Craft Focus - Oct/Nov (Issue 63)

craft focus 5 P lann ing ahead I don’t know why, but it always catches me by surprise when we get to this time of the year. Three-quarters of the year is now firmly behind us, and I’ve a bucket list as long as my arm of things that I still want to achieve before the year is out. I’m currently working my way through a digital course with Warren Knight and recently had a fresh look at my business plan. It’s a good thing to do every so often as it helps you to focus on what’s important to your business and get some goals down on paper for what you want to achieve for the balance of the year. If more planning for the busy Christmas period is on your list, thinking ahead to Valentine’s Day or looking for the latest patchwork and quilting products – we’ve plenty more inspiring product suggestions. We also have ideas that push the boundaries between stationery and craft. Craft Focus is sponsoring the hands-on Creative Stationery Workshops at the new autumn Stationery Show organised by Ocean Media in Manchester. I’m delighted to be attending and helping to host the workshops. The show runs for two days on 31 st October and 1 st November so if you’re visiting, do pop along and join in one of the free workshops. This issue is certainly jam-packed with up-to-the-minute business advice – Dominic Fleming from ICHF shares five reasons trade shows work, RetailStore explains how millennials are dictating the future of retail and David Fairhurst discusses the rise of artificial intelligence. It’s all very high tech these days! Enjoy the issue! Visit us on: @craftfocus pinterest.com/craftfocus facebook.com/CraftFocus instagram.com/CraftFocusMag Editor’s pick : The OttLite craft space organiser lamp is perfect for keeping everything close at hand, whether your customer is a sewer, quilter or just wants to keep their desk organised. OttLite is now distributed by Wholebeads, wholesale-beads.eu Julie Bonnar Editor An exciting opportunity has arisen for an ambitious, driven individual with an interest in Arts & Craft products and business development, to advance their career with a small but rapidly growing company. Craft Buddy Established in 2011, Craft Buddy Ltd design and produce arts and craft supplies and kits. We have a fast-growing trade (B2B) business, supplying retail chains, TV shopping channels and independent stores across the UK & Europe. We are a friendly team operating in a fast-paced environment. We are located in Chesham, Bucks, easily accessible from North/West London by car or tube. Responsibilities Reporting to the two directors of the company, and working alongside our existing team, you will be responsible for: • Developing new and existing B2B accounts across the UK • Managing, and helping to develop, the trade website • Trade marketing • Invoicing and financial accounts management What We Are Looking For The successful individual will possess the following skills and experience: • An interest, or prior experience working in, the Arts & Crafts sector * Flexibility to cover a variety of roles, as we are a small company • Sales-oriented personality, with experience at managing and building customer accounts • High attention to detail and accuracy For the right person this can be an exciting opportunity with great potential for growth and learning. To apply for the position, please send your CV and covering letter to sales@craftbuddyltd.co.uk JUNIOR TRADE SALES MANAGER – Permanent, full-time position Stock Lots Remnant Packs by KG Premium Cuddle Fleece Printed Rip Stop PVC Italian Boucles Metallic Printed Velvet Digital Print PU Leather Look Printed Denim Cottons Buy online NOWat www.its-sales.co.uk 20