UK Hand Knitting (UKHK), the leading organisation championing yarn crafts across the country, has announced the launch of its first comprehensive consumer research study into the UK knitting and crochet market. This landmark project will deliver unprecedented insight into how today's makers discover, purchase, and engage with yarn and craft products. The full research findings will be published later this year, with a detailed report available to all UK Hand Knitting premium subscribing shops.
Posted: 9 September 2026
Sustainability, value, innovation and the growing crossover between stationery, gifting and lifestyle are among the key trends shaping the industry, according to exhibitors at Paperworld Middle East 2026.
With buyers facing continued pressure on prices, materials and supply chains, manufacturers are increasingly focused on delivering products that combine quality, design, reliability and value.
Sustainability is also moving from a key point of differentiation to an expected part of product development. Kartik Gopal, AVP – International Business at Hindustan Pencils, says buyers are increasingly looking for responsibly sourced wood, recycled plastics and non-toxic materials, while manufacturers continue to navigate fluctuating raw material costs.
Posted: 7 September 2026
Sustainability, pressure on prices and supply, and a growing crossover between stationery, gifting, and lifestyle products are emerging as key factors shaping the international paper and stationery industry, according to exhibitors participating in Paperworld Middle East 2026 taking place from 13-15 October at Dubai World Trade Centre. The insights point to a market where manufacturers are increasingly balancing competitive pricing with growing expectations around materials, supply reliability, design and product differentiation. From a sustainability perspective, purchasing decisions are shifting, with buyers placing more importance on responsible sourcing, recycled materials, and waste reduction alongside price, quality, and performance.
Posted: 1 September 2026
Paperworld Middle East, the region's leading trade show for paper and stationery products, taking place from 13th to 15th October 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre, has announced a strategic partnership with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). The collaboration reinforces the event's commitment to responsible sourcing while supporting the long-term development and transformation of the paper and stationery industry across the Middle East.
Posted: 18 August 2026
The Home & Gift Association has written to Prime Minister Andy Burnham, calling for targeted Government support to help independent retailers, suppliers, wholesalers and manufacturers continue to drive economic growth, job creation and vibrant high streets across the United Kingdom. In a letter sent by Managing Director Gemma Sault, the Home & Gift Association highlighted the significant contribution made by the UK's home, gift and stationery sector and outlined a series of policy recommendations designed to strengthen independent businesses and unlock future growth.
Posted: 13 August 2026
Scottish heritage brand Nutscene has been recognised at this year's RHS Chelsea Flower Show, earning a prestigious 5-Star Tradestand Award for its outstanding exhibition. The award celebrates excellence in stand design, presentation and visitor experience, placing Nutscene among the show's standout exhibitors. Renowned for its colourful heritage twines, jute products and traditional gardening accessories, the company impressed judges with a display that combined craftsmanship, quality and visual impact.
Posted: 6 August 2026
Toy Fair is returning to Olympia, London from 19th to 21st January 2027 for its 73rd show. With more than six months until the doors open, early exhibitor demand -both from returning companies and brand new- is proving strong, with a large proportion of stand space already allocated, including a sold-out Gold Zone, with ongoing demand from across the industry. Companies still thinking about exhibiting are advised to apply soon, as space is filling up quickly.
Posted: 4 August 2026
The Giftware Association has announced a significant evolution of its organisation, unveiling its new identity as the Home & Gift Association. The rebrand follows an extensive twelve-month period of consultation, member feedback, and strategic planning, designed to ensure the association continues to reflect the changing landscape of the industries it serves. The new name recognises the growing diversity of the sector and strengthens the organisation's position as the collective voice for businesses operating across giftware, homeware and stationery categories.
Posted: 28 July 2026
This September in Houston, h+h is bringing the industry together for a high-impact, relationship driven B2B event designed to spark new partnerships, deepen existing ones, and set your business up for a strong Q4 and beyond. With more than 130 exhibitors already on board, this is where the industry comes together, from yarn, fabric, and thread to notions, tools, sewing machines, embroidery supplies, quilting materials, patterns, kits, and accessories. Whether you're a retailer, manufacturer, distributor, designer, educator, or emerging brand, the Fall Edition is built to help you grow your visibility, your network, and your sales.
Posted: 16 July 2026
Autumn Fair has unveiled the first details of its 2026 content programme, including the launch of its brand-new Counter Talks Stage, a dedicated platform designed to tackle the issues, trends and commercial realities shaping modern independent retail. Taking place at the NEC Birmingham from 6–9 September 2026, Autumn Fair's new content offering has been built in response to the findings of the recently launched Voices of Retail 2026 report by Spring & Autumn Fair and Faire, which surveyed 650 independent retailers and more than 2,000 UK consumers to uncover what is really driving growth on Britain's high streets.
Posted: 30 June 2026