The Giftware Association has joined the Bank of England and a coalition of UK trade associations as part of the Genesis Initiative, presenting new evidence on trading conditions and confidence across the gift, home and stationery sector. Alongside organisations including The Greeting Card Association, the meeting brought together industry voices to highlight current market trends, challenges facing small businesses, and the barriers holding back growth across the UK's independent retail and brand landscape.
Posted: 16 April 2026
You might think running the London Marathon would be challenge enough. But this April, Simon Fannon — better known as @veteranknitter — is proving that ordinary limits simply don't apply to him. A Stylecraft Insider and former Royal Marine Commando, Simon is taking on 26.2 miles with an extra twist: he'll be attempting a Guinness World Records title for knitting a scarf while running the marathon on 26th April 2026.
Posted: 13 April 2026
The Great Pottery Throw Down is back for Series 10! The casting team at Love Productions are currently looking for the next 12 potters to take part in the competition, and would love you to apply! If you have a good level of experience in both hand-building and throwing, and think you might have what it takes to show off your pottery skills in a timed environment - please get in touch! Applyforpotterythrowdown.co.uk
Posted: 9 April 2026
As one of the UK's leading cross stitch manufacturers, Bothy Threads are partnering with a legendary iconic duo...Wallace & Gromit! Who's ready to stitch up some cracking good fun? Say hello to eight brand new cross stitch kits, specially designed in partnership with Aardman, providing everything you need to recreate these iconic scenes yourself at home. This brand-new collection launches on the 7th April 2026.
Posted: 7 April 2026
Retail marketplace Autumn Fair has launched the latest episode of its Retail Makeover Mission, showcasing the transformation of independent retailer OSO Boutique in Salisbury, led by retail expert Deryane Tadd, founder of award-winning boutique The Dressing Room in St Albans. Following hundreds of inspiring applications from independent retailers across the UK, two businesses were selected to receive a complete retail transformation from Autumn Fair's expert Retail Task Team. The project brings together leading retail specialists to help independent stores strengthen their businesses across visual merchandising, branding, customer experience and buying strategy.
Posted: 2 April 2026
Applications are now open for Seeds of Change 2026, the Association for Cultural Enterprises' annual £10,000 prize fund supporting sustainable and entrepreneurial initiatives within the cultural sector. The Seeds of Change prize fund is designed to foster greater creativity and dynamism within income generation and environmental sustainability, inspiring arts, heritage and cultural organisations to think about innovative ways of generating income while improving their sustainable impact.
Posted: 31 March 2026
After three successful trade fair days, h+h cologne, which was held at the fair grounds of Koelnmesse from 20th to 22nd March 2026, came to a close on Sunday. With nearly 300 exhibitors from 40 countries and around 11,500 trade visitors from 72 countries, the event provided a boost to the international textile and handicrafts sector. Many exhibitors and trade visitors gave the event a very positive review whilst still on site, highlighting its role as the industry's most important international platform. They also emphasised the high calibre of visitors from both Germany and abroad.
Posted: 26 March 2026
The Giftware Association is delighted to announce its sponsorship of Retail Roar 2026, the UK's largest free online summit dedicated to inspiring independent retailers, e-commerce sellers, and product-based brands. The event takes place 26–27 March 2026, and is hosted entirely online. Created and organised by Catherine Erdly of The Resilient Retail Club, Retail Roar brings together thousands of retailers, founders, and sector experts for two days of motivational talks, practical insights, and industry-leading inspiration. The summit features a curated lineup of some of the UK's most inspiring retailers and founders, alongside expert speakers delivering actionable advice designed to help businesses thrive in a fast-changing retail landscape.
Posted: 24 March 2026
Game of Wool is returning for a new series, filming this summer and casting is now OPEN for series 2! The show is on the lookout for talented knitters from across the UK to take part. They want to showcase the amazing diversity within today's knitting community and are looking for skilled individuals from all different backgrounds with a passion for knitting. APPLY ASAP HERE: www.gameofwool.com
Posted: 19 March 2026
Figured'Art is delighted to announce the launch of its officially licensed Harry Potter creative craft collection, developed in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products. The new range will be available to UK and Irish retailers from Spring 2026, with stock due into the UK warehouse in late May. The launch coincides with the celebration of 25 years of Harry Potter, marking a quarter-century since the Wizarding World first captured the imagination of readers around the globe. With its multi-generational fanbase and enduring cultural relevance, the anniversary presents a timely opportunity for retailers to engage both lifelong fans and new audiences through premium, creative products inspired by one of the world's most beloved franchises.
Posted: 17 March 2026