BIG PR February 2012/Page 1
Press Release
For Immediate Publication
BIG Name Badges and Business Print Launch Upgraded Selfit Software
Hampton Hill, UK. February 2012: BIG, the leading badges and business print
specialist for hospitality, events and conferences has launched Selfit Global, its
revised total industry solution for high-quality reusable badges and inserts. The
system, which is still the only complete solution on the events market, will showcase
on the BIG stand G612 during Confex International 2012.
Selfit Global is an enhanced version of the highly popular Selfit badging system. As
a web-based release, it is global in its structure and in the choices the user will have
around the platform. The software has been adapted to match the increased use of
mobile technology within the industry and can now be downloaded or accessed
online for use in the office or on-site. BIG calls this new version the go-to system for
stress-free badging, designed to help event and conference organisers achieve
flawless professional and image enhancing name badges, anywhere, anytime.
Selfit Global is the result of ongoing conversations with customers and investment in
innovative new technologies over the last year. It is hailed as a future-proofed
system, capable of coping with advances in usage and new technologies. The BIG
Selfit development team consider this global version to be a fresh approach to
badging solutions currently used by event and conference organisers. The software
is equipped with advanced design and editing features, improved accessibility and
sharing facilities for onsite printing. Its smart applications and features work online,
offline and through an iPad® app.
Selfit’s enhanced user experience is practical and efficient, providing real flexibility for
a more effective and productive badging system. The system continues to revolve
around saving time and reducing the hassles typically associated with preparing
badges for events. Real-time reporting and printing; generation of 1D and 2D
barcodes; easy download and sharing of files in excel and PDF formats are included
as standard features while the new upgraded software is designed to be used
anywhere, whether in the office, on site or on the move.
BIG PR February 2012/Page 2
As in the current Selfit badging system, Selfit Global comes complete with printers,
badges, cards, ribbons, lanyards, fastenings, wallets and software. Name badges
and print products are re-usable and eco-friendly, and can be adapted to whatever
the size and complexity of the event. In all cases, BIG name badges come in a range
of sizes to accommodate personalisation and display information. Their long-lasting,
scratch-resistant surface keeps badges looking like new, time-after-time, saving
money and limiting environmental impact.
Tim Smith, General Manager at BIG commented, “By using new tools from the Brady
R&D team, we have produced the finest version of our Selfit software to date. As part
of the process, we were able to interview existing customers worldwide to get an
understanding of what they need today and what they might need in the future. We
incorporated these insights in our design and we now have our first version of the
software. Our work with Selfit Global does not stop here. We are already in
development with Phases 2 and 3 which include even more new and useful tools and
applications for the event professional.”
Mark Alderman, BIG’s Operations Manager added, “Our customers were constantly
engaged in our development. We listened to them and followed their use of new
technology. We set out to build an enhanced platform that is robust and flexible
enough to handle upgrades and future technological innovation. We believe that
Selfit Global has achieved precisely that, and we are confident that our customers
will love the ease of use and new way of stress-free badging.”
Emily Brouder, BIG Marketing Manager said, “BIG badges are already the badge of
choice for hospitality, events and conferences. Used with our portable Selfit
Printers, event and conference organisers can confidently handle last minute arrivals
and unexpected delegates onsite, producing - in seconds - the same high-quality
name badges as the ones prepared earlier in the office.”
BIG PR February 2012/Page 3
The BIG investment in innovation and technology is ongoing and the company is
constantly upgrading and adding value to their products and services. The BIG
product range includes print material such as event and conference material and
business cards; smart cards, permanent employee ID name badges for customer
facing staff, and professional, re-usable name badges, wallets, lanyards and wristbands and accessories for festivals, events, conferences and sport activities.
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BIG PR February 2012/Page 4
BIG Picture Gallery
Pix A: Selfit Global screenshot of desktop dashboard
Pix B: Selfit Global screenshot of product Set
BIG PR February 2012/Page 5
Pix C: Screenshot of Selfit Global working screen showing badge with QR code
Pix D: Selfit Global App for iPad®
BIG PR February 2012/Page 6
Getting to Know BIG Badges and Business Print
BIG, the UK badge and business print specialist and Europe’s largest dedicated
supplier of high quality name badges, custom lanyards and business print, was
founded in 1988. Originally set up as PDMS, it later changed its name to Badge
International Group as it focussed on the badge market. Badge International Group
was adapted to B.I.G. and then rebranded as BIG in 2010. It quickly built an enviable
reputation as a market leader, setting international standards in customer service,
and in developing and implementing innovative badging and print solutions.
Today, BIG supplies an extensive range of high quality name and ID badges that are
designed to raise the value, visibility and prestige of client brands whenever they are
used. BIG also supplies business print solutions for conferences and events that
include business cards, conference material and other print. Together with event and
corporate accessories, the BIG range of products offer quality solutions catering for
all budgets and sizes of operation within the private and public sectors.
The BIG philosophy has always been about eliminating unnecessary stress and
making life easier for clients by providing them with an exceptional product. Following
years of investment and innovation, the BIG operations have become leading
examples of customer-focused, efficient and cost-effective solutions. BIG was first
accredited with the BSI ISO Quality certification in 1998 and has held it ever since.
The company was first to invest in digital printing for name badges. BIG was also the
first company to offer online ordering and software for name badges. The BIG E@SY
software system for business cards has successfully provided blue chip companies
and well loved brands with cost-savings and central purchasing control, all available
through the BIG streamlined online procurement system. The same system has
provided companies of all sizes with flexibility and cost savings.
As businesses look for cost effective and time saving solutions and adopt web based
processes, BIG continues to push forward and pilot revolutionary practices. BIG
badge and print solutions are market leaders within the MICE industry for both
private and public sectors, creating the right impression for visitors, guests, delegates
BIG PR February 2012/Page 7
and organisers at events, conferences, meetings and spectator activities such as
sports, festivals and exhibitions. BIG badge solutions are also synonymous with
customer facing staff badges within retail, hospitality, transport, education and
nursing, leisure and cultural sectors in particular.
BIG is headquartered in Hampton Hill, West London and supplies its products from
its 11,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Ipswich. BIG processes more than two
million name badges and 13 million business cards each year for companies of all
sizes and across industries.
In November 2003, BIG was acquired by Brady Corporation, thus joining forces with
a world leader in identification solutions. The Brady Corporation is an international
manufacturer and marketer of complete solutions that identify and protect premises,
products and people. Its portfolio of products help customers increase safety,
security, productivity and performance and include high-performance labels and
signs, safety devices, printing systems and software and precision die-cut materials.
Based in Milwaukee, the Brady Group has operations in 22 countries, and distribution
in over 100 others. They are present in the UK, Ireland, France Spain, Germany, the
USA and Asia-Pacific.
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BIG
5 Hampton Hill Business Park
High Street, Hampton Hill
TW12 1NP
F: +44 (0) 208 614 8800
E: marketing@big.co.uk
W: www.big.co.uk
BIG PR February 2012/Page 8
The BIG Timeline…Tracing the BIG Firsts and Successes over the Years
1988
PDMS set up, with its first office in Isleworth
1991
Selfit product launched; patent obtained
1992
PDMS launches in France
1993
PDMS wins biggest UK name badge contract
PDMS changes its name to Badge International Group
1994
Badge International Group opens the first production facility in Ipswich
1995
Started Business Cards Direct
1996
Badge International Group becomes BIG Group
1997
BIG launches first dedicated E@SY online ordering system for business cards
1998
www.biggroup.com is launched
Commercial offices moved to Teddington
BIG achieves BSI ISO Quality certification
2000
The birth of the BIG Dalmatians
2000
BIG invests in the first two HP Indigo presses $700k inv
2003
Brady Corporation acquires BIG
2005
BIG acquires new Indigo press $700k
2008
BIG handles the largest singular personalised name badge rollout in the UK for a major
European supermarket brand
2009
BIG launches in Spain
2010
BIG rebrands with a fresh sharp new look
BIG wins Santander Supplier Award
2012
BIG launches Selfit Global, the only complete new total badging solution with software
for reusable badges and inserts
BIG PR February 2012/Page 9
Our Gallery of BIG People
Tim Smith, BIG General Manager
19 Years with BIG
Finest BIG Moment
There have been so many over the years. This year, it is being
able to work on the London 2012 Games, which is really
showcasing what we are able to do as an organisation - from
our customer care and quality of our advice for the best
approach, to the marketing and selling of our products, right
through to the finished production.
What does working at BIG mean to you?
It means being part of the BIG family. We have an amazing
loyal team who are passionate about success and who
contantly look at ways in which we can improve and grow our
business.They are dedicated, loyal and just amazing.
Mark Alderman, BIG Operations Manager
16 Years with BIG
Finest BIG moment
Too many to mention…when we work as a team, we deliver the
impossible! From the Microsoft Plaques to Tesco and ASDA
staff badges roll-out to our 2012 global sporting debut with NFL
name badges.
What does working at BIG mean to you?
It has always meant a lot, as we've always been a young, fun
and customer focused business. Hence why I've been here for
most of my working life. It is being able to do a great job whilst
having fun in the process! It is working with truly fantastic
people, who have a sense of purpose as well as a sense of
humour and understand that when we have a challenge, as a
team we really are greater than the sum of our parts.
BIG PR February 2012/Page 10
Emily Brouder, BIG Marketing Manager
13 Years with BIG
Finest BIG moment
I really couldn't pick just one! But playing my part in BIG
winning the Microsoft, Tesco and B&Q business has to be right
up there! I still get that buzz every time the work we do
generates interest in our products and services, and results in
fantastic new business for us and tailored solutions for the
customer.
What does working at BIG mean to you?
I am very proud that I get to work with such a dynamic,
customer-focused (and fun!) brand and business such as BIG.
You might think that badges and accessories aren't exciting, but
you’d be wrong! I love the fact that I get to market great quality
products and solutions which are designed to make our
customers' working lives easier. It makes my job a dream!
Every day is different and provides a new challenge and
opportunity to bring our solutions and customers together.
Craig Kinnersley, BIG Sales Director
1 Year with BIG
Finest BIG moment
Being asked to join the company.
What does working at BIG mean to you?
It’s a great team with brilliant products, so it’s very easy to get
up in the morning and go to work. Once there, time flies by –
and as the challenges of doing business arise, we find
innovative solutions… solutions which satisfy our clients. As this
happens, the energy within the team is infectious. That is BIG.
BIG PR February 2012/Page 11
Spokespeople for comment include Tim Smith, BIG General Manager. Detailed Biog
information is available upon request. For a list of services and products, please visit
www.big.co.uk.
Contact Details
Tim Smith
General Manager
T: +44 (0) 208 614 8917
E: tim@big.co.uk
Mark Alderman
Operations Manager
T: +44 (0) 208 614 8821
E: marka@big.co.uk
Emily Brouder
Marketing Manager
T: +44 (0) 208 614 8906
E: emily@big.co.uk
Craig Kinnersley
Sales Director
T: +44 (0) 208 614 8914
E: craig.kinnersley@big.co.uk
F: +44 (0) 208 614 8800
E: marketing@big.co.uk
W: www.big.co.uk