The Giftware Association is delighted to announce that Gemma Sault will be joining as managing director at the beginning of September. With a strong background in the giftware and retail sectors, Gemma brings a wealth of experience and fresh energy to the Giftware Association as it continues to support and champion the UK's vibrant home, stationery, craft, jewellery and gift industry.
Posted: 5 August 2025
SewnNotThrown is a one woman fabric recycling fashion brand run by Crawley based Meg Davis. After being inspired by TV's popular The Great British Sewing Bee, Meg, aged 32, started making garments using preloved and unwanted fabrics in 2020 to bring together comfort and sustainability. Meg endlessly scours charity shops to find exciting materials and also offers custom-made items for customers.
Posted: 29 July 2025
WOVEN 2025 has come to a close after a month of community-driven textile events. This year's festival, which took place throughout June, saw more than 120 events from community organisations, venues, local artists, schools and the textile industry, collaboratively coming together to celebrate the district's rich textile history and contemporary scene. The creative event was enjoyed by more than 12,000 visitors.
Posted: 15 July 2025
A significant leadership change is underway at the globally active family-owned business Schwan-STABILO.
With operations spanning Writing Instruments, Cosmetics, and Outdoor, and revenues of approximately 800 million, the Group employs more than 5,200 people in 38 locations worldwide. After nearly three decades in various leadership roles, Sebastian Schwanhäußer will step down from his operational responsibilities at the end of the current fiscal year and assumed the position of Chairman of the Advisory Board on July 1, 2025.
As of October 1, 2025, Michele Molon will take over as Group CEO of Schwan-STABILO. During the transition period, CFO Anke Buttler will lead the Group's operations.
Posted: 4 July 2025
The popular, coastal Giving & Living trade show will now take place from Sunday 18th to Tuesday 20th January 2026, in its usual venue, Westpoint in Exeter, just one mile off the M5, in the heart of the beautiful South West. The later dates mean that the show no longer clashes with Top Drawer Spring, or Harrogate Christmas Fair. Great news!
Posted: 10 June 2025
Anticipation is soaring for h+h americas 2025, the premier event for the creative crafts industry. Scheduled for May 7th to 9th, 2025, this year's show will feature over 541 exhibitors from 77 countries and US states and countries, 185 education sessions, 38 meetups and events, and six distinct pavilions — including, for the first time, a German Ministry- supported country pavilion.
Posted: 29 April 2025
Modella Capital, the specialist retail and consumer investment firm, has announced that it has acquired the UK High Street operations of WH Smith PLC. The acquisition covers c.480 stores on high streets, shopping centres and retail parks across the UK. WHSmith will retain its stores in airports, hospitals, railway stations and motorway service areas in the UK, as well as its significant operations in other countries. As part of the deal, the High Street stores will be rebranded as TGJones. They will keep the same products and services, including the Post Office and Toys "R" Us, and continue to trade as normal while Modella Capital works with the
management team to define and execute a strategy to introduce new ranges and other offerings in the future.
Posted: 15 April 2025
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), retail sales volumes (quantity bought) are estimated to have risen by 0.2 per cent in November 2024, following a fall of 0.7 per cent in October 2024. Greg Zakowicz, senior ecommerce expert at Omnisend shares his comments with Craft Focus. To read the full ONS report and study their findings, simply visit the website: https://www.ons.gov.uk/businessindustryandtrade/retailindustry/bulletins/retailsales/november2024
Posted: 2 January 2025
Hornby Hobbies, the name behind iconic brands such as Hornby, Scalextric, Airfix, and Corgi, is excited to announce the launch of its new 'Model Shop of the Year' awards — a nationwide initiative designed to recognise and celebrate the independent model shops that are at the heart of the hobbyist community. With independent model shops playing a vital role in keeping hobbies alive and thriving, the awards aim to shine a spotlight on the retailers who go above and beyond to inspire and support hobbyists of all ages. From offering expert advice and fostering a welcoming environment, to keeping the passion for model-making alive, these shops are a crucial part of the hobby sector's future.
Posted: 14 November 2024
Spring Fair, which celebrates its 75th anniversary at the NEC Birmingham on 2nd – 5th February 2025, is delighted to announce twelve new winners of Theo Paphitis's #SBS Small Business Sunday initiative who each receive a free stand at the February show. Since 2018, the TV dragon and #SBS Small Business Sunday creator and Spring and Autumn Fair have joined forces to support start-up businesses. Together they have worked with over 60 SMEs, playing a vital role in their future success.
Posted: 15 October 2024