Stay warm this winter with American Apparel at JKL

Stay warm and cosy this winter with seasonal essentials from JKL Clothing's fabulous range of American Apparel clothing.

Here at JKL we have the American Apparel Baby Rib Long Sleeved Hoodie, available in a choice of four colours, Asphalt, Black, Navy and White. This long sleeved hoodie is a stylish take on the hooded classic. This hoodie also comes in four size options, S, M, L and XL, and for only £16.02 including VAT; it's definitely a purchase you should make this winter.

We also have the American Apparel Unisex Sheer Jersey Scarf, suitable for both men and women and in a choice of ten colours:

• Asphalt
• Black
• Evergreen
• Forest
• Heather Grey
• Lapis
• Navy
• Purple
• Red
• White

This all purpose scarf is comfortable and made from 100% sheer jersey cotton and is 236cm by 41cm. Here at JKL Clothing for the fantastic price of £12.06 including VAT.

American Apparel at JKL

American Apparel clothing was founded in 1989 by American Dov Charney, and is best known for producing plain, solid-colour cotton knit wear such as T-shirts and underwear, however over the past few years the brand has gone on to expand and make leggings, leotards, tank tops, dresses, pants and denim. Here at JKL Clothing, we have a fantastic range of American Apparel Clothing for a variety of occasions.

The American Apparel Cotton Spandex Jersey Short Sleeved T-shirt Leotard features a low scooping neck and deep scooping back and comes in sizes XS,S,M,L and XL. It's also available in a choice of four colours, Black, Heather Grey, Navy and White for only £25.02 including VAT.

Try the American Apparel Cotton Spandex Jersey Leggings, ideal for layering on a cold day. The Jersey Leggings are fitted and have an elasticated waistband, they are also available in sizes XS,S,M,L and XL and come in a choice of 12 fantastic colours from red to purple, only £24.01 including VAT.

Here at JKL we have the American Apparel Fine Jersey Racerback Tank Dress for £26.03 including VAT. The casual summer dress is 100% fine jersey cotton and features a scoop neckband and a sporty racerback which is in trend. Again available in sizes XS to XL, an

d in a choice of 7 stunning colours.

Its also possible to screen print and embroider all of our American Apparel items.

Protective and Safety Clothing from JKL

JKL Clothing have assembled one of the most comprehensive ranges of Protective and Safety Clothing, complementing their already vast range of workwear clothing.

JKL believe that workwear customers would be hard pushed to find a larger collection of protective clothing both online or on the high street.

With brands sourced both within the UK and Europe such as Portwest, Dickies and Pro job, the collection of garments covers almost all safety and protective clothing items. JKL's customers range from Rail industry workers to steel workers all requiring workwear that protects then from the rigours of their particular workplace.

An issue that JKL customers are always quick to bring to our attention is that our safety and protective clothing complies to the relevant European standards. JKL check that all garments comply with the necessary standards therefore ensuring that employees are safe and employers are satisfied that have met their responsibilities.

To celebrate additions to the protective clothing range JKL are offering a 10% discount on all garments within the Pro job range. Customers just need to quote Pro job10 when placing their order with sales staff.

Pro job Workwear Range at JKL Clothing

JKL Clothing are pleased to announce the recent inclusion of the Pro job workwear brand to their range.

Pro job workwear is a Scandinavian brand that epitomises Style and quality. Comprising a selection that covers work and safety clothing suitable for a variety of industries. Manufactured for durability and comfort Pro job clothing gives the wearer both the protection they need and the professional appearance that portrays the image they want.

As an initial launch incentive JKL Clothing are offering a 10% reduction on the entire Pro job range until the end of October 2011.

PROJOB Workwear Here At JKL Clothing

Whether you work in construction, safety or food service, it is likely that PROJOB offers the line of work apparel you need. This line of clothing is designed to withstand harsh or strenuous working conditions, and still look professional. The fit is focused on ergonomics as well as durability. Here at JKL Clothing we sell PROJOB as one of our trusted brands.

Professional chefs choose PROJOB because of the great selection. For the most part clothing for this trade is white, black or a pattern called Pepita. Chefs can be fitted, be they man or woman, small or large, with uniforms that are both durable and comfortable. Choose from bibbed aprons, waist aprons and even long split aprons. One item that is a standout is the Chef’s jacket. The white, side-buttoned cotton jacket has long sleeves and a stand up collar. Our jacket has plenty of length both in body and sleeves. It is available in sizes that range from XS to 3XL and can be machine washed. It’s also possible to personalize the chef’s wear for your compa

ny with screen printing or machine embroidery.

For those who need to have plenty of pockets for tools and equipment, PROJOB offers tool vests. These vests come in both medium and heavy weight material, in colours ranging from white through to stone, blue and black. There is also a safety version in yellow and orange with reflective striping. These versatile work vests have a multitude of pockets for everything from pens and documents to nails and tools.

There is quite a variety of trousers from PROJOB, from dungarees and jeans to regular trousers in assorted colours. Also available are safety trousers in yellow and orange. For

warmer working conditions PROJOB have an excellent range of shorts that come in pique and woven fabrics in various shades. They are suitable by themselves or for layering in cold climates.

In the upcoming winter months think of JKL and PROJOB for jackets, coats and work hats. Be warm and protected whatever your job. We have a wide range of winter wear from gloves to other accessories.

Here at JKL clothing you can find your PROJOB work wear that is perfect for an active life. Not only are they durable and functional for jobs that require movement and strength, they are innovative and can transition to after work leisure activities as well.

The versatility of Uneek Clothing

Uneek Clothing specializes in comfortable, sturdy and affordable clothes for men, women and children. Available here at JKL Clothing, Uneek’s corporate shirts have a casual look about them while being absolutely appropriate for the office. Consider the Men’s Pinpoint Oxford full sleeve, polyester and combed cotton shirt, which comes in black, charcoal, blue, silver and white. Uneek also offers corporate short sleeved shirts, including a variety of half sleeved shirts in light blue and white or other solid colours. Corporate long and short sleeved shirts can also be bought for women. One very comfortable long-sleeved shirt can come in sixes from extra small to 5XL, and comes in the same work friendly colours as the men’s long sleeved shirt.

Uneek also has fleeced jackets for children, which are as warm as they are attractive. One is windproof, reversible fleece jacket with a polyester micro fleece outside, with a reverse of coated, rain proof nylon. It has zipped pockets and can come in colours such as black, bottle green, red or navy. Another children’s jacket resembles nothing less that the vests worn by construction workers on the motorway. It comes in fluorescent orange and yellow and can be had for children ages 4 – 13. It’s made of polyester with black polyester trim, and even has reflective bands and Velcro fastenings. The model in the picture is evening wearing a hard hat to complete the look!

In the Uneek range there is also an attractive men’s jacket made of polyester and microfleece with sporty pull cords that end in toggles. A soft shell jacket comes in black, light grey or navy, though the one modeled looks like an attractive aubergine. This jacket is made out of waterproof, bonded fabric with an outer layer of polyester and elastane, a waterproof mid layer and a microfleece inner layer and can stand up to any kind of weather.

Uneek also features Golf polo shirts and jumpers for men and women, perfect for sporting weekends or times for relaxation. Uneek’s men’s rugby shirts are made of combed and pre-shrunk cotton, with rubber buttons, and come in 6 colours, including bottle green and navy. All have a spiffy white collar. Uneek is the brand to chose for work, school and leisure without a shadow of a doubt.

Workwear Clothing Industry And The Effects Of The Cotton Crisis

The price of cotton is rising to unprecedented levels, but how is this effecting the workwear clothing industry and those that operate within the industry. Major brands such as Snickers, Dickies and Portwest have all been forced to increase prices over the past few months. This pressure on the manufacturing cost of workwear is set to continue and whilst many workwear brands will try to stave off increasing prices it is almost inevitable that the manufacturing cost will eventually be passed onto suppliers and end users.

The increase in the price of workwear garments coupled with the downturn in spend on workwear clothing due to the economic situation, has led to many businesses examining closely how they operate and how they can out perform the competition and survive through to an upturn in the economy.

There is currently no sign that cotton prices will do anything other than rise. Many workwear manufacturers and clothing manufacturers of all styles have bought cotton way in advance of expected use in order to ensure the price paid. This tactic will help in the short term, but looking ahead could lead to sharp price rises in the future. JKL Clothing, as one of the UK's leading workwear and protective clothing suppliers will continue to monitor the situation closely. Only by doing this and predicting the likely rises in cotton and therefore manufacturing costs will companies be able to adopt strategies that ensure longevity within the workwear industry.

Portwest Workwear Range Increase

Leading workwear and protective clothing brand Portwest have made further changes to there product ranges adding many new and exciting garments and protective clothing items. Portwest workwear have led the way within the UK workwear clothing market for over 100 years by continuing to invest in product development. Having moved to purpose built premises within there recent past and establishing manufacturing factories overseas Portwest have managed to stay one step of the competition by creating high quality workwear and safety clothing garments at affordable prices. Utilising the very latest fabrics Portwest produce over 600 individual workwear and protective clothing products all of which are available at JKL Clothing Limited.

All Your Work Wear Needs at JKL Clothing

Anyone that requires professional work clothes is familiar with JKL Clothing. They are aware that JKL provide the best prices and widest range of work wear on the market.

They have professional uniforms for chefs, housekeepers and waiters, no matter what you need or what line of work you are in, you will find it all at JKL Clothing.

All work uniforms come in a variety of sizes as we realise not everyone is the same, some are unisex where as others are gender specific. Quality is always an important factor when it comes to purchasing work uniforms, no one want to have to replace them. All different items of clothing are available from gloves, hats and aprons to T-shirts, polo’s and trousers. Literally anything needed for work can be found at JKL Clothing.

JKL make ordering easy and the website very accessible, and whether you want to order one item or a 100 items this is the site for you! No order is too big or too small. They have everything in stock and it can be shipped as soon as an order is received.

Also if you require the work wear have something printed or embroidered on with your company logo this is the place to have it done. We specialise in this service and have a hundred and one ideas for clothing that requires a company emblem. Over 3000 products can be embroidered on and there are no minimum orders or time restrictions in place. It’s possible for a huge order to be completed in a record amount of time due to the number of staff and dedication. JKL offer a next day delivery service and can guarantee once you have order from them you’ll never want to order from anywhere else again.

Fantastic Offers On Kariban Clothing

For guys that are active outdoor men or simply constantly on the go, there is no need to sacrifice style for durability and utility. Kariban Clothing meets both of these needs with a stylish and varied collection of clothing that reflects both of these needs with a stylish and varied collection of clothes that reflects both sensibility and rugged functionality for nearly any occasion. Available through JKL Clothing, Kariban Clothing designs clothing that ranges from t-shirts for everyday use to trophy safari shirts that are suitable for a wider range of ventures. Zip off sleeve jackets provide convenience for changes in weather or changes in the job. Parka jackets and Kariban's Alaska body wamer are examples of nonrestrictive and stylish gear that equips it user for a wide range of climates and locations. The 3 in 1 Kariban jackets gives a man a sense of confidence in knowing that he is properly dressed for any situation that may come his way.

Kariban's clothing is durable and fashionable. The confident colours are elegantly designed to follow the sleek, smooth lines that define the cut of the fabric and deign of the individual garments. But the clothing line found at this company is not limited to hiking or trekker shorts. They offer full line of sportswear and items prefect for sailing or any other luxurious past time. Kariban uses its clothing designs in smart ways. While still providing all the pockets and durability necessary for the job, the designs are still down right sexy. The clothing is a natural yet relaxed fit that lends a sense of sophistication to each assemble.

Sailing gear such as Men and Women's- soft shell jackets are reasonably priced and come in a variety of styles from jumper to polo cuts. The brilliant Navy Blues colouring the sailing gear are perfectly reminiscent of any experience that one has had on a calm day sailing or possibly a romantic venture on the water. Sportswear comes in a wide variety of colours and is lightweight, yet well constructed to provide long life for the outstanding garments. There is no better choice when looking for the perfect mix of performance and style than the Kariban sports and outdoor line avalible through JKL Clothing.

What to Wear if You go on Holidays

The first thing you must do before you go on a holiday, is pack according to the weather, where you will be. You want to feel relaxed and as far away from the office, or work life you lead. Do not worry about packing a suite or pencil skirts, give those item a rest, they will be there when you get back. Do not take too many "dry clean only" outfits, you will only make more work for yourself. Instead opt for that shimmery blouse you have in the closet that is inappropriate for everyday work wear. Comfortable clothes that you do not need to iron should be the first thing you pack.

Be sure to pack a hat, like a "Beechfield Vintage Chino Cotton Bucket" hat. This way if your hair gets messed up while traveling int he car you can throw it on and feel good, or wear it to the beach to keep from getting sunburn. Less fuss is always a great way to unwind on a holiday. Arrive in style and comfort in a Fruit of the Loom "Lady-Fit" long sleeve T- shirt. This will not wrinkle, you can sleep in the car without feeling constricted, and when you wake up you will still look fresh. Pack a lightweight jacket or a lightweight Microfleece Top. This Top can be slipped on, over the head to keep you dry and warm and it's thin enough to slip into your suitcase. Microfleece tops are perfect for men or women. This is your best bet when hiking, or exploring a new town.

Men should pack an Adidas stretch polo. This shirt is all weather proof, it is stylish and comfortable. You will still look good for your lady, but you will not feel too dressed up. This shirt can go from outdoors to a nice lunch date, and be appropriate. If you want to make it even easier yourself, grab a couple of these shirts in different colors. This way you will feel stylish, but you wont have to put too much thought into packing.

If you want to look stylish and stay comfortable ladies; opt for a Hanes "tasty crew neck" T-shirt. This shirt has the attitude of a blouse because it drapes the body in a chic and sophisticated way, comes in bright bold colors, and you can customize it with accessories to dress it up. Toss on an cozy skinni fit women's active hoodie over your crew neck T-shirt. Go for the "skinni" fit because it looks smart and sexy. You definitely want to feel a little sexy on holiday.

Fruit Of The Loom Clothing at JKL

Even though the textile industry is feeling the results from a global recession, Fruit of the Loom has managed to stay ahead of the game with poise. The reason being is because they are strong on quality items. And because of their sense of quality along with a valued reputation, Fruit of the Loom, which was launched in 1851, is now available at a very distinguished UK online store, JKL Clothing.


JKL Clothing is a clothing establishment focusing on casual wear, work wear, t-shirt printing, corporate clothing and embroidered clothing. With a reputation for delivering comfortable and protective clothing there’s a good reason why JKL Clothing and Fruit of the Loom make such a formidable team. A senior staff member at JKL Clothing stated that “Fruit of the Loom Value-weight t-shirts works perfectly with our customer base, the quality of their articles of clothing are sensibly priced, and from a printers standpoint they have wonderful textured surfaces for screen print.” There’s no question that Fruit of the Loom’s appeal for bespoke t-shirts was part of the fascination for JKL Clothing carrying their range of attire. As a matter of fact, JKL Clothing has been utilizing the Fruit of the Loom Value-weight t-shirts in practically all of their t-shirt printing production
for quite some time.

JKL Clothing carries an extensive catalogue from Fruit of the Loom including school uniforms, work polo shirts, promotional clothing, fleece jackets, leisure bottoms, full zip fleece, hoodies and men’s and women’s leisure wear just to name a few. For example; a Fruit of the Loom Men’s Zip Through Hooded Sweat Shirt cost [£19.08] including VAT. For screen printing on the same item, with a minimum of ten pieces, the price is in the region of [£2.00] extra. For embroidery, beginning with one of the same piece, the price is an extra [£2.25]. Altogether for an above-the-board quality customized cotton hooded sweat shirt, the price comes out fairly equitable.

JKL Clothing began in 1998, albeit they haven’t been in the business as long as Fruit of the Loom, they are nevertheless a compatible combination. Both stand for quality, integrity and prudence.

Brook Taverner Corporate Clothing

Brook Taverner is the most successful manufacturer and supplier of business clothing in all of Europe. Brook Taverner has been producing tailored business clothing and career wear since 1912. They are committed to producing corporate clothing with only the best detailing and the finest fabrics. Their fabrics are tested both in the lab and in the field, where real people wear them for rigorous tests. Brook Taverner career wear is not only appealing to the eye, but it is functional in the business world as well.

Brook Taverner has partnered with some of the best mills and factories in the world. This allows them to produce corporate career wear of the highest quality in only ethically sound environments. Brook Taverner always has an extensive stock available to ensure the fastest possible delivery. They also stock more washable work wear than any other corporate clothing supplier currently in operation. Brook Taverner was the first to introduce petite and tall fittings, stretch waistbands, lycra stretch, and teflon fabric protectors to their designs. Their designs are innovative and fashion-forward.

The Brook Taverner clothing brand manufactures everything from staff uniforms to office wear. Their clothing is detailed and performs well in all business situations. They use only the best fabrics to ensure excellent performance, better abrasion resistance, increased comfort, greater crease recovery, less piling, and fashionable looks. Brook Taverner offers tailored suits, jackets, and waistcoats, men's and ladies' trousers, skirts, shirts and blouses, and overcoats. Their clothing can be purchased online or at local corporate clothing retailers.

Brook Taverner also employs and extensive quality control process for all their clothing designs. This process is designed to ensure that each piece is of the highest standard possible. Clothing testers at JKL Clothing put each item of clothing through its paces, including wearing and washing the clothing to destruction. If the item doesn't pass the test, it will not be sold.

One of the internet’s largest ranges, the Brook Taverner brand itself is renowned and well-respected. If you choose to order online, you will automatically receive free delivery on any order totaling £100 or more. Brook Taverner also offers next day delivery and embroidery service, as well as a full and comprehensive returns policy. You can also find Brook Taverner clothing in stock from your nearest corporate clothing specialist. You can visit Brook Taverner online at http://www.jklclothing.co.uk/, or you can call them on 0800-915-0500 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Regatta Outdoor Clothing at JKL Clothing

Regatta is one of the leading producers of outdoor clothing in United Kingdom. Their merchandise is famous for great quality and their clothing can be found in major stores around the world. They have a large range of waterproof trousers which are designed specially for men, but separate sets specially designed for women are also there. As with men’s water proof trousers, ladies trousers are also lightweight, durable and can keep the body temperature at optimum level irrespective of the outside temperature.

Many of their clothes are designed either for men or women. However, waterproof trousers from Regatta are often advertised for both. The Unisex trousers lack the usual baggy style seen in men’s trousers or that curvy style of women’s trousers. These trousers may not be the most stylish ones, yet they are most easy to purchase as you won’t have to worry about any particular design or size.

Regatta waterproof trousers have been specially designed as a pack away trouser which means that they can be neatly packed to fit in small area, which makes them perfect during camping, hunting and hiking trips. When the whether if fine, these trousers can be rolled up and packed in backpacks and as whether turns bad, you can immediately unpack them for use. Though the fabric of trousers is durable and strong, it is lightweight and will never weight you down when you add them to your luggage. Light pants also make it easy for you to run or walk during outdoors. Any sort of activity which requires energy exertion needs light weight clothing or they can tire their wearer.

Majority of such products come in free sizes, so they can be worn easily by anybody irrespective of their height or waist size. You will get all the usual colors in unisex pants but usually regatta sells blue, black and grey colors in their waterproof trousers.

Regatta also manufactures many other waterproof products like gloves, jackets, shoes and shorts. All these products are manufactured from high quality materials and are durable in harsh environments. A best way to buy Regatta items is in sets as you can get some good deals on them. For example, a complete waterproof set (consisting of shoes, jackets and trousers) will come cheap as compared to purchasing each of them separately. This is essential as waterproof pant is of no use unless you use good quality waterproof shoes for your feet.

Waterproof backpack is another good product made by Regatta. You can purchase these bags from same store or website as their trousers. With Regatta clothing you are assured of highest quality and durability when you go for Regatta brand. They will last much longer than other outdoor clothing options.

JKL Dickies Workwear

When you talk about leading Internet workwear suppliers in the United Kingdom, you are
referring to the JKL (JK Leisure) Clothing.

With JKL Clothing, you can choose from a wide variety of quality brands of clothing and
accessories which include trusted and reputed names like Dickies.

Dickies Workwear

Dickies, a premium workwear brand, can now be purchased from JKL Clothing.

With Dickies, you are assured of a durable and well created garment—from jackets and trousers
to knee pads and t-shirts. This means that, one could find a complete workwear uniform with
Dickies.

JKL Clothing chose Dickies to be part of its collection mainly because of its superb qualities and
depth of experience in the business—this product was founded since 1922—so, surely, it will
attract more and more customers.

Delivery of Products

When shopping online, one important thing you should consider is the company’s policy in
delivering the purchased products. You may need to know about how much is the delivery
charge and for how long it will take before the product will reach you.

JKL Clothing delivers its products to all UK address as well as most overseas addresses at cost
for all screen printed, customized, and embroidered purchases.

However, it is good to note that, when you purchase products worth £100.00 + VAT and you are
from the UK, you will be charged for free.

Overseas, they deliver products for a certain amount to countries like the Unites States, Canada,
Mexico, Australia, Switzerland, Germany, and a lot more (for a complete list of countries and
fees, you may visit its official website).

For products delivered on foreign countries, you should also be aware of the extra charges which
may apply, like the brokerage and customs depending on what country you are in. It is payable
by the receiver of the items.

The company is doing all its best to deliver the ordered products at the maximum of 15 days. For orders in UK Mainland, you can expect three to four day delivery of the products.

Returns and Exchange Policy

JK Leisure Clothing ensures that all its customers should be well satisfied with the items they

have purchased—hence, they have created the policy on returning and exchanging products.

When a customer is not happy with his purchase, he can return or exchange it anytime within
seven days of receipt of item. However, he needs to attach the paid invoice together with the
original packaging.

Also, it is in its policy that the customer should settle the return courier. JKL Clothing can also
do the job of picking up and returning of the item provided that the included charge is deducted
from the refunded amount.

It should also be noted that the returned products are also examined if they are undamaged or
unused (and if they are complete with original packaging) before you can refund the entire sales
price (except the original cost of delivery).

JKL Ranges and Brands

The JKL company provides a wide range of brands and styles for work wear options, everything for corporate work clothing and accessories, as well as professional uniforms and work safety accessories. The JKL Clothing company offers work wear that will meet the needs of any business or industry. Shoppers can easily find the trusted names of CAT, Dickies and other brand names they love right from JKL.

JKL Workwear for Every Day Jobs

JKL Clothing provides industry specific work wear like chefs' wear, Healthcare clothing and uniforms and rail industry work wear. JKL can add embroidered, distinctive labels with business logos and individual names. JKL Clothing supplies each work wear style with many sizes. The quality brands have durability that is needed on the job.

In addition, there are plain shirts and pants for every type of workplace, and there is safety gear for sale at JKL. The JKL Clothing company can personalize all of these plain shirts with the business logo and a name. JKL can provide any desired look for on-the-job T-Shirts. This gear is necessary in many different workplace environments. There are safety glasses and helmets, steel toed-boots and all sorts of work gloves.

JKL Workwear for the Corporate Office

JKL is happy to furnish the business wear that people need for every day at the office. Men and women need outfits that will help them dress to achieve their ambitions. People need high quality suits, shirts, ties, skirts and more that can be matched alternately for fresh looks every day. Each clothing choice comes in a wide variety of sizes so that people can find the perfect fit.

Entire companies can also find business specific wear for a cohesive corporate appearance to outfit their entire business. JKL will embroider any logo and name on JKL workwear.

Accessories are practical additions to the office attire, as well. Scarves, handbags, briefcases, etc. can be purchase at JKL clothing.

JKL Clothing is a one-stop shop for all work wear needs. Individuals are welcome to browse selections suitable for their particular job, and entire corporations can order clothing and accessories that meet the distinctive requirements of their business. JKL has all the lawless business wear and safety gear ever needed.

VAT ANOMALY IN THE EMBROIDERED CLOTHING INDUSTRY

There are many business’s both large and small that have fallen foul of unclear VAT rules.

Today a court case ruled that smoothie manufacturer, Innocent, must pay VAT on its products following a legal challenge by the business. This well known smoothie brand had argued that because its product is made entirely of fresh fruit, which along with many food products presently does not attract VAT, then neither should they. The court judgement decided that the due to process of turning the fruit into a drink, it did ADD VALUE to the product and should therefore be subject to VAT.

There are many other VAT anomalies, mainly within in the food industry over which arguments and court cases have taken place. One example was Jaffa Cakes. Since cakes do not attract VAT but biscuits do, McVities, the makers argued that the Jaffa Cake was indeed that, a cake and not a biscuit. An argument they duly won. Not so successful were Proctor and Gamble the makers of Pringle crisps. They had argued that as both chips and jacket potatoes were not subject to VAT even though they had been processed to a greater or lesser degree from the humble potato then neither should the crisp. This was not upheld and Proctor and Gamble lost their case and the Pringle crisp sold in almost every supermarket in the country is more expensive as a result.

So how is the embroidered clothing industry affected by VAT rules and regulations? One area that has been debated over recent years is whether, or not embroidered children’s clothing should be VAT exempt. All children’s clothing does not attract VAT but what happens when that item of clothing is decorated using embroidery. Does this add value to the product? Most would say it does, but it still remains an item of children’s clothing.

JKL Clothing have continued to adhere to the VAT rules and regulations as they see them by separating any invoice for embroidered children’s clothing, charging the clothing item at zero rate VAT and itemising a separate charge for the embroidery, making that item of the invoice subject to the normal VAT rate, currently 17.5%.

Jeff Harris, JKL Clothing MD, comments, “We feel that the law regarding VAT and embroidered children’s clothing remains unclear and until it is challenged and a definitive judgement made we will air on the side of caution and make all embroidery whether onto children’s clothing or not subject to the appropriate level of VAT”

How will the VAT rise affect the Workwear industry

We have all known for some time that the new coalition government will be raising the standard rate of VAT from the current 17.5% to 20% as of the 4th January 2011. This will bring the UK in line with other European countries (France 19.6% and Italy 20%).

How this will affect the workwear industry is something that has sparked serious debate amongst manufacturers and suppliers alike.
There are broadly three trains of thought on this matter and three plans of action aimed at adapting business to the forthcoming rate rise.

Many workwear business's aim to swallow the rate rise themselves and maintain current levels of profitability by increasing sales through a variety a marketing and sales campaigns.

Others believe that because the VAT rise will affect all business's nationally, this will therefore have little affect on sales and therefore they will maintain their market position and consequently retain the same or similar levels of profitability.

The third train of thought strikes a note of caution to all business owners, in that should companies not pass on the rate rise to customers by raising prices for fear of offending customers, by in some cases only a few pence, this will create an unsustainable business. The business may well survive for the first year but slowly this policy will mean that the rate rise will continue to chip away at profits and ultimately lead to an unprofitable and unsustainable business.

So which path will JKL Clothing tread. As always we are constantly monitoring the Workwear market place to ensure we remain competitive. We must however ensure that JKL Clothing as a company continue to survive and indeed grow. This may mean that we are forced to pass on the governments decision to raise the rate of VAT to our customers. We have however adopted a fourth strategy prior to having to do this. JKL Clothing have approached all its suppliers and attempted to negotiate a more competitive price from them. We have been able to do this due to the steady growth we have seen during the past 18 months. This has lead to increased spend with our suppliers and therefore a strengthened bargaining position when we come discuss the price we pay for our workwear garments from them.

JKL Clothing will certainly be doing all it can to ensure they are around for many years to come.

How will the Government spending review affect the Workwear and Corporate Clothing market?

This week saw the long awaited announcement of the coalition government spending review. Whilst the detail of George Osbourne's speech have yet to be disected it is clear that the full extent of the cuts to public sector spending will not be felt in full for some time with many experts predicting that as a country we will still be feeling the effects of this weeks review budget in several years time.
The two departments guaranteed to be spared from a cull that covered every area of public sector spending were education and the NHS. These two departments produce between them significant spending within both the workwear and corporate clothing markets. This will be some comfort to many companies within our industry. JKL Clothing, for example, have calculated that approximately 15% of annual turnover can be attributed to education, both school and higher education and the NHS. Whilst not a huge percentage it is certainly a significant amount. I am sure that many companies will now be looking at both these sectors with a view to targeting them far more aggressively when marketing budgets are set and new business goals are specified. JKL Clothing have been active in both these areas for some time, most notably supplying workwear to the NHS in the form of medical coats and smocks and also doing significant business to many UK universities providing a variety of promotional merchandise.
Many companies within our sector are heavily reliant on public sector spending with businesses built up on providing workwear and corporate clothing to council and local authorities. As these organisations look to cut costs and save money, one area that will surely attract in depth scrutiny will be workforce clothing and uniform. Exactly how that will affect JKL Clothing and companies operating within our market remains to be seen. Two perspectives will remain and that is product and service, JKL Clothing believe that by concentrating on getting these two areas right, it will provide the firm basis from which to survive what many people think will be tough spending cuts leading to difficult trading conditions for many small and medium size businesses. Time will surely tell, but one thing almost certain, we are in for interesting times ahead.

Workwear Price Increase

The workwear clothing industry is bracing itself for a series of price increases over the coming months.

Having recently increased prices during the summer 6 monthly revue, many workwear clothing manufacturers are preparing to again increase the prices of their garments over the coming month. The industry is used to a half yearly price increase in July, but not in recent memory can we at JKL Clothing recall an autumn price change.

The cost of the end product has recently been affected by a number of factors, not least of all the price of cotton which recently reached a fifteen year high in September of this year. The cost of cotton has been greatly affected by the floods in Pakistan, which is the worlds 4th largest cotton producer. There have also been major crop problems in both Greece and Brazil, other big producers have millions of bales to sell that have yet to reach the market. The USA which is the worlds largest exporter has had logistical problems getting the product out of the warehouses to meet early sales commitments to Asia.

This cotton price rise has finally had an effect on the end product and the price charged to the consumer. Many of the best known brands have already given notice of a price increase. Most notably Gildan and Fruit of the Loom who have indicated an increase of 5%.

Whilst workwear has withstood the recent economic downturn we will wait to see the effect of this latest jolt to the industry. Whatever the future holds JKL Clothing have already given notice of their intent to resist significant price increase, a move that will hopefully go down well with all their customers.