Home Run for Flag and Flagpole Business

posted 16th December 2008

FAMILY-RUN firm based in Darlington has struck a deal to provide flags and flagpoles to the UK's biggest housebuilder - only months after being commissioned to make the first flags for London 2012.

Harrison External Display Systems - the largest flagpole maker in the UK - has been contracted to supply bespoke flags and its specialist glass fibre flagpoles to each of Taylor Wimpey's 400 development sites across the UK.

The deal for the business, which employs about 40 people, comes on the back of winning the contract to supply three flags and flagpoles to the London Olympics, which were unveiled for the first time at the flag-raising ceremony last October.

It is also the latest commission from a housebuilder for Harrison, which has set up bases in the US and Middle East. The company has also worked with Barratt Developments, Miller Homes, Dunelm Homes and Dorbcrest.

The company, based in Borough Road, in Darlington, is run by Adrian Harrison, whose father Buster set it up about 40 years ago. Previous commissions include flags for the Tour de France, World Cup and London Marathon.

Andrew Hobson, commercial development manager with Harrison, said the deal is another major coup for the firm and will help with its expansion plans.

“To have secured such a sizeable deal with a prestige brand such as Taylor Wimpey is a testament to the quality of products and tailored services we are able to offer our clients,” he said.

“As we expand the range of products we have to offer, we are in a better position than ever to deliver value-formoney solutions for every budget - from premium business customers through to individual buyers looking for a flagpole for their home.”

Harrison will be supplying Taylor Wimpey with its newly-designed glass fibre cylinder flagpoles, manufactured specifically for the home construction industry.

Mr Hobson said: “Twenty years ago, glass fibre was the most popular choice of flagpole available on the market. Aluminium then came along as a lower cost, less durable, solution. With our new costeffective cylindrical design, glass fibre is now an accessible option for more and more customers.”

Ian Wilson, head of procurement at Taylor Wimpey, said flags are an important factor in their publicity and brand awareness.

“At Taylor Wimpey, we are dedicated to quality in every area of our business. Often our on-site flags are a customer's first introduction to our brand. As such, it is essential that they provide a true representation of our company,” he said.