Gilbert had great engineering ability, he designed and made a vacuum forming machine and then produced a 6 foot plastic model of a whipped ice-cream cone complete with a flake for display on Johns forecourt. In the next full year ice-cream sales at the filling station tripled. John was getting lots of inquires from other retailers as to where he obtained the giant ice-cream cone. He could see the potential for another business here and after some further market research John and Gilbert formed the plastics engineering company that continues to make the iconic ice-cream cones and DT Boxes today.
John's take on their partnership was if Gilbert could make it then he (John) could sell it and this very much defined their roles when they set up the company. Gilbert was the Engineer. He designed and manufactured the machines that still produce the cones today. John did all the marketing and selling and he was clearly very good at it because the giant ice cream cone has become an iconic part of British and Irish history. So iconic in fact that in 2007 The Royal Mail produced a limited edition Beside the Seaside edition of the first class stamp featuring Plastic Promotions giant ice-cream cones.
Limited edition 1st class stamp featuring our ice-cream cone. British stamps: Beside the Seaside (2007)
The company diversified over the years and has produced all sorts of custom plastic fabrications and components for all sorts of industries from agricultural industry to the car industry and everything in between.
John Co-Founder of our company at The Ice-Cream Alliance Show.
John and Gilbert worked together successfully for almost 20 years. They were a dynamic duo and their strengths in business were different but complimented each other greatly. John retired from the company in 2006 after many great years in business together. Gilbert kept the business on but John was never far away.
John Allen at The Ice-Cream Alliance Show.
Gilbert with an early Ice Cool Lollies plastic promotional product that he designed and manufactured.
Mark Irvine is Gilberts eldest son and was jut a few months old when Gilbert and John set up the company. He grew up in and out of the workshop and joined the company properly in 2006. Although the company did many other products, Mark noticed that their main product, the ice-cream cones was really a seasonal product. He saw the need for a product that would sell all year round.
Mark with some additional larger than life plastic promotional products.
By this time the company was established in the area and known as an innovative company that was good at designing and producing a vast range of plastic products. Some local dog handlers approached Gilbert and asked him if could manufacture a dog transport box that would be sturdy and easy to clean. Gilbert and Mark designed and manufactured the first Dog Transport Box in 2007 and the DT Boxes brand was born.
DT Boxes logo and two of our favorite model helpers Jack and Dobby in a DT Box.
In the first year they sold about 25 boxes by word of mouth alone. This is a product that they became very passionate about very quickly. They had always had a love of dogs and loved plastic manufacturing. Mark took this product and really ran with it. They saw the need to set up a website and began attending Game Fairs. They were no strangers to trade fairs as they had attended ice-cream trade fairs for years. Mark booked their first Game Fair, Ballywalter Game Fair that year. He loved doing the game fair, meeting all the customers both human and canine and knew that this was a product that he really wanted to focus on and develop. In the year that followed they sold about 150 boxes. Sales increased slowly over the years as they continued to develop the product. DT Boxes still attends Game Fairs all over the UK and Ireland and continue to love meeting all the gorgeous dogs out there. It's one of the best parts of the job.
Mark and John Irvine enjoying themselves at Scarva Game Fair, Co. Armagh (2019)
Marks brother John Irvine, joined the company in 2010. Gilbert, Mark and John worked together from then on. Mark and John cut their teeth in business under Gilbert's direction and brought new ideas and methods to company to develop it into what it is today. They became a solid team and worked very hard to keep the business going. It wasn't always easy, like most other companies they struggled through the last recession and in the years that followed but they worked hard and got through it.
Gilbert with Mark and John.
Mark was always looking for new ways to develop the business, continuously researching and looking for better ways to do business. A major break through came for the company in 2014 when Mark discovered Lean Manufacturing and specifically Paul Akers book 2 Second Lean. Again this was something Mark became very passionate about very quickly and began implementing it into the company. Mark took to it like a duck to water and this completely transformed the culture of company and the way they operated. The company now operate a culture of continuous improvement and this is imbedded in every thing they do. The struggle and waste became less and less as a result of this new way of operating. Thankfully the business has gone from strength to strength ever since.
John and Mark enjoying their work a little too much.
Mark and Johns main focus has been DT Boxes. They are hugely focused on customer service and providing a quality product that meets their customers needs. A testament to this is recently being voted number one for customer service by Fieldsports Britain, a testament to their dedication to providing a quality product that their customers are happy with. They love talking to their customers and some of their best improvements have been as a result of customers requests.
Jack out and about in the DT1000L with All-Weather Pickup Kit.
Gilbert over the last number of years took more of a back seat as Mark and John became more proficient at running the company. Gilbert retired in 2018 safe in the knowledge that he was leaving the company to an innovative, capable duo with a real passion for business and their products just like himself and John Allen had when they set up and were Directors of the company.
John and Mark Irvine in the workshop today continuing on where John Allen and Gilbert Irvine left off with the ice-cream cones as well as DT Boxes .
The torch has been passed on to Mark and John who are now the Directors of the Company. Mark calls John the bean counter but to the rest of us he is the Financial Director of the company. He looks after the financial end of the business, he does all the purchasing and logistics. He can be found any given day on the workshop floor, getting everything organised, taking your calls and getting product out the door. Mark is the Managing Director, the innovator and always thinking up ideas on how they can improve the product and the business. He also takes most of your calls and can be seen regularly on our YouTube channel videos keeping you up to date on our latest news and products.
Founding Directors John Allen and Gilbert Irvine at the company's beginnings and today's Directors John Irvine and Mark Irvine in the workshop today.
They are both very proud of DT boxes their other plastic products such as the ice cream cones and what the company has achieved over the years. They put a lot of time and effort into making sure that they produce quality products that is right for you and your dogs. Both Mark and John are very grateful to Gilbert and John and all they have done for the company and them over the years. They are proud of their foundations and the family business that Gilbert and John set up in 1988. They hope to continue this on in a way that both Gilbert and John would be proud of to do justice to the legacy left to them by Gilbert and John.
In loving memory of John Allen (03-March-1954- 10-November-2019)
]]>
Rusty, our Golden retriever, is the oldest member of our dog family, having been the family dog for twelve years. Rachel and Phil brought Jack and Dobby into the family next. These two energetic Cocker Spaniels are so different in nature to each other but both equally loveable and bring great life to the bunch. Last but not least is Wrex, he joined the family two years ago thanks to John and is the largest member of our dog family but also the baby in more ways than one.
Rusty has been the Irvine family dog for the last twelve years. He is the elderly gentleman among the bunch. He is 'a good boy" as Rebekah would say. Rusty is a loyal Golden Retriever and use to spend a lot of time in the workshop with the guys. He has retired now and now spends most of his time at the family home.
Rusty loves playing in the water in Gosford Forest Park and still enjoys a good walk. He loves finding big stones to chew on too. Rusty has a special place in Rebekah's heart. Wrex provides great company for Rusty and has sparked new life in Rusty since his arrival.
Jack is the eldest of Philip and Rachel's two Cocker Spaniels. He is a Black Cocker and the more independent of the two. He is happy in his own company but if he likes you he is happy to sit with you awhile to be petted. He has a very placid nature, and is very gentle with the children. Being a working breed means he has endless energy and never seems to tire no matter how far he runs.
Background info: Rachel, is Mark and John's sister. Their Dad, Gilbert, co-founded the company many years ago and the company is now owned and run by Mark and John. Their love of dogs lead them to design and develop the DT boxes end of the company. Phil and Rachel are Husband and Wife, they have a son George and two Cockers Jack and Dobby, all of which regularly feature in DT boxes photos and videos. The business really is a full on family business with everyone in the family having a great love of dogs.
Dobby is a Golden Cocker Spaniel and the younger of the two cockers and much more restless. He is constantly weaving in and out and is constantly on the go. If a crumb drops from the table, he is sure to be the first one to it. Dobby will literally eat anything which unfortunately for him has meant more than one trip to the vets.
Dobby was named after Harry Potters House Elf as Rachel is a huge Harry Potter fan. As it turns out the name really suits his personality. Dobby is more anxious in nature and loves being in company. He is a very loveable dog with endless energy and brings great fun and energy to the bunch.
Wrex is the newest addition to the DT Boxes clan and John's beloved "Poopie". They say dogs are man's best friend and this is definitely true for John and Wrex. Wrex has made a huge impact here since his arrival two years ago. He has starred in many of our Youtube videos and most recently helped us out on Wrexcam when we took him out for a drive to show you how comfortable your dogs are in their DT Boxes when you are driving.
Wrex is a large Rottweiler weighing in at 55kg. Despite his large size, Wrex has the softest nature. He loves jumping up for cuddles on John and Mark or giving them the paw. He is an integral part of the family and lives at home with John. He is a natural herding creature so he does naturally tend to herd other dogs like Rusty or us over to where he wants them much to our amusement. He is a beautiful, soft natured creature yet full of strength at the same time.
He is also quite protective over children and Rebekah. He loves coming into the workshop with John. He spends most of his time sitting by Rebekah on guard as she works. Not sure if he is trying to keep people out or Rebekah in. John has him well trained.
Background: Rebekah is the youngest sister in the Irvine family. If you have been talking to us lately on the phone, you may have had the pleasure of dealing with Rebekah. She is our I.T. whizz and also has been taking your calls over the last while. Wrex is very protective of Rebekah and can usually be found by her side in the workshop. Whilst at home however, Rusty dog can usually be found next to her waiting to be petted and to be told 'he is a good boy'.
We are all huge dog lovers here at DT Boxes and these are the dogs that inspire us every day. We love to take them out and about with us and that's why we always ensure our boxes are made to the highest standard to make sure our beloved dogs are safe and happy as we go. These dogs are an integral part of our family and of our business and we hope you have enjoyed getting to know a little more about them (and us). We hope you enjoy seeing them in our photos and videos as much as we love making them with our dogs. No doubt you will be seeing more of Rusty, Wrex, Jack and Dobby again soon.
]]>Sunday is my favourite day of the week. For me, Sunday is the day to step back from the busyness of life, relax and spend time with family. At DT Boxes the work week runs Monday-Friday. Saturdays are usually spent tackling the jobs on the to-do list that have been put off during the week and catching up on what we've missed. But Sundays, these are my favourite days, it's our day to relax and unwind with all the family.
(Jack, Phil, George, Amy, Rachel and John)
We are so lucky to have a close nit big family group. We all live quite close together not far from Gosford Forest Park, which is great for meeting up for our Sunday stroll with all the family. And yes by all the family we mean the doggies too! The dogs love the freedom and adventures they have in Gosford and we love having them with us. There is so much fun to be had in the woodland and streams of Gosford Forest Park and the kids love watching the dogs exploring it all.
(Dobby and Jack)
The dogs particularly love chasing each other up and down the streams which causes much excitement for Amy and George, especially as the dogs shake off all the wet and muck upon re-emerging from the water. It's great to get out in nature with all the family, catching up on the latest chat, seeing their happy faces and the dogs happy wagging tails and hearing the laughter as we go. Its a great way to spend time with family and an enjoyable way to get some exercise in too.
(Jack, Dobby and Amy)
In the video above you can see some of us out on our Sunday stroll in Gosford. Amy or Amycorn as we like to call her has a great handle on Dobby and Jack. She enjoys bringing them to the forest on their adventures. Dobby, the golden cocker spaniel is full of energy whilst Jack, the black cocker is more laid back. George can be heard laughing along as he enjoys watching them whizz up and down and weave in and out as we walk through the forest. You even get a rare glimpse of our co-owner John who also loves the our Sunday strolls. No matter what the weather there is always fun to be had on the family stroll in Gosford with the dogs and kids in tow.
(Jack and Dobby)
When the walk is done, its all back to Rachel and Phil's car for tea and sandwiches as the chat and craic continues. Rachel always comes well prepared. It great to have the DT Box in the back of the car for Dobby and Jack. Jack always likes to try out Dobbys half before retreating to his own section but as you can see they are both content in their box with George and Amy cooing in at them. The box is great because it means all that muck and water from the streams and forest doesn't get all over the car when the dogs shake off. The box is also a safe place to keep the dogs whilst we enjoy our warm cup of tea in the busy car park before heading off on our way. This is just one of many similar Sundays spent like this for us and one of the main reasons that Sundays are my favourite day of the week.
(Jack, Dobby and George)
Days like this are what life for us is all about. Its all about enjoying quality time with all the family including our dogs. Its also why we love the work we do and why we love our boxes.
]]>Walking in nature with our dogs can be one of the most peaceful and enjoyable activities that we can partake in. Everybody needs time to relax and unwind and what better way than on a nature walk or staycation with our beloved dogs. There are so many places in the UK and Ireland to enjoy and these activities can also have huge benefits for our mental health and fitness. In a world that has been so busy, now is the perfect time to relax and enjoy the natural world around us.
The National Trust in the UK was founded in 1895 by three extraordinary leaders, Octavia Hill, Canon Hardwicke Rawnsley and Sir Robert Hunter, who were united by a belief that nature, beauty and history are for everyone and that natural and historic places should be protected for future generations.
Today the UK and Ireland have a combined total of twenty-one National Parks. These sites have been protected for us and future generations so that we can enjoy their beauty, get out in nature and unwind.
The UK has fifteen official National Parks;
Snowdonia (England)
Dartmoor (England)
Yorkshire Dales (England)
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs (Scotland)
Pembrokeshire Coast (Wales)
Exmoor (England)
Northumberland (England)
North York Moors (England)
Brecon Beacons (Wales)
The Broads National Park (England)
New Forest National Park (England)
South Downs National Park (England)
Cairngorms National Park (Scotland)
Peak District (England)
The Lake District (England) (Below)
Whilst Ireland has six stunning National Parks of extraordinary beauty;
Killarney National Park
Glenveagh National Park
Connemara National Park
Burren National Park
Ballycroy National Park
Wicklow Mountains National Park (Below)
These are wonderful vast areas of natural beauty that are easily accessible to us. People have travelled from all over the world to come to explore the beauty in these regions and now is the ideal time for us to explore that same beauty that has been on our doorsteps all our lives. Whether its for a day trip or a staycation, getting out and exploring nature is good for us and our dogs. There are many wonderful places to stay with pet friendly accommodation constantly on the rise, and lots of pet friendly bars and restaurants to stop into along the way. The main attraction is the walks and hikes of course. When it comes to walking holidays, who better to enjoy it with than mans best friend and the best walking companion anyone could ask for, our dogs.
The beauty is far from limited to these vast National Parks. There are many more natural beauty spots that we can explore and many other walking routes to be enjoyed.
As a proud Northern Irish family business, we are nestled in between some of the most stunning natural beauty in the world. The Ring of Gullion and Mourne Mountains, The Giants Causeway and North Coast and the Lakes of Enniskillen surround us on all sides. Northern Ireland has also many other walking trails to enjoy with your dogs. The country known as the land of legends, is a paradise for nature lovers and ideal for exploring with your dogs. For more information check out Pet-Friendly NI where you can find a whole host of pet-friendly accommodation, dog walks and dog-friendly restaurants and bars.
Like Northern Ireland, Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales have a vast number of walking trails for us to enjoy. To find relevant trails near you click on the country links above.
At DT Boxes we love to bring Wrex, Dobby and Jack on the road with us to discover Northern Ireland. With our dog transport cages bringing your dog with you couldn’t be simpler. We have designed and manufactured a wide range of dog transport boxes so you can take your dog on the road with you also.
Our boxes are manufactured from sturdy, durable lightweight plastic which keep your dogs contained happily in your boot. The boxes come with lockable stainless steel grate doors as standard which allow light and air in and vent holes on the backs and sides. Furthermore the boxes are completely sealed which means no moisture from your dogs can escape out into the carpet of your boot which is especially great on mucky walks or if your dogs like to go for a swim. We have bumper protectors too to protect your car when the dogs are jumping in and out. The boxes are easily cleaned, lift the lightweight box out of your car, hose it down and release the drainage plugs to wash it out.
We also have a range of boxes for Pick-ups, vans and Jeeps. Our half box options are great when going on staycations also as they still leave room in the boot for luggage and other essential items.Tourists come from all over the world to view our landscapes, it time we do the same. So get out, take your dog on an adventure and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds us all.
]]>The "Scottish Game Fair 2020" has announced that it will be postponing the game fair normally held in July to October 2nd-4th of October.
For more info go to: www.scottishfair.com
Hugo Straker Chairman says:
“These are very concerning times, but the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust is fully committed to running the Scottish Game Fair later this year and we have taken the decision to postpone rather than cancel. We are grateful to Scone Palace for being able to accommodate the new dates. It is a testing time for many industries right now and we are mindful that The Scottish Game Fair is crucial to a great many businesses and individuals who work in sporting goods, land management, as well as food & drinks business, for whom The Scottish Game Fair is an important part of their calendar. We look forward to welcoming both our visitors and traders to Scone in October with optimism and a fighting spirit that is synonymous with the game community.”
]]>