Alan Chidgey Email and Phone Number

Founder and Managing Director of ARC Apparel – Specialising in Branded Textiles for the Promotional Industry. 2010 – To Date.ARC Apparel works with Marketing and Promotional companies, supplying a wide range of branded textiles including towels, fleece blankets and apparel to their specification for major brands.I am responsible for the daily running of ARC Apparel and enjoy helping clients on how best to maximise the potential of their enquiries, with support to explain complex print and branding processes, from concept through to delivery. I have established offshore manufacturing partnerships to ensure our products are manufactured to quality standards, using the latest technologies. Adept at price negotiation and contract terms to ensure customer’s budgets are met.With 35 years in printed textiles, I use my in-depth experience in product development, production and sales to fulfill complicated orders, backed by an outstanding level of customer support. I enjoy travelling to identify new print and product technologies that can further enhance the offer to our clients. Recently established the ARC Apparel 7 day Quick Response Service, digitally printing a wide range of towels and fleece blankets in the U.K. www.arcaparrel.co.uk

Responsible to the Group Managing Director for establishing and developing the UK market for groups overseas manufacturing facilities.Achievements:· Opened and developed a range of new accounts including Next, George, Animal, North Face, Primark & Disney stores· Developed profitable sales growth to £4.5m· Development & motivation of teams within overseas manufacturing facility· Implementing required working practices to supply UK market· Development of new products to add value & significantly improve margin· Regular factory visits with buyers QC & technical teams from clients· Problem solving/crisis management skills

Responsible to Group Chairman for the profitable establishment of a new business supplying a textile screen printing service to major UK clothing manufacturers.Achievements:· Developed client base to include Courtaulds, CV Clothing, Delta, Umbro, Stirling and Adidas· Implemented direct to retail strategy to obtain approved source status with Marks & Spencer, Mothercare, BHS and Next.· Delivered continued gross margin improvements year on year to become the Group’s most profitable company· The recruitment training and development of all key personnel· Won two industry awards in competitions to develop innovative products.· Promoted to groups main board in 1999

Responsible to Managing Director for the development and growth of UK sales to major UK garment manufactures and sportswear brandsAchievements:· Developed continued growth of UK turnover through addition of new accounts personally adding £1.25m to turnover and improving margins by 12%· Implemented direct to retail strategy to achieve recommendations by retailers to their manufacturers · Developed sales team to include two representatives and telesales operation· Contributed to the presentation of business of the year award to Nottingham Chamber of Commerce achieving runner up position