Olympic Handover

Flagpole Express have been commissioned as main suppliers to Councils all over the UK, to provide flagpoles & Flags, from repairs to new installations.

The Olympics have created a huge increase in demand for flags and flagpoles, when the 2008 Beijing Olympics came to an end, it became London's turn to take up the Olympic flag and fly it for the next four years. From the moment it was handed from the Mayor of Beijing to the Mayor of London Boris Johnson.

Flying the Flag for F1's McLaren-Mercedes.

In this day and age flying a flag has many different meanings. Its origins are steeped in military history, assisting infantry co-ordination in battle for example, but in recent years a new purpose has taken a stronghold over the way flags are used; now you?re more likely to find a flag flying corporate logos and slogans as opposed to patriotic colours or regimental insignia.

Shaun Bowmer found himself, quite by chance in the industry some years ago, and as he realized the potential in using flags as a tool for corporate messaging and advertising, after 16 years in the industry he set out on his own and founded Flagpole Express. The midlands-based manufacturer and supplier of corporate flagpole systems, established only last year, has its attentions firmly facing skyward and has already gained contracts to supply many prestigious companies, amongst them are Mobil - one of the major sponsors and technology partners of the McLaren-Mercedes Formula One Team.

Shaun Bowmer says, "After being in the industry for so many years I already had a good knowledge of the market and its demands, but we wanted to offer a more substantial service to our clients so we started manufacturing."

By setting themselves apart from other flag suppliers, Flagpole Express can offer more control over lead times, a quicker service and above all, more competitive pricing. Not only that but Shaun has invested in the 'one-stop-shop' ethic to the rule and offers replacement flags, service contracts for after-sales care and rest easy in the knowledge that there is a professional and highly skilled installation team on hand. Flagpole Express also clean and repair existing older systems so that the client does not necessarily need to buy completely new.

Shaun explains, "We supply many privately owned car dealerships and some national ones, but as you can image when a dealership is taken over the actual flag poles may still be in good condition and therefore a good clean and new flags boasting their corporate logos or latest offers make the same big impression a new system would."

Mobil's PR agency approached Flagpole Express earlier this year requesting flag systems for the McLaren-Mercedes Garden Party which was being held prior to the British Grand Prix weekend in July. Serena Fidgett, from the PR agency, dealt directly with Flagpole Express for the event. She says, "Hosting an event on that scale was extremely challenging and was made all the better for dealing with professional companies like Shaun's. The flags looked stunning, making a big impression especially along the driveway of the stately home, and the service was faultless. Everything looked great on the day and the guys were really helpful."

The event was attended by anyone who was anyone on the Formula One scene including the man of the moment, Lewis Hamilton and team-mate Fernando Alonso. Held in the stunning grounds of Holdenby House in Northamptonshire the lawn was littered with fabulous cars and the entertainment was held in a magnificent transparent marquee. The Mobil corporate flags flew on opposite sides of the grand the driveway greeting visitors and staff alike.

There are many different types of flag-pole and banners systems around suiting all sizes and budgets for indoor and outdoor use. The flags themselves are digitally printed on materials such as knitted polyester and are all roped, toggled ready to fly. The banner systems are digitally printed on premier grade, hard wearing PVC and come hemmed and eyeleted as well.

Jaguar dealership displays by Flagpole Express

Due to the sheer size of flat square-footage needed for most car dealerships, one of the most tries and tested methods of making their range and offers stand out from the road-side, is the flagpole display system. Rarely has such a way of advertising been so popular and effective and Stratstone Jaguar have recently refreshed their look by using local manufacturer and supplier, Flagpoles Express.

The Jaguar dealership chose a mix of the classic Union Jack flag flying alongside their company branded flag for their forecourt, a combination that truly reflect the Jaguar marques rich and distinguished heritage.

Flagpole Express, based in Derbyshire, have over 16 years of experience behind them in a wide range of flagpole and banner systems. The Dealer Principle comments, "I was extremely impressed with Flagpole Express' professionalism and they handled the supply, from start to finish with minimal disruption. The end result was a great looking product reflecting the high standard Jaguar is renowned for."

Stratstone Jaguar chose the Classic flagpole system; constructed from 60mm diameter aluminum tubes with a 3mm wall thickness, powder coated white to give a long lasting durable finish. They are supplied with domed top, cleat and quality 5mm braided rope and the brackets are fabricated from mild steel, etch primed and powder coated white to match.

Lightweight yet strong construction that will last and look good for many years is then set-off by quality digitally printed flags; printed onto knitted polyester then roped, toggled and eyeleted ready to fly. Flagpole Express design and fabricate many of their own systems meaning that they offer a more flexible service than other suppliers. They also produce a range of banner frames, wall-mounted banners and flagpoles, lamppost banner brackets to name a few.

Philipine Embassy, London

Flagpole Express supplies the Philippine Embassy with a new Flagpole system at their new premises.

Foreign Embassies in London are immediately identified by their national flag that flies proudly from the front of the building. These embassies provide a valuable range of services and assistance to their nationals who may be working or visiting the UK and help and promote tourism to their country. Flagpole Express were honoured to provide and install a classic 5 metre flagpole with gold finial for the front of the Philippine Embassy when they moved to their new premises in London.

Cultural diversity corridor for Central London Girls School

Flagpole Express have transformed one of the corridors of the CFGS into a stunning walkway of international flags in line with the schools celebration of promoting multicultural, multi-faith education and community cohesion.

Thirteen high quality, hand-sewn national flags were supplied, which were hung from 1.5 meter white flagpoles complete with bespoke designed brackets enabling you to walk underneath them. The idea concerning the flagpoles arose out of the school's ethos and a desire to promote languages and the diversity of cultures in the school; currently they are building strong links with schools in countries such as Kenya, South Africa and Japan. The flags supplied were, Union Jack, France, Spain, Bangladesh, South Africa, Iraq, China, Japan, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Kenya and European Union.

Flagpole Express design and fabricate many of their own systems, enabling them to offer a more flexible service than other suppliers.

Observer Sport Monthly Magazine

Flagpole Express yet again make their mark in the capital city, by getting together with the prestigious Observer Sport Monthly magazine and supplying a traditional hand made appliquéd sewn Union Jack.

The Observer Sport Monthly, part of the Guardian Media Group plc is a supplement series of The Observer broadsheet and has a weekly circulation of nearly 500,000. Shaun Bowmer of Flagpole Express says, "This is a fantastic opportunity to get our name out to the masses - the sporting public is highly patriotic and loyal whether to country or team!"