Rob's Been At Docfest

I still feel a bit battered and dazed after my big weekend away. Where was I? Ibiza, raving it up at the super clubs? At the Euros, perhaps, lobbing chairs and chasing Russians?

Try Sheffield. I've been at Dofest, the biggest documentary film festival on the planet, along with over three thousand delegates, film-makers and producers. It's six days of sheer bliss for the movie fan who likes a dose of reality.

I wear many hats creatively speaking (that doesn't mean I wear them at a jaunty angle or on my shoulder... Oh, you get the idea). You know me as a writer, but I also cartoon, podcast and indulge in short film-making. With my partner-in-crime Dominic Wade I have put my name to a heaping handful of documentaries over the last ten years or so.

Our latest magnum opus, Steel Is Real... But Carbon Is Quicker is a film about the grass-roots of British cycling. Team GB has a raft of stars and famous names heading to Rio this summer to grab gold on the track and road–legends like Mark Cavendish, Lizzy Armistead and of course Bradley Wiggins. But there's a culture of cycling that got them to the big time, of people out in all weathers, slogging up hills or in velodromes for the sheer love of the sport.

Steel Is Real aims to celebrate these people, and the pioneers that gave Great Britain a place on the list of strong cycling nations. It might seem as if we came from nowhere. We want to show that simply isn't true, and how it takes a community to make a champion.

So we've been running around, catching some movies and chatting to anyone that would talk to us about Steel Is Real - a highly appropriate title for the Steel City. It's been a fun but hectic time. Highlights? Watching Michael Moore's latest in a premiere with the man himself, after a downpour nearly killed the projection equipment (it was a great weekend for staying indoors). An audience with National Treasure Joanna Lumley. An evening vogueing with a New York crew at The Academy. We packed a lot in. Which means it's early nights, lots of water and salads for me for a while now...

What has all of this to do with ethical fashion or charities? Well, nothing. But as part of the promotional push to raise awareness of our film, we reached out to our sponsors, Pier32, for a little help. They provided us with some rather nifty t-shirts using Gildan stock in a lovely soft organic cotton:

http://www.pier32.co.uk/product/gd001-softstyle-tee/.

We couldn't be happier. Look good, don't they?

Not pictured: hangover.

 

Would you like to know more about Steel Is Real But Carbon Is Quicker? Then pop over to our Facebook Page where there's pics and updates of our time in Sheffield. It'll be the first place for news about the film as we move into the post-production stage. Do please Like the page as well: it makes a big difference and gives us the ability to shout about the film to more people.

Yes, this has been an unapologetic plug of a post. Back to normal business tomorrow.

 

A Change Of Direction

Gerry's recent announcement of a career break has had me thinking. I'm proud of the View From The Pier and what we've achieved with it, but it's a good idea to freshen things up a bit

So I'm excited and pleased to announce that starting today, April 1st, The View From The Pier is changing direction. We are now a site dedicated to food and cookery, with a focus on sustainable ingredients. With that in mind, and as it's Friday, let's start with a fish dish: Cod With Peas And Parsley. This Spanish-influenced dish will brighten up dinner time, and it's a snap to put together. So whaddya say? Let's get cooking!

In a cold pan, combine a couple of cloves of sliced garlic with a good glug of olive or English rapeseed oil. Bring them to a gentle simmer over a medium heat, while you finely chop a handful of flat leaf parsley. When the garlic is golden and fragment, stir a tablespoon of flour into the pan, and mix to form a roux. Let it cook until the raw smell of flour is gone–it should take no more than a minute. Throw in your parsley at this point.

Then add a glassful of white wine (a white Rioja would be perfect for this) and simmer briefly, before adding a little stock (fish, preferably, but chicken stock will do). You should end up with a sauce that's about as thick as double cream.

Now throw in a handful of frozen peas, and let them cook for another minute.

OK, time for the fish. A couple of fillets of sustainably-caught cod (or hake makes a great and even more ocean-friendly alternative) cut in half width-wise. Add them to the pan, skin-side down, and let them cook for three minutes. Turn them gently at this point (the fish should be fragile and may fall apart a little) and cook until the fish is cooked through–another three minutes should do it.

Once you've turned the fish, a great addition is seafood. Clams work brilliantly, but prawns or mussels will also do the job admirably. If you're using prawns or clams, cook until they open, for prawns until they go pink.

And that's it! Finish with a little more chopped parsley over the top, and serve with bread or rice to mop up the sauce. I think that's a great little dish to celebrate Spring flavours, and quick enough to serve as a weekday supper.

Here's a link to the full recipe.

Happy eating!

A Note From Our Sponsor

The View is, as you'll note if you look to your right, sponsored by Pier32, the first and best ethical clothes customisation company in the UK. It's thanks to the unstinting support of Guru Ian and Gerry The Voice that we are able to operate and bring you the best in independent ethical fashion and charity news.

It's with a little sadness, then, that I pass on this note from Gerry Hayter, who started Pier32 back in 1994 as an ethical rebrand of his highly successful t-shirt printing business, Headline.

Take it away, Gerry...

No, this is not an early April Fools Day joke.
Pier32 (then called Headline) set sail 32 years ago and what a journey it's been. I've walked a 'Long and Winding Road', but it's time for me to take a step back. I'm having a career break and leaving Pier32's future heading and adventures to be plotted by Ian, our Marketing Director (and my son-in-law–we've always been a family business).
Ethical and environmentally produced custom printed and embroidered merchandise has always been forefront in my mind, as has customer service. I know Ian will continue my mission, and make sure Pier32 continues to do right by our customers and the planet. Don't think that you've seen the last of me. I'll help out with a 'Watch' from time to time and of course I'll still be keeping an occasional 'Lookout'.
Thank you to all my loyal customers and also my friends and ship-mates in the industry. It's been a pleasure working with you all.
What's next for me? Well, Dixie my wife and I are setting sail for the Caribbean for a while. Time for a grog of Rum and some well-earned R&R!
Excited? Very, and a little sad, of course. See you all in port someday.
Gerry.

Closing on a personal note from me. Gerry has always been an enthusiastic reader of the blog, and has been nothing but supportive of my efforts here at The Pier from day one. I know for a fact that we haven't heard the last of Gerry The Voice.



We salute you, cap'n.

The Christmas Closedown

The Christmas break is coming ever closer. Even here at The Pier, the time is near to give all our factory elves a break. It's been a bumper year for us, and we're ready for a chance to recharge the batteries and get our eggnog on.

So, if you want any last-minute orders, you'd better get a wiggle on. Our final deliveries will go out this Friday, the 18th December. The machines will start up again with a cheerful groan on Monday 4th January, ready for a busy and successful 2016.

But fear not! Our directors, Gerry and Ian, will be checking emails through the holiday period, so don't be afraid to get in touch–even if it is just to wish us a happy Christmas!

The View will be dropping into Xmas hibernation at around the same time, but do look out for our Best of 2015 post, which will be arriving at some point between Christmas and the New Year. The perfect opportunity to look back over a fascinating year in ethical fashion and charities. Meanwhile, our Twitter and Facebook feeds will still be open. Please do check them out and give us a follow. Links are in the sidebar.

As for 2016, expect our three-a-week post rate to continue, with an increased focus on the Third Sector. And keep your eyes open for our fresh new look... coming soon!

There's still a couple of posts to come from me, but let me take this opportunity to thank everyone that follows, reads and comments on The View From The Pier. It's been a busy year down at the Writing Hut, and it's always good to know I'm not on my own down here.

From Gerry, Ian and the rest of the Pier32 Crew–Happy Christmas!

 

Mitzvah Day

Mitzvah Day is almost here! This Sunday, 22nd November, sees one of the biggest inter-faith community events in the country reach out to make a real difference to those in need. Founded in 2005 by Laura Marks, Mitzvah Day is a chance for people to to donate their time and energy to a diverse range of causes that make a tangible difference to those in need around the world.

 

Acts of kindness are engraved in the Jewish way of life, as individuals give selflessly of their time and of themselves. Every year on Mitzvah Day, over 37,000 participants do just that, through a multitude of projects based on the principle of doing acts of kindness. Although it's now a major part of the UK Jewish calender, the main focus of Mitzvah Day is inclusiveness–everyone is welcome. In fact, the interfaith appeal of the project is part of what has made it so successful.

Mitzvah is the Hebrew biblical term for 'deed' or 'commandment' and has become synonymous with doing good. You could argue, then, that every day is mitzvah day–the desire to do good cannot be confined to one day. They're right of course, so Mitzvah Day's doors are never closed, ensuring many of the projects and partnerships under the umbrella have year-round reach.

 

The range of these projects is dizzying. From shopping for foodbanks to collections of craft materials, from ground clearance and maintenance to day-care for seniors and children, there's something for everyone. This year, Mitzvah Day is putting a special focus on help for refugees, with donation drives, bakeathons and help with the make-up of care packages all on the menu. And the reach is spreading, with Mitzvah Days also being held this year across Europe and even in Australia!

The point of the event is to give freely and cheerfully of your time, to make a difference through an unselfish contribution. You don't need to be a member of a synagouge or church. All you need is the will to help.

There's still time to get involved! Check out the Mitzvah Day site for available projects, or to see how the organisation can help with your idea.



Pier32 have been involved with Mitzvah Day since 2008. This year, we supplied the organisation with t-shirts, bags, beanies and baby bibs. Maybe we can help with your event. Give us a ring, or get in touch through our QuickQuote service.

 

 

Pier32 and Swansea University

A couple of weeks ago, Swansea University held its Undergraduate Open Day: a chance for dewy-eyed newbies to start to get to grips with college life at one of the prettiest campuses in the UK. It was a rambunctious affair, with plenty of opportunities for selfies with the University's seagull (or maybe a swan?!) mascot.

pic.twitter.com/U0JCiAJNXL #SwanseaUni

— Will McLaren (@WillMclaren93) October 10, 2015

Student ambassdors were on hand to help out with questions and guidance. They were easily spotted, as they were wearing bright green polos and hoodies you could see from a mile away. You can see where I'm going with this now, can't you? Those tops were provided by Pier32–as they have been since 2006.

Gerry, the Voice of Pier32, tells me that our relationship with Swansea University started thanks to our strong stance on ethical and environmental issues. Since then it's gone from strength to strength. We supply tees, hoodies, hi-vis and jackets for the Fresher's Fair, and the full gamut of clothing for Residential Services, from Workwear Trousers to tabards. The College of Sciences and English Language Training schools order t-shirts from us as well.

If you're a college or university with a need for customised apparel, and understand how important it is to find promotional clothing that's ethically produced, then why not get in touch and see what Pier32 can do for you? If nothing else, it gives you a chance to pick up the phone and hear Gerry's dulcet tones slip like dark velvet into your ears...


There are some more good pictures from the day on Swansea University's Storify account. Check it out...
https://storify.com/SwanseaUni/swansea-university-open-day-october-10th-2015

Helping Hippotherapy Northumberland

We work with a lot of lovely community clubs and charities here at The Pier, but none have given me a glow recently quite like Hippotherapy Northumberland.

Let's dispel a few misunderstandings right off the bat. Hippos are not involved in any way, means or form. This is not some weird mis-spelling of the word "hypnotherapy". No, hippotherapy uses the characteristic movements of a horse to provide carefully-graded motor and sensory input to kids with disabilities. Simply being on or engaging with horses has remarkable therapeutic results. However, the 3 dimensional 4 point movement of the horse stimulates normal reflex and posture. In conjunction with a therapist alongside who knows how to optimise the experience and therapeutic effect, hippotherapy helps to normalise and bring down spastic and high tone episodes.

Hippotherapy Northumberland is founded and run by Angela Torsch, a recently-retired NHS local community paediatric physiotherapist from the area. She says of her area of specialty:

“The intention is to present this as an activity the child with disabilities can engage in and gain from, physically, emotionally, cognitively and relationally, and helps to encourage posture, strength and balance.

“For many, it is the first time they can engage in a leisure/recreational pursuit and it is a very special opportunity that raises the quality of life for children with even severe disabilities.

“It differs from, but can lead to Riding for Disabled, helping many who are not yet able to access this fantastic service.”

Founded in 2013, the club is going from strength to strength, and we're really happy to be supplying Hippotherapy Northumberland with hoodies. Angela sent us a shot of them in action.

 

In further good news, Angela tells me that Hippotherapy Northumberland has recently attained charitable status. They're now looking for sponsors to partner families, which will help to make access to hippotherapy an affordable option for kids who could really benefit from it. Their registered charity number is 1163434, if you want to help in any way.

If you want to know more about Hippotherapy Northumberland, your best bit is their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hippotherapy-Northumberland/376814322445071

 

 

Angela was supplied with Varsity Contrast Hoodies from the Just Hoods range by All We Do Is.

http://www.pier32.co.uk/product/jh003-varsity-hoodie/

http://www.hoodieprinter.co.uk/product/jh003j-kids-varsity-hoodie/

 

Keeping circuses cruelty-free with Animal Defenders

The circus. A happy place, full of fun, thrills and good clean family entertainment. Unless you're an animal that's part of the show. Then you're more likely to be spending your life in cages that are too small for your needs, subject to cruelty and mistreatment by your owners and handlers.
There's a wide consensus that circuses featuring wild animals are un-necessarily cruel. But it may surprise you to know that they haven't actually been made illegal in the UK. A ban was promised by the government in 2012. In 2013 it published draft legislation to that effect, but it has still to be passed. This is a shame, as across the globe bans are taking shape and being enforced. In Peru and Columbia, lions, tigers and bears are being rescued from their cages and rehabilitated. Although it would be great to release them back into the wild, most circus animals have been declawed and suffer from broken teeth. So they're given a forever home in a sanctuary preferably in their native habitat, or as close as rescue workers can get to that.

A lot of that essential work is being done by groups like Animal Defenders International. Founded in 1990, the charity uses video surveillance and powerful campaigns to get the message across about animal cruelty in all its forms: in entertainment, the illegal harvesting of ivory and the fur trade. It was thanks to ADI that the news first broke on Anne the Elephant and her cruel treatment at the hands of her "owners", Bobby and Moira Roberts. ADI were directly responsible for the ban on wild animals in Bolivian circuses, and continues to work on their rescue and rehabilitation.

In fact, ADI are on hand at most protests, demos and rallies where animal welfare is the primary concern. Which is where Pier32 comes in. If you've seen an Animal Defenders tee or scrub on the news, it's come from us.

Junior, getting help from a dentist after being rescued from a circus in Peru.

We're proud to be associated with a world-wide charity that's doing so much to help animals in need across the globe. Their ongoing project working with rescue circus animals in Peru is fascinating, and shows a real sea-change in the way we view the use of wild creatures in entertainment.

To find out more, visit the website: http://www.ad-international.org

Animal Defenders use our SW350 Cool Tee: http://www.pier32.co.uk/product/sw350-cool-tee/

Welcome To Our House!

You might know Pier32 as the go-to place for charities to get their customised t-shirts, hoodies, hats and bags. We're proud that our ethical credentials have made us the first choice for organisations that need to know they're buying from a transparent and reputable source.
But that doesn't just apply to charities. We work with universities up and down the country who know Pier32 are responsible, reliable and eco-friendly.
Take the guys at Roehampton University Players Society, who have a solid rep for rep... repertory theatre, that is! They've just ordered a box of hoodies from us to help advertise their upcoming show. Our House: The Madness Musical is, as you'd expect, a riotous assembly of tunes from Britain's favourite Nutty Boys. You can expect to hear all your favourite ska-pop hits, tied into a story of family, community and the essential elegance of the pork pie hat. Here are the guys from Roehampton in their Pier32-supplied hoodies. Looking good, guys!

Our House is showing from the 1st-4th of March at the Jubilee Theatre, University Of Roehampton. If you fancy a night in the House Of Fun, contact Anna Howard for more details and to snag tickets: mailto:howarda@roehampton.ac.uk
That's Pier32 for you. Always going One Step Beyond to help our clients.


The Roehampton University Players are wearing Varsity Hoodies from All We Do Is, which are available in five sizes and 32 colour combinations. Could your society use some hoodies? Give Gerry or Ian a call, or check out the Pier32 website for more details and to order your own.
http://www.pier32.co.uk/product/jh003-varsity-hoodie/

East African Playgrounds

Charities working in the developing world are doing vital work, bringing essential services to the people who need them most. We've talked in the past about how our friends in the charity sector have brought irrigation techniques, help with farming and the chance for native artisans to become independent businesses and move away from charity handouts.

But there's another, equally important benefit that one charity, with whom Pier32 have been proud to work, is bringing to the kids of East Africa.

The ability to play.

East African Playgrounds (EAP) are a UK-based charity that understand that play is an essential part of the healthy upbringing of any child. It stimulates learning, and unstructured play enables kids to develop problem-solving and socialisation skills that will serve them well as they grow up. And, after all, the UN Convention On The Rights Of The Child puts it clearly in Article 31:

Children have the right to relax and play, and to join in a wide range of cultural, artistic and other recreational activities.

The volunteers of Team Buwenda, 2014. Nice t-shirts, guys!

EAP work principally in Uganda, investing in the development of a dedicated team of local playground builders. They're supported each summer by 150 student volunteers from places like York (where the charity was founded in 2009). The local touch is vital: it's essential that the communities that will receive playgrounds are involved in its construction from breaking the ground to the first scamper across fresh monkey bars. EAP understand that a playground isn't just for the kids: it's a clear sign of community cohesion, a meeting place and focus for the parents of the kids that use it.

EAP build playgrounds to exacting international standards, designed to be durable and long-lasting, so that they don't become unsafe over time. The construction teams spend time talking to the community and, most importantly, the kids, to ensure that the playground meets their needs and gives them everything they're hoping for. It's essential that the final build includes facilities for the four elements of play that children use to understand the world around them and develop life skills: Active, Game, Free and Imaginative play.

The colourful playground at Mustard Hill Academy, one of EAP's recent builds.

The playgrounds use recycled materials like tyres whenever they can, while ensuring a sturdy and above all safe construction ethic. They work closely with the communities and schools that will use the playground, making sure that ongoing care of the project is considered once the build is complete. The onus is on building a community resource that will help generations of kids to play, have fun and grow.

Here at the Pier, we couldn't be happier to help a charity who are doing such important work, and focussing on an essential element of a child's life that often gets sidelined in charity work.

To find out more about East African Playgrounds, and perhaps to get involved yourself, check out their website, that will also tell you more about the importance of play.

http://www.eastafricanplaygrounds.org/

The Year At The Pier: 2014

It's been an odd year for ethical fashion. An optimistic year, that showed a real advance in mainstream attention for the sector, yet one that was also dominated by the continuing repercussions of our Year Zero event: The Rana Plaza Disaster.

The deaths of thousands of garment workers and destruction of so many families in Dhaka's overcrowded fashion quarter has had profound effects in the CSR of many big brands, in labour relations and in the way we view and shop for our clothes. Change that seemed so slow in coming, has ramped up significantly in the past twelve months. There's still so much to do, but 2014 showed the first real signs of a profound shift towards a more sustainable, ethical model of fashion manufacture.

It's been a busy year for the blog too. Here are a few of the high (and lowlights) of a year at the Pier.

January had me musing on the link between money and denim, and how skinny jeans are more harmful for the environment than you might think: Money In My Jeans Pocket (warning: contains Anton Du Beck in a veeery tight pair of strides).

In February I celebrated the launch of our Salvage Collection, made entirely from recycled fibres, and boggled over the work of scientist Anka Domaske, who created a new eco fabric made from milk proteins: Milking It.

March was our Client Month, with profiles for our pals at Sea Shepherd, Children Of The Andes and Marine Conservation Research: worthy causes all. We also noted how fast fashion leaders Zara were suffering big losses as their model was adopted by smaller, leaner competitors: Peak Fast Fashion.

In April we celebrated as our friends at childcare charity Kid's City had a visit from The Amazing Spiderman, and considered a radical solution to the environmental impact of washing our clothes: Take Two Garments Into The Shower?

As May rolled around, I put my money where my mouth was and invested in a pair of ethically-produced Vans sneakers (I was lucky to find them, and they're a great buy). We're big on the intersection of fashion and tech around here, and documentary film The New Black had some really interesting notions on the way forward.

June showed how striking garment workers in China were getting support from a surprising source: the multinationals who had the most to lose from the walkout. In a year of paradigm shifts and redefinition of the often fraught relations between workers, management and the big brands, this was perhaps the most... striking. Sorry.

In July we explored the surprising link between prawn fishing and garment production, and how the UK government's stance on slave labour could significantly improve the lives of people caught in the net of slavery. We also noted how the chorus of big fashion names calling for the end of fast fashion was growing, as Michael Kors added his disapproval.

As the weather warmed up in August, we explored the phenomenon of the Ice Bucket Challenge, and what it meant for charity fund-raising: Water Way To Donate To Charity. We also celebrated the work of students at Nottingham Trent University, who saw the increase in waste at festivals (including discarded tents) as a resource to be converted into clothing: Loitering Within Tent (August was also the month where I couldn't resist terrible puns, apparently). 

September saw an amusing spat between Patagonia and The North Face, as both companies vied to show they were the most ethical over goose down. We also wondered whether it was time to forget the whole notion of the fashion season, and concentrate instead on clothes that were designed to last more than half a year.

The weather began to cool again as October came around, so naturally we cheered the arrival of Wool Week. When Halloween darkened our doors, we were there with our list of best-dressed horror icons. Who couldn't bow down and worship Morticia Addams?

November's big ethical fashion story was The Fawcett Society's mis-step over their 'This Is What A Feminist Looks Like' t-shirt. This was a tale that brought all sorts of surprises, including the first (and probably only) time that The Mail On Sunday would put an ethical fashion story square on the front page: The Right Story For The Wrong Reason.

And finally, here we are in December. We were amongst the first this month to feature Nervous System's 3D-printed dress, and highlighted boardshort company Riz's attempts to make clothing out of the vast floating islands of waste ocean plastics.

So, another busy year for the Pier32 blog. We hope you find us informative and entertaining. Thanks to everyone that's commented, retweeted or mentioned us over the past twelve-month. If you have any ideas, tips or suggestions, my door's always open.

Here's to a happy, ethical 2015.

Christmas With Pier32

One trend that has bemused me over the last few years is the re-emergence, however ironic, of the Christmas jumper as a fashion item. Do we blame Darcy from Bridget Jones for pulling off the pullover look? Whatever the reason, the colourful Xmas jumper is a look that's made the leap out of the home. Last year, the pubs of London were full of party-goers resplendent in chunky, snuggly knitwear. Can you afford to miss out?

As ever, Pier32 has you covered. In association with the Christmas Store from Premier, we're offering a range of top designs, from reindeer to pud. If you're a fan of nordic noir, we can even help you to rock the Sarah Lund look. And of course, they're ethically produced to Wrap-certified standards. What could be better?

Well, since you ask, we've gone all-out for the festive season this year. You can get the turkey in while wearing one of our Xmas aprons, rock the house with our musical tie or make out like the merriest rapper in town with our snowflake and tree-bedecked flexfit cap. We're even doing socks, so that's the presents sorted as well!

Camp as Christmas

But the star on the top of our tree this year has to be the Xmas Onesie. No need to worry about what to wear while you're unwrapping your pressies and taking that first sip of egg nog. In Santa and Nordic designs, you can be snug and comfy in the knowledge that while you might look a bit silly, you're embracing the holiday season in all it's gleeful absurdity.

The dictionary definition of gleeful absurdity.

So what are you waiting for? Grab that phone, and chat to Santa Gerry or Ian the Ethical Elf, and let's make Xmas 2014 one to remember.

The Pier32 Christmas Store

Testimonial Time!

I know you all come to The View From The Pier for the incisive, in-depth commentary on ethical fashion and charities. But the fact is, we're here first and foremost to support the flourishing ethical promotinal wear business that funds us: Pier32. We have a vocal and enthusiastic client base who are happy to share.
So, I thought it would be nice to join the dots, and show my readership some of the real people wearing our clothing that have kindly shared their pics with us on our Facebook page recently.
The foxy ladies from Body Boost in Brighton are clearly pleased with the fitness apparel we supplied for them. Stretch pants, tops and hoodies in a real jewel box of different colours mean that they're getting in shape and looking good in the process!

Meanwhile, the team from Latin American Women's Aid, (LAWA) recently pitched up to run the Hackney Half Marathon in East London. Pier32 sorted them out with t-shirts and sports shirts to make sure they got the message across about the important work they do with disadvantaged women in South America.

While we're best known for apparel, we can put our skills to other uses. You know already about the work we do with marine conservation charity Sea Shepherd. Our latest collaboration: a beach towel, big enough to be comfortable on the sand, emblazoned with the piratical chic of the Sea Shepherd logo. Unlike the other items I've mentioned, this one's available to buy right now, through their eBay store.

The point I want to make here is that Pier32 work with a lot of different charities, groups, schools and businesses, and our focus is on making sure they go away happy... and then come back for more. We provide ethically produced and cruelty-free clothing that's good for the environment. We believe in working closely with everyone that gets in touch to make sure their order is trouble-free and high quality from initial contact to final delivery. I've shown just a tiny fraction of the happy customers that have bought ethical promotional wear from Pier32. You could be one of them. Why not give us a call?

It was twenty years ago today...

Well, kind of. We don't have the exact date to hand, but we do know this: in June 1994, Gerry Hayter changed the name, location and ethical direction of his promotional-wear company, Headline. It became Pier32, and it's still going from strength to strength today.
In celebration, Gerry let me out of my small room at the end of The Pier, and we chatted about the history of Pier32.
Rob: What inspired you to change from Headline to Pier32? Was there a specific event, or a general feeling that you needed to change direction?
Gerry: Headline was based in Soho, right in the middle of London, but we noticed in the early 90s that many of our clients were moving out of the west end to Putney, Hammersmith, Brentford and Heathrow. We decided to follow them, and moved to Thames Ditton, right on the river (to be strictly accurate, we're *on* the river, as our offices are on Thames Ditton Island). We decided then to not only move our base but also re-brand. My wife Dixie coined the name Pier32, which suited the location. We found that we were increasingly being asked for ethically produced, environmentally friendly products which we sourced and then imported. It made sense from a business and an ethical standpoint to reposition Pier32 as one of the first companies to only deal in ethically produced and environmentally friendly promotional wear.
Rob: Are there any highlights or moments in the 20 years of Pier32 that have made you particularly proud or happy?
Gerry: Our involvement in the 2005 'Make Poverty History' campaign was a real highlight for me. We supplied many of the charities involved with ethically produced, environmentally friendly promotional merchandise. We also provided 250,000 ethically produced environmentally friendly printed fabric swatches which were then personalised with a message by 'Make Poverty History' supporters and left on the hill at the 31st G8 Conference held at Gleneagles, Scotland. Seen together, they were one heck of a sight!
Rob: What is it, do you think, that makes Pier32 special?
Gerry: Pier32 is very much a family-run business. My son-in-law Ian is the marketing director, and most of us are involved in one role or another. We're not at all corporate or stuffy and we believe in the personal touch. There's a good chance when you pick up the phone to talk to us, you'll get through to me.

You don't get to your twentieth birthday as a company without doing something right, and Pier32 aren't just surviving--we're thriving. I'm proud to be working with Gerry, Ian and the rest of the Pier32 family. Raise a glass with me as we welcome the next twenty years of ethical goodness.
And, as a treat, behold! The actual View From The Pier.

Not a bad place to work, is it?

Wildlife Watch

I'm taking a back seat today, and letting Emma Websdale of the Royal Society Of Wildlife Trusts tell us about Wildlife Watch--a great club to get the kids involved in nature and the environment this summer!

Wildlife Watch, the junior branch of The Wildlife Trusts, is the UK’s leading environmental action club for kids. With fun and educational groups and activities, Wildlife Watch encourages children to explore and connect with their local nature.

There are more than 150,000 Wildlife Watch members around the UK (and the Isle of Man and Alderney too), many of whom take part in local Watch groups and events. Organised by volunteer leaders who are passionate about their local places and wildlife, our Watch groups and events calendars full of family events motivate children to take part in various practical and environmental activities. 

So how are Wildlife Watch and Pier 32 connected?
Whether it’s splashing about in muddy puddles, going on wildlife safaris, pond dipping, bat detecting, tree climbing or camping, our Wildlife Watchers need clothing that can withstand grass and mud stains.

Brightly coloured and comfy to wear, Pier 32 have produced garments for Wildlife Watch since 2010, providing fun and suitable clothing for every Watch group’s activities and adventures: T-shirts and caps for those sunny days spent gardening and campfire cooking and sweatshirts and hoodies for nights spent surveying and star gazing. 

Interested in joining Wildlife Watch?
By joining Wildlife Watch you can truly become a nature detective! Not only can you take part in lots of fun and exciting activities, you can also make new friends and really get stuck into local wildlife conservation.

As a member you’ll receive a welcome pack full of goodies plus four brilliant Wildlife Watch magazines containing free posters. There’s also a Wildlife Watch website bursting with games and activity ideas where you can set up your own profile, write in your own nature diary and tick off your wildlife sightings. Visit www.wildlifewatch.org.uk

Young people can subscribe to Wildlife Watch as junior members of their local Wildlife Trust. There are 47 Wildlife Trusts covering the whole of the UK.

To join the Trust that matters most to you visit www.wildlifetrusts.org/your-local-trust.

Thanks, Emma. Wildlife Watch use Pier32's range of kidswear by Gildan--sturdy enough to deal with anything your little animals throw at them!
http://www.pier32.co.uk/range/gildan-kids/

Pier32 and Spider-man: a swinging combination!

Kid's City is a charity that supports and supplies safe after-school play spaces for kids in the inner city. But even they couldn't have foreseen that their site in Brixton would get a little extra protection this week... from The Amazing Spider-man!

Actor Andrew Garfield, in town for last night's premiere of the superhero sequel, dropped in on South London to say hi to the kids and volunteers of Kid's City. His visit included a fast-paced game of basketball in full web-slinging get-up, and a slap-up pizza lunch.

The Pier32 connection to all this excitement? Well, we've been working with Kid's City since 2007, and when they found out with only a few days notice that Spidey would be swinging by, it was our turn to make a superhuman effort getting a fresh batch of their signature yellow t-shirts out to the charity on the tightest of turnarounds. The work paid off, and it was great to see the guys from Kid's City rocking their shirts on the red carpet!

Keep an eye on the Graham Norton show tonight, as there's a chance that the Kid's City Kids could make it onto the telly box. Now, if Andrew or Emma Stone need ethically-produced custom t-shirts in a rush, here's hoping they know who to call...

The Amazing Spider-man 2 is released in the UK on April 16th. 

Our Top Three For Spring And Summer

Finally, finally, spring is on the way. There are blue skies and the chill in the air is finally warming up. Here at the Pier, that means we're starting to see the start of our busy season, as our top three activities start coming into their own. One of those three activities will almost certainly be appropriate for you as the sun begins to shine.




The Event T-shirt is the starting point for many activities, whether corporate, charity, or educational. This could be a product launch, a fundraiser, or a big school event.

Multiple identical t-shirts are a great way of repeating your message and are an excellent product for raising awareness. Of course, that awareness could be anything from a company to a cause, or a promotion to a product.

Our t-shirts are independently certified to be sweatshop-free. They're ethically produced in safe working conditions without the use of child labour.


Next up, The Leaver Hoodie, which has become increasingly popular over the last few years. We're seeing orders spreading from universities and colleges to junior and infant schools.

Leaver hoodies are a great souvenir of happy school days. The younger children really love them, especially the sense of togetherness that they provide. They look great in group photos too! We're usually asked to supply these garments in time for the traditional end-of-school week away.

Of course, like our t-shirts, we use ethically produced and independently certified hoodies.


Finally, there's Staff Uniform. This is remarkably flexible. Depending on the workplace, staff uniform could be a printed t-shirt, an embroidered polo shirt, aprons, overalls, or even a tailored suit with waistcoat and corporate tie.

We offer all of these and more and we can Pantone match your corporate colours if required.


As we finally leave the cold months behind, now's the time to start thinking about the events coming up, and how Pier32 can help you make them go off without a hitch. Why not give Ian or Gerry a ring on 020 8398 2847, drop us an email or use our ever-popular Quick Quote page?

Client Week: SEA SHEPHERD

I'd like to finish our week of client profiles by highlighting a charity that Pier32 has started working with fairly recently: marine conservation group Sea Shepherd.

Their mission: to end the destruction of habitat and slaughter of wildlife around the UK's coastline and across the world’s oceans. They're a direct action organisation that have been running since the 1970s, with a fleet that includes 4 capital craft, over a hundred active crew members and a support flotilla of RIBS, other fast response-craft and even a unmanned drone squadron! 

Since the days of the first 'Sea Shepherd' (a converted trawler involved in an all or nothing battle with unscrupulous whalers that led to the ship being scuttled in a Portuguese harbour) the organisation has fought with any and all means at its disposal to protect marine wildlife and conserve their habitats. Under the command of founder member Captain Paul Watson, Sea Shepherd continues to make waves with their operations against illegal whaling, seal and sealion hunts, dolphin killing/captures and the killing of over 76 million sharks a year for their fins.

Make no mistake, Sea Shepherd are not desk jockeys. Their actions, with code-names like Operation No Compromise, Operation Zero Tolerance, Operation Relentless (their ongoing campaign to protect whales in the Antarctic) and Operation Grindstop defending dolphins in the Faroe Islands show how the Sea Shepherds take the fight to the poachers and illegal fishing or whaling boats worldwide. Their actions has led some to describe them as pirates, a label that the Shepherds have gleefully expropriated with their trident-and-hook Jolly Roger insignia, and dazzle camo painted boats. 

They may be considered the renegades of the marine conservation movement, but the fact remains that Sea Shepherd get the job done. Japanese whaling fleets are regularly sent home in disarray, with a fraction of their kill quota. Sea Shepherd are aiming to up their game by refusing the fleets a single whale in their new campaigns. They call themselves the 'Whale's Navy'. Let's hope, as demand for whale meat declines and the Sea Shepherd's actions sink the whaling fleet economically - that one day there will be no further need for direct action anti-whaling campaigns.

Until that day comes, Pier32 are proud to support Sea Shepherd. You can find Sea Shepherd at many events around the UK throughout the year - to find out where they'll be next, check out Sea Shepherd's events on their website at http://www.seashepherd.org.uk and find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SeaShepherdUK

The Sea Shepherd UK Online Store can be found at http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Sea-Shepherd-UK-Trading-LTD 

Pier32 supply Sea Shepherd with a wide range of hoodies, zoodies, beanies, t-shirts and caps from Starworld, AWDI and Headwear. Here's a selection:

T Shirt (Adults & Child's) ... http://www.pier32.co.uk/product/sw360-organic-tee/ & http://www.pier32.co.uk/product/sw860-kids-organic-tee/

Polo Shirts ... http://www.pier32.co.uk/product/sw160-organic-polo/

Hoodies ... http://www.pier32.co.uk/product/jh001-college-hoodie/

Zoodies ... http://www.pier32.co.uk/product/jh050-zoodie/

Beanies ... http://www.pier32.co.uk/product/4243-acrylic-beanie/ & http://www.pier32.co.uk/product/4244-acrylic-beanie/

Baseball Caps ... http://www.pier32.co.uk/product/4051-eco-cap/

Client Week: CHILDREN OF THE ANDES

We're continuing this week's focus on some of Pier32's clients with a look at the charity Children Of The Andes.

They've been working since 1991 to help the street children of Colombia, who face poverty and violence on a daily basis. Thanks to Children Of The Andes, thousands of kids have been provided with the support, education and healthcare they need to build happier lives.

Initially set-up as a fund-raising venture, it became clear to the charity that, despite funneling millions of pounds in grants to Colombian projects, money alone wasn't the answer. A field office was set up in 2005, to help the people on the ground with skills like financial management and planning. Working more closely with these local groups, Children Of The Andes are now more in touch than ever with the shifting sands of policy change and local government peccadilloes that effect vulnerable children.

Children Of The Andes are the largest UK charity working exclusively in Colombia. They've sent almost £5 million in grants, helping tens and thousands of children at risk.

By supporting projects that help street kids to return and reintegrate with their families, and getting working children out of the factory and into a school, Children Of The Andes are making a real difference to the lives of thousands of the marginalised and vulnerable that would otherwise end up in the gutter. Quite literally: the spark that started the whole enterprise was a project to help street kids who were living in the sewers of Bogotà.

The focus and mission are clear. Children Of The Andes believe that education, making communities safe for children, supporting their families and preparing them for adult life are vitally important to bringing up healthy and happy adults. It's a complex job with many factors to take into consideration, from the economic situation of their family to the quality of local schools to the protection they can expect to recieve from the police. Working with kids is never easy, and the children of Colombia present a particularly tricky challenge. But there is hope, and the rewards are undeniably worth the effort.

For more on Children Of The Andes, check out their website: http://www.childrenoftheandes.org/

And if you want to donate, you can do so quickly and easily at their Virgin Money Giving page: http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/charities/cota

Pier32 have provided Children Of The Andes with Starworld t-shirts, the ever-popular SW350 Cool Tee. Here's a pic of them in use in Colombia.

http://www.pier32.co.uk/product/sw350-cool-tee/

 

Client Week: MARINE CONSERVATION RESEARCH

This week, we're focussing on some of our lovely clients: the people who keep us in business and able to big up the cause of ethical clothing in the promotional industry. Today, we're all at sea, with our friends at Marine Conservation Research.

Marine Conservation Research International is a unique not-for-profit organisation based in the UK. They conduct practical, conservation focused projects internationally on threatened whales, dolphins and their habitats. To do this they have their own ship, the research vessel Song Of The Whale.

The Song Of The Whale is purpose-built and unique. It's one of the quietest marine vessels in the world, thanks to smart design features like a five-bladed propellor and vibration-damping materials on the engine block. It's designed to stay offshore for weeks at a time, and can generate its own power through solar and wind turbine technology. Her crew is experienced, dedicated and adaptable to the challenges that research in the world's oceans can throw at them.

The research season just passed has led the MCR team to make some amazing discoveries, including the detection of beaked whales and harbour porpoises in the Eastern Mediterranean: regions where they hadn't been seen before. It's this kind of work that makes the MCR and The Song Of The Whale such a valuable asset to marine biologists the world over.

If you're interested in meeting the guys at MCR and chatting about their work, they'll be at Whalefest  in Brighton on the 14th-16th of March. Look out for the highly attractive t-shirts, based on Hanes Organics tees--supplied by Pier32, of course!

http://www.pier32.co.uk/product/h7031-organic-crew-tee/
http://www.pier32.co.uk/product/h7131-ladies-organic-crew-tee/