In this blog, our Director Dawn Rogers discusses the impact that Covid-19 has had on the industry and what the future could look like for branded merchandise, especially in regards to the ways in which businesses will be utilising this powerful tool.
Are there any key trends you have seen arise during the Covid-19 pandemic?
We have seen a significant increase in the demand for the sourcing and supply of quality PPE products. We have worked with a variety of clients to help them maintain Covid Secure workplaces where their staff and customers are protected.
As we are beginning to emerge from the pandemic, the trends now seem to be steering towards the theme of ‘Back to Work’, with businesses looking at how they can utilise branded kits and packs to protect and support their teams in returning to the workplace.
However, we have also seen that many are looking at short term solutions when it comes to their branded products, when in fact this situation may last for a prolonged period of time.
So, the trends should be looking towards how businesses can utilise branded merchandise to help support their staff with their health and wellbeing over the coming months as they continue to work remotely away from the typical office environment.
Do you see anything becoming a trend moving forward?
Virtual exhibitions and events seem to be something that will remain on the agenda for many months to come. We are working with clients to create tailored solutions to support their own events and looking at innovative ways they can continue to connect and engage with clients and prospects from afar.
Are there any challenges you have faced and if so, how have you overcome them?
As with the majority of the world during the initial stages of the pandemic, sourcing and supply was a challenge for us.
The biggest challenges from our supply chain came in the form of reduced workforces to comply with social distancing, longer production lead times and stock shortages on products and raw materials for bespoke options.
With changes to how factories are working, with their admin staff working from home and reduced production capacity, processes have been altered to accommodate. These changes have lengthened lead-times overall, making effective planning and preparation even more key to ensure products can be delivered on time and campaigns can run to schedule.
Despite these challenges, due to the relationships with our suppliers we were quickly able to achieve a robust supply chain, enabling us to meet the increase in demand and also meet repeat orders for clients.
Do you have any examples of where innovation has helped organisations overcome challenges or seize opportunities presented by Covid-19?
We are delighted to have worked with such a wide range of organisations throughout the pandemic, to help them overcome challenges and seize new opportunities.
From creating bespoke branded kits to send out to delegates for their virtual events, to sourcing a range of anti-microbial products, enabling them to provide their employees, clients and prospects with branded merchandise that helps protect them in the current climate. We’ve been helping many clients through our innovation and out of the box thinking.
One thing that has been key throughout the pandemic is knowing your employees and clients. Understanding their wants, needs and characteristics is key in creating branded merchandise that will really engage and connect with them, to help you get the most out of your investment.
Moving forward, we know just how valuable branded merchandise will be in helping businesses to overcome challenges and seize opportunities in what will be the new ‘normal’.