The 1947

The 1947 is a branded merchandise agency based in Luton, combining strategy, design, sourcing and distribution for marketing and procurement teams. Its website dates its work to 1947, when its story began with the invention of the Magic Slate. It develops customised merchandise, point of sale and packaging, with dedicated account management from planning through delivery and optimisation.

Its remit spans branded merchandise programmes, employee engagement, hospitality and event merchandise, demonstration and exhibition models, and consumer promotions. Within the directory’s merchandise agencies, its stated capabilities cover both product development and the ordering and distribution systems used to manage merchandise programmes. Its website describes a single point of contact for clients.

Design and product development

The agency’s design and artwork capabilities include graphic design, product development, packaging solutions, clothing design, and 3D modelling and CAD. Work runs from idea generation and creative development through production and collation. For custom point of sale projects, the website lists digital modelling, 3D printing and precision manufacturing, .

For staff and employee gifts, it develops strategic gifting programmes focused on relationships, engagement and company culture. Its event merchandise work covers UK and global events. Demonstration and exhibition models are a separate area of expertise, intended to show product features and benefits, while consumer promotions include prizes, rewards and fan merchandise.

Ordering and international fulfilment

The 1947 provides integrated client webshops, alongside Smart-Buy® order windows, redemption sites and call-off portals. For large clients, it describes a hybrid arrangement combining made-to-order merchandise with express stock. Its services page says its technology platforms are certified for ISO27001 information security by UKAS accredited auditors.

Its merchandise fulfilment infrastructure includes UK and EU warehouse and fulfilment centres, with VAT registrations in the UK, Netherlands, Germany and Ireland. The agency is part of the Prominate Group, which its website describes as a network of 42 owner-led specialists across more than 100 offices and 50 distribution centres worldwide.

Sourcing and sustainability

For buyers considering sustainable merchandise, the agency publishes an ESG Report 2026 and states that it holds an EcoVadis Gold rating. Its sustainability page describes the IPPAG Better Life Circle framework, assessing products through People, Planet and Impact, including social conditions, materials, design, certifications and carbon footprint. The homepage also lists product sustainability scoring and impact reporting.

The agency says it prioritises recycled and upcycled materials, circular design and longer product life cycles. Its sourcing arrangements include factory audits, preferred suppliers and a six step quality assurance process. It also states that it uses ISO14067-aligned tools to design lower impact products and measures, reduces and offsets carbon emissions across its value chain.

Source: the1947.com, the1947.com/areas-of-expertise, the1947.com/services