North-east promotional merchandise firms sign partnership deal
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Two of the largest north-east promotional merchandise companies have announced they are joining forces in a partnership agreement.
Aberdeen-based Concept Promotional Merchandise, which is a leader in the field of branded items in Scotland, has announced a collaboration agreement with Westhill Marketing, which also specialises in corporate gifts and branded clothing.
The two firms have signed the deal that will combine more than 100 years of knowledge and experience.
The announcement of the new partnership will also see the companies further develop global sourcing opportunities and offer an in-house branding advantage for their collective clients in Aberdeen and the north-east.
Established in 1998, Concept is focused on helping clients increase brand awareness through the effective use of promotional merchandise.
The agreement with Westhill Marketing has come at a time of continued growth for Concept, which has seen sales increase despite the economic downturn and post-pandemic challenges.
Concept managing director Bob Christie, who has been at the helm since setting up the business 23 years ago, said: “We are delighted to be joining forces with Westhill Marketing and look forward to managing the continuity of supply and a smooth transition process for their client base.
"The added benefit of in-house garment branding right here in Aberdeen will be a real bonus for Westhill Marketing’s customer base.”
From its premises in the city's Commerce Street, the Concept team work to source, supply and brand corporate giveaways, branded clothing and merchandise to a wide range of sectors including energy, hospitality, transport and professional services.
With a six-figure investment in new technology in recent times, it has continued to improve its business and service in recent years.
Mr Christie added: “By investing in the most advanced, high-speed embroidery machines available on the market, we have full in-house capability and expertise to brand quality products which is unrivalled in Aberdeen.
“Combined with our global network of trusted suppliers and National Buying Group advantages, we can offer our collective customers wider product ranges and improved costs to ensure neither quality nor price are compromised going forward.”
Eddie Douglas, managing director of Westhill Marketing, said:“We are proud to strengthen our commitment to our clients in this joint venture with Concept Promotional Merchandise, which will now give us the flexibility to provide in-house embroidery services, shorten lead-times and most of all, reduce costs for our customers.
“Concept is ideally positioned to process high volumes of quality, branded products across the UK and we are delighted to be working closely with Bob and his experienced team.”
Some of the promotional merchandise items available from Concept in reaction to post-pandemic requirements include branded face masks and snoods, as well as hand sanitiser and anti-bacterial pens.
Mr Christie is also the chairman of a UK-wide network of 18 leading promotional merchandise companies, ensuring Concept remains on trend and well positioned to negotiate the best deals with global suppliers to remain extremely competitive.
