RUGBY TRADE DIRECTORY sponsored by R
2018
The A-Z of suppliers to the rugby industry
www.rugbytradedirectory.com
intro Welcome to the SMMEX 2019 Preview! In this edition you will be able to discover a bit more about a handful of our 2019 exhibitors and their fantastic products ahead of meeting them at the show in March. As well as learning more about a sample of our exhibitors, we are excited to share news of our seminar programme which is back for another year due to the success of the 2018 sessions. We are busy finalising the speakers and working hard to bring you a diverse and inspiring programme. Take a sneak peek at some of the speakers already on board in this issue. We look forward to welcoming you to Wembley Stadium on Monday 4th March for a brilliant day of networking! If you are looking to source and discover new products to diversify your product range, make sure you register for your free ticket online at: smmex.co.uk if you haven’t already. See you in March!
The SMMEX Team t: +44(0)20 7821 8221 e: info@smmex.co.uk : @smmexevent #SMMEX2019 www.smmex.co.uk
Seminar programme
ROOM 1
11:00 11:45
ROOM 2
11:30 12:15
ROOM 1
12:00 12:45
ROOM 2
12:30 13:15
ROOM 1
13:00 13:45
ROOM 2
13:30 14:15
ROOM 1
14:00 14:45
Rembrant’s Wife
ROOM 2
14:30 15:15
Royal British Legion
ROOM 1
15:00 15:45
LIMA
Kelvyn Gardner
An Introduction to Licensing
Beanstalk Europe
The Licensing Landscape: How Consumer, Product and Retail Trends are Impacting Brand Extension Today
Sports Traider Charity
How Working with a Charity can Develop your Brand Awareness
Leeds United FC
Reaching the Top 10 in Retail
British ESports Association
What is it? What Can You Learn From it? Now’s the Time to Get Involved
Katie Sharp
Martin Keech
Simon Moss
Darren Newnham
Harlequins FC Amber Jeffries-Keel
Red Hot Penny Marketing
Rethinking Digital Retail for Sports Brands
Jodie Wheeler
Saskia Boersma
Emily Fry
Brand Licensing Through Collaborations
How the Royal British Legion Forged Alliances with the Football Clubs
Brentford FC Cliff Crown
London Irish RFC
Multisport Collaboration
Brian Facer
For an up-to-date seminar schedule please visit our website at: www.smmex.co.uk
meet the LIMA - Kelvyn Gardner Kelvyn has been involved in the international licensing business for over thirty years. A graduate of King’s College, London, his early business career led him into marketing and licensing with Italian children’s collectables company, Panini. After a successful period there Kelvyn and three colleagues started Merlin Publishing in 1989 to market licensed stickers and trading cards. The company grew throughout Europe and in just five years annual sales reached US $80 million. Merlin was the UK’s fastest-growing private company in 1995. Since 1998 Kelvyn has worked as a consultant in the licensing industry through his company, Asgard Media. Clients include Yoplait, The Topps Company and Finsbury Food Group. At the 2013 Licensing Awards in London, Kelvyn was presented with the Honorary Achievement Award for his work in licensing. Kelvyn has spoken at conferences in London, Manchester, Frankfurt, Milan, Paris, New York, Dubai, Hong Kong, Delhi, Berlin, Seoul and Tokyo. He speaks good Italian, competent French and Spanish, and basic conversational Japanese. In 2017 Kelvyn featured prominently in the ITV documentary ‘Stuck on You’ recounting the history of football stickers. Since 2006 he has held the mantle of Managing Director of the UK division of LIMA, the Licensing Industry Merchandisers Association. Kelvyn is also a trustee of the Light Fund, the licensing industry’s independent charity.
Harlequins FC - Amber Jeffries-Keel Amber Keel is Retail Manager for Harlequins RFC, with full responsibility for all areas of Quins retail activity including eCommerce, store operations, retail strategy, merchandising and supplier management. She also project manages any and all 3rd party suppliers involved with Quins retail operations, including search marketing agency Red Hot Penny who implement and support the ongoing strategy to drive revenue, audience growth and fan engagement. Amber started her career in the buying team at Fat Face working across accessories and menswear before discovering her passion for sports retail whilst managing the retail department for Portsmouth FC. She was even in post the year Portsmouth won the FA cup.
speakers Rembrant’s Wife - Saskia Boersma Saskia Boersma has over 20 years’ experience in the cultural and commercial development of heritage and design collections including commercial brand development, product development, retail both shop and online, licensing, intellectual property rights, brand extension, marketing, events, restaurants/cafes and the commissioning, implementation and marketing of art, design and cultural programmes to raise the brand’s profile and promote the brand’s heritage. She has established an unusual approach to commercial development in championing licensing through great design and raising brand profile through innovative brand collaborations which can be the most effective method to promote your collection and establish a prominent position in a competitive marketplace.
London Irish RFC - Brian Facer Brian Facer took up his role as Chief Executive of London Irish in October 2017. He has overseen significant transformation, including the appointment of Irish coaching legend Declan Kidney as Director of Rugby, introducing a new, scalable structure to the commercial team, and working with the Board of Directors and Brentford FC in finalising a deal which will see London Irish play in the new Brentford Community Stadium. Previously Brian was Commercial Director at Northampton Saints, where he played a key role in maintaining the Saints’ place as the only professional club to be profitable every year for over a decade. He worked with national and international companies to secure the income required to fund a Premiership-winning team, and was part of the working group which delivered a major stadium expansion in 2015. Brian also has extensive experience of sales and marketing within the IT sector.
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JOLO FASHION The German company Jolo Fashion Group offers a wide range of Baby Textile products such as Bodies, Rompers, T-Shirts, Jackets, Pants, as well as shoes, Bibs, Bandanas Hat and Caps. This collection is made of 100% Cotton Interlock with Oekotex certification Standard 100 Class 1. Customers can require high quality fabrics like organic cotton or GOTS certified fabrics. Additionally Jolo Fashion offers a large range of outerwear products such as Club Jackets, Softshell programs, Rainwear and Ski-wear. All items are produced in selected factories certified with BSCI or SA 8000, mainly in China or Bangladesh for bigger quantities. Jolo Fashion has an own buying office in China since 2005 which is approved at high quality standards and ensures timely deliveries. First Football club collections has been introduced beginning of 2018 and already 25 Clubs mainly in Germany, Switzerland and Belgium have already ordered their merchandising products from them. To see more of their design and collection, you can meet the team on their stand: NO. 64 at SMMEX International this March held at Wembley Stadium.
vossen Show style and individuality by choosing VOSSEN products, their energydonating towels and bathrobes are long lasting advertising medias made in the highest quality. VOSSEN products can be embroidered with logos, promotions and themes on demand to advertise your brand. Use their terry towelling to build your corporate identity and strengthen costumer ties! The brand new vegan life collection is VOSSEN’s first towel collection to be manufactured entirely without animal products, as well as the world’s first certified vegan towel collection. VOSSEN’s aim was to develop a towel that was smooth on the skin and 100% plant-based, contributing to a better world. The vegan life collection has an urban, timeless design available in 15 stylish colours. See VOSSEN on their stand at SMMEX International 2019!
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modern forms Modern Forms is a Polish manufacturer of state-of-the-art trophies, awards and medals. From the beginning of their operation, they focus on creativity, innovation and individual approach to the Client. They create unique products, which are changing the market of medals and trophies. The combination of a modern machine park, proprietary production technology and the experience of top-class specialists is a guarantee of rapid production of even the most complex orders.
supporters gmbh
They have extensive experience in working with sports associations, public institutions, and corporate customers alike, including: Google, BMW, Rolls-Royce, Orange, AON or Unilever.
Olympiastadion Berlin GmbH – Germany VS Brazil.
Original design is created according to the nature of the occasion, to the best of their ability, and it is always based on the Client’s preferences and wishes.
Full stadium Tifo with 74’000 items working with the German Football Federation to help promote Euro 2024 #unitedbyfootball. The German Football Federation wanted to create something special and their design team worked on several designs and ideas to create a stunning stadium activation. The Materials (oversized cards, circular banner, digitally printed banners, and motorised pulley system) were delivered to the stadium from their German HQ five days before match day. The Tifo art specialists were onsite to mark out the design along with their rigging crew to set up the 3D Tifo system on the roof. Volunteers from the German Fan Club arrived on-site for two days to lay out the cards. The event crew then started the 3D Tifo banner rehearsals in the morning of the match with Stadium ops in attendance. Supporters staff remained in the stadium to carry out the Tifo and to remove the equipment at the full time whistle. The whole Stadium participated in the Tifo and it was very well received by everyone at the German Football Federation. Meet the team behind the Tifo at SMMEX International at Wembley Stadium.
Dedicated content and graphic elements, with individual graphics and personalised engraving, are tailored to the Client’s needs. Their technology makes it possible to customise every product. 3D effect is achieved thanks to the application of their proprietary spatial texturing technology. They choose and combine a variety of materials with high quality and durability, including acrylic glass, steel, plywood, glass, engraving laminate, concrete, timber, and recycled materials. Visit Modern Forms at SMMEX International 2019, held at Wembley Stadium.
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dreampen DreamPen is a leading manufacturer of advertising pens. For over 20 years it has been supplying the European market as well as the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Australia and the USA. DreamPen specialises in a fully personalised Clip4you pen. As the name suggests, a unique clip can be made to order in any shape for the customer’s needs. With these types of pens, we offer something new and fresh every time. Advanced technologies allow you to make a clip in the form of 2D, 2D + or 3D, although the three-dimensional clips enjoy the greatest popularity and interest. Their asset is the element of surprise, which customers react with delight, which is why their pen products can represent the most demanding brands in a credible and sustainable manner. The prints on the clips are made digitally in photographic quality, which makes it possible to complete the excellent quality of pens. The pen itself is an extremely practical tool for everyday use but it is still the cheapest promotional product. In combination with the form of the advertising medium and the possibility of any personalisation, it perfectly reaches the target client. The products shown on their clips, thanks to the spacing and the appropriate print perfectly reflect the content contained in them. The use of new technologies and continuous development allows DreamPen to always be a precursor of new solutions on the market. See the pens for yourself on their stand at SMMEX International in March!
LATE SPONSOR SIGN OFF? Thermopatch Sports specialise in flexible production processes to ensure your club receives product within a short time frame when required.
Dalton Airfield Industrial Estate Dalton, Thirsk North Yorkshire YO7 3HE +44 (0) 1845 577926 sales@thermopatchsports.com www.thermopatchsports.com
meet the speakers Brentford FC - Cliff Crown Cliff Crown is a chartered accountant who specialised for 15 years in advising owner managed businesses primarily in the media space. After a career spanning 29 years as a partner in leading firms of accountants in London, Cliff left private practice in 2010 to become CFO of a group of companies owned by Matthew Benham who was at that time a minority shareholder in Brentford. One of his early tasks was to represent Matthew on the Board and subsequently Cliff advised Matthew to exercise his option to take control of the club which he did in 2012. Cliff became a Director of the club and one year later succeeded Greg Dyke as Chairman following Greg’s appointment as Chairman of the FA. The club have thrived over the last 7 years moving from League 2 to establishing themselves as a top 10 club in the Championship. In July 2016 Cliff was appointed to the Board of the EFL as one of 3 Championship representatives.
Beanstalk Europe - Katie Sharp Katie Sharp is a Brand Development Manager for global brand extension licensing agency, Beanstalk. Â She has worked in the licensing industry for 6 years, beginning her career at 4Kids Entertainment in 2012 as a licensing coordinator. Katie has since gained a broad range of industry experience across character, art and corporate brand extension. Her current role involves strategically growing the licensing programme for one of Beanstalks largest clients, Diageo. In 2018 Katie was nominated for the licensing industries coveted Rising Star Award which identifies the next generation of leaders in the licensing business.
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Arc’Teryx coporate sales In twenty years of history, innovative Arc’teryx designs, materials, and construction techniques have revolutionised the standards in the outdoor performance apparel industry. Align your brand with a recognized leader in customised, premium apparel and gear for your business gifts, uniforms, safety & performance incentives, recognition awards, large events & ceremonies, film & television events, and more…. For more information and to meet the Arc’teryx team visit SMMEX International on 4th March at Wembley Stadium!
7 vision limited With everyone now very much aware of the world moving towards the abolition of single use plastics, combined with the media attention surrounding its importance, we are all looking to play a part in the future conservation of our planet and wildlife. In the UK alone, the amount of single use plastics wasted every year is enough to fill 1000 Royal Albert Halls. With more and more emphasis on the reduction of plastics within our everyday lives, people are actively seeking out greener, more sustainable, recyclable and reusable alternatives. The new Blank Canvas Range of Drink ware for 2019 offers an alternative solution to plastics, with the additional USP of being branded and / or personalised. They have developed a number of reusable drink ware products including stainless steel bottles, cups, tumblers, flip top water bottles; Bamboo drinks holders and re-usable metal straws. All of these items can be personalised with your corporate logo or message. Branding, logos and messages are applied by a Laser Etching process and all packaging materials are 100% fully recyclable. If this is an area you could be interested in for 2019 come along and see them in Stand 36 at SMMEX to discuss any requirements or product ideas you may have.
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swatkins group ltd Be the best, win the best, present the best. Swatkins Group are proud to present a brand new 292-page catalogue full of the finest presentation Awards, Trophies and Silverware. They have over 200 new products that are available to order from stock. These include over 57 new Trophy Cups, 18 new motivational awards, 63 different sporting achievement awards, and fantastic new Leatherette giftware items – just to name a few. The Swatkins range has truly expanded. They are now in our 121st year of manufacturing pure quality Silverware, now supplying more products than ever before.
passamar Born in 1996, Passamar is a Portuguese company dedicated to sports merchandising production. Passamar’s core-business is the manufacturing of personalized, 100% Acrylic, high definition, printed and circular knitted scarves. Other products within their portfolio include lanyards, pennants, flags, pillows, hats, PVC products such as key rings, bracelets. Passamar is a nationally and internationally renowned company which has been reinforcing its market position by continuously investing in R&D. Their clients include well-known sports clubs and official sports licensing companies. Don’t miss out! Visit Passamar at SMMEX International 2019!
They are proud to still be designing, creating and manufacturing the Silverware in their factory in Walsall, West Midlands. Their Great British Quality is something they are extremely proud to be known for, having catered for many of the world’s most prestigious events over the past century. The team of expertly skilled craftsmen and women select only the finest materials to manufacture each and every masterpiece. Their experience and knowledge has been built on 5 generations, dating back to 1898, giving you the confidence to buy from a British company that has truly stood the test of time. Awards you will be proud to present, Swatkins Silverware. See for yourself at SMMEX International in March!
The great british card company The Great British Card Company is one of the largest privately-owned direct to retail publishers in the UK. They create the highest quality Everyday, Spring Seasons and Christmas products and provide first-class service. With the Paper House, Medici Cards, Paper Gallery, Almanac Gallery and Avanti brands within their portfolio, they are able to offer the widest choice of greetings cards in their industry. With 50 stand-alone birthday/blank ranges live at any one time and over 2,500 everyday products including family relations and special occasions, GBCC is able to cover off most retail requirements. Additionally, they supply the four spring seasons, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Easter and Father’s Day. GBCC are acknowledged as market leaders within the charity christmas card sector, and since 2007 have donated over 2.7 million pounds from the sale of their charity cards. In addition to free-standing charity card dispensers they can supply boxed cards, acetates, family and open single cards, gift bags and advent calendars across their leading brands. Their Waterwells Distribution brokerage division provides an effective solution for all seasonal and everyday greetings card requirements, allowing a comprehensive offer from many of the UK’s leading specialist publishers. Additionally their retail development team can supply racking, spinners and personalised point of sale. They provide full UK coverage with a team of dedicated account managers and within their various brands they can offer: -Multiple publishers -One delivery -One invoice -Full merchandising support -Bespoke display options
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meet the speakers Red Hot Penny Marketing - Jodie Wheeler Jodie Wheeler is client services director at Red Hot Penny, working closely with our clients to understand their business goals and objectives to ensure we provide the best possible solution. With more than 10 years’ experience across ecommerce and brand marketing Jodie has worked with the likes of Harlequins RFC, Virgin, and Zoggs (amongst many, many more) building brilliant relationships and ensuring that amazing results are delivered. Jodie has also acted as a retail strategy advisor for Harlequins RFC, helping them to rethink their approach to retail and smash their targets.
Sports Traider Charity - Martin Keech Martin Keech has been the Operations Manager for Sports Traider Charity since 2011. He has been involved in the textile industry for over 40 years, working for brands such as Levi Strauss, The Burton Group, (Concessions Manager Top Shop Oxford Circus) Puma Sportswear (Merchandise Director for 8 years) The Pentland Group, (Football Division), Diadora Sportswear, Canterbury of New Zealand. Since joining Sports Traider Charity he has used his numerous contacts in the industry to help support the Charity by donating old or unused stock that can be sold in our retail shops. Money raised goes towards achieving our objective in supporting disabled and disadvantaged youngsters to be able to participate in sport no matter of their ability or background.
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asbri golf Asbri Golf supplies over 5000 resorts and clubs worldwide with their high quality range of branded golf accessories and gifts. The South Wales based Company, now in its 16th year of trading, has established themselves as a World Class supplier in their industry with in-house embroidery and printing capabilities. If you are looking for golf gifts to retail or hosting your own corporate golf day, please visit and meet the team at SMMEX International 2019!
hoersteler interior design gmbh Hoersteler Interior Design GmbH is a supplier of Logomats and dust control mats exhibiting at SMMEX International for the first time this year! Made to be placed at entrances, Logomats absorb dirt or moisture as well as providing a surprising and individual reception; they are both a successful merchandising product and a useful advertising gift. Logomats are available in a range of standard and custom shapes and sizes all at a reasonable price. There are 3 printing techniques to choose from: chromojet digital printing, transfer printing and flocking. Simple logos, colourful designs and even photographs can be printed. The range of Logomats is complemented by mats with embroidery motives, which are available in different finishes. Visit Hoersteler Interior Design GmbH on their stand at SMMEX International 2019!
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4evapic 4evapic™ is an advertising and communications platform that uses NFC technology for services-based businesses to establish stronger relationships with their customers. Originally derived from the idea of creating a convenient way to share memories such as family photos, 4evapic has evolved into a powerful communications platform for businesses around the world. The platform uses multimedia such as video, websites, QR Codes, photos, PDFs and membership information to keep customers updated and informed about new offers.
bauer acrylic world Introducing, Bauer Acrylic World. Aside from offering an innovative range of classic products, Bauer are the market leaders in specialist cut to shape branded acrylic gifts. It has been many years since such a revolutionary range of products have been introduced into the industry. How many times have you asked the question “what do you have this year that is new, is not a gimmick and will have longevity?” Bauer have that answer. The Acrylic range of gifts are the most saleable and exciting concept to hit the market in decades. The strength of their product is in the design, all produced by their in-house design team. They provide personalised products which are produced in Central Europe, have no minimum order quantity and a quick delivery to! At Bauer the days of high tooling costs and set up charges have gone. They can create bespoke acrylic gifts from a single piece to thousands, cut to shape and printed with any design for a very low cost. Let them show you how they can turn your ideas into works of art! Please come and visit them at their stand at SMMEX and find out how Bauer can benefit you.
4evapic’s™ NFC technology is available in a range of products including fridge magnets, hotel room cards and apparel. 4evapic’s™ products can also be personalised with a company’s branding. These products simplify customer engagement by using the latest NFC technology to provide real-time updates and offers to customers. In practice, a person who receives a 4evapic™ product from a business can hold their smartphone up to the product to view the content that’s stored on it. This content will then be viewable on the person’s smartphone. As an exciting first-to-market technology, 4evapic’s™ platform is valuable to a variety of industries including tourism, hospitality and entertainment, membership organisations, and real estate. This technology provides a range of benefits to businesses and consumers including: • empowering consumers to access and leverage information even if they aren’t tech savvy; • providing businesses with an intuitive platform that makes engaging customers quick and easy; and • providing businesses with rich data insights that empower them to continually optimise their communications and advertising campaigns. Make sure you visit the 4evapic™ at SMMEX International 2019!
vaughtons Vaughtons, established 1819, are proud British Manufacturers of handmade insignia, specialising in products such as Medals & Badges of Office, Lapel Badges, Cufflinks and much more. From the beginning, Vaughtons has run on the foundations of craftsmanship and service, and they remain true to these traditions today. Still in family ownership, the company has faithfully maintained the standards of quality and attention to detail that were set two centuries ago. Their standards and quality is reflected in their rich customer base, both past and present; in 1908 they manufactured the Olympic medallions and in 1911, they began manufacturing the medals for the Football League which they still make today. The customer portfolio includes Aston Martin, Asprey, Garrard, Links of London, Premiership, Bentley Motors, Rugby Six Nations, PGA, Local Government and many more. Vaughtons prides itself on quality, and all manufacture is carried out at their factory in Birmingham, England, by highly skilled craftsmen. As they hope you will discover, pricing is extremely important to them, and they guarantee that you will receive great value for money, with high quality products manufactured in the UK. Come and visit Vaughtons at SMMEX 2019 at Wembley Stadium on 4th March.
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badge4u The new Badge4U multifunctional bandana comes in handy in all situations which you may meet during your everyday outdoor activities. During bike trips, it can serve as a mask protecting you from the sweat dripping down your face or dust on the uncharted roads which just wait for you to be discovered. During walks, you can use the bandana to protect yourself from sun or cold. Take a look on the Badge4U stand at SMMEX International 2019!
meet the speakers British ESports Association - Darren Newnham Darren Newnham is a gamer, esports fan and business development professional who has brought over 20 years of commercial and corporate experience (from Disney, SEGA and O2) to teams, players and brands. Currently Advisor to the British Esports Association and head of Nexus, his own esports business that brings teams, organizations, brands and players together. He utilises his knowledge from his time with one of the largest global esports teams: Fnatic.
Leed United FC - Simon Moss Simon joined Leeds United Football Club as Head of Retail Development in February 2018. With over 30 years’ experience on the high street, he worked his way up from Store Associate to Regional Development Manager and this cumulated in several Head Office roles at both BHS and Arcadia Group. His breadth of experience bring a more mainstream vision and strategy to grow areas other than the core staples of Kit and Training. With his team he has increased the fashion offer, overseen the refurbishment of the main stadium store, launched new stores at Leeds Trinity and Leeds Bradford Airport and implemented a new online store and back office facility.
THE A-Z of suppliERs To THE fooTbAll indusTRY
2019
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