Craft Focus - Jun/Jul (Issue 73)

specialist stationers also visited, including Calliope Gifts, Jane Armour Trading, Scriptum Fine Stationery, London Graphic Centre, Colemans of Towcester, Jarrold & Sons, Mantons Cards, Morgan’s Stationery, Pen to Paper, Pencil Me In and Marple Stationery Supplies. Events included live talks, retailer workshops and creative stationery classes, with the majority of attendees booking ahead. For the first time visitor vetting was introduced in response to exhibitor requests to ensure that those attending the show are authentic stationery buyers, licensors or valuable influencers. “It certainly helped to focus our minds on the types of companies, influencers and buyers we encourage to attend, so despite slightly lower visitor numbers this year (1849 compared to 2007 in 2018) it was great to see a fantastic mix of retailers attending and getting involved in the workshops and talks,” says Hazel. “It proves that the stationery category continues to offer good sales across all types of retail.” THE WINNERS The Supplier Stationery Award winners took centre stage in the New Product Showcase, sited near the entrance. The awards were expanded for 2019, with a dedicated website and an opportunity for the entire industry to enter. “It’s important that the Stationery Awards are representative of what’s new in the market and help to set benchmarks in performance and good practice that others can aspire to and aim to beat,” explains awards co-ordinator Vanessa Fortnum. “Being able to display the entries at the stationery sector’s annual show is a big plus for entrants and buyers.” The Stationery Awards are now in their eighth year, and 2019 saw the introduction of two extra categories to recognise designer and retailer contributions. The initiative aims to recognise and benchmark good practice and innovation across the sector. Several suppliers achieved awards in more than one category, with Quadrille winning for both Diaries, Organisers and Calendars and Licensed Stationery. ExaClair’s latest gift wrap range by Clairefontaine picked up two awards, including the Judges’ Choice. LaunchPad winner Makers Cabinet also won the Desk Accessories category. This year’s judging panel included Katy Golden, head of gift at the Great British Card Company, Chris Lambert, founder of Scrawlrbox, Sarah Laker, owner of Marple Stationery Supplies, Sidonie Warren, co-founder of Papersmiths, Debbie Wigglesworth of The Paper Collaborative and Abigail Ball, stationery buyer at Fenwick. EXACLAIR TRIUMPHS WITH TWO AWARDS ExaClair, the UK supplier of Clairefontaine, won two awards for its Tiny Rolls gift wrap product at this year’s show. The new collection picked up prizes in both the Gift Packaging & Wrap and Judges’ Choice categories. “It has been a busy show, and we’re looking forward to developing the interest we’ve received from visitors to our stand,” says Clement Rouillard, marketing manager. “On top of a successful two days, we are absolutely delighted that Tiny Rolls has received such accolade. The organisers described the 0.35m product as a game changer that will revolutionise the industry, which gives us great confidence that they will be well- received by the market.” The collection features Kraft Christmas designs, including funky dinosaurs on ice skates. There are six bright, contemporary patterns and a 90gsm postal paper range in three stylish minimal block colour variations. ExaClair also showcased new Rhodia softcover diaries and meeting books and rust-effect Décopatch papers. Go to exaclairlimited.com for details. “The show had a fantastic vibe and there were so many new and innovative products, which confirms the industry is stil l in good shape.” – Henri Davis, chair of the Supplier Stationery Awards judging panel and deputy chair of The Giftware Associa tion. “I can happily say it was the buzziest show yet.” – Barry Heath, Tal lon International. “We identified some real ly interesting new opportunities. It was great show and to have this topped by winning an award made the day even more super b.” – Amanda Wal ker, Cult Pens. stationeryshow.co.uk WHAT THE INDUSTRY THOUGHT 35 REVIEW