Craft Focus - February / March 2021 (Issue 83)

26 h + h cologne 2021 as virtual event Unfortunately, the pandemic situation unfortunately still doesn’t allow a safe, physical event this March. However, the team in Cologne is looking forward to inviting you to the virtual event, h + h cologne @home. The team at h + h cologne @home have made it possible for you to meet others at the international industry event despite all adverse circumstances, network with important decision-makers and get to know the latest trends. Another important goal of the new platform is digital networking. The h + h cologne @home offers a wide range of opportunities to select new contacts and find new business partners. For example, you can use targeted chats, make appointments or contact inquiries either to have personal conversations or to network directly digitally. From 26 th to 28 th March, 2021, h + h will present the latest trends and product innovations as part of a new and comprehensive digital marketplace. Already just after the announcement of the planned, new trade fair format, renowned industry players such as Addi by Selter, Amann Mettler, Belousek, burda create!, frechverlag, Gütermann, Lana Grossa, Prym and Swafing were impressed by the new concept and spontaneously confirmed their participation in the digital format. Keep up to date with the show details at: www.hh-cologne.com Giving & Living organiser accesses Funding Circle CBILS support Hale Events, one of the leading event organisers in the south west has accessed a £250k CBILS loan from Funding Circle. Funding Circle is a peer-to-peer network and one of the best-capitalised lending platforms in the world. They’re accredited by the Government-owned British Business Bank to provide loans under the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS). Hale FD Mike Sartain said “Despite being well-resourced and financially secure, we’ve taken this loan as an insurance policy for our shows, so that in the case of Covid-19 related cancellations or postponements, our clients can rest assured we have the resources needed to run the shows in future. We also want our clients to be able to book into our current shows with certainty. This loan has enabled us to give them our own Covid booking guarantee.” Mike continued “We’ve grown organically over the last 30 years, and we know how important it is to be prepared and create confidence for our clients until we see the economy recover.” Hale Events organise a mix of shows in the SW region, mainly for trade buyers of Gifts and Food & Drink, so increased staycations will mean increased business, but only once they overcome the challenges that Covid-19 has presented to the events sector. The organisation remains optimistic and, with their main events postponed until May and June of 2021, can see light at the end of the tunnel. For more information, please contact Hale Events on +44 (0)1934 733 433 or visit the website www.hale- events.com.