9 INDUSTRY NEWS Industry news Latest news from the craft industry The GA announces membership of the British Retail Consortium The Giftware Association (GA) is delighted to announce it has officially joined the British Retail Consortium (BRC), strengthening its commitment to championing and supporting businesses across the UK gift and home sector. The move marks a significant step in aligning the GA and its members with the UK’s leading retail body, renowned for shaping policy, elevating retail standards, and supporting organisations across the evolving retail landscape. The BRC is widely recognised as the go-to trade association for the UK retail industry, offering its members a powerful collective voice, extensive policy insight, and access to specialist communities, data, and industry intelligence. Its mission is to make a positive difference to retail and its customers by influencing change, providing strategic knowledge, and empowering its network to navigate regulatory and market challenges confidently. By joining the BRC, The GA and its nationwide membership will benefit from access to this influential platform strengthening advocacy efforts, unlocking new learning opportunities, and enhancing visibility within the wider retail ecosystem. The membership will enable to GA to have, which will in turn benefit its members: • A stronger voice in policy and regulation, helping ensure the interests of gift, home, and lifestyle businesses are heard at the highest levels. • Access to market intelligence and benchmarking tools, supporting better-informed decisions in an ever-changing retail environment. • Participation in BRC communities and networks, fostering collaboration across industries, sectors, and retail disciplines. This membership underlines the GA’s commitment to evolving with and for its members, ensuring that businesses of all sizes from independent makers to national brands can access worldclass resources, guidance, and industry connections. Find out more: www.giftwareassociation.org UK Hand Knitting is thrilled to announce its very first Crochet and Knit Along, launching 7th April 2026! The team have joined forces with two designers, Claire Montgomerie and Jeanette Sloan, who have each created an exclusive floral-themed project to celebrate the beauty of the seasons. Blossom Crochet Along by Claire Montgomerie is a joyful exploration of texture and technique, Blossom bursts with intricate stitches inspired by the delicate petals of spring. Bloom Knit Along by Jeanette Sloan captures the lush, luxurious feel of high summer with dramatic flowers, sparkling beads, and clever slip-stitch details. To make the experience even more special, exclusive yarn packs are available from your favourite local premium yarn shops, supplied by UK Hand Knitting members Cygnet, James C Brett, King Cole, Rico, Stylecraft, and West Yorkshire Spinners. Choose your favourite brand, visit your local shop, or discover participating stockists from the UK Hand Knitting website. UK Hand Knitting reveals first crochet and knit along Bloom Knit Along by Jeanette Sloan
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