BRIT Awards 2012 Statue

So the 2012 BRIT Awards – or to give them their corporate title, the BRIT Awards 2012 with MasterCard – took place last night and we couldn’t help but notice the trophy statuette. It turns out that the BRIT Awards organisers have been quite innovative in choosing a leading British designer to create a new award, and this year the task fell to pop artist Peter Blake. Perhaps best known, certainly in the music world, for his album cover of the Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Blake also designed the sleeves for Paul Weller’s Stanley Road album (1995) and for the Band Aid single Do They Know Its Christmas (1984). Maybe less well known is that Blake designed the cover for the 2001 Ian Dury tribute album Brand New Boots and Panties as Blake had been Dury’s tutor at the Royal College of Art. The Blake BRIT award uses colours from the Union Jack flag and has a strong sixties feel. It is the second year that the BRIT Awards has commissioned a designer to create a one-off trophy for that year’s awards; in 2011 Dame Vivienne Westwood was asked to decorate the iconic statuette. The organisers created a ‘blank canvas’ trophy base which the designers or artists then decorate. This is a masterstroke. It provides a new PR opportunity ahead of the awards, as firstly the name of the designer or artist is revealed, and later the new trophy itself is unveiled; and it ensures that each year’s awards have a different looking trophy to distinguish them. Bravo to the BRITs, lets see how many other major awards ceremonies now start to show this sort of innovation and creativity.

BRIT Awards 2012 Trophy

BRIT Awards 2012 Trophy

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Top 10 Personalised Gifts for Christmas

Every Christmas our personalised gifts website, Business Gifts Express, sees an upturn in orders for engraved gifts. And every year there are a few standout products that are always popular. So, to help people browsing for gifts or still unsure about a particular item, we are publishing here a list of the ten most popular engraved Christmas Gifts from our site. The list is based on sales from November and December in 2008, 2009 and 2010. All these gift items are offered with low-cost professional engraving, perfect for adding a permanent message to create a unique and long-lasting gift or present for a special someone this Christmas.

Silver Plated Business Cards Case

Silver Plated Business Cards Case

1. Silver Plated Business Cards Holder

One of our best-sellers at any time of the year, these stylish pocket card cases feature an art deco style decoration on the hinged lid. The sturdy metal body keeps business cards crisp and pristine, and the case holds 10-12 standard cards.

Add your engraved message onto the lid to create a unique personalised gift for the business person or professional in your life. Frequent engravings include a person’s name (ideal for corporate types), a short message to commemorate an event or achievement, or a personal message to share between the two of you.

Smooth Silver Plated Business Cards Case

Smooth Silver Plated Business Cards Case

2. Smooth Silver Plated Business Card Cases

Pocket business card cases are ideal gifts for anyone who handles business cards during their work, either presenting their own cards at meetings and events, or receiving cards when dealing with clients, customers, suppliers or prospects. So it is no surprise to see another card case appearing in our best selling products list for Christmas. This one has a smooth silver plated finish, perfect for slipping easily into a pocket or purse, and providing an ultra stylish look. The sturdy metal body keeps your cards crisp and clean, while the hinged lid offers easy access. The cases hold 10-12 standard business cards. They can be engraved on the polished silver lid and make great personalised gifts, as the recipient will be reminded of your gift every time they reach to get their business card.

Silver & Gold Plated Rollerball Pen

Silver & Gold Plated Rollerball Pen

3. Silver & Gold Plated Rollerball Pen

If bling is your thing, these gorgeous rollerball pens combine a polished silver plated body with gold plated fittings. They are supplied complete with a presentation case with a brushed metal finish, and can be engraved on either the pen body or the case. The pen body has limited space, so for longer inscriptions we recommend engraving on the sleeve of the presentation case.

As with the business card cases above, pens make great personalised gifts as they are practical as well as stylish – every time the person uses their pen, they will be reminded of you and your gift to them.

4. Silver Plated Cigar Cutter

These ‘bean’ design cigar cutters offer sleek, stylish design with great functionality. Supplied boxed, they have a highly polished silver plated finish that is perfect for engraving. Ideal engraved with a personal message for the cigar smoker in your life, these silver cigar cutters have been Christmas favourites on our site for the last three years.

5. Silver Plated Photo Frame 5x7in

A photo frame can be personalised either with a personal message or dedication that would suit any photo displayed, or it can be customised for a particular photograph – for instance, with the date and details of a special occasion or achievement. When the photo frame in question is of the quality of these superb silver plated frames, it raises your gift to a new level. These frames have a fine quality, highly polished silver plated finish and are supplied with struts to allow display in either landscape or portrait orientation (you need to choose which style you want before providing your engraving).

Silver Plated Heart Shaped Keyring

Silver Plated Heart Shaped Keyring

6. Silver Plated Heart Shaped Keyring

One for the sweethearts! These gorgeous keyrings are perfect for the special person in your life. They feature a heart shaped pendant, made from a sturdy metal base and finished with a polished silver plated finish. They include a very sturdy ring to hold your keys securely, but the beauty of these heart keyfobs is that they can be engraved with a personal message or dedication to create a treasured gift for your partner. Who holds the keys to your heart?

Pewter Pint Tankard with 2 Line Decoration

1PT English Pewter Beer Tankard with Two Line Decoration

7. Pewter Pint Tankard in Presentation Box

These classic pewter tankards have a timeless appeal. They make ideal gifts for men – or, of course, women beer drinkers – and by adding an engraved message or dedication they can become a treasured gift for years to come. Crafted in quality English pewter, these one pint tankards have traditional two-line decoration on the body. They are supplied in a deluxe fully-lined presentation box to give maximum impact to your presentation of the gift.

Silver Plated 6x4in Landscape Photo Frame

Silver Plated 6x4in Landscape Photo Frame

8. Silver Plated Landscape Photo Frame

As if to confirm the appeal of engraved photo frames as personalised Christmas gifts, this second frame to appear in our top ten list is a landscape frame – that is, it displays photographs in landscape orientation. It accepts 6in x 4in size prints and has a large area underneath the image for you to engraving with your personal message, a name or date, or details of a special achievement or occasion. The frames include a strut so they can stand upright on a shelf or mantel.

1PT English Pewter Beer Tankard

1PT English Pewter Beer Tankard

9. Pewter Beer Tankard

Crafted in quality English pewter, these one pint beer tankards have a classic shape with plain (undecorated) finish. Traditionally a presentation item for landmark events such as 18th and 21st birthdays or as retirement gifts, these pewter tankards are also very popular as Christmas gifts for men. They can be engraved on the body with a personal message or dedication to create a unique and personalised gift for the beer drinker in your life. These heavyweight pewter tankards are supplied tissue-wrapped in a black card box.

Silver Plated Letter Opener

Silver Plated Letter Opener

10. Classic Silver Plated Letter Opener

These classic letter openers have a polished silver plated finish that adds a touch of real quality to a traditional desk accessory. As with the pens, card cases and beer tankards above, they are a highly practical gift so every time they are used the recipient will think of you and your gift. Engrave the handle of these desktop letter openers with a personal message, name, date or dedication to create a unique personalised Christmas gift that will be used and appreciated for years to come.

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Three Superb Silver Trophies Added to Collection

We’re delighted to announce the addition of three superb new silver trophies to our Masterpieces collection. All three trophy cups are handmade in England by one of the country’s finest trophy makers. They feature a fine quality silver plated finish on the trophy body, lid and plinthbands. Each trophy also features handchased decoration, a traditional method of decorating silver by hand using craftsman techniques that have changed little over the centuries. This finish, along with the classic shapes of the trophies, gives them an authentic and traditional feel. The trophies are mounted on a circular mahogany plinth, and each trophy has the option of a double plinth – perfect for creating an extended-lifetime perpetual award. Click on an image below to view more product details for these magnificent trophies and to buy online:

Silver Trophy BD369

Silver Trophy BD369

Silver Trophy BD644

Silver Trophy BD644

Silver Trophy BD774

Silver Trophy BD774

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Uppermost Supplies Trophy for Swiss Hickory Championship

Roger Furrer, winner of the 2011 Swiss Hickory Championship, with the winners trophy (supplied and engraved by Uppermost)The inaugural Swiss Hickory Championship was held at the Engadin Golf Club in Samedan/St. Moritz, Switzerland, on 6th August 2011 and Uppermost supplied and engraved a superb silver trophy for the event. Hickory golf is a branch of the sport dedicated to the traditional game – players use wood shaft clubs and dress in period or retro clothing similar to that used in the early days of golf. Among the appeals of this discipline is the reintroduction of ‘feel’ that using hickory-made clubs brings, and it also allows for classic golf courses to be played in the manner, and with the equipment, for which they were designed. The Engadin Golf Club is the oldest in Switzerland and was founded in 1893. The first Swiss Hickory Championship Days event included a number of competitions across three days, including the Swiss Hickory Championship for which Uppermost supplied the trophy. The event was attended by Perry Somers, 2010 Hickory World Champion, who had the honour of presenting the trophy to the first winner, Roger Furrer. Read full story with images.

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Special Offers on Engraved Gifts & Awards for July 2011

Hurry hurry! Last few days to get a great deal on engraved corporate gifts, personalised gifts, trophies or awards. Uppermost’s July Special Offers will expire on Sunday, so order before then to get bargain prices. We’ve picked out some of the best deals on offer:

50% Off Silver Plated Wine Bottle Coasters

20% Off English Pewter Pint Beer Tankards

50% Off Silver Star Awards Trophy on Black Crystal Base with Engraving Plaque

25% Off Gold Plated Statuette on Base with Engraving Plaque, in Lined Presentation Case

20% Off Giant (30in) Silver & Gold Plated Awards Trophy

20% Off 11in Black Onyx Hexagon Shape Crystal Award Trophy

20% Off 12in Crystal Fluted Plate in Lined Presentation Case

20% Off Waterford Crystal Golf Figure Award on Wooden Base

20% Off Silver Plated Money Clips

15% Off Silver Number One Paperweight Award

All these special offer items are offered on our various websites with free engraving, fast turnaround and low cost UK delivery. Buy now to take advantage of our July Special Offer prices.

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Uppermost Silver Whistle for Rugby World Cup?

Referee Nigel Owens displays Acme Thunderer silver whistleInternational rugby union referee Nigel Owens was recently presented with a silver whistle, engraved and supplied by Uppermost, by the Treorchy RFC Juniors and Minis. The whistle was a ‘thank you’ gift from the Welsh club’s young players to Owens as he attended their presentation event. Owens has been selected as a referee for the forthcoming Rugby World Cup in New Zealand in September and October, and on receiving the whistle he delighted the young audience by saying he may use it during the World Cup. The whistle is a silver plated Acme Thunderer, which Owens said was his whistle of choice. The engraved whistle is due to get its first outing tomorrow (Saturday 14th May) as Owens is due to referee the Magners League play-off game between Munster and Ospreys.
Full Story with Images

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Top 10 Engraved Wedding Gifts

For the day that’s in it, we thought we would publish a list of the top ten engraved gifts that are purchased for weddings from the Uppermost family of web sites. These products may be gifts for the bride and groom, they may be gifts from the bride to her bridesmaids and family, from the groom to his Best Man, groomsmen or family, or from the bride and groom to their guests as wedding favours. As the items are purchased with engraving, we can easily tell the purpose that they are being bought for. So, to mark the Royal Wedding today, we thought we’d share with you the most popular engraved wedding gifts from our sites:

1. Silver Plated Photo Frame
Silver Plated Photo Frame FRM18These quality photo frames are sized to hold a 5in by 7in print and can be displayed in either a landscape or portrait orientation. Reassuringly heavy, they come with an adjustable strut so that they can stand in either orientation. The wide border around the print has a fine quality silver plated finish that is so highly polished it creates a mirror-like effect around the photo. Supplied complete with an attractive presentation box, these silver photo frames are popular as wedding gifts for the happy couple themselves, or bought by the couple to put their favourite wedding photo into and to give to parents as Thank You gifts after the big day. Engraving details of the couple and the date of the wedding makes these frames the perfect gift to hold a treasured memory of the day. Buy online at Business Gifts Express: Silver Plated Photo Frames FRM18

2. Pewter Pint Tankard
English Pewter Pint TankardUsually one for the boys, these classic pint tankards are crafted in English pewter and make outstanding groomsmen gifts and Thank You gifts for the Best Man. Engrave your personal message of appreciation onto the tankard to make a special commemorative gift for the lads who helped make your wedding such a great event. Buy these English pewter tankards online at Business Gifts Express: Engraved Pewter Pint Tankard

3. Silver Plated Purse Mirror
Silver Plated Oval Purse MirrorLet’s not forget the girls! These gorgeous oval shaped purse mirrors are perfect to engrave as bridesmaids gifts and as Thank You gifts for mother of the bride or mother of the groom. They feature a fine quality silver plated finish that is ideal for engraving with your personal message of thanks, or just the date and details of your wedding to make a cherished commemorative gift. We know from our corporate sales that these silver purse mirrors are very popular with recipients, so don’t take a chance and buy with confidence knowing that your bridesmaids will just love these gifts. Buy online at Business Gifts Express – Buy Engraved Silver Purse Mirrors – or, if you are buying ten or more, go to our corporate site Business Gifts Supplier where you can get a bulk order discount – Buy Engraved Silver Purse Mirrors in Bulk.

4. His & Hers Silver Plated Champagne Flutes
Pair of Silver Plated Champagne Flutes in Presentation BoxThis gorgeous pair of silver plated toasting flutes is just perfect for the wedding toast on the Big Day and to keep as a cherished souvenir of the event. Supplied complete with a lined presentation box – perfect for storing your flutes – these heavyweight flutes have a fine quality silver plated finish that is ideal for engraving. Put details of your wedding date, or mark one His and one Hers, or put any inscription or dedication you like … after all, its your wedding gift and a pair of high quality, great-looking, personalised champagne flutes is a gift that will be enjoyed for years to come. Buy online at Business Gifts Express: Boxed Pair of Silver Toasting Flutes.

5. Engraved Silver Plated Keyring
Silver Plated KeyringMaybe not the most obvious of wedding related gifts, but we find that a fair few orders for our best selling silver plated keyring are from grooms-to-be and brides-to-be looking for stylish and memorable gifts for their wedding party … but at affordable prices. The keyrings tend to be engraved with details of the happy couple, the wedding date, and sometimes also the venue. They seem to be particularly popular for overseas weddings, for instance in Italy or Spain, as presumably the small size of the keyring and box makes them easy to bring to the venue. Buy in bulk (minimum 12 items) at Business Gifts Supplier for best prices: Engraved Silver Keyrings.

6. Silver Plated Landscape Photo Frame
Silver Plated Landscape Photo FrameAs well as the versatile 5x7in silver photo frame listed above, our popular 6x4in landscape orientation photo frame is also very popular with couples looking for wedding gifts and commemorative items. These quality frames also feature a highly polished silver plated finish and the design allows for a large engraving area below the picture. They are popular to engrave with wedding details and then for the couple themselves to keep, to frame their favourite photo from the day, as well as to present to the parents of the bride and groom. Buy online, with low cost engraving, from Business Gifts Express: Silver Plated Landscape Photo Frame.

7. Crystal Champagne Flutes in Presentation Set
Celebrate the wedding in style with this impressive presentation gift set that includes two lead crystal flutes and a bottle of Perrier Jouet champagne. The crystal champagne flutes feature hand cut decoration around the lower part of the body, leaving plenty of clear crystal on the upper part that can be engraved. Personalise the flutes with an engraved inscription of the wedding details, and these magnificent boxed gift sets become commemorative items for years to come … long after the champagne bubbles have fallen flat. Buy online at Crystal Awards Supplier: Engraved Wedding Champagne Flutes.

8. Crystal Glass Pint Tankard
Crystal Pint Glass Tankard in Presentation BoxAnother one mainly for the boys – but not always! – these glass pint tankards are crafted in quality crystal and are supplied complete with an attractive, fully lined presentation box. Perfect as groomsmen gifts, they are also popular as commemorative gifts for stag weekends, or as a prize for winners of various contests on stag weekends (for instance, a golf competition, or car racing, or archery – we’ve had quite a range of engraving requests for winner awards and trophies for stag weekends and lads trips away, and these crystal pint glasses are easily one of the most popular items to engrave. Buy online at Business Gifts Express: Crystal Beer Glass in Presentation Box.

9. Silver Plated Perfume Atomizer
Silver Plated Bullet Shape Perfume AtomiserPerfect as a bridesmaids gift, these silver plated perfume atomizers are sure to be used … ensuring that your personal message gets seen every time your friends use their purse or handbag. The bullet shape design slips easily into purses or pockets, and the exterior has a fine quality silver plated finish that is perfect for engraving. Add your message of thanks to create a memorable, practical and very stylish bridesmaids gift for your girls. Buy online at Business Gifts Express: Silver Plated Perfume Atomizer.

10. Silver Plated Child’s Can
Silver Plated Child's Can with Celtic DecorationNot so much a wedding present, but, as sure as night follows day often a wedding will be followed by the patter of tiny feet. These silver plated child’s can goblets are traditional christening gifts, given to the child to be kept as a lifeling memento of the occasion. They can be purchased by the parents, by grandparents, or by god parents, and make an outstanding christening gift. Engrave the child’s can with details of the birth date and the child’s name, and even a reference to the christening ceremony if you wish, to create a unique and personalised commemorative gift. Buy online at Awards Trophies Supplier: Silver Plated Child’s Can.

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Glossy Black Gifts Added to Collection

Three gorgeous black high-gloss finish gifts have been added to our corporate gifts collection.

Black and silver business card caseThe first is a stylish black and silver plated pocket business card holder, featuring a sturdy metal body with hinged lid. These deep cases can hold up to 25 standard business card cases, keeping them crisp and pristine ready for when you need to present them. The body of the cases has a quality silver plated finish while the hinged lid has a distinctive black high gloss finish.  As with all our corporate gifts products, these business card cases can be customised by laser engraving. Engraving into the black gloss lid results in a cut through to white metal beneath, providing a strong contrast for your engraved logo or lettering.

Metal and leather business card case with matching brushed metal penThe second new product added is a great value gift set comprising a leather and brushed metal pocket business card case and matching brushed metal ballpoint pen. These two items are supplied in a fitted presentation box with an attractive sepia coloured finish. The card case has a metal frame with a black P.U. leather cover, and two flaps allow easy access to the business cards. It holds about 12 – 15 standard business cards.

Modern desk clock in wave design with black high gloss finishLast, but by no means least, is a fabulous clock with a distinctive wave or curve design and a stylish black high-gloss finish. These compact clocks (they stand just 3in tall) also feature silver plated fittings and the clock face has a silver plated surround. In line with the modern design, the clock face itself has a minimalist look. These clocks are supplied boxed and, as with the black and silver business card case above, engraving on the front of the clock cuts through to the white metal beneath and so gives a good contrast for your engraved logo, name or message.

All three of these new products can be purchased with bulk order discounts at Business Gifts Supplier, or for single and small order purchase they are available at our consumer website, Business Gifts Express.

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Pewter Golf Tankards and Flasks

More golf products added to our collection! Yesterday we told you about some gorgeous contemporary crystal golf awards that were added to our Awards Trophies Supplier website during April. Well we also added a select range of quality pewter golf tankards and golf hip flasks in April too. Crafted in classic English pewter by one of the country’s finest pewter makers, these 1 pint pewter tankards and 4oz or 6oz hip flasks all feature an embossed golf scene on the body of the product. These include putting golfers, golf bags, golfers in full swing pose, and a hugely popular ‘angry golfer’ scene of a frustrated golfer breaking a club over his knee. Ideal as personalised golf gifts or golf day awards, all our tankards and flasks are suitable for engraving and are offered with free text and logo engraving.

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New Crystal Golf Awards

CrystaCrystal Golf Award GF6019l awards are becoming increasingly popular as trophies and awards for a wide range of events and achievements, even in the traditional world of golf. We are pleased to unveil a series of contemporary crystal golf awards on our Awards Trophies Supplier website. This select range includes coloured crystal glass awards and all the new items are crafted in flawless optical crystal, a quality material that refracts light as it passes through. As with all our awards and trophies products, these new crystal golf awards are ideal for engraving to create personalised gifts or custom awards for your golf day or golfing competition.

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