 |
|
Dalvey - A HistoryBehind the internationally renowned Dalvey gifts collection of gentlemen's accessories there is a brand history steeped in the inspiring culture of Scotland. Dalvey adds perfection in contemporary product design and engineering precision to centuries old manufacturing skills, and demostrates how creativity and diligence have combined to build a business that echoes with the haunting sounds of Scottish bagpipe music.
Sir Patrick Grant, 14th Baronet of Dalvey, managing director and owner, began his career in the Scottish Highlands as a mountain deer stalker and a ghillie. He owned his own fishing boat, graduated in law and reached champion status on the competing circuit of the great Highland bagpipe.
Combining his strong desire to create his own future in business with his love for, and knowledge of piping, he acquired a bagpipe manufactory and immersed himself in the intricacies of the craft. Founded in 1879, this small firm has solid traditions of excellence - fashioning musical instruments of exceptional performance from high-grade materials:ivory, ebony and silver.
From an appreciation of the beauty and precision-engineering of this craft a broader vision grew. The Dalvey Sporran Flask was the first item to diversify the firm's range. Fashioned from stainless steel in an elegant cicular form, this modern classic was Dalvey's stylish answer to the outdoor spirits flask. An international success, and still iconic in the range, it became the core product in a distinctive brand of own-manufactured, luxury and masculine designs.
From then until today, the brand has takne guidance from a vision that endures - of elegance, performance and integrity.
The Dalvey range of compasses, clocks, watches, cufflinks and general desk accessories is unrivalled the world over. |
| Our Dalvey Best SellersDalvey business is going from strength to strength this month. As usual most of the orders are coming from Scotland, but there's also a big increase from overseas. The old favourites are still at number one, with the Dalvey Flasks leading the way. The clocks and watches are still in great demand and you always find there's a customer for something a little out of the ordinary, such as The Dalvey Monocular. Something that customers always want to know is the origin of manufacture. Although the levels of concern are decreasing, there are still customers who care about where a product is made. Although manufacturing standards in the Far East are good and getting better all the time, some customers feel reassured to be told that a product still originates from within the UK. Here's where Dalvey wins, as every piece is still assembled at the original dalvey works near perth in Scotland. |
| A Week Dalvey Hunting in Scotland. June 24th 2008OK - not exactly 'Dalvey Hunting'. The principal activity was golf, but seeking out the best .Dalvey Stockist in St Andrews did did provide a pleasant diversion. So - Golf was the main purpose - and golfing at the home of the sport - St Andrews. What a fantastic part of the world. There's so much more in the area than just the golf, which is just as well when you consider the apalling levels to which my own golf plunged.
We did play some quite wonderful courses, such as Crail, Scotscraig, Ladybank and Lundin Links, not to mention the St Andrews New Course. Many believe that the only course worth playing is The Old Course, but nothing could be further from the truth. Certainly The Old Course bears the amazing historical association, being the 'original' golf course, but the New Course is a far better test of golf, more attractive and is itself over 100 years young.
Although the golf itself took up the lion's share of the trip, there was also the chance to visit one or two local shops and, as was expected, there was a fair amount of Grants of Dalvey on show. Not just local shops, but local hotels too, not to mention the golf courses themselves. There seemed to be a great spread of product - not just the usual flasks, but many of the newer Dalvey items were in evidence too.
Chatting to locals was, as always in that part of the world, an uplifting experience. The friendliness of the locals is legion. How I wish such a warm welcome was always extended to visitors down in this part of the world. |
| Dalvey Helps The UK Gift Company Celebrate 150 YearsThis year The UK Gift Company celebrates its 150th year. OK - we haven't been online for quite that length of time, but we have been 'around'. By this I mean that our parent company Church's China was founded 150 years ago. 1858 was the year that Thomas Spencer Church, a former wheelwright, set up in business in the Wiltshire town of Devizes. His little shop was a veritable Aladdins Cave of china and crystal. Tea services were his speciality. How things have changed. Now - the lion's share of our business is generated by our online business - www.TheUKGiftCompany.co.uk. Although there is still a dedicated local following for our traditional fare, the 'boom' is definitely inonline shopping.
The Launch of Our Corporate Gift Service -
As part of our anniversary celebrations, we've launched a great corporate gift service. We're now offering golf prizes, long service awards, retirement gifts and client 'thank you' gifts. The main 'push' with our corporate gift service is the Employee Reward Code. It's so simple. Companies are supplied with a cod. Every time their staff make a purchase, they enter the code and receive an automatic discount. The brand we're pushing more than any other is Dalvey Gifts for men. This is a terrific range of precision engineered gentlemen's gifts, including watches, clocks, barometers, compasses and a wealth of accessories, each of which can be engraved. Quantity discounts are given for larger purchases. |
| Our Dalvey Best Sellers - July 2008Dalvey business is going from strength to strength this month. As usual most of the orders are coming from Scotland, but there's also a big increase from overseas. The old favourites are still at number one, with the Dalvey Flasks leading the way. The clocks and watches are still in great demand and you always find there's a customer for something a little out of the ordinary, such as The Dalvey Monocular. Something that customers always want to know is the origin of manufacture. Although the levels of concern are decreasing, there are still customers who care about where a product is made. Although manufacturing standards in the Far East are good and getting better all the time, some customers feel reassured to be told that a product still originates from within the UK. Here's where Dalvey wins, as every piece is still assembled at the original dalvey works near perth in Scotland. |
|
|
|
|
