Craft Focus - Feb/Mar (Issue 65)

We go behind the scenes at the London Stationery Show to find out which trends will be dominating this year’s event Running over two days this April, the eighth London Stationery Show promises a bumper exhibitor and brand line-up, as well as a range of interesting speakers and workshops. Organiser, Ocean Media, is on target to top the 2017 event, and this year’s show will feature new product awards, an engaging creative stationery workshop area and two days of live talks and presentations for retailers. There will also be a new On Trend display area and Trend Tours for visitors run by forecasting agency, Scarlet Opus. “We’re introducing some great initiatives this year,” says event manager, Hazel Fieldwick. “Since the show started in 2011 it has changed tremendously, moving from office products to retail and design-led stationery. So, if suppliers haven’t exhibited or visited for some time we urge them to come along and find out what’s changed and more about our plans for 2018.” COMING UP Ocean Media recently ran a pre-show briefing to introduce exhibitors to three global consumer and design trends that will feature heavily this year. Phil Pond, analyst at Scarlet Opus, was on hand to present details of Imperfect Beauty, Out of the Ordinary and Eco 2.0, trends that are expected to manifest themselves in the marketplace over the next two years. “The stationery industry is very responsive to global consumer and design trends,” explains show marketing director, Vanessa Fortnum. “We are keen to arm our The paper trail DON’T MISS London Stationery Show When: 24 th -25 th April, 2018 Where: Business Design Centre, London Web: stationeryshow.co.uk exhibitors and visitors with information and practical advice, not only on how to spot key trends, but how to select product and dress stores to attract more customers.” READY TO LAUNCH The LaunchPad London competition will also return this season. The contest was introduced in 2017 to find fledgling stationery suppliers who are looking to break into the market. This year’s event will be judged by Sidonie Warren, founder of design-led stationery retailer Papersmiths, Daniel Mark Carr, global brand director of international art supplies company Colart, and award-winning textile and stationery designer, Nikki Strange. “Getting feedback from this panel of judges is reason enough to enter the competition!” says Hazel Fieldwick. “We’re delighted that Sidonie, Daniel and Nikki are supporting us in this way – their combined expertise is really impressive!” All three judges were recently identified as Thirty Under 30 nominees as part of an initiative to find the stationery sector’s rising stars. “I am thrilled to have been asked to judge alongside Sidonie and Nikki,” adds Daniel. “The stationery and creative industries are growing, and now more than ever we need aspiring talent and leadership that impresses and engages with consumers.” The panel will search for up to 12 candidates who will be awarded a free exhibition stand. Entries must be received via 9th February and application forms can be found at the website stationeryshow.co.uk . show preview craft focus 95