Exhibitors and visitors were looking to the future at the recent Workwear and Corporate Clothing Show which took place at the Silverstone Circuit in April. Innovations in product design, testing and fabric processes were all on view at various stands and in the dedicated Innovations Areas.
In the face of ongoing economically difficult times, exhibitors were embracing the need to push forward and discover new markets and products.
In spite of a tough economic climate, the vast majority of exhibitors said they felt that the Show acts as a centre piece event for the industry and is a vital stage for networking, catching up with existing clients and meeting new ones. Many exhibitors cited how pleased they were with the quality of those visiting the event.
The show is known for the quality of its visitors and the leads generated; and the overwhelming message from exhibitors is that they were pleased with the outcome of the show and are looking forward to next year's event which will also combine the 2014 Professional Clothing Awards.
The accompanying WorkIt! Conference, which this year focused on "Nano and advanced technologies for Performance Clothing" generated great interest from the attendees who were impressed by the high-quality speakers from academia and business.
UBHEAD: Innovations Area sponsored by SATRA
The Innovations Area sponsored by SATRA proved a big hit at the Show, with visitors being attracted by the products on view and the chance to take a virtual tour of the Silverstone track in the Formula One Simulator
Visitors had the chance to race against the clock in a digital time trial. The competitor with the fastest time recorded over the two days of the show was Jonathan Pollock of Lee Cooper Workwear, who blew the competition away with a speedy time of 1 minute 38.9 seconds. Jonathan, whose prize is a track day at Silverstone, said: I'm very happy to have won and am looking forward to a great day on the track - it's been great fun!
The prize was presented by SATRA's head of communications Jake Locke, who said: "We are pleased to sponsor the Innovations Area. We worked with Director-e last year on the SATRA PPE Innovation Awards and we liked the idea of continuing the theme with the Innovations area."
SATRA was formed in 1919 with the original purpose of helping manufacturers and suppliers to evolve by providing technical knowledge, research and testing (the three pillars of strength). Since those early years, SATRA has developed significantly and today the brand is recognised and respected in over 70 countries across a diverse spread of product sectors.
Jake said: "Our work falls into three areas: research and innovation in the workwear and PPE industry; we're a Notified Body for the EU Directives on personal protective equipment (PPE), toys, and construction products; and we have an understanding of products legislation in many parts of the world.”SATRA's objective is to help its customers increase their competitiveness by working with them to improve product quality, safety and performance. The organisation also provides technical information and articles on PPE, workwear and other products via its website which is available to all.
Other products on show in the Innovations Area included clothing from workwear and corporate wear supplier Lands' End, who also had a packed stand on display at the show, and workwear and footwear from Lee Cooper.
Fruit of the Loom's Unique hoodie with it's alternative face on the reverse drew laughs from visitors who appeared to enjoy the fun concept, and Incrediwear's therapeutic socks and supports showcased some of the positive health benefits that clothing can have.
RUD Chains took the opportunity to show its snow chains, which give vehicles improved traction, on the Formula One Simulator - perhaps not the vehicle it was designed for, but it didn't slow the competitors down! The company was also promoting the RUD I-Sock which offers excellent footing and traction on icy and slippery surfaces.
