A celebration of service
Impamark is remembering the past but looking to the future this year
Essex-based Impamark celebrates its 55th anniversary this year.
The family-run BPMA member was founded in 1969 in London by David and Anne Thurgood, before moving to Burnham-on-Crouch in 1975.
Run by their daughter Nicky Crisp since 2006, Impamark also established a second office in Valencia, Spain, where Nicky and husband John are based.
During its decades in merchandise, Impamark has worked on projects ranging from supplying souvenirs for the Royal Wedding in 1981 to sponsoring the Rugby World Cup in 1991.
Impamark also produced celebratory merchandise for the King’s Coronation, having for many years produced celebratory coins for the Queen’s jubilees and 90th birthday. For four decades it has supplied the MoD and Armed Forces with branded items.
Impamark told PM about its celebrations and plans for the future.
Q. How are you marking the anniversary?
A. We are very excited to have launched our ‘5 Every 55’ giveaway at the beginning of the year. Every 55 days our customers who have placed orders during the previous 54 days will be entered into a raffle to win five different ‘green and sustainable’ promo products.
Further to this, we are also hosting an event in Spain in July for our staff and top suppliers. Our continued success is really down to the dedication of the Impamark team and our partnership with our supply chain who are extremely supportive, so this is our way of saying ‘Thank you’ for their involvement, not forgetting a sangria or two.
Q. How is business?
A. We have had a very busy few years since COVID and the business has gone from strength to strength. We thought our industry would be affected by the economic downturn coming so soon after COVID as marketing budgets and plans were only just back in place, however, much of our work is from recommendation and repeat business which has protected us and assisted our growth.
Q. What are the biggest changes you have noticed in merchandise?
A. The biggest change has been the move toward more sustainable merchandise which is absolutely as it should be. Impamark undertook the BPMA’s sustainability pledge in November last year and promotes environmentally conscious products where possible. Our sale of sustainable products in the first four months of 2024 is almost what is was for the whole of 2021.
The other big change has been the amazing move to full colour printing. Years ago we used to put a one colour print on to all products, but now with modern techniques the possibilities for full colour wraps and soft feel transfers and DTG finishes are endless enabling the client’s brand to have a real wow factor and a high end retail feel.
Q. 55 years is quite a run. What is the secret of success?
A. Never give up – always persevere. Ring the changes, provide what the clients want, not what you want to supply. We believe our high level of service is key to our success. Do what you say you will do, keeping your promises, and don’t let customers down. Work with your suppliers, you are a partnership, without them you don’t have a business. If you do make a mistake – own it and always put it right fast.
Q. How will the company develop?
A. Impamark is committed to further developing our company with a strong focus on sustainability and environmental stewardship. Building on the Step Forward Pledge, we will continue to enhance our sustainability practices and initiatives. We have a really great team who have a huge amount of industry knowledge with some new recent staff additions. Training is key in order to give our clients a great buying experience and to enable our team to be professional and supportive. We are a traditional and family-owned business who are passionate about what we do and we want to continue doing just that.
Q. How long have you been members of the BPMA?
A. We have been long-standing members of the BPMA for nearly two decades. It allows us to stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends, network with industry professionals and access valuable resources that enable us to continuously improve and deliver quality products to our valued clients.
