Customers

Case Study - Banner

The Banner and Beau Brummel schoolwear brands can trace their origins back to the 1800's and are two of the longest standing brand names in schoolwear.

When you think of schoolwear, you automatically think of Banner and Beau Brummel. Along with such history comes tradition, and many of the traditional values at Banner hold strong today, especially those linked to high quality product and high quality customer service. One of the reasons Banner has sustained such long-standing recognition is the style and forward thinking nature of its management teams over the years.

 

Today, the business is a multi-branded schoolwear, childrenswear, mens and ladieswear company operating as a subsidiary of Cosalt plc. From its use of the first sewing machines in the mid 1800's, to investments in hi-tech communication and computer systems today, technology has long been deployed to support the way forward for this very successful company.

Peter McDonald, Finance Director at Banner comments "All activity in a business is linked, therefore in order to improve processes, communication and profitability, it is vital that technology deployed in support of business activity is integrated throughout. We have always taken the view that proper use of technology significantly improves a business at every level, and like all successful businesses, we continuously look to improve our performance. Increasingly, technology is the answer.

Strong partnership


Banner's key I.T. solutions partner is clothing and footwear systems specialist Prima Solutions. Having made its first small investment with Prima in 1991, Banner now operates its entire business using PrimaNet®, covering Supply Chain Management, Customer Service, Manufacturing, Distribution and Financials. Most recently Banner has invested in the e-Commerce module within PrimaNet®.
The PrimaNet® solutions are deployed throughout four Banner sites in the UK: design, sales, administration, import and distribution at the Stockport Head Office, manufacturing at two sites in the North East, and product development in Northampton.

"We have an outstanding relationship with Prima," says Peter. "They have people that are experienced within the clothing and footwear industry as well as in IT. This means that the people who work with us and develop the software have a real understanding of our business. We have now worked with Prima for over eight years during which time they have played a key role in our deployment of technology and thus the growth of Banner."

Stable, core software framework

"With so many other software providers you are given just a standard system," Peter explains. "You are almost expected to adapt to that system, changing your processes to fit. With Prima Solutions we agree the best, and most efficient processes for the business and then support it with appropriate systems. There is a good, stable core software framework, which is appropriate to all clothing manufacturers and distributors, and they also accommodate our own business specific requirements. We receive upgrades about once a year, introducing new functionality and keeping us abreast of technology."

The Banner customer service team receives Telesales Orders, Stock Orders and Forward Orders, as well as offering advice to customers about the progression of existing orders and what stock is available today and in the future.


One member of the team commented "I like to do a thorough job, and using Prima helps me to achieve this by enabling us to give our customers all the information they need and quickly. Because all of the software is integrated, we enter all data only once onto the system and the software then speedily takes care of the processing."

Information - the key to success

Peter McDonald realises the significance of good information, "Our business is growing both organically and through acquisition. To support that growth we must have access to accurate information quickly. Prima's Information Manager is vital in its contribution because it gives us instant access to key information. We no longer have to wade through lengthy reports searching for key information, we simply identify the information we want, and we get it back in seconds."

The future

Moving forward, Banner's expansion plans continue. Building upon its excellent reputation within the schoolwear market, the company plans to move into other specialist markets. There are a number of options currently under consideration and the recent acquisition of the Michael De Leon brand means it will not be long before concessions for some of the company's main brands are found in more major high street outlets. Export is currently being transacted in Eire and Worldwide Exports are now a target.

John Norman, joint Managing Director at Prima Solutions, has worked with Peter McDonald from the start and has seen the Banner organisation develop and grow. "We have seen substantial developments at Banner through the 1990's and they now operate more than a dozen different brands. They are a highly valued customer and I take great pleasure from seeing them reap the benefits of their investment with us. This is a real partnership and I look forward to working with them long into the future."

"One of the things that I really like about Prima Solutions," says Peter, "is that everyone wants to help find the best solution for us. Everyone we have come into contact with, and we have spoken to many of their people over the years, has been friendly, experienced and helpful and typically in line with the reputation they have within the industry."

Banner, as the company stands today, has a head office in Reddish, Stockport, and manufactures many brands, including Banner, Beau Brummel, Little Darlings, Abella, Co-co, Chillifuego, Pegasus, Rivoli, Rapport and others to department stores and to small independent retailers across the UK. The company also supplies many leading retailers such as John Lewis with its products. It is also the UK appointed distributor of NAF NAF and Chevignon Childrenswear products.