A visit to a Stockport-based workwear manufacturer by a local Member of Parliament shone the spotlight on the work being done by the company and the changing nature of the markets it serves. Ballyclare Limited hosted the visit by Ann Coffey MP (pictured left) to its headquarters in Cheadle Heath and took the opportunity to discuss how changes were taking place in the way customers source the industrial, corporate, high visibility and foul weather garments which the company produces.
“We invited Ann to visit us so that she could see the work that we do here and the role we play in the local community,” explains Ballyclare’s UK Managing Director, Carlton Greener (pictured right). “Ann hadn’t been to Ballyclare before so we were delighted to introduce her to the business and the products we supply to such areas as the police, ambulance, rail and power industries.”
The company also took the opportunity to discuss some of the current issues in these markets with their visitor. “The markets are very competitive and we face some significant changes in the way customers procure our products,” adds Carlton. “We explained to Ann that a number of customers have recently subcontracted much of their clothing procurement activities to third parties and this is beginning to have a significant impact on the way business is transacted.”
“It was interesting to hear Ballyclare’s views on how things are changing and how they are adapting to new ways of dealing with their customers,” adds Ann. “However, they are clearly a successful company and I’m sure that they will be able to overcome any challenges they face.”
The company has already begun to address changing market conditions by expanding into Europe, with the recent opening of a new office in Germany. “This open up a huge new audience for us, and it will allow us to provide those customers with the same level of high quality products and service that are rapidly becoming recognized as Ballyclare hallmarks,” concludes Carlton.
