More Than Just a Print House
CHEC, East Sussex
As part of the preparation for the Mallorca Experience Tri Camps we designed some technical tees for our athletes, t-shirts for our team and also quick-dry towels branded with our logo. The kit looks great and we are so pleased with the quality produced by CHEC, a printers tucked away in the Sussex countryside.
Mike Porteous, Coach & Founder of the Mallorca Experience, had previously worked with CHEC when printing t-shirts for the prestigious South Downs Way Relay; therefore he proposed we work with the CHEC team and I am so glad he did.
CHEC is a vibrant social enterprise from East Sussex providing high quality printing solutions. The enterprise was established to support severely disabled adults with a way of taking part in work. CHEC provides adults with a way of playing an active part within the community, developing skills and combating isolation. They operate to provide a service to those adults who are unable to access traditional employment, but who still wish to take part in work at a level and pace suitable to each individual.
CHEC is managed by Matt & Sarah Barber. When we visited it was clear that Matt & Sarah have created an inspiring environment that not only provides disabled adults with a way of taking part in work, but also a sense of collaboration, community and teamwork. The energy in the office was uplifting — Matt kindly introduced us to the team and gave us a tour of the office, walking us through the printing processes.
CHEC have a skilled workforce that can help you from design through to print — and are able to print on almost anything! From mugs to banners, Jo, who has been working with CHEC since 1996 talked me through the different printing services they offer. Working with the embroidery machine, Jo was finishing a project for a local business and she kindly ran one for me to see.
Jo’s sense of purpose was invigorating. She told me about her role at CHEC, her colleagues and how they work together. They don’t just work together, they have lunch together too — which is a tip we all should take in business!
Previous work is proudly displayed on the wall and their new equipment suggests they are going from strength-to-strength! We also had the opportunity to meet Holly, the in-house designer, as well as Declan and Rachel who were working on written content.
We asked them to hold up one of our new towels they had produced — which are quick dry and ideal for a travelling triathlete!
Matt, who took over the business from his father, is a compassionate and inspiring leader at CHEC and I really urge local businesses, like us, to call on Matt & his team for any printing work. You will not be disappointed.