Craft Focus - June/July 2020 (Issue 79)

Believe in magic Managing director of TheMagicTouch, Jim Nicol, talks us through operating a business during a global pandemic TheMagicTouch, suppliers of image transfer papers, heat presses, laser printers, plotter/cutters, materials and equipment has been running for more than 25 years and supplies laser transfer papers and laser printers; garment films (often called vinyls) and plotters/cutters; sublimation inks and associated printers; heat press equipment and a huge range of blank printable items to decorate. Alongside this, the company supports the applications with training, marketing and a commitment to research and development for the future. Tell us a bit about the business. TheMagicTouch is based in Dunstable, Bedfordshire and started in 1992. Over that time, the company has pioneered the digital image transfer process. In that period the entry- level equipment has dramatically reduced in cost and offers a no-risk opportunity. We offer a range of different transfer papers from full colour decoration to a vast range of products and textiles together with more than 300 HTV garment vinyls. How is business operating during the current Covid-19 pandemic? We’re able to despatch products to our customers twice a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays) to assist essential businesses and services together with the growing number of users who are based from home. What changes can customers expect from you? We remain fully operational (remotely) in regards to all technical and marketing support aspects of the processes and have the ability to interact and inform customers during this period. This has been very well received and appreciated. What products are currently selling very well with people self-isolating? Anything personalised sells, it’s as simple as that. Over the past few weeks, we’ve seen NHS fundraising beyond all expectations where customers are producing products to support the cause and indeed helping people to remain positive. Personalised gifts such as photo mugs, cushions, pillow cases and jigsaws have been very popular. What new products have you got to offer? This year we’ve introduced a brand new range of Pearl Glitter HTV along with new vacuum water bottle enamel mugs and personalised smart phone pouches. What can we expect from you in the next six months? Despite the current situation we have plans to introduce a new and improved temporary tattoo paper and an upgraded version of our decal transfer paper which has proved very popular for the decoration of candles, glass and ceramics. Do you have any advice for retailers or craft businesses? Our message is simple. Get into Personalisation. The growth of social media driving products and opportunities has never been greater. Get involved. The cost of entry level has never been lower with a good example being the personalised mug package consisting of printer, mug press, inks papers, mugs all for less than £600 plus VAT – giving the ability to produce full colour printed mugs for less than £1.50 each. For further information, visit the website www.themagictouch.co.uk or call +44 (0)1582 671 444 61 Q&A