It was a pleasure to welcome Jason McCartney, Chairman of Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, to our new Huddersfield premises recently.
Jason has long been a passionate advocate for businesses across Huddersfield and West Yorkshire, particularly our manufacturing sector. He understands the challenges local businesses face, but more importantly, he champions the opportunities that exist when businesses work together, invest and continue to innovate.
Having the chance to show him around our new home gave us the opportunity to demonstrate how HAD-Print has evolved. From commercial print and large format graphics through to branded workwear, signage, promotional merchandise and brand implementation, we’ve continued to invest in bringing more production under one roof, making life easier for our customers and giving them greater consistency across everything that carries their brand.
Manufacturing remains a huge part of our business. We work alongside manufacturers throughout the region, helping them improve efficiency, maintain brand consistency and present themselves professionally, whether that’s on the factory floor, in the boardroom or out on customer sites.
Mid Yorkshire Chamber continues to play an important role in connecting businesses, sharing knowledge and creating opportunities across the region. Being part of that community isn’t simply about networking; it’s about surrounding yourself with businesses that genuinely want to see Yorkshire succeed.
Thank you, Jason, for taking the time to visit us, for your continued support of local businesses and for everything you do to champion manufacturing and enterprise across our region. We look forward to working together and continuing the conversation.
Here’s to a strong future for Huddersfield business.
Last year, we upgraded our mug printing capabilities to deliver even greater flexibility and quality for our clients. We now produce both 11oz standard and 15oz supersize mugs, printed using high-quality sublimation for a durable, long-lasting finish.
This process allows for sharp detail, vibrant colour, and creative freedom — giving you a branded product that looks great and stands the test of time.
But branded mugs do more than hold a drink. They’re a practical, cost-effective way to keep your business visible every single day.
Why Branded Mugs Work for Your Business
Everyday visibility that builds recognition
Branded mugs naturally become part of daily routines — on desks, in kitchens, and in meeting rooms. That constant presence keeps your brand front of mind for both the user and the people around them.
A single mug can generate thousands of impressions over its lifetime, delivering long-term exposure that most digital campaigns simply can’t match. Because they’re useful and used regularly, they create strong brand recall and help your business stay memorable in a crowded marketplace.
A smart, cost-effective marketing tool
When it comes to return on investment, branded mugs deliver real value. The upfront cost is low, but the ongoing visibility is high — resulting in an exceptionally low cost per impression.
They’re a strong option for growing businesses looking to build recognition without heavy marketing spend, while also offering established brands a practical way to reinforce consistency and presence.
Strengthening loyalty and perception
High-quality branded merchandise creates positive associations with your business. A well-designed mug used daily becomes linked to moments of pause, conversation, and routine — subtly reinforcing your brand in a positive way.
They also make valued gifts for customers, teams, and partners. When thoughtfully produced, they show attention to detail and strengthen the perception of your brand as reliable and considered.
Versatile across sectors and uses
Branded mugs are one of the most adaptable promotional products available. They work across corporate offices, hospitality, retail, education, and events — anywhere your brand interacts with people.
Use them to:
Serve drinks to clients and visitors
Create consistent internal branding across teams
Gift to customers or partners
Enhance your own retail or café experience
Wherever they appear, they reinforce brand presence and professionalism.
Taking It Further: Complete Branded Gift Sets
If you’re gifting mugs, we can help you create a complete branded experience. We offer in-house branded outer packaging, designed and produced under one roof for full consistency and quality control.
Add coffee sachets, tea, or small treats to create a thoughtful branded pack that feels considered and premium — ideal for client gifting, onboarding packs, or promotional campaigns.
Built for Visibility. Designed to Last.
Branded mugs are simple, effective, and proven. When produced well, they deliver lasting visibility and genuine value for your brand.
If you’re looking for a practical way to keep your business seen and remembered, we’ll help you create a solution that works — and keeps working.
This September as we talk a lot about a winter favourite of the Hoodie, and watch our socials for the battle of the hoodie, where we pit a few great hoodies against each other, Here’s a few. fascinating facts to get you started.
When you slip into your favourite hoodie, you’re not just embracing comfort—you’re celebrating a piece of history, culture, and innovation. At Apparel Monkey, we’re passionate about creating premium hoodies that help you express your unique style, delivering great quality and a story with every piece.
However, you’ll be surprised at some of the key moments in the history of the Hoodie. Here’s 10 surprising hoodie facts that’ll make you appreciate this everyday essential item even more.
1. Medieval monks were the original Hoodie lovers
Long before contemporary streetwear existed, medieval monks rocked hooded tunics in the 12th century! These “cowls” kept them warm during chilly prayers and symbolized humility. We know that your Hoodies create your own culture and have their own storytelling associated with them, so why not start your own Hoodie Culture?
2. Champion invented the modern hoodie… for factory workers.
The first over the head hoodie, as we know it, was created in the 1930s by Champion to protect laborers from freezing New York winters. Little did they know, they’d created a legendary functional design that would become a global fashion icon.
3. The term “Hoodie” is younger than you think
Though hoodies existed for decades, the word “hoodie” only entered the dictionary in the 1990s! It gained traction alongside hip-hop culture and skater trends, proving slang can shape fashion history.
4. Hip-Hop turned Hoodie into a cultural
Run-D.M.C., Tupac, and Aaliyah made hoodies synonymous with 80s/90s hip-hop rebellion. The cult, the styles which were developed, defined the culture of the music and made the style become a massive defining element. Creating garment merchandise was a way of spreading the brand, so it’s why you’re reading this. Apparel Monkey is here to help you create your brand.
5. High Fashion labels often immediate culture
Over the years, many leading “high fashion labels” have edged into Hoodies. Luxury brands like Balenciaga and Vetements sent $1,200 hoodies down runways, blending streetwear with haute couture.
6. The sky is the limit – and no limits on price tags!
The “Diamond Destiny” hoodie ($150,000) by Elite Model World holds the title of the priciest ever, dripping with diamonds and 24k gold. At Apparel Monkey know and understand premium hoodies; besides, we’ve seen some stunners and know how to make you achieve the look.
7. NASA’S Astronauts wear hoodies in space.
From 2019, NASA designed hoodies with Velcro patches to hold tools during spacewalks. Which just proves it’s one of the most versatile items of apparel going. Here at Apparel Monkey, we can trim your hoodies with different colour pull cords to make them more yours!
8. Hoodies can be a symbol of resistance
After Trayvon Martin’s tragic death in 2012, the Million Hoodie March sparked global activism. The hoodie became a powerful emblem of solidarity and justice. A simple item can be the cornerstone of creating great messages – just like the “Person standing in front of you” hoodies from the last few years.
9. Tech-forward and friendly hoodies…
Back in 2014, Tommy Hilfiger’s “Wearable Tech” hoodie had built-in wireless headphones. Yes, we have everyday hoodies with phone pockets, eyelet holes for cables, but the innovation at the other end of the scale takes some matching. Experiment with solar-powered heating and anti-pollution fabrics. Let us know what features you want – even if it is super soft, and we’ll match you to the right hoodies.
10. Research backs hoodies boosting your productivity.
Over the last decade, if not longer, research by academics and others has proven that comfortable clothing enhances focus and creativity. Here at Apparel Monkey, we test products, so we can give you honest feedback and tell you watch matters.
Simply put, Apparel Monkey, we know our hoodies, we have studied the history, seen the cheap ones over the years, done stunning prints where others couldn’t achieve the results, and know how to trim something to give it the edge. Above all, we have some great options, and are available to get touchy-feely with in our show room – so see the feature videos when we upload them on our social channels.
