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Flying the flag
These days ‘flying the flag’ means many different things. The origins might be military but today flags are more likely to be found flying corporate logos, as this article explains
Having identified the potential of flags as corporate messaging and advertising tools, Shaun Bowmer founded midlands-based Flagpole Express. Initial customers include Mobil, a major sponsor and technology partner of the McLaren-Mercedes Formula One Team.
Mobil’s PR agency approached Flagpole Express earlier this year requesting flag systems for the McLaren-Mercedes Garden Party held prior to the British Grand Prix weekend in July. The PR agency’s Serena Fidgett dealt directly with Flagpole Express and said: “Hosting an event on that scale was extremely challenging and was made all the better for dealing with professional companies like Shaun’s. The flags looked stunning, making a big impression especially along the driveway of the stately home, and the service was faultless. Everything looked great on the day and the guys were really helpful.”
The event was attended by man-of-the-moment Lewis Hamilton and team-mate Fernando Alonso. Held in the stunning grounds of Holdenby House in Northamptonshire the lawn was littered with fabulous cars and entertainment was held in a magnificent transparent marquee. Mobil’s corporate flags flew on opposite sides of the grand driveway greeting visitors and staff alike.
There are many different types of flag-pole and banners systems around suiting all sizes and budgets for indoor and outdoor use. Flags are digitally printed on materials like knitted polyester and roped and toggled ready to fly. Banner systems are digitally printed on premier grade, hard wearing PVC and come hemmed and eyeleted as well.
Shaun Bowmer said: “After being in the industry for so many years I already had a good knowledge of the market and its demands, but we wanted to offer a more substantial service to our clients so we started manufacturing.”
The company states that by setting itself apart from other flag suppliers it can offer more control over lead times, a quicker service and, above all, more competitive pricing. Shaun has invested in the ‘one-stop-shop’ ethic and offers replacement flags and service contracts for after-sales care. Flagpole Express also cleans and repairs existing older systems so clients do not necessarily need to buy completely new.
Shaun concluded: “We supply many privately owned car dealerships and some national ones, but as you can image when a dealership is taken over the actual flag poles may still be in good condition and therefore a good clean and new flags boasting their corporate logos or latest offers make the same big impression a new system would.”
