Craft Focus - Apr/May (Issue 66)

How long has Hantex been in business – give us a potted company history! Hantex Ltd was incorporated in 1994 and originally supplied needlecraft products. At the time there was an appetite for items that were available in the US but not carried by UK wholesalers. The founders of Hantex focused on meeting that demand. There was always a vision that the market for sewing would change, and this has proven to be the case. It’s that change that has created growth opportunities for us. What are the company’s key brands? We have tried to focus on our core values and several of the brands we represent have been partners for many years. We’re perhaps best-known for taking Art Gallery Fabrics from an unknown name in the UK in 2012 to one of the best-loved and most featured labels by 2017. We also represent two great organic brands in Cloud9 and Monaluna Fabrics. Independent dressmaking patterns have been a key acquisition, and we now distribute some of the major names, including Grainline Studio, Colette, Closet Case Files and Cashmerette. More recently, we’re delighted to have been appointed UK distributor for Legacy by Pellon. This allows us to offer a broader range of high quality wadding and interfacing products, alongside our existing brand, Vlieseline. Finally, we’re very excited to be introducing the Modelo label, which brings our customers great basic products like stretch denim, jersey and French terry, as well as forthcoming lines like boiled wool and polar fleece. What sets Hantex apart from its competitors in the industry? Hantex customers are best placed to answer that question, but for our part, we’ve kept to a few key principles. We know our market and stick to it – we focus on supplying independent stores across the UK and Europe. We promote our brands well and we don’t compete with our customers. We invest in technology and training and employ the best people we can. Do you continue to seek new brands to distribute? More often, we will go looking for a particular product that we feel is right for the current market; new brands are acquired that way. We’re fortunate to be approached from time to time by some great companies across fabrics and other products, but it’s essential that we keep the product offering relevant to our customers and our future plans. With this in mind, we tend to choose the companies that can offer our customers products that work well for them and are complementary to their existing lines. What are the big trends to be looking out for this year? Look out for small portable sewing projects with a contemporary feel, particularly embroideries and EPP. Challenging fabric substrates for dressmaking with rayon and knits will also be trending, as will more complex dressmaking patterns that take home-sewing closer to high street fashion. How can retailers go about stocking your products? Potential customers must meet our minimum requirements, which essentially means having a bricks and mortar store, an e-commerce website or attendance at one of the nationally recognised retail shows for sewing-related products. In addition, we have a minimum initial order value. Customers who meet those requirements and can provide proof of trading can register at hantex.co.uk/register. How are you finding the current economic climate in the UK? I think the current climate is going to favour companies who do not have excessive levels of external debt. As interest rates rise, borrowing costs could have a serious effect on thinner margins. That said, for companies with no or low debt and cash to invest, the opportunities have never been better and as one of those companies we are Paul Smith, Director of Hantex, gives us the lowdown on the popular fabric and haberdashery specialist the fabric of life La Mode True Bias 44 craft focus