5 minute read
Ask Clive
A FLEXIBLE FRIEND
In the second of his focus on materials, Clive Allcott takes a look at the possibilities for hemp
Hemp is a type of ‘bast fibre’ which means it’s one of a number of natural fibres derived from the stems of plants such as flax, jute and the stinging nettle. The fabric it produces has various natural advantages such as keeping you warm in winter, cool in summer and even protecting you from UV rays.
Hemp actually has a very long history of being used as a fibre. In fact, it has been cultivated for thousands of years and on almost every continent. It is a remarkable plant offering an almost limitless selection of applications including food, building material, cosmetics and of course fabrics.
The fibre produced from pure hemp is similar to linen in texture. It can also be blended with other natural fibres to create fabrics with the durability of hemp and the softness of cotton.
So, what makes hemp so amazing?
Well, it’s easy to grow and can be planted almost anywhere in the world as it requires little water or resources to grow.
A densely growing plant, hemp literally chokes out any competing plants meaning harsh chemical herbicides are not necessary for weed control.
Hemp also naturally reduces pests, so no pesticides are usually needed. It is also great for the surrounding soil, replenishing the nutrients from the ground in which it grows. Amazingly this return of nutrients back into the soil can be as high as 60-70%.
However, it is important to be aware that hemp does not always mean organic as many farmers still use environmentally damaging fertiliser to grow it. So, when going for hemp, make sure it’s organic and thoroughly study the supporting credentials.
Happy selling, Clive (The Bag and Clothing Guru).
Soopa Doopa fundraising for Mind
Jake Scott-Paul of Ely-based branding company Soopa Doopa has raised over £3,300 for Mind, the mental health charity.
He raised the money after completing the Spartans ‘Super’ obstacle course race along with friend George Marsden despite dislocating a finger three weeks prior to the event.
The race boasted 25 gruelling obstacles over 11km of hilly terrain.
Scott-Paul said: “While we took this on as a bit of fun and a personal challenge to ourselves, we felt it was a great opportunity to raise awareness around mental health, especially so given the damage done over the last 18 months of lockdowns, which has seen a real increase in mental health issues. The more we can get people talking about what’s going on inside, the better everyone will be.”
The pair were helped in their fundraising by shirt sponsors Brewers Decorator Centres, The Cambridge Joiner, Soopa Doopa, Burnt Orange Creative, Business Growth Coaches Network and Squeeze Football.
They enjoyed the challenge so much that they are planning ‘The Wolf Run’ in September and will be reappearing in next year’s Spartan event too.
Trio of promotions at Eat My Logo
Eat My Logo has promoted Robert Jackson, who first joined Eat My Logo back in 2018 on a food apprenticeship , to head baker.
Having joined the business on a Prince’s Trust placement, he now assists the business in baking and producing thousands of branded, edible goods every week. Since his promotion, he is working more closely with the management team and will be taking on more responsibilities to assist the business and further develop his skills.
Another promotion goes to Amy Lang, who also joined the business in 2018 on a Level 3 Digital Marketing Apprenticeship. She has proved herself to be a valuable member of the sales and marketing team and has now been promoted to the sales team leader, managing a small but expanding sales team.
Eat My Logo also welcomes a new production supervisor, Andrew Birchall who will be overseeing the bakery. This will consist of planning each day in depth to ensure the team produces, assembles and dispatches all orders on time.
Eat My Logo director Ruth Poar said: “It’s been a tough period navigating the business through the pandemic, but it’s great to be at a point where we can expand the team again as we drive the business forward for the future. It’s great to be able to develop the roles of existing team members as well as recruit new staff and we are very excited about the future with our new stronger management team on board.”
The Pen Warehouse and Snap Products host a personal safety training day
The Pen Warehouse and Snap Products have hosted a self-defence class to ensure all staff members are fully equipped with the latest defence techniques to help keep them safe.
Streetwise Safety Training, a company founded by ex-police officer Martyn Bowie, provided an afternoon of safety training mixed with team building. The event went ahead as soon as COVID restrictions permitted.
The companies have taken steps internally to provide guidance and assistance to their employees when walking alone as part of a ‘Walk safe initiative’.
Helen Dyl, operations director at The Pen Warehouse and Snap Products said: “Our employees are our family, they are also mainly based in the local community and will walk to and from work. Their safety and wellbeing are our responsibility and after the tragic news of what happened to Sarah Everard, we knew we had to act. This will now be an annual offering for our teams. Martyn and his team were fantastic, and we would recommend their service.”
The companies also celebrated Freedom Day on 19 July with freshly made stone baked pizzas, both traditional and experimental - including an Italian-style meat feast and a Nutella pizza.
The afternoon was also an opportunity for the companies to hold their annual charity sale, with all proceeds going to Frimley Park Hospital.
Blaupunkt chooses Desktop Ideas
Trade promotional technology supplier, Desktop Ideas has partnered with Blaupunkt as demand for well-known and affordable technology brands that deliver good margin for distributors rises.
The extensive Blaupunkt range features a wide choice of Bluetooth headphones, earbuds, speakers, activity trackers and other lifestyle items that often integrate the latest technology such as Qi certified wireless charging.
Desktop Ideas is the exclusive partner in the UK promotional market and will be launching the range at the Merchandise World show in September on Stand 95.
With more than 20 years of experience in this sector Desktop Ideas will be providing both tech and branding support to supply the perfect gifts for this AutumnWinter.
