Digital Nextmas: Outstanding Branding

On the run up to Christmas and the end of the calendar year, many businesses are starting to reflect on the past 12 months as they begin to unwind for the festive period and here at Digital Next things are no different. We may still be working hard over the Christmas period, with our brains constantly ticking over for ideas for 2016, but we’re definitely beginning to feel the Christmas spirit!

We spoke to our long-time client, Outstanding Branding, to see how they are preparing themselves for Christmas and what exciting things they have in store for next year! As a promotional merchandise company with over 20 years of experience, they had many intriguing insights into the world of branded products. Holly, their Marketing Manager, took some time to speak to us about the team and their plans for Christmas.

As we draw closer to 2016, what have been the most memorable projects Outstanding Branding have been working on during 2015?

In addition to developing online promotional merchandise schemes and on demand technology, 2015 has been all about continued profitability and growth through a values-based expansion and a highly motivated management team.

What does Outstanding Branding have lined up for Christmas this year?

We have sent out some bespoke Christmas gifts to a handful of our clients this year as a thank you for their business for the year and to wish them a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. 

What is it like in the Outstanding Branding office in the run up to Christmas? Who gets the most excited for Christmas to arrive?

It’s very festive in OB Towers in the run up to Christmas! We have a huge tree in the main office which we dress differently each year, and it’s even decorated with own branded baubles! We also host a Secret Santa, a Christmas Mega Draw and of course, the OB Christmas Party. We’re holding Christmas Jumper day this too, with all of our staff donating a minimum of £5 to Text Santa Christmas Jumper Day. We’re even hosting a competition for the most disgusting jumper! Make sure you check out our Facebook and Twitter pages to see who gets crowned!

And who gets the most excited? It has to be Sales Director, Andy Thorne. 

What does Outstanding Branding have planned for 2016?

2016 will be the year of mass customisation and the power of 1.

What have been your most popular/best-selling products of 2015? Have there been any particular trends during the last year when it comes to promotional merchandise?

This year has been huge for technology products, with some brand new and interesting products such as the Energy Band which monitors activity levels and overall lifestyle. Our most popular selling product for the year, without a shadow of a doubt, has to be the powerbank. With new advancements on the technology itself, we are now seeing an increase in popularity on our newer models which can be branded with full colour wraps and decals, allowing for true bespoke branding potential.

Who is the most organised when it comes to Christmas out of the Outstanding Branding staff?

I’m pretty organised every year! I never rush to get things last minute and I always know what my wrapping theme is for the year well in advance. 

Do you all get together and have an OB Christmas party?

We do indeed! Each year we go somewhere new, with a special mode of transport which is a secret until the evening of the party! This year we’re being treated to Simon Drake’s House of Magic – which is held at a secret location and is popular amongst celebrities, such as pop megastar Katy Perry! None of us can wait! 

Do you have much planned over the Christmas period with your family or friends? 

Each year I go back up north to spend time with my loved ones. As this is my first Christmas with my nephew, I literally cannot wait!