1966; The year EMC was born. Started by Alan and Audrey Soloway in a North London garage, the beginning had exciting prospects. We used a foil stamping machine to imprint a company’s name and phone number onto hexagonal pencils. We then sent a sample in the post. When small companies heard on the grapevine that they could make their very own pencils (and pens later on!) it was a huge revelation. Its fair to say that business grew very quickly, but it didn’t stop there… After several upgrades - from office to office and factory to factory, the business then moved to Derwent House in Whetstone. This was home to a purpose-built factory, housing 30 machines that allowed us to create promotional gifts at an incredible rate. The arrival of the internet and easily accessible markets changed the business model. The days of running a set catalogue of goods with high stocks and the occasional ‘special’ were long gone. The opportunity to change the model to offer a more consultative approach sourcing products to order presented itself. The ever-growing range of products led us to a path of finding new partners who specialise in printing focused lines. It was already a surprise to see that the same factory was producing the likes of umbrellas and ceramic mugs, however by working closely together, we gained a mutual understanding of capability and processes. The advantages in fabrication skills from domestic factories, combined with advantages in Europe and the Far East led the EMC team to start searching further afield for more than the ‘ordinary’ stock. This has led us to be able to make completely bespoke products- including electronics, from as few as 350 units! Ranging from products as diverse as wood moisture meters, character mascot soft toys, professional triathlon suits, deck chairs and even bean bags, each project certainly has its challenges, they also have plenty of perks. Plus- we love a challenge!

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• Promotional Gifts

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