Craft Focus - October/November (Issue 75)

13 INDUSTRY NEWS NATIONAL STATIONERY WEEK ANNOUNCES FIRST SPONSOR National Stationery Week has announced its first official sponsor, Marple Stationery Supplies. The independent retailer will be championing ‘Stationery Shop Saturday’, a themed event encouraging stores of all sizes to open their doors and promote their products to consumers. Marple will also be supporting National Stationery Week’s Writing Matters initiative. “Last year I took on the challenge of leading Stationery Shop Saturday and it grew larger than I ever expected, becoming a national hit with retailers,” says Sarah Laker, Marple Stationery Supplies’ owner. “It was great to see independent stationers around the country shouting about everything they have to offer. I can’t wait to do the same again – but bigger.” The campaign for 2020 will include the introduction of a new POS pack that will be printed and supplied to all retailers that sign up. Find out more at nationalstationeryweek.com Kingsgate Workshops set for busy open weekend Kingsgate Workshops will be hosting its festive craft and design sale from 22 nd -24 th November. This year, contemporary artists that work within the studio will be also opening their spaces, showcasing the diversity and range of art produced within the West Hampstead complex. Highlights will include jewellery, fashion, gifts and homewares for sale, together with talks, demonstrations and workshops. “Kingsgate has a mix of different practitioners,” says Dan Howard Birt, director. “Not only is there a real range of craft and design, both traditional and modern, we also host contemporary and fine artists whose practices include video, performance and sculpture as well as painting. Each studio space has something fascinating inside.” Designers and makers present will include Yvette Kissi, Josie Warshaw, Nan Nan Liu and Naori Priestly. Visit kingsgateworkshops.org.uk for details.  Half of SMEs stil l visit the bank every week Half of SMEs in the UK and Ireland visit a bank branch at least once a week, according to research by Close Brothers. In total, 12 per cent of businesses reported using a physical bank daily, with 39 per cent attending once a week. A further 31 per cent visit a branch monthly. In comparison, three quarters (76 per cent) use online banking for their firm at least once a week, with 41 per cent logging on every day. The research suggests an overlap, with few companies using either medium exclusively. “The finance industry has developed quickly to offer better a digital experience to its customers, but our research suggests that companies still value physical locations and a personal service,” says David Thomson, CEO of Close Brothers Invoice and Speciality Finance. “Having an account that offers both can be beneficial for SMEs. While traditional branches provide many valuable services that online banking cannot, convenience is an advantage for busy business owners.” Go to closeinvoice.co.uk Tim Bowditch