Profile

60 seconds with HFC

HFC: traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology

HFC started its journey in 1981 in a small garage in Waterlooville, Hampshire.

The firm’s founder, Roy Carr, began by crafting handmade bunting, then expanded into hand-painted banners and hand-sewn flags. The business steadily grew over the years and in 2002 Roy retired, passing the baton to the next generation. His daughter Angela took over the reins and continues to lead the company to this day

Where are you based?

Still in Waterlooville, but we’ve outgrown the garage! We now operate from a 1,068sqm building

How many staff do you have?

Our team has also grown substantially. We now have 40 dedicated employees

What does your firm do? 

While renowned for flags, HFC’s expertise extends to a wide range of promotional solutions. From eye-catching banners and festive bunting to practical cafe barriers and COMAH-regulated windsocks. Our bespoke signage solutions also ensure client messages stand out

What's your typical customer?Anyone looking to make a visual impact, whether they’re a business, event organiser, school, sports team, or individual

Which geographic areas do you serve?We have clients from all over the world!

Which markets do you serve? 

We work with a wide range of sectors, including retail, education, sports, events, and industry, providing tailored solutions for each customer's unique needs

Who are your clients?

A diverse range, from individuals to big-name brands and government bodies. We've worked with hundreds of household names, ensuring their brand shines bright in every product we craft

What's your USP?

Our ability to blend decades of experience with a personal touch. We combine traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology to create high-quality, bespoke promotional solutions

What's your company's motto?

Bringing brands to life in spectacular colour and quality

What equipment do you run?

We pack a punch with six printers (including the D.gen Hexa, Epson SureColor SC-F9200 and D.gen Teleios Grande H12), a Zünd G3 CNC cutter, SEFA Sublimax 2513, and multiple finishing machines However, our true strength lies in our experienced finishing team, boasting a collective expertise of hundreds of years in flag making. Their craftsmanship, combined with our in-house design and print capabilities, ensures every product we deliver is a testament to our dedication to quality

What's been your proudest achievement in the past few years?Becoming the official supplier for Team GB and the Ministry of Defence. We also made so much bunting during the coronation from our warehouse in Waterlooville that it would have reached all the way to Buckingham Palace in length!

Where do you see your business in five years' time?

While maintaining our leading position in flags, we are actively expanding into signage, exhibition, and visual merchandising sectors. Rooted in staff development and unwavering commitment to quality, we prioritise continuous improvement over mere expansion. We're a small company with a big impact, enhancing stories through our exceptional products and service

What's your team's favourite biscuit?

Whatever Robert, our youngest employee, hasn't already snaffled!