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
ICHF is excited to announce that the beloved Crafting Live Events at Sandown Park and Doncaster Racecourse have officially joined the ICHF Events family, marking a significant step forward in both companies' commitment to the crafting community. This strategic move will enhance the experience for both exhibitors and crafters, ensuring that the rich tradition of live crafting events continues to flourish.
Posted: 17 September 2024
A firm fixture in the yarn shop calendar, UK Hand Knitting have launched this year's Yarnstravaganza which will run in independent yarn shops from 28th September till 5th October 2024. The nationwide campaign aims to encourage crafters to visit their local participating yarn shops or even visit stores further afield. This year the event again highlights the main benefits of yarn shops; all the support and expertise they offer, and as a place to get together, learn and have fun.
Posted: 10 September 2024
Anyone operating in the giftware industry can now order Marius Fabre from its exclusive new UK distributor, Studio Pens.
Marius Fabre is as emblematic of the country's southern Provence region as lavender fields and cicadas, and the all-natural and sustainable olive oil-based products are suitable for a host of daily uses. Palm oil free, the 100 percent vegetable-based natural biodegradable products are environmentally friendly, and the packaging is entirely recyclable. Some of the range is also Ecocert certified and organic.
The family that has been making the traditional Marseille soap since the 1900's has signed an exclusive deal with distributor, Studio Pens, which will see the Harrogate based father and daughter run company supplying the luxurious product range to retailers throughout the UK.
Posted: 26 August 2024
Avenue Mandarine, the manufacturers of educational toys and games, has recently launched a new range of Super Softy modelling clay. Available in a wide selection of colours and retail pack formats, including a refillable counter top dispenser, this plant based clay is gluten free, hypoallergenic, and will not stain or dry, allowing for continued use. The extra soft clay is designed for children of two years and above, making it ideal for younger crafters.
Posted: 20 August 2024
The Giftware Association is thrilled to announce the launch of the Gift of the Year Awards 2025, marking another year of celebrating excellence in the UK gift industry. With over 80 esteemed judges from various sectors of the industry already committed, this year's competition promises to be the most prestigious yet.
Entering the 2025 Gift of the Year Awards early provides unparalleled opportunities for PR and marketing coverage. Early entrants enjoy extended visibility, allowing them to maximise the benefits of being nominated. The competition's enhanced media presence means products and brands get noticed sooner, increasing the chances for significant promotional impact.
Posted: 23 July 2024
The Gift Card and Voucher Association (GCVA) has released comprehensive research findings revealing the impressive engagement levels of UK consumers with loyalty schemes.
The survey, conducted over 1,000 UK consumers and insights from 36 GCVA member organisations, highlights that loyalty scheme participation remains robust across all age groups. 94 percent of those aged 66 and over are engaged in at least one scheme, alongside 81 percent of young adults between 18 and 25. Schemes also appeal to those on both high and low incomes, with 96 percent of those with a household income of over £75,000 actively involved in such schemes.
Posted: 24 June 2024
Over half of all clothing thrown away ends up in landfill – that is 53 tonnes of textile waste, which takes up 5 percent of all landfill space. The fashion industry is also responsible for 10 percent of global greenhouse gas emission. So, what can be done to reduce this negative environmental impact?
Sustainability experts from BusinessWaste.co.uk are calling on retailers to implement take-back programs for unwanted clothing to help combat textile waste – just like the current take-back scheme for electricals operating across the UK. An old clothing take-back initiative comes amid growing concerns about the sustainability of current practices in the textile recycling industry, as highlighted by the Textile Recycling Association (TRA).
Posted: 17 June 2024
Leading European manufacturer of pens, pencils, and other writing instruments, STABILO, has announced a new partnership with ASDA to stock its range of high-quality stationery. This exciting development marks a significant milestone for STABILO as it expands its retail presence. Shoppers can now easily access STABILO's popular products from vibrant highlighters to precision pens, ensuring they have the perfect tools for school, office, and creative projects.
Posted: 13 June 2024
JewelleryMaker, the UK's only TV show dedicated to jewellery making is inviting jewellery makers of all abilities to join in with their record attempt of the most people making jewellery at one time in what they are calling The World's Biggest Make-A-Long (unofficial). There is still time to get involved but be quick... Good luck to everyone who is getting involved!
Posted: 30 May 2024
