Merchr raises the bar with good business charter status

Middleton company Merchr, a print-on-demand platform which enables individuals and groups from charities, sports clubs and schools to bands, entrepreneurs and YouTubers to create and sell their own merchandise collections, has been recognised for its responsible business practices.

The company, which has its offices and production facility in Middleton, and a marketing and development team in Elstree, has attained accreditation under the Good Business Charter.

The Good Business Charter is awarded to companies which satisfy 10 components – paying the real living wage, fairer hours and contracts, employee wellbeing and representation, diversity and inclusion, environmental responsibility, paying fair tax, commitment to customers, ethical sourcing and prompt payment.

It is an initiative of the Good Business Foundation, an independent, not-for-profit organisation, which launched the Charter in 2020. Its founder members included Capita, Deloitte, Richer Sounds, Brompton Bicycles and London City Airport. More recently, companies such as TSB and Aviva have signed up to the Charter.

Sarah O’Donovan, Merchr’s brand and marketing coordinator, said the company supports and encourages employee wellbeing by providing flexible working arrangements, training and development programmes and an inclusive culture.

Its print-on-demand model encourages more sustainable practices, as it reduces waste because merchandise store owners do not have to hold any stock. The company uses water-based inks, BPA-free plastic bottles, and organic cotton in its garments.

Sarah added: “The Good Business Charter covers a wide range of areas which are important to Merchr and, as a start-up, we wanted to demonstrate to our users and stakeholders our commitment to good practices within the business.

 

 

“This accreditation will help to attract users who prioritise ethical and sustainable practices in the businesses they support, while at the same time ensuring we remain accountable.

“Furthermore, being part of a community of other like-minded businesses when it comes to values and mission, we feel Merchr can learn from others’ experiences.”

Merchr helps individuals and groups to build their brand and reach new audiences by selling merchandise to fans, friends and followers.

As well as clothing and water bottles, its product range includes bags, desk and office items, tumblers, souvenirs, power banks and earphones. Merchr has also recently added clothes for children and babies, workwear and hats.

Users create and launch a free online store through the Merchr Hub, where they can design and upload their customised product collections with artwork, a logo, slogan or image. They can also connect an existing website via Merchr’s integrations with e-commerce platforms such as WooCommerce.

Merchr prints or engraves the merchandise and then dispatches products to the customer.