Craft Focus - Oct/Nov (Issue 63)

14 craft focus industry news STAFF CELEBRATE 100 YEARS’ OF JOINT SERVICE Two of Thomas B. Ramsden’s longest serving employees, local ladies Pat Jackson and Gwen Ellis, have notched-up 100 years’ service between them. Pat joined the company as an office junior in September 1957, aged just 15 years of age. After learning the ropes she took over as wages and personnel clerk – a role that she still holds today, and worked full- time up until 2007. Pat has never had a day off sick in 60 years, and has now reduced her hours but says that she has no plans to stop work any time soon. Gwen has worked for the company since leaving school in 1977. Gwen started work as a yarn-picker before moving into a customer support role in 1995, and has continued in her role as company first- aider for more than 30 years. Gwen, who still works full-time, met her partner, David at work 28 years ago, and after they got engaged they held a big party for friends and colleagues in the company warehouse. Pat and Gwen have seen many changes over the years, including the Thomas B. Ramsden buy-out of Carter & Parker in 1992, and the move frommanual to automated systems. They’ve fond memories of playing cricket and crochet outside on the lawn in the early days and practising their rock ‘n’ roll moves in the boiler-house after a colleague sneaked in a record player one dinnertime! They both agree that one of the best things about working for the company is the fun and friendly atmosphere and the great people they’ve met over the years, many of which, they’re still in touch with today. To celebrate Pat & Gwen’s commitment and loyalty, the company held a garden party in their honour in August, which was attended by current and former colleagues. EQS SIGNS EXCLUSIVE DEAL WITH LIBERTY TO DISTRIBUTE NEW RANGE OF QUILTING FABRICS Liberty of course needs no introduction, being the quintessential embodiment of traditional British design. Famed in particular for its stunning range of lawn cottons, Liberty is now extending its offering to classic craft and quilting weight cotton. In a groundbreaking deal, EQS, one of the country’s leading supplier of products for patchwork and quilting, has agreed with Liberty of London to distribute the new range of fabrics targeted specifically at this market. Katie Jones, Marketing Manager at EQS, is looking forward to working with such an iconic brand. “Who doesn’t love Liberty? We’re incredibly fortunate to be able to include this new concept in our range and have already developed a detailed launch programme. We’ll be introducing the line to our trade customers and then, when the fabric arrives in the UK, we’ll be getting the message out to consumers. The intention will be to drive traffic to stockists’ shops.” The launch will consist of just one carefully constructed collection of 23 pieces under the heading of The English Garden. In addition, there will be a series of accessories, which are made from the fabric collection. Liberty is drawing from its library of 47,000 past fabrics, dating back more than 160 years. The English Garden is unmistakably Liberty but with a scale that makes it suitable for all sorts of projects, especially quilting. It comes in three colourways, and always follows the design theme that one expects from the brand. The EQS sales team will be visiting customers with samples on fabric to demonstrate not only the quality of the designs and colours but also the engraving. For now, the company plans not to show the collection online, believing that the fabric has to be seen for real to appreciate the quality of the product. To arrange a visit from one of the sales team, call +44 (0)116 271 0033 or email marketing@eqsuk.com . TRADE SALES MANAGER WANTED An exciting opportunity has arisen for an ambitious, driven individual with an interest in craft products and business development to join Craft Buddy, a small but fast-growing company. The company established in 2011, designs and develops craft products, kits, gifts and home décor to sell on four e-commerce websites, as well as on Amazon, Ebay and Etsy. The company has a fast-growing trade (B2B) business, supplying to retail chains, TV shopping channels and independent stores across the UK and Europe. The business is located in Chesham, which is easily accessible from North London by car or tube with the nearest tube station is Chesham (Metropolitan Line, zone 9). As the Trade Sales Manager, you’ll be responsible for managing the company’s trade website and customer accounts. Craft Buddy is looking for a successful individual possessing the following skills and experience: a graduate who’s interested in or has prior experience working in the craft sector, has a sales-oriented personality with some experience managing customer accounts. High-attention to detail and accuracy is crucial for the invoicing aspect of the role, and proficient with MS Word/Excel as well as an excellent spelling and grammar. An additional language such as French, Spanish, or German would be an asset. For the right person this is an exciting position, and the role has great potential for growth and learning. For more information contact Gary Wadhwani on +44 (0)203 417 6565 or email sales@craftbuddyltd.co.uk Left: Pat Jackson, Right: Gwen Ellis