7 INDUSTRY NEWS Industry news Latest news from the craft industry HOME & GIFT ASSOCIATION MEETS WITH GOVERNMENT The Home & Gift Association has met with the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) to discuss growth, exports, regulation and support for small businesses across the UK’s home and gift sector. Representing around 400 suppliers, manufacturers, retailers and service providers, the Association highlighted the pressures facing businesses, including rising costs, export barriers and increasing regulatory requirements. A key focus of the meeting was international growth, with DBT outlining opportunities for UK businesses through partnerships with major online marketplaces in regions including Latin America and the Middle East. The Association welcomed further collaboration to help members access new customers and export markets. The importance of trade shows as a driver of business growth was also discussed. The Association highlighted the need to attract more international buyers to UK exhibitions, while sharing plans for a new Trade Fair Council to explore ways of reducing participation barriers for smaller businesses, including rising exhibition and operational costs. Regulation was another major topic, with the Association raising concerns around packaging requirements, sustainability legislation and the impact of evolving EU regulations on UK businesses trading internationally. DBT requested further industry evidence to help inform future policy discussions. Government-backed initiatives including the Business Growth Service, Growth Guarantee Scheme, Start Up Loans, British Business Bank finance programmes and Help to Grow: Management were also highlighted as potential sources of support for businesses. Gemma Sault, Managing Director of the Home & Gift Association, said the meeting provided an important opportunity to ensure the experiences of small businesses were being heard by government. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continued dialogue, including further information sharing on regulation, international opportunities, trade events and sector challenges. For the UK’s predominantly small and independent home and gift businesses, the Association says continued engagement with government will be important in helping the sector navigate regulatory pressures while unlocking opportunities for future growth and international trade. Visit: www.homeandgiftassociation.org.uk Get crafty for cats this Christmas Cats Protection is inviting cat lovers and craft enthusiasts to get into the festive spirit with a special Christmas embroidery craftalong, giving participants the chance to create a personalised Christmas stocking for a beloved feline friend or family member. Launched on 21st September, the event has been developed in partnership with Paraffle Embroidery and combines creativity with fundraising, with a minimum of £10 from every kit sold. The beginner-friendly embroidery kit includes everything needed to create a traditional Christmas stocking and comes with a selection of cat-themed and festive embroidery patterns. Participants can choose from a red or green stocking and personalise their design to create a unique handmade keepsake. “Christmas is a special time for many families and we know that cats are very much part of the celebrations,” said Kayleigh Yeardly from Cats Protection. “Our Embroidery Craftalong offers a wonderful opportunity for people to learn a new skill, create something unique and festive, and support cats in need at the same time. Every kit purchased helps fund our vital work, making a difference to cats and their owners across the UK.” The live online Embroidery Craftalong will take place on Saturday 5th December, with all sessions recorded and available to watch back on demand, allowing crafters to take part at a time that suits them. Kits cost £22 and each kit makes one Christmas stocking. They’ll be available to purchase from the Cats Protection website until 20th December.
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