Beth Celebrates 15 Years at Hambleside Merchandise

Congratulations to Beth Coleman, UK Sales Manager for the Education Sector who this year celebrates 15 years working for Hambleside Merchandise. Read on to hear Beth's views on the industry and her thoughts on the future of branded merchandise. What do you like about working in the merchandise industry? The main thing I enjoy is the variety – you never know what you might get asked for or what project or campaign you might be working on! The nature of the industry keeps it fun and with new products appearing all the time it’s ever-changing which keeps things interesting. What merchandise do you use on a daily basis? My Parker pen is my favourite which lives on my desk in the office and I wouldn't be without a spiral bound note pad. A Brite dock also has pride of place on my desk as it can accommodate both of my mobile phones! I use a branded wrist rest, mug, two coasters, ruler and calculator with my name on. It really gives it the personal touch! The new wheelie cases that Hambleside have produced recently are fabulous and will get lots of use on client visits!   What are some of your most memorable moments from the last 15 years? Body flight – 2006. We traded some branded mugs and pens for an indoor skydiving experience for the whole team. Great fun!       Achieving my Certificate in Promotional Merchandise with Distinction and being awarded Student of the Year by the BPMA – 2009.   Snow Day – 2013               In your opinion why should people choose merchandise to support their sales and marketing campaigns? Seeing the excitement of people when they are given a promotional item proves to me the effectiveness of merchandise. Other media like TV, Posters and Paper print seem to pass us by in a blur, whereas Product Media feels like a gift which carries the promotional message on it. It’s a win all round! The storm of delegates towards a stand giving away pig shaped money boxes, or the delight of a client receiving a power bank as a promotion, convinces me that this is most powerful tool and vital part of the marketing mix. Why should people buy from Hambleside Merchandise? The people here care! It’s as simple as that. We care that the products our clients order arrive on time, are of high quality and fit for purpose. We don’t think of ourselves as selling Business to Business but Human to Human and it is vitally important to do what we promised to do! What do you think the future holds for the merchandise industry? I think the future’s bright for merchandise! New products are continually being introduced and I believe Marketers are recognising the value of merchandise. With advances in online purchasing, transactions will get quicker, but due to the complexity of the Industry; we will always need that person to person consultation. A few comments from clients and colleagues who have worked with Beth over the last 15 years. 'I've really enjoyed working with Beth as I know she can be relied upon to be thorough, efficient and organised in all things. She has provided me with exceptional levels of support on numerous occasions; University-wide name changes are not a problem for Beth who can simultaneously coordinate the build of a new website as well as the redesign and sourcing of new merchandise, she helped me through ‘Bear-gate’ with numerous proofs and some good humour, and she instils confidence in stakeholders across the University with her reassuring brand of customer service'. Gareth Brew, Client. I have worked with Beth for almost 10 years now and can't believe where the time has gone. When I first joined she was there to teach me the ropes and take me under her wing and her experience and knowledge was evident from day one. We worked closely together covering the South and I must admit we made a pretty good team. Helping me gain experience she would take me out with her on client visits which always ended up with a giggle as my map reading skills aren't the best to say the least. I think one trip even ended up on a single dirt track surrounded by sheep - needless to say Beth doesn’t offer for me to come with her so much these days! It has been a pleasure to work with Beth over the years and experience her drive, enthusiasm and passion for Hambleside and the Merchandise Industry. Here’s to many more! Clare Welch, Operations Manager Hambleside Merchandise. Is there anything you'd like to say Beth? Thank you to colleagues past and present for making my 15 years at Hambleside an interesting ride! Another Big Thank you We would also like to say a big thank you and congratulations to Suzie Munday (Marketing Director), Clare Welch (Operations Manager), Stuart Fry (Sales Manager) and Natalie Prior (Account Executive- Customer Service) who have all now been with Hambleside for 10 years!