Today, Tollit & Harvey is fully integrated into the French Exacompta Clairefontaine group, combining its rich heritage with the international reach, resources, and innovation of a global leader in stationery and creative products. How has the company evolved? The company has evolved significantly over time, navigating major historical events such as two world wars, as well as periods of relocation and collaboration. Exaclair Ltd adapted to changing times, which is clearly reflected in catalogue images from the 1980s and 1990s when compared to the more modern product designs seen today. The most significant transformation occurred in 2008, when Tollit & Harvey rebranded as Exaclair Ltd and became part of the Exacompta Clairefontaine group, marking a new chapter of growth, modernisation, and expanded reach. What do you specialise in? While the company has strengths across the entire stationery and creative industry, supported by a diverse portfolio of brands, our key specialities lie in premium paper products. Rhodia notebooks remain a standout, known for their exceptional paper quality, thoughtful layouts, and refined design, all of which create a writing experience that feels intentional and enjoyable. For many users, Rhodia highlights the true value of professional notebooks by showing how quality materials and craftsmanship can elevate everyday writing. Alongside this, Clairefontaine craft products also play an important role in what we specialise in. Clairefontaine is widely recognised for its superior paper, making it a favourite among artists, crafters, and students alike. Whether used for drawing, crafting, or creative projects, Clairefontaine paper offers reliability and performance that allow creativity to flow freely, reinforcing our commitment to quality across both writing and craft. Talk us through the current products you’re particularly excited about. Do you have a favourite? My current favourite has to be Blockx paints. They set a completely new standard for acrylics, and the quality genuinely took me by surprise. I’ve never worked with paints quite like them before. While they do sit at a higher price point compared to some competitors, that difference is clearly reflected in the performance, as you only need a small amount to achieve incredible results. Two shades that have never let me down are Quinacridone Pink (472) and Olive Green (645). Both colours are beautifully rich and intensely pigmented, and they always perform consistently. The paint applies smoothly with no streaking or blotching, which makes the entire painting process far more enjoyable and satisfying. Blockx truly enhances the creative experience for me. On top of this, the brand caters to multiple artistic mediums, including watercolours, oils, and acrylics, making it a versatile and exciting choice for artists of all levels. Hobby & crafts have boomed over the last two years! Have you noticed any new trends? One major trend we’ve noticed is the growing popularity of upcycling. This movement has gained significant traction on social media platforms, Tumblr and TikTok, where arts and crafts communities frequently share projects that transform everyday or discarded items into something creative and functional. Upcycling ties closely to a wider focus on sustainability, with people becoming more conscious of waste and eager to reuse materials in imaginative ways. Decopatch can be tied in with this closely. Alongside this, there’s been a noticeable shift towards crafts as a form of relaxation and self-expression. Many people are using creative hobbies as a way to slow down, disconnect from screens, and create something meaningful by hand. These trends have contributed to a more inclusive and experimental crafting culture, where creativity, sustainability, and personal enjoyment are just as important as the finished result. How would you advise a retailer who is interested in stocking your products? I’d advise retailers to see Exacompta Clairefontaine products as a premium investment rather than a standard stationery line. While our products are priced slightly higher than average, this reflects their exceptional quality, durability, and consistency. From our high-performance office supplies and professional paints to creative ranges for children, every product is designed to deliver reliability and a superior user experience. Our carefully crafted paper, thoughtful designs, and strong brand reputation encourage repeat purchases and foster long-term customer loyalty. By offering products that combine functionality, creativity, and lasting quality, retailers can confidently provide customers with stationery and craft items that truly stand out in a competitive market. Positioning the range as high-quality, dependable, and enjoyable ensures that customers understand and appreciate the value behind every purchase. 57 COMPANY PROFILE
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