Business Quarter Magazine

Business Quarter Magazine profiles North Yorkshire entrepreneur Bernard Bunting, Managing Director of Perry Uniform
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How the global economy affects school uniform, raw materials, labour rates, manufacturing capacity

The price of clothing and footwear has risen for first time since the early 1990s, according to official figures, raising the fear that the era of cheap imports from the Far East is over. The weak sterling exchange rate and higher shipping costs from China have contributed. The exchange rate is crucial for British retailers because the great majority of clothes are bought from the Far East, particularly China and Bangladesh, in dollars but sold in Britain in sterling. Rising wages in traditionally cheaper labour markets – such as China and India – are also having a slight impact on prices and are likely to become a more prominent factor in the months ahead.

The price of cotton has vaulted above the key $1 a pound level for the second time in history as worries about a shortage of the fibre prompted textile mills to scramble for supplies. The rise in cotton prices has easily outpaced increases in more industrial commodities such as oil or copper. Tight supply conditions have been exacerbated by losses in Pakistan, the world’s fourth-largest grower, after it suffered devastating flooding. The sharp rise in the price of cotton has increased pricing pressures on clothing manufacturers, adding to concerns over higher labour and energy prices.

The price increase in wool is said to be due to a combination of factors. A world decline in sheep numbers has resulted in a fall in the volume of fleeces – since 2000 there has been a 40 per cent fall in the UK production - meaning less wool is available to the textile industry. The economic downturn has led to de-stocking in the textile industry, so manufacturers and spinners have no reserve stock to call on.

This tough economic back drop seems to vindicate Perry Uniform’s continuing Leeds based factory making us less dependent on an overseas supply base and capable of greater manufacturing flexibility.

Ashford School win the inaugural Independent School of the year Award

The inaugural Outstanding Strategic Initiative Award was won by Ashford School; the school going on to become overall winner of the Independent School of the Year – well done to Ashford School. Commenting Mike Buchanan, Headmaster “We were delighted to have been chosen as the school of the year and the pupils were very excited when I told them.” On behalf of the judging panel, the Chairman, Dr Graham Able said “this was a bold strategic initiative which has produced quick results and shows evidence of sustainability.”

The Awards recognise excellence in the strategic and financial management of independent schools in the UK. The Outstanding Strategic Initiative award recognises an initiative in strategic planning and so could include for example the school’s website, marketing, a legal initiative, innovative recruitment drive, excellence in governance etc.


How participating schools benefit
All winners received an engraved Award, a framed photo of them receiving the award and a winner's logo. All shortlisted independent schools received a logo for their promotional material showing that they have been nominated for an Award. A nomination alone enhances a school's reputation and is a powerful boost to marketing to new parents.

Perry Uniform are proud to be associated with the awards as a headline sponsor. Caroline Bunting, Managing Director of Perry Uniform, commenting on the awards – “These awards are a welcome innovation and recognize excellence within the school management structure – often overshadowed in favour of exam results.”

Awards to staff

Leeds West MP Rachel Reeves presents awards to staff completing their apprenticeships at Perry Uniform
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More schools are recognising the benefits of school uniform

 

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Great enthusiasm shown by all the staff at Perry

Leeds West MP Rachel Reeves impressed by the enthusiasm shown by all the staff at Perry Uniform

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Leeds Business Desk report on Perry Uniform

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Making it in Leeds

Making it in Leeds, Perry show that there is still life in manufacturing
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Leaving shopping too late

Don’t leave shopping for uniform too late - this is what happened in one north London retail store last September. However, online you can shop 24 x 7 and have delivered to your door, avoid the queues and plan ahead.
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