The benefits of branded merchandise for Devon businesses

Promotional products have long been a powerful tool in the marketing toolkit of businesses. In Devon, where a rich blend of history and modern industry coexist, these products offer unique opportunities for companies, organizations, schools, and non-profits to elevate their brand and foster stronger relationships with their customers, employees, and communities.

A brief history of Devon

Devon, a county in southwest England, boasts a rich history that dates back to prehistoric times, with ancient stone circles and settlements. Originally home to the Celtic tribe known as the Dumnonii, the area was lightly influenced by Roman rule before becoming part of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Wessex. Exeter, the county's capital, was a key city during the Viking and Norman invasions, with its Roman walls and famous cathedral marking its historical significance.

Devon’s maritime history is particularly notable. Plymouth served as the departure point for the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower in 1620 and was home to naval heroes like Sir Francis Drake and Sir Walter Raleigh. These figures played crucial roles in England’s naval dominance and colonial expansion.

Throughout history, Devon’s economy has been shaped by agriculture, fishing, and mining, particularly for tin and copper. The county also became a popular tourist destination during the Victorian era, thanks to its scenic landscapes and coastal resorts. Today, Devon balances its historical roots with a thriving modern economy, making it a unique and vibrant region for business.

The many types of promotional items

Promotional products come in a wide variety of forms, each suited to different industries, occasions, and target audiences. Here are some popular types of promotional items that Devon businesses can use:

• Apparel: T-shirts, hoodies, hats, and jackets are some of the most popular promotional products. Branded apparel acts as a walking billboard for your business and is particularly effective in creating team unity at events or spreading brand awareness. 
• Stationery: Pens, notebooks, and calendars are timeless choices. They are often used in office settings, making them a practical yet subtle way to keep your brand in front of people. 
• Bags: Tote bags, backpacks, and drawstring bags are highly functional and eco-friendly options. They’re often used at trade shows, exhibitions, or as part of giveaways, ensuring your brand travels wherever the bag goes. 
• Drinkware: Mugs, reusable water bottles, and travel cups are incredibly popular as promotional items. These products are not only eco-friendly but also perfect for daily use, offering continuous brand exposure. 
• Event giveaways: Custom lanyards, badges, and wristbands are often used at large events, trade shows, and conferences to boost brand recognition while also serving a practical purpose. 
• Charity merchandise: Charity events can benefit from branded merchandise like wristbands, pins, or T-shirts that not only promote a cause but also increase awareness of your business's community involvement. 
• Tech products: Branded USB sticks, phone chargers, and wireless earbuds are increasingly popular, especially for businesses in the technology and education sectors. 
• Outdoor products: Items like umbrellas, picnic blankets, and coolers are great promotional tools for Devon’s outdoor-loving community, especially in tourism and hospitality. 
• Eco-products: Reusable items like bamboo cutlery, reusable bags, and eco-friendly notebooks cater to a growing eco-conscious audience, aligning your brand with sustainability efforts.

Where custom printed promotional giveaways can be used

Promotional products are versatile and can be effectively used in various contexts to promote a brand, improve visibility, and build relationships.

• Trade shows and exhibitions: These events provide the perfect opportunity for businesses to distribute promotional products to potential customers. Products such as branded bags or drinkware can create lasting impressions and encourage attendees to learn more about your offerings. 
• Corporate events and networking functions: Whether it's for employee appreciation, industry conferences, or internal meetings, promotional items like tech gadgets and apparel strengthen corporate identity and show appreciation to both customers and staff. 
• Customer and employee loyalty programs: Many businesses use promotional products to thank loyal customers or reward high-performing employees. Apparel, tech gadgets, and luxury items like premium drinkware often help build stronger, long-term relationships. 
• Charity fundraising: In Devon, where community and charitable efforts play a big role, branded products like tote bags, T-shirts, and pins can support fundraising events while reinforcing your brand's commitment to social causes. 
• Schools and educational organizations: Schools can use branded products for open days, alumni events, and as gifts for students. Stationery, apparel, and tech products like USB drives can all be tailored to represent the institution’s brand. 
• Non-profits: Promotional products are invaluable for non-profit organizations in Devon, helping raise awareness of their cause while also driving engagement at fundraising events and community initiatives.

Types of businesses in Devon that can benefit from custom promotional products

From small, family-owned businesses in Devon’s rural areas to larger corporations in its cities, a wide range of organizations can benefit from using promotional products:

• Retail businesses: Offering branded bags or loyalty gifts can enhance the shopping experience while promoting brand recall. 
• Tourism and hospitality: Hotels, restaurants, and attractions in Devon can use branded drinkware, bags, and outdoor products to ensure visitors take a piece of their experience home with them. 
• Corporate companies: Tech gadgets, stationery, and apparel can serve as corporate gifts or giveaways at conferences and meetings. 
• Educational institutions: Schools, colleges, and universities can use promotional products during admissions campaigns, alumni events, and graduations to foster school pride and identity. 
• Non-profits and charities: These organizations can promote their mission with affordable, effective branded items like wristbands, T-shirts, and eco-friendly products to spread awareness.

Summing up business promotional products in Devon

For Devon businesses, promotional products offer a cost-effective and creative way to enhance brand visibility, build customer loyalty, and foster a sense of community. Whether it's through a branded umbrella gifted at a local event or eco-friendly stationery given to a loyal customer, these items have the potential to leave a lasting impression while driving business growth in the historic and culturally rich county of Devon.

Curated by Gareth Parkin   |   Product Marketing Director

As the founder of GoPromotional, Gareth has developed an enviable reputation as an expert in the promotional products industry with over 25 years experience. As an active member of the BPMA, ASI and Forbes Business Council, he regularly shares his wealth of industry knowledge and perspective in order to drive the branded merchandise sector forwards. With an entrepreneurial mind, Gareth has his finger on the pulse of our UK and international operations. Responsible for marketing and technical operations, he continually motivates the team with his vision, enthusiasm and desire to be the very best.

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