ICHF urges businesses to strengthen relationships with EU suppliers

ICHF Events, organiser of CHSI Stitches, is urging the UK's craft businesses to remain confident in their business relationships with European suppliers and customers in the run-up to Brexit. “The uncertainty surrounding Brexit is worrying for businesses, but the EU and UK remain strong markets for the craft industry,” says Simon Burns, ICHF's managing director. “Our advice to UK businesses selling in the EU would be to maintain their relationships and keep a sharp eye on the domestic UK market. There are great opportunities for growth in all sectors and regions.”

CHSI Stitches is the UK's largest trade event for the creative craft sector and has been running for more than 40 years. More than 200 companies are expected to exhibit at this year's show, which takes place at the NEC in February.

“Our mission is to grow the UK industry and have a crafter in every household,” continues Simon. “That means increasing the current 14.6 million crafters, worth £4.8 billion, to 27 million crafters and creating an industry that all businesses, no matter where they are based, will want to be part of. We are continuing to invest in CHSI Stitches, updating the look and feel of the show, launching a new meeting planner tool and commissioning our own independent industry survey, The Craft Report. We are looking forward to a very successful show.”

This year's event takes place from 17th-19th February. Visit www.chsi.co.uk to register.