Craft Focus - April/May 2021 (Issue 84)

65 PROFILE How would you advise a retailer or distributor who is interested in stocking your products? If there’s something that you like then get in touch with us. We’ll be happy to meet you and provide samples for you to try. We’re confident the Specialist Crafts range will be a best seller, not only offering value for money to your customers, but also to yourself as a stockist. What sets you apart from your competitors? Our products are tried and tested by creative professionals and art teachers to ensure they meet the high standards that are expected from big brands, whether that’s pigment strength, blendability or general performance. We’re confident in providing you with the best quality materials which really do save you money. Do you visit any trade shows? Yes, you’ll see us at the Nuremberg Toy Fair and NAMTA. We’re always looking to meet new distributors and stockists. How has the business coped during the Covid-19 pandemic and what are your plans going forward? We’ve been open for business throughout Covid-19. At the start of the pandemic, we realised that creativity was something people suddenly had time for. We partnered with charities to help provide materials to kids and adults locked down and our brand as had accelerated growth due to this. The Arts & Crafts Councils have used 100,000s of our art kits, which we’ve provided at cost, across the whole country and we’re very proud to have contributed in some small way to help others during this traumatic year. We want to work with the right retail partners in the next 24 months to expand our reach. We have some fantastic new products in development that’ll appeal to all the creatives out there, whether that be illustrators, painters or even mixed- media artists! What new products can we expect from you in the future? We’re looking to launch a new range of Spectrum Artist Acrylic paint sets in the near future, as well as expanding our graphics, modelling and art ranges. Contact us and ask for Rashmi directly if you’re interested in becoming a stockist or simply want to ask more questions! Specialist Crafts Ltd +44 (0)116 269 7711 rashmio@specialistcrafts.co.uk www.specialistcrafts.co.uk WIN! ONE OF 20 SETS OF 48 SPECTRUM ARTIST COLOUR PENCILS TO TRIAL YOURSELF OR GIVE AWAY TO YOUR CUSTOMERS! SEE PAGE 82 TO ENTER.