Royal National Lifeboat Institution

Our Client

Founded in 1824, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution is the largest charity that saves lives at sea around the coasts of the United Kingdom. With more than 230 lifeboat stations across Great Britain and Ireland, the RNLI plays an important part in the health and safety of people enjoying the waters surrounding the UK.

The prestigious organisation received its Royal charter in 1860 and it is believed to have saved more than 140,000 lives since its foundation. The RNLI operates on more than 200 beaches in the UK and provides essential equipment and training for emergencies at home and overseas. Considerable effort is also put into education, providing talks for more than 6000 children a week about sea and beach safety.

The Brief

The RNLI needed a trusted UK supplier to provide high-quality flags and flagpoles. The charity wanted a wide range of display products, bespoke hardware, and maintenance services to sustain its professional and respectable reputation. And as an established business, the RNLI was looking for products that would create a uniform look across multiple locations.

The client needed robust and sturdy products that would withstand the harsh weather of Scotland and the winds of coastal towns across the country. Following several reputable recommendations, the RNLI approached Flagmakers as they wanted a partner with knowledge and experience to provide ongoing services and ensure their flags and flagpoles were always looking their best.

Our Solution

Flagmakers made a range of custom flags for various RNLI locations and ceremonies. Including high-quality prints of official logos and campaign slogans, these flags were supplied in different sizes and came with all the necessary finishings to look exquisite. The RNLI also ordered a variety of portable display products including feather flags and café barriers, all showcasing their well-known branding, for events across the UK.

Flagmakers carried out the seamless installation of multiple flagpoles allowing the RNLI to give a superb first impression and highlight the presence of RNLI from Scotland down to the south coast. Working with the specific requirements of different locations Flagmakers expert engineers were able to fulfil the complex needs of station buildings, safety guidelines, and more.

The team carried out site surveys of more than 10 locations and created detailed reports on the best practise for maintaining flags and flagpoles at each station. Risk assessments and schedules were written for a clear and practical plan of annual servicing for each flagpole. After each service, the RNLI is very happy with the extensive care and attention put into every single check and necessary replacement.