Craft Focus - Feb/Mar 2020 (Issue 77)

34 NEW POWER OF ONE TRANSPARENCY AWARD Spring Fair is launching the ‘Power of One’ Transparency Award for 2020. Spring and Autumn Fair’s #PowerOfOne campaign supports and encourage retailers and their suppliers to make changes that will protect the planet and inspire sustainable behaviours. Show organiser Hyve Group is now extending the initiative to supply chain ethics with the Power of One Transparency Award, supported by Sedex, one of the world’s leading ethical trade service providers working to improve conditions in global supply chains. Entries are being accepted from Spring Fair exhibitors through the show’s website. As well as responding to a series of questions, entrants are encouraged to upload evidence that showcases their efforts to ensure their supply chain upholds the highest standards of responsibility. “Retail brands are under pressure from governments, consumers, NGOs, and other stakeholders to divulge more information about their supply chains, and the reputational cost of failing to meet these demands can be high,” says Julie Driscoll, regional manager for Spring and Autumn Fair. “Concurrently, consumers are rewarding retail businesses that are championing socially responsible behaviours and taking action to elevate their ethical behaviours in all the communities they impact. “Spring Fair has a long history of encouraging activism in the retail industry. Our ‘Power of One’ campaign continues to support and encourage retailers and their suppliers to make changes that will protect the planet and inspire sustainable behaviours. Now, we want to highlight the issue of supply chain transparency and encourage awareness and improvement throughout the industry.” Entries will be judged by a panel of industry experts and the winner will be announced on the Inspiring Retail Stage during the show. Go to springfair.com for details. CONSUMER SHOWNEWS Pottery Thr owdown judges to attend Cheltenham festival Well-known potter and star of Channel 4’s Great Pottery Throw Down, Keith Brymer Jones will open Craft Festival Cheltenham on 20th March. The event will also feature fellow judge Sue Pryke, who will exhibit a range of pared down earthenware cups, jugs, plates and bowls. The event will return to Cheltenham Town Hall for the third year, showcasing the work of designer makers from across the UK, selling ceramics, wood, silver, jewellery, glass and textiles. There will be an opportunity to meet award-winning makers and discover the stories behind their work, as well as live demonstrations and an inspiring start- up area that’s dedicated to fledgling companies. Visitors can take place in creative wellbeing workshops where skills can be learnt and developed. Bookable sessions are provided by the Gloucestershire Guild of Craftsmen and New Brewery Arts. There will also be free children’s workshops hosted by Unit Twelve, a contemporary craft exhibition, workshop and studio space in Staffordshire. Find out more at craftfestival.co.uk Sewing for P leasure is back Offering a full programme of inspiration for stitchers, Sewing for Pleasure returns this season. Taking place from 19 th – 22 nd March at Birmingham’s NEC, the show will include a hand-picked selection of yarns, fabrics, threads and patterns. Visitors to the consumer event can also take part in hands-on classics and demonstrations, while experts will also be on hand to chat and reveal their top tips. Find out more at sewingshow.co.uk