Cardinal Langley tell Broadbents to stop selling their uniform

Cardinal Langley RC High School has told small business Broadbents that they have to stop selling their uniforms after the school trademarked their crest.

Broadbents, located on Long Street, Middleton have been supplying school uniforms to the school for over 20 years.

Wendy Howarth from Broadbents said: “We are going to fight this and hopefully they will overturn the decision. It is very stressful.”

It is understood that the shop was contacted by the school to stop selling anything with the school crest on in April.

In a letter to Broadbents, Cardinal Langley head teacher Mr Bridson said: “Cardinal Langley RC High School has trademarked the school crest and given Top Form Schoolwear the sole right to use this for distinctive items of school uniform for the school.

“This decision was based on consistency and best value for the parents and carers of Cardinal Langley students.”

Top Form by Monkhouse Schoolwear operates in Rochdale, Oldham and Bury.

Ms Howarth added: “Cardinal Langley has never supported local businesses and have always told parents to shop in Rochdale. It is devastating but if the decision isn’t overturned, we will survive, we will have to.”

An online petition has now been started by members of the community against the plan and has seen over 700 people sign it.

“The support we have had from parents and members of the community has been great and they are the ones who started the petition. People have been phoning us and coming in specially to sign the petition,” said Ms Howarth.

It is understood that Heywood and Middleton MP Liz McInnes has sent a letter to Mr Bridson in relation to this matter.

Andrew Bridson, Head Teacher of Cardinal Langley said: "Cardinal Langley RC High School has always ensured that parents can purchase affordable, quality uniform in the local area and has not changed uniform supplier. The school is keen to support local companies and uses TopForm by Monkhouse, which is a local, family owned business with branches in Rochdale, Oldham and Bury.

"Broadbents are seeking a license from the school to provide uniform but no agreement has been reached.

"It was necessary to Trade Mark the school crest in February 2014 after parents had inadvertently bought poor quality uniform items from unauthorised suppliers. 

"The school understands that Broadbents wishes to enter into an agreement with the school to sell its uniform and this will be considered in due course."

The petition can be found at:

https://www.change.org/p/cardinal-langley-rc-high-school-fair-deal-for-broadbents-school-wear