Vintage Satchel Company Unveils Major Rebrand

Belfast based Vintage Satchel Company (VSC), a trading brand of Ulster Supported Employment Ltd (USEL); the largest supporter of people with disabilities and health related conditions into open employment in Northern Ireland, has undergone a total rebrand

Belfast based Vintage Satchel Company (VSC), a trading brand of Ulster Supported Employment Ltd (USEL); the largest supporter of people with disabilities and health related conditions into open employment in Northern Ireland, has undergone a total rebrand following a strategic review of the business. The rebrand is the positive outcome of their decision to explore new export markets and expand their direct retail and wholesale sales channels.

 

The new brand identity reinforces VSC’s track record of producing quality leather satchels and is reflected in their tagline “Made in Belfast since 1962”.  The rebrand has included a complete overhaul of the brand visual identity including a new logo and improved design of the satchels.  

Sam Humphries, Chief Executive, USEL commented “Over the past few years we have sought to develop and strengthen our skills in a number of areas including our marketing, management and sales processes to enable us to compete on global scale. This was necessary to ensure the ongoing commercial growth of our factory operations and secure the employability of our workforce in the long term. The majority of our workforce lives with a disability or health related condition. As we look to move into new markets it was therefore imperative to develop a strong brand identity that represents the quality and legacy of our satchels.”

 

Vintage Satchel Company has benefited from branding and marketing assistance from Invest NI as well as support with recruiting a business development manager to spearhead the organisation’s expansion plans.

 

Terry Fuller, Product Sales Development Manager, VSC commented “Invest NI’s practical support and guidance has been extremely important in the development of our business strategy. We have prepared for success by investing in a new technology, a computer numeric controlled sewing machine to substantially speed up the production process of the satchels and allows our blind or partially sighted employees to be a part of the manufacturing process.”

                                  

The new brand identity was officially unveiled by Minister Stephen Farry at a launch ceremony at their head offices in Cambrai Street, Belfast. Speaking at the event Minister Farry commented: "The Vintage Satchel brand demonstrates the contribution that people with disabilities, working alongside their fellow employees, can make to the production of quality goods and services that will make a difference to the commercial performance and bottom line of any organisation. I commend both USEL and its workforce for their ongoing commitment to quality, innovation and sustainability and will be watching the Brand with interest.   

 

"My Department fully supports the role that USEL plays in this local community, and especially its contribution to the employment and employability of people with disabilities. Through its own diverse workforce, USEL is helping to demonstrate the role that people with disabilities have to play in growing the local economy, and giving inspiration to others that they can achieve their own employment ambitions."

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