Following a comprehensive competitive tender process, Mytime Active appointed Taylor Made Designs (TMD) to supply workwear to employees across its entire estate of diverse facilities and services.

“Mytime Active is an independent charity responsible for the management of a range of leisure, golf and wellbeing services and facilities across London, Kent, Hampshire and the Midlands” says Jason Stanton, CEO, Mytime Active.

“Across our estate, we have a team in excess of 800 employees operating in an array of roles including catering and hospitality, lifeguards and fitness instructors, grounds maintenance, golf professionals, swim instructors and health professionals – to name just a few. Each role has a specific uniform requirement, so we were looking for a partner who could supply a quality product to a diverse portfolio of needs and to multiple venues through an online platform. I am pleased to say, TMD has proved itself to be the right choice.”

“TMD offers an online stock management and ordering system. The platform acts like a virtual shop window displaying the various approved uniform products for each department and providing information on stock levels, lead times and costs. Our department heads can now manage the uniform requirements of their teams directly, which is hugely improving efficiencies.”

“Prior to the appointment of TMD, uniforms were provided by 11 independent suppliers, which made understanding and managing total stock levels a constant challenge. Now, with TMDs online e-commerce platform, all information is in one place and we have instant access to real time stock levels across the estate at the touch of a button.”

“Working with a leisure uniform specialist has proved its worth. I feel with TMD we have established a true long-term partnership.”

Following a nationwide competitive tender in 2022, Taylor Made Designs was reappointed by Places Leisure as its preferred uniform supplier.

Taylor Made Designs first began working with Places Leisure in 2014. This reappointment cements the partnership for at least a further 3 years.

Speaking about the partnership, Laura Lane, Head of People at Places Leisure, says: “Taylor Made Designs provides uniform to our 4,000 strong Places Leisure team across multiple sites.

“The online ordering process makes it super easy for new orders to be placed directly by individual sites, removing any need for a central function and ensuring garments are delivered quickly and efficiently direct to those who need it. Taylor Made Designs constantly delivers competitively priced, quality workwear to our teams effectively and efficiently which is why have chosen to renew our partnership.”

Taylor Made Designs has been providing specialist customisable workwear and merchandise to some of the biggest operators in the leisure industry for more than 30 years.

James Taylor, Managing Director, says: “Places Leisure continues to be one of our longest running partners and we are delighted that the relationship will continue. We work hard to evolve the uniform range in line with developing fabric technology and style trends, whilst maintaining high service levels and providing the latest SLA and financial reporting data.

This contract extension cements our position as the one of the leading suppliers of uniform and merchandise to the leisure sector.”

Taylor Made Designs (TMD) supplies a range of customisable water bottles, including an uber cool, insulated stainless steel bottle that keeps water cool for hours, providing a refreshing drink long after refilling. Proinsight – a leading customer experience brand working in the leisure and entertainment sectors has invested in the bottles to help keep the team hydrated.

James Taylor, Managing Director, Taylor Made Designs, says: “The custom branded water bottle has been a stable merchandise product in gyms for many years, both as a retail item and as a member reward. Over the last few years, we have seen the popularity of the plastic bottle be superseded by classy ‘Chilly’ style bottles, which have now become a trendy, must have fashion item with wide appeal. Members and staff not only want a bottle they can use in the gym, they want a bottle they can be proud to take on their commute, whilst out walking or simply conducting their day to day business.”

This is why TMD sourced its insulated water bottle. The product can be custom-branded and is available in a wide range of colours.

Dave Hopkins, Founder at Proinsight, recently purchased these bottles for his team. Dave says: “Encouraging our team to keep hydrated is hugely important. Not drinking enough water can cause headaches, lethargy and dizziness which is obviously not conducive to productivity. Supplying a reusable bottle, that is environmentally produced, also negates the need for disposable cups, helping to keep wastage to a minimum. We like the bottle so much, we bought enough to also share them with our clients!”

Taylor Made Designs (TMD) has become a member of the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), reinforcing the company’s dedication to creating exceptional places and experiences.

“This new membership provides the perfect platform for us to further deepen our professional connections within the Attractions market” says Ed Taylor, Managing Director, TMD.

Ed continues: “We have been supporting the Attractions sector for many years, working with some of the biggest brand names in the sector including Merlin Entertainments, Warner Bros Studio Tour, Southport Pleasureland, Brighton Palace Pier, Hobbledown Heath Adventure Park and The Mary Rose Trust.

“This latest collaboration deepens TMD ‘s connection to the sector. Through this partnership with the TEA, we are joining a network of suppliers, all working together to ensure the Global Attractions market continues to deliver outstanding experiences for visitors and make a growing contribution to the world’s economy.”

The TEA is an international non-profit association representing the world’s leading creators, developers, designers and producers of compelling places and experiences. It is the TEA’s mission to provide a safe, diverse environment for members to enjoy unmatched professional growth and education, and to form new friendships and partnerships. 

More information about TMD

More about the TEA

The team from Taylor Made Designs (TMD) enjoyed two days at the UK’s premium trade show this month, catching up with customers and showcasing samples from their new Leisure Essentials range. The team also introduced industry professionals to the extensive merchandise range and other off-the-shelf workwear.

“For us, trade shows are the arteries that keep our business pumping.” Says TMD, Managing Director, James Taylor. “They provide a critical opportunity to connect face to face with clients and potential clients whilst also creating opportunities for people to experience the real-world quality of our products. They also provide the perfect opportunity for our team to expand their industry knowledge and connections, beyond the walls of their regular working environment. Across the two days of Elevate, we have connected with literally hundreds of people, something that would otherwise take us months.

“Over the last few months, we have really focused on developing our Leisure Essentials range and our merchandise offer to create an affordable, easy access range of garments and products that can be customised to create bespoke collections.

“All our leisure wear items are designed and created for the people who wear them by our team of in-house experts through the application 30 year’s experience and an ongoing commitment to innovation. We also hold high stock volumes at our UK depo and all embroidery is applied by our experienced in-house team of machinists. These factors ensure we can meet high demand and turnround orders quickly and efficiently.”

On-stand at the show Taylor Made showcased a number of Leisure Essential products including our zip tops, bespoke branded leisure essentials and merchandise items including trampoline and indoor play socks, drinks bottles, gym bags, sweat towels.

James adds: “The reception from the industry towards our Leisure Essentials and merchandise has been extremely positive. We already partner with many of the multisite leisure operators and it’s great to have been able to extend our reach to many others. We look forward now to following up all the show-generated conversations over the coming weeks and months.

For more information about TMD’s Leisure Essentials range, merchandise and other available products, visit: taylormadedesigns.co.uk or call the team on: +44(0)1202 473311

Dorset based business, Taylor Made Designs, is backing a brave team of four, committed to enduring on of the world’s most gruelling ocean challenges, aptly named: The World’s Toughest Row.

On 12th December 2024, the Ebb and Flow team will join 40 other crews in San Sebastian, La Gomera, Canary Islands where they will begin their 3,000 mile (4,800km) row across the Atlantic Ocean to reach the shores of Antigua in the Caribbean. The journey is expected to take the team around 3 months with the crew expected to make in excess of 1.5 million oar strokes.

“Taking on the might of the Atlantic Ocean in a rowing boat that measures just 28.5ft is an incredibly ambitious undertaking and one which we are extremely proud to support”, says TMD Managing Director, James Taylor. I am privileged to call one of the crew members a personal friend and have been party to the huge amount of training, planning and preparation being committed to making this epic challenge a safe and successful journey. This is going to be an extreme test of both physical and mental resilience for each and every crew member and we, at TMD, are delighted to be able to support such an epic journey.”

The four Ebb and Flow crew members are Julie Eddicott, Ed Dewar, Mary Sutherland and Sally Percival. All are keen outdoor enthusiasts with a variety of other epic physical and mental water-based challenges under their belts. Julie Eddicott says: “The World’s Toughest Row has been on my radar for many years and its only now I have found the courage, the time and the perfect crew members to make it happen. The support of commercial partners such as Taylor Made Designs makes this challenge commercially viable and all crew members are truly grateful for the opportunity to live-out this life-long ambition.

“We are also using this opportunity to raise funds for four charities, Teenage Cancer Trust, Blesma, Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust and Oarsome Chance. All donations are very much appreciated.”

Over the next few months, the team will be busy mentally and physically preparing for their epic journey and kitting out the boat with all the safety equipment and provisions they need to be sae and totally self-sufficient for several months at sea.

To read more about Ebb and Flow, their preparations, the challenge itself, the crew and the charities the crew ae supporting, visit: ebbflowatlantic.com.

If you would like to donate to the charities, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/ebb-flow-atlantic-row-2024

To find out more about Taylor Made Designs, visit: https://linktr.ee/taylormadedesigns1993

Key statistics and information about the World’s Toughest Row:

• Each Team will row more than 1.5 million oar strokes during the race

• Waves that the crew will experience can measure up to 20ft high

• Rowers will burn in excess of 5,000 calories per day

• There is no toilet on board – just a bucket!

• Rowers can expect to lose up to 8kg in bodyweight during the journey

• Air temperatures will range form below 10 degrees during the night to well over 30 degrees with added humidity as crews approach the end

As part of Taylor Made Design’s (TMD’s) ongoing commitment to its ‘carefully responsible’ sustainability vision, the company has introduced an end of use textile recycling program.

The last report by textile disposal and recycling program partner, Avena, shows , in the first quarter of 2024 approximately 1,200 kg of materials recalled from clients were collected from the TMD offices, sorted, securely shredded down and, where practical to do so, recycled.

When textiles are disposed of via landfill or incineration a side effect is the release of harmful carbon dioxide gases into the environment. By disposing of garments responsibly using this deconstruction and recycling process, a total of 500.345kg of CO2 has been saved from entering our atmosphere.

Ed Taylor, Managing Director, TMD, says: “We are fully committed to the idea of a circular economy where manufacturing materials are recycled rather than dumped as landfill and introduced our ‘end of life’ textile recycling program to provide a secure and sustainable disposal solution for clients. Right now, every second a lorry load of textile waste enters landfill. As an environmentally aware company we are doing our bit to reduce this and it is encouraging to see the positive impact our end of use textiles recycling process is already having on the world around us. TMD already conforms to ISO 9001, the globally recognised standard for quality management and we are in the process of working towards ISO 14001, the internationally recognised standard for environmental management systems (EMS). Achieving this standard is really important to us. In today’s world where climate change, biodiversity loss and resource depletion are affecting the health and sustainability of our planet, company’s like TMD have a significant role to play. The way we structure our processes, dispose of our waste and seek out supply partners with the same sustainability ambitions as ourselves, all contribute to the environmental impact we have on the planet. Working towards ISO 14001 provides a structured approach that guides our practices not only towards regulatory compliance but also towards environmental improvement, whilst also highlighting our environmental commitment to stakeholders, clients and potential clients around the world. We are absolutely committed to meeting this standard.”

In addition to its textile recycling process, TMD also selects partners who share the company’s ‘carefully responsible’ vision, working with a range of suppliers who have strong sustainability ethics.

Ed continues: “Our clients are becoming more and more ethically aware. Right now, it costs more to provide sustainable, ethically sourced workwear because of the costs involved in the manufacture and supply processes. To help clients manage their move to a more sustainable future we provide a full support and consultancy service. Working with clients, we devise strategies that switches-out selected products for more sustainable alternatives in planned and budgeted phases, at a pace that suits both finances and ambitions. The road to a sustainable future is a marathon, not a sprint and we support those willing to make the journey, every step of the way.”

In a drive to support healthy hydration habits, Taylor Made Designs (TMD) has launched a range of drinks bottles, including the new eco-friendly Ocean Bottle, to provide always-at-hand hydration solutions that are good for the planet as well as the individual.

For every Ocean Bottle sold, the manufacturer funds the collection of 11.4kg of ocean-bound plastic, the equivalent to 1,000 plastic bottles. This is helping to tackle the increasing environmental problems associated with the release of plastic into our oceans and improves the livelihoods in coastal communities. The bottle itself is entirely carbon neutral, manufactured largely from recycled stainless steel, with the ability to keep drinks hot or cold for up to 8 hours. It is also fully customisable.

James Taylor, MD at TMD, says: “Stainless steel drinks bottles provide a more sustainable alternative to plastic bottles. They also perform better in terms of their ability to keep drinks hot or cold for longer making the whole drinking experience more pleasurable. At TMD we take our environmental responsibility very seriously and are actively encouraging our customers to make purchasing choices based on the environmental impact. We love these Ocean Bottles because they align to our ambition to create a more sustainable future.”

In addition to the Ocean Bottles, TMD provides a range of alternative customisable drinks bottles to suit every need and budget.

James continues: “Hydration is so important to health. According to the Eatwell Guide referenced on the NHS website, we should all be aiming to drink between 6-8 glasses of fluid – preferably water, per day. Having a stylish drinks bottle at hand makes it super easy to always have access to fluids and to ensure dehydration does not become a problem.”

For more information about the full range of customisable drinks bottled supplied by TMD, plus many other merchandise products, visit: taylormadedesigns.co.uk

n response to the growing popularity of its own-brand range of leisure wear and merchandise, Taylor Made Designs (TMD) has added a host of new products to its Leisure Essentials range.

Designed and created for the people that wear it, the Leisure Essentials range launched last year to answer a growing demand from leisure operators for affordable, customisable team wear that exudes comfort, durability and style.

“We have been blown away by the success of our new line.” explains MD James Taylor, Founder and MD at TMD. When we launched Leisure Essentials, we stocked a limited range of garments. Over time, as demand has grown, we have extended the range which now includes lifeguard uniforms, a ¼ zip sports sweat top, shorts and track pants, all available in a range of colours and all customisable to create bespoke, workwear that unites a team under a collective brand.

“Leisure Essentials garments are designed in-house by TMD’s team of leisure experts and this is evident in the finer details of the product. Fabrics are carefully selected with comfort and resilience in mind. For example, our life guard uniforms are all moisture wicking to accommodate the humidity of a pool hall and our sports shorts incorporate a carabiner key hook on the belt to ensure keys are always at hand.”

The Leisure Essentials range is designed to meet the everyday needs of those who wear it whilst providing operators with quick and reliable access to stock.

James continues: “Our warehouse facility in the UK holds significant volume of all Leisure Essential items, meaning our supply chain is unaffected by continuing import challenges. We can also add custom-embroidery via our team of expert in-house machinists meaning orders can be dispatched within just a few days of order receipt. Knowing that we can turnaround orders in a matter of days negates the need for operators to store reserve stock on site where space is often a challenge. We also offer a no-minimum order policy so operators can order as little or as much stock as they need at any given time.”

To find out more about the Leisure Essentials range visit taylormadedesigns.co.uk