Clive Mark Schoolwear hosts the ISSA Conference in Birmingham 4th - 7th October 2009

In the early years, ISSA meant Independent Schoolwear Specialist Association. It was then thought that the word independent related too closely to the private school sector so the name was changed to International to cover the extensive area that the association covered. It was agreed by the group to change the title from Specialist to Sportswear as an indication that the Association as a whole supplies all aspects of uniform.

 

ISSA was formed initially by a major UK schoolwear manufacturer with the aim to bring together suppliers and retailers on a less formal relationship. Gradually over a number of years the group of school uniform retailers formed an association which has developed into a prominent and well respected organisation. Every October we join together, travelling to different locations of the UK to attend the ISSA Seminar welcomed by a host who trades in the area. The aim of the group is to support our fellow retailers by discussing the trade, the suppliers and problems which can arise during the past trading year. We can also assist and supply each other with items which may be available within the branches but out of stock with the suppliers. Many of our members also belong to the Schoolwear Association, one of whom is Philip Linz. Philip holds is an executive officer and also media spokesperson for the SA enabling enabling the association to voice its opinion on any issue which arises in the media and also at government level.

 

Clive Mark offered a very lively and informative agenda and many of the sessions caused much interactive discussion.

 

This year Clive Mark hosted fifteen companies which formed a total of thirty guest delegates. The venue was the Copthorne Hotel in Birmingham City centre, a perfect venue with its excellent conference facilities.

 

The Seminar was opened by the MD Tony Rose who introduced Clive Rose, Buying and Systems Director and Philip Linz, Operational Director for Clive Mark. Philip went on to introduce our first guest speaker, Simon Galkoff who spoke on the controversial subject of Independents versus the Supermarkets. His presentation caused a healthy debate and the general outcome was that the independents can offer a personal service with a greater choice of specialised items. However much was learnt as to how the multiples view school uniform within its range.

 

 

The delegates presented their trading reports, stating that it had been a difficult but eventful year, much due to the recession and the very late start to the retail season. It is always interesting to relate our difficulties and realise that everyone else shares the stress and problems within the industry. However, all agreed that internet buying was growing in leaps and bounds and can foresee that this may overtake high street trading in the future.

 

Over the next two days we welcomed a number of our major suppliers, many of whom had also experienced a difficult season but all promising support for 2010. Many of the suppliers had been more than careful not to finish the back to school period over stocked, a decision to the detriment of the retailer, most of whom were unable to acquire stock in the later stages of back to school trading. Larry Gould a school uniform and headwear manufacturer from down under gave the delegates an interesting insight into retailing in Australia where the private sector outnumbers state schools. Melanie Diamond from SPA Way gave the group a very interesting overview regarding the differences between PR and advertising.

 

Every seminar must include its lighter moments so apart from the serious side the group enjoyed a visit to Cadbury World, trip on an open top bus, a guided walking tour across the city centre and afternoon tea and a tour around the Clive Mark Schoolwear warehouse, embroidery department and head office situated in Kings Norton, Birmingham.

 

In total fifty eight delegates, suppliers and additional managers of Clive Mark Schoolwear attended a Gala Dinner which was held at the Copthorne on the final evening which included six members of the Ladies in Uniform Group of retailers.

 

 

 

Entertainment included Ben Hanlin, a young man whos magical talent will take him far and Wyn Calvin, Welsh Prince of Laughter and After Dinner Speaker extraordinaire was the highlight of the evening.

 

The four days passed so quickly and following an offer by a fellow delegate in Cheltenham to host the 2010 ISSA Seminar, the delegates went their separate ways enriched with the knowledge gleaned from the very informative sessions, back to their very busy lives and preparation towards another Back to School period.