Gift Focus - Jul/Aug 2018 (Issue 108)

6 giftfocus Catch up on all the latest in our news round up industry news ROYAL WINNERS Bath-based gifting company Wild & Wolf is celebrating after picking up a Queen’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade 2018, one of the UK’s most respected business awards. Judged solely on merit, the awards recognise and celebrate business excellence across the UK. First instigated by Royal Warrant in 1965, the esteemed Queen’s Awards for Enterprise has a long history of recognising exceptional UK businesses. Wild & Wolf has been recognised for its excellence in International Trade, demonstrating substantial international growth in overseas earnings and commercial success within its sector. It is one of a group of 238 organisations nationwide to be presented with the prestigious accolade. Paul Taylor, CEO at Wild & Wolf, said: “It is a great honour to have been awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade. We’ve experienced tremendous growth in our international trade, particularly in the past three years. Once a predominantly UK-driven business, by the end of 2018, two-thirds of our business will be outside of the UK, with the U.S. being our single biggest market.” The company will celebrate its award during a Royal reception for Queen’s Awards winners this summer. THE NATIONAL TRUST JOINS ACID The National Trust has recently joined Anti Copying in Design (ACID) to lend its support to the organisation’s mission of encouraging original design work. ACID is the leading UK and IP membership and campaigning body committed to raising awareness and encouraging respect for IP. With more than 300 stores and an online shop, the National Trust’s retail range is an important income generator, funding the work the conservation charity undertakes to protect the special places in its care. The intellectual capital, of which intellectual property plays a key role, is paramount. Releasing four collections per year, the National Trust’s in-house designers seek inspiration from the range of properties and the natural environment in the charity’s care. Each print is unique to the charity and represents national treasures that are being preserved for everyone to enjoy. Dids Macdonald, OBE., CEO of ACID, said: “We are delighted that National Trust is supporting Anti Copying in Design, not only to help protect its own in-house designs but as an advocate of the original design of others. From writers to fabric designers and photographers to painters, the protection of their intellectual property is paramount.” For more information visit nationaltrust.org.uk , acid.uk.com DISTRIBUTION DEAL FOR KITCHENCRAFT KitchenCraft has announced the acquisition of the exclusive distribution rights for the Maxwell & Williams and Casa Domani (owned by HAG Corp Australia) brands for the UK and Ireland, which were previously distributed by Valerie Graham Ltd. Maxwell & Williams is an iconic brand that, for 22 years, has been a trusted name in tabletop, providing an exceptional product range for every consumer need, no matter their age or style preference. With a family-owned Australian heritage and availability in more than 50 markets around the world, Maxwell & Williams is known for producing high-quality fine bone china, porcelain, glassware, stainless steel and acrylics. The brand is also dedicated to cultivating the best Australian talent and has collaborated with an exceptional stable of renowned illustrators and artists. “We are absolutely delighted with this new partnership,” says KitchenCraft MD, Matthew Canwell. “This development opens up different channels of distribution for us and complements our current tableware brands, including Mikasa. With the Maxwell & Williams portfolio also offering some wonderful glassware ranges and cutlery, we have become a veritable one-stop shop for the dining category.”