Craft Focus - Dec/Jan (Issue 76)

12 CRAFT BUDDY EXPANDS ITS TEAM Craft Buddy has expanded its team with three new appointments. The move follows robust levels of growth in new and existing markets, with sales across Europe proving strong in the UK, Germany and Benelux. Distribution deals have also been signed in the USA and Australia. With 10 years of category experience, Shamini Soma will be joining the company as marketing manager. She has experience at both national and global level and will help develop the company’s marketing strategy. Rohin Kotecha will join the team as assistant trade manager. Rohin is a Cardiff University graduate, where he studied French and Economics. Hannah Cheveralls will become the company’s finance manager, bringing a wealth of experience from the insurance industry. “We are delighted to have expanded our team,” says co-founder Gary Wadhwani. “We look forward to the contribution their experience and skills will bring in order for us to continue to deliver the best for our customers, both trade and retail.” Go to craftbuddyltd.co.uk for product news. More international exhibitors at Spring Fair 2020 Spring Fair will be launching an international sourcing sector as part of its commitment to help buyers find inspirational products for 2020. Providing visitors with an opportunity to explore markets outside the UK, the global showcase will include manufacturers of giftware, home furnishings, textiles, toys, private label goods and white label goods from key markets including China, India, Egypt, South Korea and Ghana. With the global retail sourcing and procurement market expected to grow by nearly 12 per cent between now and 2024, the international sector offers a significant opportunity for shop-owners. “The average annual growth in online retail sales is up to 17 per cent,” says Charlie Cracknell, portfolio director at Spring Fair. “In order to manage and maintain this growth, retailers need to be able to look further afield to make the best deals and build the strongest relationships. For those who are still to embrace the opportunities that sourcing has to offer – whether it be on price or range or quality of products – we want to make it as easy as possible for them to engage by bringing the world to their doorstep.” Spring Fair runs from 2 nd -6 th February at the NEC, Birmingham. Go to springfair.com for details. Bothy Threads unveils its winter collection Bothy Threads has launched its brand-new winter collection. The range includes cross stitch and tapestry designs from well-known artists including Hannah Dale, Kim Anderson and Simon Taylor Kielty. There’s also a selection of kits from the company’s own-brand Bothy Designs label. Each product comes with everything needed to complete the project. Find out more online at bothythreads.com