Glasgow boss pins hopes on ‘collectors item’

Thousands of commemorative lapel badges are being produced in Glasgow to celebrate the city winning the international race to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

City businessman Stuart Ross saw off foreign rivals to win the contract to make 7500 pin badges which he predicts could become collectors items.

The Glasgow 2014 organising committee has commissioned three separate enamel badges ahead of the sports extravaganza which will see 6500 competitors and officials from more than 70 countries jet to the city for the 11-day event which will attract a TV audience of millions of viewers worldwide.

The 34-year-old businessman, who employs 12 staff at his premises in Crimea Street, said: “This is a very prestigious event for the city and being a Glasgow-based company it is great to be involved.”

Two types of the badge will be of a limited edition and are likely to attract collectors of rare sports memorabilia.

The badges are: Glasgow 2014 – a generic badge for the Games of which 4800 will be produced. Four Years to Go – a limited edition of just 500 as the countdown to the Games in Glasgow begins with the badge incorporating the date of the opening ceremony, July 23, 2014. Delhi 2010 – a limited edition of 2200 to mark Glasgow becoming the next host city when an official “handover” ceremony is held in October at the end of this year’s Games in India.

The badges will be given to Team Scotland as well as VIPs and organisations working behind the scenes and others who will represent the city, such as those on a delegation heading to Delhi in a few months time.

A Glasgow 2014 spokeswoman, said: “Ross Promotional Products won over international competition and we’re delighted that the best bidder was on our doorstep.

“The badges will be used to mark very important milestones for Glasgow 2014.”

John Donnelly, director of marketing and sponsorship at Glasgow 2014, said: “We are delighted to be working with Ross Promotional Products on these relatively small but important and public projects following a successful tender process.”

Financial details surrounding the deal have not been disclosed but it’s known the company faced fierce competition in winning the contract. Stuart also saw off competition to make pin badges for Homecoming Scotland and for the Women’s 10k run in the city.

Jane Gotts at Business-club Scotland, said: “This is great news for Ross Promotional Products and demonstrates the real and significant opportunities for Scottish companies to benefit from the economic opportunities that the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games will deliver.”

The badges will be available soon as building work continues in the East End on a new £116m national sports arena and velodrome.