Business

The Streatham Redskins is an ice hockey team playing in the English National League. The Streatham High Road-based club was formed in 2003, but its roots go back to 1934.

Like most of the teams in the English National League, the third tier of ice hockey in the country, Streatham is an amateur club. As a result, there is no permanent print buyer and the responsibility is instead shared between the club’s volunteers.

One such volunteer is Jon Fitzmaurice, who says that the club uses Catford Print for its programmes, while the rest of its work is procured ad hoc over the internet.

Unsurprisingly for an amateur organisation, cost is a key consideration when choosing print suppliers, but Fitzmaurice does not believe that it is the most important thing.

He says: With things like posters or business cards, value for money is crucial. So, as long as the item is well printed, we tend to look for the cheapest option.

Our programme is a bit different, that has to be done locally and communication is key. Catford Print is commendable because it doesn’t just print - the team proofread as well and really look after us. They will call up and point out any mistakes in the text; they don’t just take what we give them, print it and hand it back.

The club has a relatively small print budget, but its plans to increase its profile in the local community mean that there is always scope for it to expand its printing. One area that it is particularly fond of is business cards, but with a difference.

Fitzmauric explains: We get business cards printed with fixtures on. I think giving people little cards they can fit in their wallet is an extra way of making sure we are on their minds. It’s a great idea.

STREATHAM REDSKINS IN NUMBERS

Founded 1934 (and again in 2003)
Based Streatham
Employees 15 volunteers
Main printer Catford Print
Print jobs programmes, business cards, posters, flyers, invitations