Images_December_2019_Digital Edition

INDUSTRY NEWS www.images-magazine.com 18 images DECEMBER 2019 Alan Quinn Alan Quinn, founder of UK Leisurewear, passed away on Thursday 24 October 2019 Alan Quinn was the founder of one of the UK’s first multi-brand garment distributors, UK Leisurewear (UKL). Alan started in the industry as a screen printer, working with his brother under the company name Sprint Print, before forming UKL in April 1990. In addition to stocking the leading brands, the company created a number of its own, market- differentiating brands. Further confirming his level of ambition, Alan also formed other European offices and trading alliances with European-based distributors. The company ran into difficulties before folding in 2010. Alan left the industry at this point before taking a sabbatical in Cyprus from 2012 to 2016. On his return to the UK he set up his most recent business, retail clothing company Larablue. Roger McHugh, managing director of Beechfield Brands, remembers Alan’s commitment to UKL. “UKL were very progressive, had amazing customer service and a sharp, modern image. They were very well-liked by their customers, and they expanded very quickly to become an industry leader. “They were always looking to progress. Additionally, they were the first to do ‘Open House’ events, bringing all of the brands and their customers together.” Technically savvy, Alan was an early adopter of the internet, with UKL being one of the first in the industry to offer online shopping. Alan’s staff welfare was also very important to him, notes Roger. “Long before this sort of thing became popular, he had a subsidised staff canteen and free gym on the premises… very Google! “Alan had a reputation for being independent and free-spirited, but was also a lot of fun. Who could ever forget his beach party theme at one of the P&P shows back in the 1990s, when most people were still using shell schemes.” Tracy Richards, who was managing director of UKL and is now the manager for UK and Ireland at Neutral, said Alan was “inspirational in the early days of the industry”. She says that many people will have their own stories and funny moments about Alan, especially from UKL’s annual in-house show dinner. “All of you who knew him will recognise the final ‘UK, UK, UKL’ chant.” Andy Neale, head of purchasing at BTC Activewear, said he was saddened to hear of Alan’s passing and felt the industry had lost “a pioneer”. Andy first met him in 1990, and says Alan played a significant role in his career. “I used to get some screen printing done by his brother. That day, he was running around, shirt untucked, pen in mouth and parcel tape on his trousers. As he ran past, he said: ‘Know anyone who can run a warehouse?’ I told him that I would give it a go. “Those early years of UK Leisurewear were an adventure into the unknown. We started with a few Fruit of the Loom tees and sweatshirts, and just kept growing. Alan taught me a great deal about our industry, and I still use some of his training today.” Andy recollects when Alan decided that he was going to win a Three Peaks Challenge. “He spent thousands of pounds kitting out 10 or so people, and training them. And they won. “Alan was an unstoppable driving force. What he set out to do, he generally made happen. He was an entrepreneur in the truest form of the word.” Alan is survived by his mother Sarah Quinn and two daughters, Victoria Bowen and Elizabeth Cornelius. Alan Quinn: 31 March 1955 - 24 October 2019 OBITUARY Alan Quinn Alan on a UK Leisurewear trade show stand Alan with the group that won a Three Peaks Challenge