fetti using a detonating device, the following precautions are adhered to: Instructions for use and safety guidelines must be verbally communicated to the responsible adult detonating the devices; The decoration must not be exploded adjacent to any combustible material; A fire extinguisher must be present in the room. **In respect of any face painting it is a condition precedent to any liability that only purchased products specifically designed for face painting are used.

HOW TO CREATE A CUSTOM SHAPED LOGO MadeWithBalloons™ – IT’S EASY AS (1), (2), (3)

by Graham Rouse

The basic process for producing a custom shaped logo MadeWithBalloons™ is simple.

(1)Sketch It (2) Load It (3) Trim It Some logos are certainly more complex and difficult to produce than others, but the basic process is straightforward. You can see that in our example today shared with us by Jill Shortreed from the Charleston Balloon Company. The Charleston Balloon Company does some fine balloon decorating in Charleston South Carolina, USA. Visit them at http://charlestonballooncompany.com

(1) SKETCH IT The first step is to sketch a balloon layout based on the original logo. The Philadelphia Flyers logo is shown below on the left and the Charleston Balloon Company sketch on the right.

In this case they worked to keep the design within the borders of four of the Rouse Matrix™ Banner panels. Each panel is about 3′ by 3′. Their design gives them a finished logo about 6′ wide and 5′ tall. You can download the same RMS™ Banner graph paper to plan designs of your own. If you decide to build your design, you may order the RMS™ Banners online from the RMS™ Store. Or, you may prefer to order from an RMS™ distributor nearer to you.

(2) LOAD IT Stretch open the RMS balloon frames & load balloons according to your layout.

The second step is to load balloons into the frame in the same pattern as your layout sketch.

Currently, the most common (Classic) way of loading balloons is to tie balloons in pairs and to load each balloon of a pair into an adjacent opening as illustrated in the animation to the right.

There are other loading methods that you may find useful as well. Watch for other articles about options for loading balloons.

(3) TRIM IT

Trim off Matrix straps outside of sections touching balloons.

The third step is to trim off the excess Matrix around the balloons that form your design. Just be sure to protect the portions of the Matrix that touch and immediately surround the balloons.

You can do your cutting with standard scissors.

If you should cut one of the straps in the wrong place, you can make repairs by (1) Place the cut ends back together. (2) Use a standard office stapler to staple twice across the joint. (3) Make sure the ends of the staples curl under and in toward each other. (4) This should hold without popping balloons, but you may wrap the stapled joint in clear tape for extra protection and a smoother finish

YOUR TURN .Give

it a try yourself.

.

(1) Sketch a simple (to begin with) design onto the honeycomb graph paper.

Download RMS™ Banner graph paper to plan your designs. .

(2) Load balloons into RMS Banner balloon grid frames according to your design. Get your Banners online at the RMS Store in Ballooniverse Mall. .

(3) Trim away the excess framing. You have your first custom shape MadeWithBalloons™.

I hope you enjoy it, impress your friends and then go out and sell lots of custom shapes MadeWithBalloons™

NABAS AMSCAN TRAINING DAY 8th November 2016 This was my first opportunity to visit the Amscan Party Store in Milton Keynes. I was totally amazed by the product range Amscan had on display and to offer the industry. It is truly well worth a visit.

As a NABAS Committee Member I experienced the wonderful balloon enthusiast Christopher Horne, who I have known for many years and continually amazed by his balloon talent.

The NABAS Members who enthusiastically attended the Course at Amscan travelled from different parts of England and Ireland and were not disappointed with Christopher's knowledge and creativity. As the NABAS participants started to create the designs and displays the interaction and willingness to learn new ideas and skills within the group was tremendous.

After we had all experimented with the displays that Christopher had designed, many participating NABAS members took some of their own initiative and added their own twist to the displays. Some of the NABAS members asked Christopher if their attempts looked ok, he had an interesting reply, "there is no wrong or right way regarding the display, it is your interpretation, but as long as the product has been inflated correctly and secured, its good to go".

After the NABAS Members had finished creating both Christopher's balloon displays, he encouraged all to create their own displays using any of the stock available to us. This was great fun and enabled us to incorporate the new techniques into our own creations.

As a committee member of NABAS, I would like to thank both AMSCAN & Christopher Horne for a wonderful day and look forward to more NABAS Members attending courses and visiting the AMSCAN Party Store.

Mitch Gilbert NABAS Committee Member

WHAT THE DELEGATES THOUGHT….

“Spending the day with Chris Horne at Amscan is like being with a child in his favourite playroom who can't wait to share all his balloons with you and wants you to love them as much and have as much fun with them as he does.

I had a brilliant day it was welcoming and fun , everyone was lovely, the food was gorgeous and the whole day was amazing value for money. Thanks a million for letting me be part of it”

RECIPE Rose Bouquet Created By Chris Horne, Amscan International Limited.

Product Required:  1 x 3418801 Anagram Red Roses UltraShape®  4 x 1058402 Anagram Metallic Red Heart  3 x Anagram 4” Metallic Red Hearts  1 x 3194699 Green Anagram Diamondz®  Red Balloon Ribbon  Balloon Bond or Glue Dots  1 x Heavy plastic balloon weight.

Construction Method: 1. Inflate the Diamondz® balloon with air, and roll and tape the neck. Tape the Heavy plastic weight to the centre of the square (top) part of the balloon. Stand the balloon neck up, with the weight at the bottom.

2. Inflate the 3 x 4” red hearts with air and heat seal them. Tape up the tales, and stick them to the side of the Diamondz® balloon with balloon bond or glue dots.

3. Inflate the Red Roses UltraShape® and the 4 x standard red hearts with helium, and attach to ribbons.

4. Assemble the helium filled balloons into a bouquet with the roses at the top and the hearts below.

5. Finally, tie the bouquet to the neck of the Diamondz® balloon*. Curl the ribbon ends.

Estimated Labour time: 15 minutes. * To comply with California Law, Tie the helium filled balloons individually to the neck of the Diamondz® balloon.

Pizza Parable For Balloon Artists & Decorators “How competitors can help build YOUR balloon business” by Graham Rouse OUR FAVORITE RESTAURANT Quite some years ago, I lived in Raleigh, North Carolina in the USA. Every once-in-awhile my wife and I went to a favorite, local Italian restaurant. It was a little out of the way and the prices were not cheap, but the food was great, the service was excellent and the atmosphere was a relaxing change from the hectic pace of our busy days.

WHAT ABOUT COMPETITION On one occasion I spoke to the manager to thank him for a wonderful evening. I also asked him how business was since the new pizza chain had moved in down the road at the shopping mall. "Business is very good!", he said. "When I heard they were moving in, I was worried" he told me, "but they have actually helped my business." He went on. "I knew they would have a larger advertising budget.

They built in a more convenient location for drive in traffic and they get walk in traffic from the mall that we never get. Plus, their prices are lower." "I think we have lost a few customers to them that used to be regulars, but they were ones that rarely spent much."

THANKS TO THE COMPETITION "Overall, our business is up, and I think we have the new pizza chain to thank for much of that increase. Their advertising, promotion and visibility have stimulated an increase in demand for Italian food in our area. It would not surprise me if even sales of Italian food at the grocery stores have gone up."

BEING THE BEST "But, when it comes to Italian food, we have a bigger menu, we have a great chef, an excellent service staff and a wonderful atmosphere for diners to relax and enjoy the experience. If you don't mind me boasting a little bit; 'We are the best in town!'" "Yes, you are," I agreed. "Thank you," he replied. "And thank you for dining with us this evening. Do come again." "In fact," he continued. "Take this gift card with you. Bring it with you when you return and enjoy wine with your dinner on us." "Thank you," I said. "We'll do that."

And we did.... .. .

THE BEST SURVIVE & THRIVE Has your small balloon business done well over the last years despite the shrinking economy, the entrance of large department stores and party store chains and even grocery stores adding balloons to their offerings? Chances are that it has not been your low prices, great advertising budget, or high traffic location that has pulled you through. It is more likely that, like our favorite Italian restaurant, you are providing some significant added value for your customers. It is also likely that you have reaped the benefits of the "big boys" using their great advertising budget, high traffic location and low prices to promote balloons in the minds of a broader audience in your community.

If you don't mind a little boasting, it is likely that "YOU are the best in town" at something important for your balloon market. Maybe you are especially good at entertaining, decorating, sculpting or producing walls, backdrops or other graphics MadeWithBalloons™.

AMATEURS As Italian foods appear more frequently in advertising and in the news, it will be natural for the do-it-yourself amateurs to gather spaghetti and sauces and microwave dinners and serve them to family and friends. Some of these amateurs will never grace the doors of our favorite Italian restaurant. They will, however, spread their interest in Italian food to others who will become great prospects for our favorite dining spot. In a similar way, you can expect an upsurge in do-it-yourself balloon activity as your low price competitors do their thing. Do not whine about it. Celebrate it. Nurture it. Help each amateur succeed in their small way as they spread an interest in balloons to others. But, be sure to also show them the difference you can make for them and their friends; the difference of dealing with "The Best For Things MadeWithBalloons™" RAISING THE BAR In the back of your mind you may still be wondering about all this amateur activity. Will those amateurs begin doing for themselves some of the things that professionals do now? Yes they will. The bar will be raised for what consumers do for themselves with balloons. And, the bar will be raised for what professionals must do to get and keep the business of those same consumers.

BEING A PROFESSIONAL But that is always the job of professionals in creative and growing media. You must take ordinary latex balloons that anyone can purchase locally and turn them into something special. You must take those simple message balloons that are available everywhere and make them flatter the egos and satisfy the aesthetic tastes of senders and recipients. You must take an ordinary birthday party and turn it into a memorable event.  You must inflate more than the balloons that fill a room.  You must inflate the imaginations and emotions of the people that fill that room When you do these things, it will help your business for consumers to have and use all those cheap latex balloons, all those simple message balloons and even those new balloons and gadgets that are sure to come. Those amateurs will be spreading their interest in balloons and helping build a bigger balloon business for you, because, in your market, you are "THE BEST FOR THINGS MadeWithBalloons™".

Rouse Home: http://JustRouseIT.com Primary Blog: http://MadeWithBalloons.com/ROUSEings

NEW WHOLESALE MEMBERS APAC PACKAGING trading as KALEIDOSCOPE PARTY APAC is recognised as the leading brand for affordable florist sundries and event decoration in the UK. Our floristry range is represented in every major florist wholesaler throughout the UK and Ireland. The range covers everything from basketware, tools, wires, candle holders, florist plastics, ribbons, Living Vases ™ and hand tied bags.

AP Glassware Our AP Glassware brand is extensive and recognised for affordable high quality glass, covering everything from tealight holders to large martini vases. The AP Glassware range is again represented in every major florist wholesaler throughout the country.

Kaleidoscope Party Launched in 2014 the Kaleidoscope Party range includes party banners, badges, candles, balloon boxes, latex balloons, paper tableware and helium balloons. The Kaleidoscope Party Brand is in partnership through an exclusive distribution agreement with the second largest manufacturer of balloons in the world, with a monthly output of 11.5 million foil balloons. Kaleidoscope Balloons are renowned for superb quality, and the Kaleidoscope party range of products are quickly becoming known throughout the UK party trade for excellent quality and very competitively priced party products.

NABAS APPROVED TEACHERS Yvonne Baynes Balloonery by Yvonne Tel: 01986 788316 yvonb@tiscali.co.uk Courses Provided: NABAS Level 1& 2 Area Covered: East Anglia

Angie George Capel Manor Tel: 08456 122 122 angie.george@capel.ac.uk Courses Provided: NABAS Level 1 & 2 Area Covered: Hertfordshire, Essex & South East

Jane Lee International Balloon Academy Tel: 01908 605960 / 07903 073606 www.international-balloon-academy.co.uk janelee49@me.com Courses Provided: NABAS Level 1 & 2; Basics & Beyond; Varied Master Classes Area Covered: Milton Keynes & beyond

Rita Kyriacou CBA Marguerite's Academy of Balloon Artistry Tel: 01279 639508 www.marguerites-academy.co.uk ritakyriacou@btinternet.com Courses Provided: NABAS Level 1& 2; Wedding

Mitch Gilbert CBA Rainbow Balloons Tel: 01625 585910 www.rainbowballoons.co.uk info@rainbowballoons.me.uk Courses Provided: NABAS Level 1& 2; Advanced level; 260’s Course; Balloon Drops Area Covered: Cheshire, NW England, N Wales

Mary George Gretna Green Creations Tel: 01709 818636 www.gretnagreencreations.co.uk info@gretnagreencreations.co.uk Courses Provided: NABAS Level 1 & 2

Area Covered: Hertfordshire, Essex & South East

Area Covered: Yorkshire and the North East

MEMBER BENEFITS Listed below are a few items we think are important to your business: Public & Employer Liability Insurance The law requires that as a business you must have adequate liability insurance cover. NABAS UK Retailer & Decorator members (Associate & Full only) are eligible for Public & Employer Liability Insurance cover. Please note: this is only available whilst you are a current NABAS member.

NABAS Website The NABAS website receives numerous hits each day by people looking for a Retailer or Decorator in their area. All Associate and Full Members are listed on the website by county and each member has the opportunity to provide a short write up for their profile and upload up to four images into their own Gallery.

Closed Facebook page for NABAS Members only This was launched in 2016 and has proved very useful to members – jobs shared, questions asked and problems solved.

Yellow Pages Advertise in the Yellow Pages Corporate Advertising Scheme under the NABAS banner at discounted rates.

Information Link If you have a problem regarding your business and need advice from people who can and want to help you, then call our help line - it's there for you. If we don't know the answer we can usually put you in touch with someone who does.

Legal Helpline If you need professional legal advice then you can call our Legal Helpline who will offer free advice over the phone, and preferential rates should you wish to take it further.

HMCA Private Medical Plan Time spent in hospital causes stress and inconvenience - we are therefore pleased to tell you that HMCA has arranged a Private Medical Plan for Members with savings of up to 50%.

NABAS Fuel Card Scheme NABAS have teamed up with The Fuelcard Company Ltd to offer it's members discounted rates on diesel with 4 major fuel brand networks. The Fuelcard Company can offer members a wide range of Fuelcards which offer a fixed weekly price on diesel. Offering savings of up to 6p per litre against national average forecourt prices!

AA Breakdown Cover NABAS has teamed up with the AA to offer members' substantial discounted rates from Home Start to Relay Plus Sourcing NABAS are in contact with the industry's manufacturers. If there is that one product you have seen but can't get hold of - give us a call, we can probably give you a number of people to contact.

Networking NABAS provides opportunities for you to be in touch with other members. We want you to talk to other members, and to ensure that NABAS is a friendly interactive association.

Trade Magazines Our own in house e-magazine Balloonies which you will receive quarterly.

NABAS Logo NABAS logo for use on your own publicity (available by email on request).

Additional Ongoing Benefits The credibility of your business, Opportunity to promote your business and to communicate matters of interest in Balloonies, NABAS Membership List for referrals, Opportunity to participate in the National Balloon Week, Opportunity to become a NABAS Approved Teacher.

Full details of the above benefits can be found in the Members Section of the NABAS website.

There's A Reason Why We've Been The UK's Leading Independent & Impartial Wholesaler Of Balloons & Party For Over 30 Years.

There's A Reason Why We Have More 5 Star Feedback & Referrals From Our Valued Clients.

There's A Reason Why More Professionals Are Using Us Than Ever Before.

You See, At GO International, We Don't Just Sell Party & Balloons, We Are Party & Balloons, And Our Valued Customers Continually Tell Us, We're Very Good At It! We Don’t Want To Be Known As The Cheapest. We Want To Be Known As The Best!

We Don't Want To Be A Cash & Carry That Has Balloons And Party, We Want To Be A Party Specialist That Just Sells Balloons & Party.

We Don't Want Our Staff To Be Clueless, We Want All Our Team To Know About Our Products and Understand Your Needs.

We Don't Want To Follow the Pack, We Want To Lead From The Front.

More Importantly, We Know If You Let Us Work With You, We Will Have A Positive Impact On Your Business.

So Now More Than Ever, Isn't It Time We Started Working Together?

Visit Our Party Warehouse, Just Off Junction 7 Of The A1.

Visit Our Website: www.gointernational.co.uk. Call Us On: 01438 745746.

Or email george@gointernational.co.uk.

Let Us Show You What Dealing With A Company That Cares About Your Needs Means, And Let Us Put A Package Together That Works For You. As An Added Incentive To Encourage You To Give Us A Try, Please Enter NABAS5 In The Coupon Code At Checkout To Receive An Additional 5% Off Our Wholesale Prices.

GO International, Big Enough To Make A Difference, Small Enough To Care!

30 Years Of Understanding Our Industry Learning Our Trade & Helping You Grow Your Business.

GO International. Unit 15, The io Centre, Arlington Business Park, Stevenage. SG1 2BD Tel: 01438 745746 F: 01438 745747 sales@gointernational.co.uk www.gointernational.co.uk

WHOLESALERS, MANUFACTURERS & PRINTERS AIR PRODUCTS 2 Millennium Gate, Westmere Drive Crewe, Cheshire, CW1 6AP T:0800 389 02 02 apukinfo@airproducts.com www.airproducts.co.uk

FOLKDEAN LTD Unit 2 Lydney Harbour Estate, Lydney Gloucestershire GL15 4EJ T:01594 841545 F:01594 844 577 sales@folkdean.co.uk www.folkdean.co.uk

APAC / KALEIDOSCOPE PARTY Loughbrough Road, Rothley, Leicestershire, LE7 7NL T:0116 230 2555 john@apacpackaging.com www.apacpackaging.com

GO INTERNATIONAL (UK) LTD Unit 15, The IO Centre, Arlington Business Park, Whittle Way, Stevenage SG1 2BD T:01438 745746 F:01438 745747 george@gointernational.co.uk www.gointernational.co.uk

B-LOONY LTD Buck House Sunnyside Road Chesham, Bucks HP5 2AR T:01494 774 376 F:01494 791268 balloons@b-loony.co.uk www.b-loony.co.uk

HOUSE PARTI 20 Mandervell Road, Oadby Industrial Estate, Oadby, Leicestershire LE2 5LQ T:0116 271 0100 F:0116 271 0300 sales@houseparti.com www.houseparti.com

BALLOON MARKET Unit 4, Lulworth Business Centre Nutwood Way, Totton, Southampton, Hampshire SO40 3WW T:033 33 704 777 info@balloonmarket.co.uk www.balloonmarket.co.uk

NEVITI Unit 9 Lane End Industrial Park Lane End, High Wycombe HP14 3BY T: 0845 6381358 info@cscimports.com www.neviti.com

BALLOON SUPPLY & DISTRIBUTION Unit1B. Woodside House, Woodside Park, Catteshall Lane, Godalming, Surrey GU7 1LG T:01483 808121 F:01483 808 141 sales@balloonsupply.co.uk www.balloonsupply.co.uk

NORTHSTAR BALLOONS Southampton, Hampshire SO19 0HL T: 07469 890714 nthompson@northstarballoons.com www.northstarballoons.eu

BALLOONS AROUND SCOTLAND 100 Carnegie Road, Hillington Ind Est Glasgow G52 4JZ T:0141 882 8107 F:0141 882 9925 sales@balloonsaroundscotland.com www.balloonsaroundscotland.co.uk

OAKTREE UK LTD 66 James Carter Road Industrial Estate Mildenhall, Suffolk IP28 7DE T:01638 716655 F:01638 711211 sales@oaktreeuk.com www.oaktreeuk.com

BALLOONZ 12 Coltsfoot Close, Wildern Gate, Hedge End, Southampton SO30 4UN T: 01489790893 sales@balloonz.co.uk www.balloonz.co.uk

PREMIUM BALLOON ACCESSORIES PO Box 352 Sharon Centre, Ohio 44274 USA T: 00 1 330 239 4547 info@coolaire.com www.premiumballoon.com

BELBAL UK Broadgate House, Church Street , Deeping St James, Peterborough, Lincolnshire PE6 8HD T:01778 343 445 F:01778 347 230 info@belbaluk.co.uk www.belbaluk.co.uk

TALKING BALLOONS McGregor’s Way, Turnoaks Business Park Chesterfield, Derbyshire S40 2WB T:01246 270555 F:01246 270566 sales@talkingballoons.com www.talkingballoons.com

DELIGHTS DIRECT Unit 4 Tallow Way, Fairhills Road Irlam, Manchester M44 6RJ T: 0333 900 9000 F:0161 776 1144 stuartw@delightsdirect.co.uk www.delightsdirect.co.uk

VIBORG BALLON A/S Gortlervej 7 DK8800 Viborg DENMARK T:00 45 866 21200 bini@viborg-ballon.dk www.viborg-ballon.dk = Indicates

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