When it comes down to it there are two factors that parents can be concerned about, although sadly one of those factors is something that we can do nothing about.

The issue beyond our control is, of course, the unavoidable reality that all children grow, which means schoolwear has to be replaced year by year.

That obviously can’t be avoided, but the other issue – that is the quality of labels, embroidery, and print that is added to school clothing – is very much under your control.

Which is a rather important factor, for there is no doubt that the one thing that annoys parents almost more than any other is the quality of anything that is added to their school uniform purchases.

And the simple fact is that the quality of labels, embroidery, and print on school garments can vary from one supplier to another.  Indeed, as you may well have found, embroidery and print are services that many firms claim to offer, but not everyone gets it right.

The simple fact is that we are the specialists in this area of work including embroidery without minimum quantities, heat transfer printing, direct to garment digital printing, bespoke garment labels, and of course nametapes.

If it is labels and tags that you are interested in you will be able to find out more on our specialist web page

You can also find out more about each of these areas on our website – from this page you will find at the top links to the rest of our work.

Alternatively you can call us on 01208 833 070, fax 01208 781 158 or email wovina@aol.com and we’ll be pleased to quote you.

For the past twenty years or so, trim trail play equipment has been incredibly popular within school playgrounds and for good reasons – it caters for a wide range of children aged 4-11; it can easily be added to as funds allow; it is easy to install; some items do not require safety surfacing which can be quite expensive and it promotes physical and mental awareness.

Up until now, the standard material used for this type of play equipment has been timber and usually rounded log as this avoids any sharp edges for children. Whilst this is a pleasant material to work with, it also has its disadvantages too in that rounded posts suffer quite badly from radial cracking where the wood dries out from the pith (centre), causing shakes and splits which can open up quite considerably in the summer months. And more importantly, posts which are dug into the ground without the proper protection will eventually rot over a period of time and render the playground unsafe to use…or even condemned in worst case scenarios.

But there is now a new alternative and that is adventure trim trails made out of recycled plastic instead of timber. Recycled plastic has quite a lot of advantages for a school to consider when considering value for money – firstly, it is incredibly eco-friendly as it is manufactured out of recycled plastic milk cartons which very much complements the whole eco schools programme and teaches children about sustainability. It does not rot even when dug into the ground whatever the conditions; it is hard to vandalise; it lasts about five times longer than other materials; it is UV resistant and does not suffer from the afore-mentioned shakes & splits; it is splinter free and it is virtually maintenance free (so some big savings to be made for a school’s annual maintenance budget).

The trim trail range includes products such as stepping stones; traverse crossings; balance beams; play towers; multi-faceted activity cubes; spring boards; net climbers; log weavers; clatter/net bridges and fitness trails.

We have therefore put together some recommended trim trail packages but a school is also able to have their own “pick n mix” trail comprised of a selection of our individual products within the range.

And we can also provide for any attendant safety surfacing if so required.

The Hideout House Company  also offer other products in the recycled plastic range including planters, mud kitchens and tables, sandboxes, dipping pond platforms and tables.

If you would like to know how we can help your school develop its playground, then please contact the Hideout House Company on 01832 275902 or email: info@hideouthouse.com.

Have you ever wondered what its like to be a fashion designer of an international brand? Well now, you don’t have to. With a phenomenal presence as an online retailer for both menswear and womenswear, several stores across the UK and entities in Spain and America, we were welcomed into the office of Emma Kenyon — a leading fashion designer at QUIZ.

Her life at work is everything you would expect it to be and more — she’s like the real-life Miranda Priestly. But nicer of course. So, if you’re studying fashion or want to make waves in the industry, this is the girl boss that you should be looking up to and we have all the deetz you’re dying to know.

How long have you worked at QUIZ?

Wow, you’re testing my memory now! I’ve been at QUIZ for around five years now — I guess time flies when you’re having fun. It’s interesting how I got to work here actually, I’ve always respected QUIZ as a brand and how it influenced my fashion choices when I was younger, so I rang up the HQ and told them that I thought I would make a great addition to their team even though there were no positions available, I secured two interviews and done a huge presentation in front of the decision makers!

What is the first thing you do when you arrive at the office?

Equipped with my coffee, I check out what has been selling that week and which styles have really taken off with our customers. This is really important from a design perspective, because once we know the type of items of customers want, we can tailor future products to those specifications!

What do you spend most of your time doing?

My aim is to create something that people feel proud wearing, so I spend a lot of time researching new shapes and taking inspiration from luxury brands. It’s important to strike a balance between affordability and the latest trends so that our customers can always have an up-to-date wardrobe at a low cost while not compromising on the quality of our garments.

What is the best part of your job?

Every designer will say this, but the best part of the job is seeing something that you’ve worked on go from development to fruition in stores. I love scrolling on Instagram and seeing lots of people wearing the dresses I have designed on their nights out!

Where do you get your design inspiration from?

There’s so much inspiration out there, but I mainly look towards trend forecasting agencies, international brands, catwalks and of course — Instagram!

What makes a great fashion designer?

If you want to be a fashion designer, a key interest in the industry is essential. You’ll need a lot of motivation, the ability to pick commercial trends and be able to know your customers like the back of your hand!

Did you study fashion related courses?

You should always work hard in all of your subjects as this can really open up more opportunities for your future. I did GCSEs and A-Levels in Textiles, then moved on to an Art and Design course at college where I specialised in fashion. Then, I went to university for four years and got my fashion design degree!

What advice would you give to someone who wants to work in fashion design?

Getting experience is essential, reach out to companies and ask if they offer internships! Before QUIZ, I completed an internship at House of Holland in the lead up to London Fashion Week where I learnt pattern cutting. As well as this, I also worked in John Lewis’ head office as an intern where I learnt CAD design skills. Take as many opportunities as you can — it will look great on your CV!