Case Study

Posted on June 17, 2026June 17, 2026 by Laura Kay — Leave a comment

Partnering with Portsmouth Pride and Southampton Pride

Our Partnership

In 2025, Portsmouth won the bid to host the country’s official UK Pride celebrations – a result that was testament to the year-round programme of community-run events the city works hard to deliver. Over 260 other cities were in the running, making this a significant accolade for Portsmouth and the surrounding areas.

Shortly after the news came in, we were contracted as the event’s official Print Partner, supporting organisers in transforming the city into a rainbow of colour.

The Pride rainbow flag is one of the most internationally recognised symbols, representing allyship and solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community – something we at Hampshire Flag Company don’t just believe, but deeply embed throughout our company culture. Inclusion is central to how we hire, collaborate, and connect with our local community.

The responsibility bestowed upon us for such an important event was not lost on us. We give our all to every project, but when it matters this much, it’s impossible to deny that it just feels different. And as a general company policy, when we work with a charitable or non-profit organisation, we do for so no charge – or a very minimal fee.

Pride March

Rod Sessions, our Commercial Director, described it best:

“HFC’s support of the LGBTQ+ community runs for 365 days a year. We proudly stand with all and believe everyone should have an equal voice“

Uk Pride, Portsmouth, 2025. Pride march

The UK Pride Movement

The movement behind UK Pride, and every Pride event celebrated throughout the year, shouldn’t be confined to that one moment in time.

For Portsmouth’s event, we provided a range of custom-design print items to be displayed and used by attendees throughout Southsea Common on Saturday 7th June, including giant deckchairs, bunting, stage banners, fencing, handwaving flags and marching flags. We also supported several other activations across the city, including a significant installation throughout Gunwharf Quays.

Around the same time, we were delighted to also be approached for Southampton’s Pride event, in August 2025. Confirmed as Print Partner for this too, we delivered a similar scale of bespoke print products.

Sky view Trans Flag, Portsmouth Pride March

Uk Pride, Portsmouth, 2025. imagery from the Pride March

We were delighted to hear CP Robinson, Co-Chair & Campaigns Manager at Portsmouth Pride Trust, share these kind words about working with us:

“Selecting our Print Partner is no mean feat, but knowing HFC were already working with our friends at Southampton Pride gave us great faith in their team. They are pivotal to the atmosphere running through our event, and HFC made us feel at ease throughout with so much support far beyond ‘just doing the printing’. They embedded themselves in our mission, collaborated with us, uplifted our work and delivered the highest quality products that truly painted the event in colour“

Both Portsmouth and Southampton Pride continue to work tirelessly to ensure these cities remain among the most inclusive and diverse for members of the LGBTQ+ community all year round.

We will always be happy and proud to support them, however and whenever we can.

Posted on June 17, 2026June 17, 2026 by Laura Kay — Leave a comment

Mental Health Mondays with Solent Original Walks

What are Mental Health Monday Walks?

Led by Solent Original Walks, Mental Health Mondays is a new initiative – launched in March 2026 – designed to bring people together in a comfortable, safe setting.

As soon as we heard about the idea, we knew we wanted to be involved. In no time at all, Hampshire Flag Company was announced as the proud sponsor of the first month of walks, held in support of Solent Mind – our local branch of the UK’s largest mental health charity, Mind.

Every Monday, a new series of walks takes place in the Portsmouth and Southsea area. It’s a great chance to explore more of the place so many of us live and work in, meet new people, and, quite simply: talk. Sometimes, a little time out is exactly what we need.

Recognising this, the walks also aim to raise awareness of the incredible suicide prevention charities and initiatives we’re fortunate enough to have right here on our doorstep.

As well as sponsoring the initiative, we regularly encourage our staff to join in – and everyone who does finds the experience incredibly powerful. It’s amazing how much a gentle stroll with friendly faces can instigate conversations you might never have expected to have when you got out of bed that morning.

Man plugging in charger into an electric car at charge station

Solent Orignal Walks – Hilsea

Speaking after one of the walks, David Riddell, our Internal Sales Team Leader, said:

“It was a very interesting, thought-provoking walk and talk. It was great to hear about the historical events that happened right on our doorstep and how they impacted the country and wider commonwealth. It certainly gave me plenty to think about over the following days – while society has moved on in many ways, there are still numerous issues we share with the past.”

Led by Solent Original Walks, Mental Health Mondays is a new initiative launched in March 2026 – designed to bring people together in a comfortable, safe setting.

Recognising this, the walks also aim to raise awareness of the incredible suicide prevention charities and initiatives we’re fortunate enough to have right here on our doorstep.

Solent Original Walks

We encourage anyone reading this to consider joining a future Mental Health Monday walk. You can learn more by visiting their websie in the link below.

Find out more

Posted on June 17, 2026June 17, 2026 by Laura Kay — Leave a comment

Mentoring the next generation with Shaped by Solent

Cup of Coffee - with 'Mary Rose' in cocoa powder

Menetoring the Next Generation

Shaped by Solent is a fantastic local initiative that gives students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) from Solent Academies Trust, City of Portsmouth College, and Havant & South Downs College the opportunity to take part in valuable business mentorship programmes.

A range of local businesses partner with Shaping Portsmouth to deliver a series of classes, sharing their expertise and providing unique insights into potential career opportunities – many of which the students may never have previously considered.

At Hampshire Flag Company, we contributed to the scheme in 2025, mentoring a group of students from City of Portsmouth College over a three-month period.

All in all, we delivered seven sessions (each lasting 2.5 hours), which included in-lesson mentoring, offsite mentoring, product creation, and presentation skills training.

Rod Sessions, our Commercial Director, led the team – which included Rosie James, our Creative Artworker, and Mark Allibone, our Strategic Operations Manager. The team tasked students with creating a product for under £10, inspired by the upcoming Portsmouth100 year-long celebrations. Everything had to be built from scratch – from concept to construction – and, for the final task, their products were judged (and sold!) at the Shaping Portsmouth Conference.

eMary Rose – Solent mntoring program

We supported the students through every step as they undertook:

Brainstorming
Mood board creation
Theme and potential product research
Product feasibility research
Product selection and decision making
Manufacturing methods research
Economic analysis of costs, sales prices, and profit margins
Competitor product analysis
Marketing
Presentation of the final product and bringing it to market

We wanted to ensure that every student experienced every part of our business – not just the more physically demanding aspects they might have initially associated us with.

At the start of the process, the students were quiet and found it difficult to communicate clearly with one another. But by the end, they were confidently presenting to a group of strangers, explaining why they had chosen their product, how it met the brief, and even outlining the expected profit margins.

It was inspiring to watch their confidence flourish before our eyes. They made huge progress over the three months, and we hope they feel they’ve gained some new skills for the future.

eMary Rose – Solent mntoring program

Rosie James, our Creative Artworker, speaks highly of the experience:

“Working creatively with students from the City of Portsmouth College’s SEND department demonstrates to me how opportunities like Shaped by Solent can have such a positive impact on students’ confidence. I am very proud to have been part of the team mentoring the students, and to watch them grow in confidence over our time together.”

We were also delighted to hear from the CEO of City of Portsmouth College after the programme, who told us how wonderful it is for their college to be more closely involved in the city in this way.

Shapped by Solent Programme

You can learn more about the Shaped by Solent Programme in the link below

Find out more

Posted on June 17, 2026June 17, 2026 by Laura Kay — Leave a comment

Reducing our carbon footprint – an ongoing, company-wide project

Why is reducing our carbon footprint an ongoing process?

Reducing our carbon footprint isn’t something we do once and then stop when the results start to show. It’s a continuous journey, and we’re always looking for ways to improve. As a manufacturing supplier to many brands up and down the country, we’re acutely aware of the impact our work can have on the environment and the infrastructure we rely on.

Lowering carbon emissions and prioritising energy-efficient alternatives across every area of our operation is our way of supporting the global shift towards cleaner energy.

Not only does lowering our carbon footprint help us remain viable in the long term, but it’s also something customers expect to see now – and rightly so. That’s why we’re proud to be running a project focused on doing just that.

Man plugging in charger into an electric car at charge station

How are we going to implement an ongoing process to reduce our carbon footprint?

All our materials and packaging are recyclable, so customers should never need to send products to landfill – and we can also recycle items for them.
Most of our energy comes from natural sources, helping us maintain our green supplier status.
The majority of ink we use is water-based, with no toxic solvents, and easy to recycle.
Our factories are lit with LED lighting, which uses significantly less energy.
95% of our sewn materials are repurposed, including even the smallest offcuts.
We’re moving towards a fully electric fleet. One of our two vehicles is already electric, and we’re exploring options to replace our larger van when a suitable solution is available.
We buy print materials and hardware in bulk, reducing the number of deliveries our suppliers need to make.
We strive to use local suppliers wherever possible, supporting our local economy and reducing transport.
We have specific temperature-controlled zones used only for print methods that require higher heats, helping us minimise excess heat generation.
We use the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology throughout our operation.
We opt for digital or print on-demand solutions, significantly reducing waste.
We use a print management software that monitors printer use and tracks waste.
We use environmentally conscious couriers and, where possible, deliver orders ourselves.

Rod Sessions, our Commercial Director, is key to the implementation of this project:

“Every decision we make takes into consideration our impact on the environment. From the suppliers we partner with, the media we use, and the manufacturing method of each product to our working practices, client expectations, and packaging/delivery methods. The environment and our impact on it is a core concern at HFC.”

Posted on June 17, 2026June 17, 2026 by Laura Kay — Leave a comment

Our ongoing commitment to recycled materials

solar panel with sunlight and blue sky background. concept clean energy power in nature

The challenges we face as a large format printer

As a large-format printer, we work with a wide range of printing materials to ensure our clients always get a product perfectly suited to its intended use. Alongside this flexibility however, we maintain a core range of stock materials made entirely from recycled waste – helping us reduce our reliance on traditional single-use options wherever possible.

With many printed items produced for one-off purposes, such as events or short-term promotions, we recognise our responsibility to minimise our industry’s environmental impact. And while no printing manufacturer can claim to be 100% sustainable, we’re committed to getting as close as possible and remain firmly intent on continuously improving. Simply put, we believe there’s always more we can do.

This commitment becomes even more important when you consider that an estimated 26% of global landfill waste is paper.

One of the most effective ways we reduce waste is by working closely with our clients to manage print quantities, avoiding unnecessary over-ordering. Alongside this, our growing range of recyclable materials plays a leading role in lowering our overall impact.

Energy Efficient House man use house icon with energy efficiency scale Invoice And Economy

What echo-frienldy materials are we using?

Here’s a look at what we always have in stock:

100% recycled polyester for flags
As our most in-demand item, it was essential to source a cost-effective, sustainable material suitable for all flag applications. 100% recycled polyester has now become our standard offering – and there’s absolutely no compromise on the quality or performance of the finished flags.
100% display polyester for banners and internal exhibition graphics
Designed for durability, lightness, and visual impact, we frequently recommend this material to clients wanting bold, high-quality promotional displays.
PVC-free frontlit banner
Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, this lightweight material offers the flexibility of non-PVC materials while maintaining the strength and resilience our customers expect. Its water-based coating also ensures durability in changing weather conditions, making it ideal for long-term signage, exhibition stands, and billboards.
PVC-free mesh banner
Delivering the same strength and appearance as traditional PVC mesh (at half the weight), this material offers excellent ‘show-through’ and outstanding image vibrancy. It’s ideal for mesh banners, window blinds, and large-scale building wraps.
PVC-free block out banner
This double-sided printable textile material maintains a smooth, flat finish, making it perfect for indoor displays and short-term outdoor signage – including roller banners and exhibition graphics.

All of these items are not only made from recycled materials, but can also be recycled again after use – with absolutely no compromise on print quality. Plus, to ensure the high standards we’re known for, each material undergoes rigorous testing before being added to our permanent stock range.

Recycling. Young man in casual clothes throwing waste to the recycle bin

We’re proud to offer practical, environmentally friendly alternatives as standard. It’s a key part of our ongoing commitment to running a sustainable operation.

Posted on May 6, 2026May 6, 2026 by Lewis Bevan — Leave a comment

New Banner Masts for Bonus Pastor Catholic College

We recently completed the installation of six banner masts at Bonus Pastor Catholic College, a project that demonstrates how thoughtful planning and quality materials can transform a space. We delivered within a tight timeframe and tailored to the specific needs of a busy school environment; the installation has created a vibrant, high-impact entrance that reflects the college’s identity and ethos.

The Challenge

Bonus Pastor Catholic College wanted to enhance the school’s entrance and create a stronger sense of identity through a new visual feature. As this was the first time the college had installed flagpoles or banner masts, the aim was to introduce something that would bring colour and recognition to the school’s house system. The brief called for the installation of six ground-mounted banner masts across the site; each fitted with two pairs of Eurochieftain banner arms, widely regarded for their durability and ability to display banners effectively in all weather conditions.

While the site itself presented no issues with height restrictions or access, thanks to the availability of surrounding playground areas, space was limited, making positioning a key consideration. There was also the added complexity of working within a live school environment, meaning the entire installation needed to be carefully planned and delivered within a strict timeframe. The Easter break provided the only viable window for completing the works without disrupting day-to-day school activities.

HFC van with installed banner arms

Our Approach

To overcome the space limitations, a collaborative approach was taken from the outset. During the quotation stage and subsequent site survey, a range of installation options were presented, along with expert recommendations on the most effective locations. Backup positions were also identified and agreed in advance to ensure flexibility if challenges arose during the installation phase. When the original preferred location proved unsuitable, the alternative solution was implemented seamlessly, with clear communication maintained throughout.

Durability and long-term performance were central to the specification. The use of Eurochieftain banner arms ensured the banners would remain taut, visible and visually appealing in all conditions, making them particularly suited to a busy school environment where low maintenance is essential. Careful planning and coordination also enabled our installation team to complete all six masts and fit the banner arms within the two-week time period, ensuring the project was delivered on time and ready for the return of staff and students.

HFC Banner arm and post installation

The Outcome

The finished installation has had an immediate and striking impact on the appearance of the school. The new banner masts create a colourful and welcoming entrance, bringing the college’s house system to life and strengthening a sense of identity across the site. The banners not only enhance the visual appeal of the space but also provide a lasting, durable solution that will continue to perform in all weather conditions. The result speaks for itself. The banners are in place and the college looks fantastic.

Staff and students were thrilled with the results, with the installation helping to reinforce pride and belonging within the school community. Delivered on time and to a high standard, the project stands as a strong example of how well-executed design and installation can elevate a space, leaving the college looking vibrant, professional and ready to make a positive first impression every day.

We were delighted to receive this message from the client shortly after completion:

“You were a fantastic company to deal with from start to finish — everyone I have dealt with has been extremely pleasant and knowledgeable. The banners look fantastic and staff and students are really pleased with the outcome. I cannot thank you enough for all your support and will definitely recommend you and use your services again in the future”

Thank you to everyone at Bonus Pastor Catholic College for choosing Hampshire Flag Company, and a special thank you for taking the time to get in touch. Messages like that mean a great deal to the whole team.

Find our more: Flagpole installation

Installed banner arms out side Bonus Pastor College

Want some support with you flagpoles?

If you are considering banner masts for your school, college or commercial premises, get in touch with our installations team to discuss what we can do for you.

Posted on April 2, 2026June 22, 2026 by Laura Kay — Leave a comment

Reaching the Flagpole at Reading Minster with a Cherry Picker

Flag pole on top of Reading Minster Church tower

When the flagpole at Reading Minster of St Mary the Virgin needed attention, the challenge was immediately apparent. The pole sits at the very top of the church tower, high above one of Reading’s most prominent historic buildings in the heart of the town centre. Reaching it required careful planning, the right equipment and the experience to coordinate a large-scale access operation in a busy urban environment. Hampshire Flag Company carried out a full service and halyard replacement in July 2025.