Craft Focus - Jun/Jul (Issue 67)

red letter days “This was the first time we have attended the London Stationery Show, and we were absolutely thrilled with the response we received! Stores and designers alike gave us great feedback on our Spectrum Noir product range, and audiences loved the enjoyable and informative workshops we held using our metallic markers. Freelance artist, Paul Antonio, also used our Artliners range as part of his workshops, which were hugely popular. We couldn’t be more pleased with the show!” Sara Davies, Crafter’s Companion Stationery Award scheme. The show partnered with The Paper Library, which runs a resource service for college students across the UK, to help foster links between education and the stationery industry. Managers from Paperchase, Portico Design and Caroline Gardner, who are each supporting the competition and offering a student placement as a prize, attended the show and took part in a Q&A. Talking points To mark National Stationery Week, key suppliers Nuco, Staedtler, Mustard, Santoro, Crafter’s Companion and AT Cross each took a leading role as part of a Seven Days of Stationery feature. There was also a packed programme of workshops and live talks, which were busy throughout the duration of the trade fair. “The London Stationery Show is the perfect event for buyers to review what’s new in the sector and consider how writing and paper products fit, or might fit, their product mix,” adds Hazel. “Whether it’s as a fashionable gift, a ‘must-have’ treat or a smart home or work essential, stationery is increasingly regarded as a desirable lifestyle accessory and an on-trend element of many product assortments.” The next stationery show will take place at The Point, part of the Emirates Old Trafford venue in Manchester on 9 th and 10 th October, 2018. “This is just the second year for our show in Manchester,” says Hazel. “It is a great addition to its older sister show in London and offers a new opportunity for the industry to meet up, talk stationery and catch up on new product developments for the 2019 season.” The next London fair will return to the Business Design Centre in Islington, on 30 th April and 1 st May, 2019. Go to stationeryshow.co.uk to find out more about both events. Facts & figures • Show size increased by 9 per cent • 155 exhibitors • 79 new exhibitors • 12 LaunchPad winners • 300 brands and licenses • 27 exhibitors visited from abroad • 2007 visitors, up 6 per cent from last year 32 craft focus