Gift Focus - Jan/Feb 2018 (Issue 105)

giftfocus 3 focus on... company profile 42 Gift Focus chats to Robert Talbot, Director of Brighton-based Talbot Fashions, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of fashion accessories to the trade company profile 48 Founder and Director Siân Nancarrow takes us on Mandarin Arts’ 30-year journey the GA 59 We reveal the companies shortlisted at the 2018 Gift of the Year awards retailer interview 67 Gift Focus speaks to Marcia Dale & Kevin Bellwood, owners of Bridgnorth-based gift shop, Roobarb retailtainment: a new in-store approach beckons 191 More and more shops are pulling out all the stops to get their tills ringing. Cybertill’s Ian Tomlinson tells us more about consumers growing expectations retail technology 195 Intelligent Retail’s David Fairhurst explains how to capture the imaginations of your customers in an age of declining attention spans bafts 199 BAFTS, the British Association of Fair Trade Shops and Suppliers, brings you the latest news in fair trade retailing insurance advice 200 Brokers TH March answer your insurance-related questions business opportunities 204 Following a hugely successful pilot scheme, The Benevolent Society is awarding further bursaries for 2017-18 up & coming 210 Drake & Hutch was born to a group of young designers who wanted to see an end to the boring grey socks seen in every man or woman’s drawer. Gift Focus talks to Director Peter McGuinness news & events industry news 6 All the latest from the world of gifts on with the show 10 Trade fair dates and news brand spanking new 14 Latest launches and hot new products hot property 63 Catch up with all the latest from the world of licensing competition 207 Win £500 worth of Blue Eyed Sun stock, including a branded Blue Eyed Sun spinner. The winner can choose from 24 card designs! anti-copying in design 202 ACID’s CEO Dids Macdonald helps us get up to speed with the latest IP developments features saying thanks to mum 25 Mother’s Day eggcellent giftware 35 Easter gifts pocket pleasers 39 Novelty items tasty and tempting 45 Foodie feature special feature 2018 trends 18 Gift Focus speaks to some of the movers and shakers in giftware to hear what their trend predictions are for the coming year January/February 2018 Issue 105 Editor Rachel Westall Chief Sub Editor Louise Prance Marketing Manager Michael Richards Sales Manager Sarah McLean Account Manager Sharon Dengate +44 (0)1376 535 607 sharond@giftfocus.com Production +44 (0)1376 535 616 artwork@kdmediapublishing.com Production Manager Scott Brothwell Senior Graphic Designers Chloe Edey, Stephanie Hodder, Vicky O’Connor, Sarah Young Web Development Manager Stuart Weatherley Production Assistant Charlotte Potter Subscriptions Beth Varney +44 (0)1376 514 000 KD Media Publishing Ltd Pantile House, Newlands Drive Witham, Essex CM8 2AP UK www.giftfocus.com Cover image courtesy of: Ashleigh & Burwood Gift Focus is solely owned, published and designed by KD Media Publishing Limited. Whilst every effort was made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal responsibility for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility of the standing of advertisers nor by the editorial contributions. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Gift Focus is published six times a year. Subscription rates for overseas readers are £75 per annum (incl. p+p), Cheques should be made out to KD Media Publishing Limited and sent to Gift Focus , Pantile House, Newlands Drive, Witham, Essex CM8 2AP UK. Gift Focus magazine is proud to be associated with and supporters of: ANTI COPYING IN DESIGN M E D I A S U P P O R T E R Average Net Circulation: 6,880 (01/07/16 to 30/06/17) contents 57 25