Craft Focus - Jun/Jul (Issue 73)

13 INDUSTRY NEWS CREATIVE RETAIL AWARDS SHORTLIST ANNOUNCED The shortlist for the Creative Retail Awards has been announced. The organiser, SDEA has received hundreds of entries from across the world, and this year’s judging panel is comprised of industry leaders and experts from retail, technology, visual merchandising and store design. Categories will include prizes for sustainable display, seasonal or temporary display, lighting design, signage and technology. The winners will be revealed in June. For details, go to creativeretailawards.com BCTF award winners announced The winners of the British Craft Trade Fair Awards were announced at this year’s show, which took place in April at the Yorkshire Event Centre in Harrogate. The Form & Function award went to joint winners Ellen Monaghan, Helen Eastham Studio, Kevin Hutson, Sarah Saunders Ceramics, Rebecca Parry Ceramics and Cinda Clark Design, while the BCTF Award for Excellence was presented to Melina Xenaki Ceramics. Faye Hall Design won the Best Newcomer Award, while Sandra Vick took the prize for Post Newcomer. Rachel Thornton took The Giftware Association Award for Excellence and the NAJ Award for Excellence was given to Francesca Marcenaro. In the Greeting Card category, the winners were Citrus Beunn and Just Because – Betsy & Els. The Wow Factor prize was given to Kate Toms. “BCTF is a real celebration of all things British and handmade; our award winners represent that brilliantly and I am delighted to congratulate them for their well-deserved accolades,” says show organiser Margeret Bunn. “We are very fortunate that our awards are supported by important industry associations, prestigious galleries and trade press, so a big thank you to them all for getting behind the show and supporting the best of British.” The 2019 edition of the show was a success, with visitor numbers up by 24 per cent and exhibitor re-bookings at their highest level for 10 years. “Buyers are aware that demand for handmade British products has increased over the years and they are keen to offer something new to their customers,” adds Margeret. “We have some incredibly talented designer-makers from all parts of the UK who are creating the most beautiful crafts, so it’s well worth the visit for gallery owners, gift shops, tourism destinations and other discerning retailers.” Go to bctf.co.uk for information 