The Pro-Brella is the only umbrella that we feel can claim the phrase “sunshine on a rainy day”. With the recent installation of a large array of solar PV panels on the warehouse roof, the UK printing and production factory of the Pro-Brella golf umbrella has been transformed, and is now on target to becoming “carbon negative” during 2011.

The “upgraded” site has just been officially opened by former Manchester United Captain Gary Neville and MP Andrew Stunnell, with great press coverage. This is culmination of many years of work by the makers of the Pro-Brella with solar power now complementing existing wind turbines and water generation to ensure that more than half the energy is generated from renewable sources. The offices are heated and cooled using a geothermal source and have achieved an EPC (energy performance certificate) of A+. Only 14 buildings in England have managed this.

The work on this carbon reduction programme at the Pro-Brella factory is continuing. A hydro generation plant on the weir of the River Don is currently being installed.

Despite all this work, the makers of the Pro-Brella will still be praying for rainy days so that their high quality umbrellas will be needed by brands both big and small!

The Pro-Brella is one of the most popular golf umbrellas available. With a large number of colours to choose from (poles, panels, handles and spikes), you can create something unique to your brand. This storm proof umbrella comes with solid steel or fibreglass ribs (to prevent spraining). Branding wise, the Pro-Brella can either be screen printed or printed up to full colour process, with pantone panel matching. As umbrellas go, the Pro-Brella is about a versatile as it gets!

A consistently popular business gift item is the umbrella and given the British weather it is not difficult to work out why this might be the case. Promotional Umbrellas can form part of our daily lives and it is always worth having one to hand just in case a sudden downpour catches you out. As with many items, an umbrella is something that were it not given, would almost certainly be purchased.  Therefore this is one item, subject to budget availability, that will be very well received, certainly used and will be a lasting reminder of your brand or service.

The first consideration is to narrow down the choice that is available in this product range. As with most product areas, there is a good deal of production in the Far East, which has led to more models, colours, printing techniques as well as lower price points across most umbrellas.  Due to the lead times from China, there is still production in the UK and this does still account for a large proportion of umbrella sales given that as a client base, the market does demand lower lead times.  Should time be available, and by this delivery can be 6-8 weeks, then some great prices can be achieved on the pricier products.

In terms of models these fall quite neatly into three categories. At the lower end are the budget umbrellas, that don’t provide too much storm proofing but will do a job of keeping the user dry. These usually have fixed and standard panel colours and screen-printing is the same as it would be on pretty much all umbrellas. Full colour process is not possible. Moving up in price, and you start to see the quality and products that will have a longer lifespan. Popular lines include the Bedford (UK made) and others such as the lower end fiberglass options with limited panel colour choice. Finally at the top end price levels come umbrellas such as the Spectrum Sport and the Probrella – both competing hard for the top spot. Both have great colour choice of materials, matching handles and shafts and are storm proof.

Printing methods are great on umbrellas, normal print areas on all models can be around A4 in size and it would be advisable to print alternate panels to ensure your logo is visable to people when in use. Newer techniques now allow full panel printing and full colour process, which can provide some great visually stunning results.

Umbrellas can be a valuable Promotional tool. It is truly a product that the more you spend, the better quality and longer lasting product you will receive. Choosing the right option is very important and our dedicated sales team at Steel City Marketing can be contacted on 0114 2754150 and will be happy to discuss your requirements in more detail.

Its the middle of July and what do we have? Dreariness.

When I first heard about global warming I was was quite fond of the idea. Living in Britain with a Spanish climate, sipping cocktails as the sun goes down whilst playing football on filey beach…

Sheffield flooded last year, this summer a washout… Global warming doesn’t seem quite so appealing to me anymore. Especially when my summer golfing days are ruined and my new barbeque hasn’t seen the light of day yet.

Well keep warm and dry this summer whilst promoting your business. Why not try a favourite of mine this toasty Storm Proof Jacket. And don’t let the British summer ruin your golf days, checkout these Umbrellas, some of which will stay in tact whatever you throw at them.