10 Dec 2019

Rubber Stamp Manufacturers' Guild - 81st AGM 2019

The RSMG (Rubber Stamp Manufacturers' Guild held their 81st AGM at the BOSS Offices in London on Friday 6th December 2019.

Here is what the President, Colin Cousins, said in his annual report.

 

 

 

"As 2019 draws to a close it's time as always to reflect on another 12 months. As we prepare to cast our votes in yet another General Election, the public can be almost sure of one outcome regardless of which party or parties form the next Government, and that's more uncertainty, debate, discussion and dispute over Brexit. The can truly is being kicked further down the road; in fact the road seems more like a roundabout with all the exits closed.

For the industry and our Guild 2019 started for many of us as always with a trip over to Frankfurt to attend Paperworld. Amongst the companies in attendance were Shiny, Colop, Trodat, Noris, Traxx, Reiner, Heri, Modico, Wagraf and Shachihata. It is very encouraging to see the Rubber Stamp industry still fully supporting Paperworld.

At Paperworld, Colop launched the e-mark. A large and brave step into the world of electronic marking, a technology only previously seen in our industry from Reiner. The Colop e-mark initially felt it could threaten our core products in the same way it was felt the Brother Stamp Creator would many years ago. As technology advances and costs to consumers reduce, it will only be matter of time before products similar to that of the current Colop e-mark finds its way on to more and more desks.

2019 was also the year Colop UK made the move to their new premises. Congratulations to Kiran, Nila and all the team at Colop UK for a successful move and I would like to formally thank them for the invitation (which was accepted) to attend their official opening.

On a sadder note the industry lost Tony Gigg after a term of illness, former MD of Stamps Direct and the man behind many innovations and transformations at Stamps Direct, his contribution to Stamps Direct remains unrivalled.
Guild members continue to receive updates from Project Genesius and I would encourage everyone to advise the team at The Met with details of any order or enquiry which you feel is suspicious.

In September the Guild held its Out of Town Weekend at Leverhulme Hotel in Port Sunlight. Attended by 28 delegates from the USA, Germany and the UK. Once the formalities of business came to a close, the guests enjoyed a buffet followed by an entertaining casino evening. The following morning a tour of the hotel (the former Cottage Hospital) and walking tour of the superb village and visit to the Lady Leverhulme Gallery, was sandwiched between a generous afternoon tea. The traditional Gala dinner followed in the evening with entertainment from the Gatsby Swing Jazz Trio.
The Directors attended meetings at the Out of Town Weekend and on a number of occasions via telephone and Skype throughout the year. Kiran, Nila and the team at Colop UK also hosted an Aegraflex meeting in Birmingham in November.

I'd like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to my fellow directors and Liz for their support over the previous 12 months, but especially to my out-going Vice, Nigel.

So now it's time to look forward and to 2020. Plans are well underway for our first ever overseas Out of Town Weekend, one I'm sure will be a tremendous success.

Finally, may I wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year.