Figured'Art, the global leader in innovative DIY art kits, is proud to welcome Helen Cottrill as its new Business Development Director, with a key focus on expanding the brand's presence within the UK retail market. Founded in 2018, Figured'Art has rapidly established itself as the market leader in DIY art kits, offering a wide range of creative products including paint by numbers, diamond painting, and other artistic leisure activities. With over 1,500 exclusive designs and five strategically located distribution centres across Europe and the USA, the company ensures high-quality, accessible creativity delivered within 2–3 days to customers worldwide.
Posted: 28 August 2025
Japanese writing instruments manufacturer, Zebra Pen, is delighted to highlight the appointment of three new team members as it seeks to accelerate its growth further across the UK. Having recently moved from Snopake Brands, Sarah Carnell-Grist has taken on a new National Account Manager role within the company. By bringing a wealth of experience with her, which includes over a decade at STABILO, Sarah will be focused on developing the business' commercial and educational channels.
Posted: 26 August 2025
Some 28% if parents say they find it difficult to afford uniforms and back to school supplies according to YouGov data, and it's safe to say that for many parents searches and purchases begin well before the end of the school year, with a noticeable spike in activity in July before the summer break even starts, retailers and Google Trends reports.
Posted: 21 August 2025
Shaun the Sheep, the iconic stop motion character created by Aardman, appeared on screens in 1995's Wallace & Gromit: A Close Shave, to critical acclaim. To mark some 30 years of Shaun's madcap adventures and worldwide entertainment, Aardman has teamed up with British Wool, Campaign for Wool and Craft Forward to unveil a global knitting and crafting initiative with purpose. Brilliant!
Posted: 19 August 2025
Toy Fair will return to Olympia, London from 20th to 22nd January 2026 for its 72nd show. With approximately six months to go, demand for exhibition space is already very high, driven by a strong returnee rate and keen interest from new applicants. The popular Gold Zone, which houses the smallest stands- and often is the spot to find hidden treasures- is already sold out, and there is limited space available across both levels in the rest of the halls.
Posted: 14 August 2025
The debut Artistry Junior collection has arrived in Tesco stores nationwide. Artistry Junior aims to inspire, engage and nurture creative talent in children. The first ever collection includes water bottle tumblers filler with stationery goodies, stacking finger crayons and teddy shaped highlighters, as well as high quality bumper craft kits and sets. Artistry Junior is part of the arts and craft brand Artistry, which launched in 2024 and had huge success with its sell out marker pens which went viral across social media, with fans raving about the quality and value.
Posted: 12 August 2025
Spring Fair, the UK's home, gift, and fashion trade show, is delighted to announce the 12 new winners of its continued partnership with retail entrepreneur Theo Paphitis and his #SBS Small Business Sunday initiative. Each winner will receive a free exhibition stand within the #SBS Village at Spring Fair, taking place on 1 - 4 February 2026 at the NEC Birmingham.
Posted: 7 August 2025
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
Businesses and workers in the East of England are set to benefit from the UK's trade deal with India as new analysis shows the landmark agreement will deliver a £190 million boost for the local economy as part of the Plan for Change. Both Prime Ministers met yesterday morning for the signing of the landmark UK-India trade deal as new analysis reveals communities across every region of the UK will benefit from its £4.8 billion increase to UK GDP each year. It comes as a series of investment and export wins have been confirmed by UK and Indian businesses, representing an overall boost of nearly £6 billion and creating over 2,200 jobs.
Posted: 31 July 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