Gift Focus - Sep/Oct 2018 (Issue 109)

PG Live 2018 celebrates its most successful show to date International trade greeting card show PG Live, which took place from 5 th to 6 th June, 2018, marked its 10 th year with a record-breaking show. According to show organiser Max Exhibitions, this year’s PG Live was the most successful event in the exhibition’s history, with an impressive visitor list featuring high-profile buyers, independents and overseas distributors. There was a buzzing atmosphere on the show floor, as greetings card buyers from across the UK and almost 30 other countries made their selections for the coming year. As well as a whole host of regional and independent retailers, leading names who visited included: Scribbler, Paperchase, John Lewis Partnership, National Trust, Funky Pigeon, Moonpig and Fenwicks. The dates for the 2019 show have been confirmed as 4 th and 5 th June, so pop the date in the diary now and get planning. WINNERS ANNOUNCED FOR STUDENT STATIONERY DESIGN COMPETITION Stationery Show London and The Paper Library collaborated for the first time to encourage stationery suppliers and retailers to support student design with the Student Stationery Design Competition. The competition attracted entries from universities in Cardiff, Bath, Birmingham, Bristol and Staffordshire. Students from Staffordshire University managed a clean sweep in the awards, winning all three placements, with entries from one hardworking student being chosen twice. Leanne Haycock, a third-year graphic design student, created entries for both the Portico Design and Paperchase design briefs, and both design directors chose her as their placement winner. The entry from Zoe Benjamin, also a third-year student but studying 3D design ceramics, was selected by Nicola Breen, design director for Caroline Gardner. The students will record their placement experiences however they wish – via video, diary, planner or blog – so that it can be shared with the next batch of hopefuls. Any stationery retailers or suppliers who would like to support students, either by offering work placements or other prizes, are encouraged to get in touch via vanessa.fortnam@ stationeryshow.co.uk or debbie@thepaperlibrary.com . Innovative new businesses celebrated at Top Drawer Now firmly established as one of Top Drawer’s must-see zones, Spotted is a curated showcase of new, innovative, market-ready, design-based businesses and, over the past eight years, has helped to launch more than 200 small businesses. The A/W18 edit of Spotted will feature more than 38 budding innovators that are making their debut at a trade fair. Each has been selected for its originality, quality and the commercial viability of its products. Highlights include stationery designer Ben Langworthy, leather bag makers Hirsch & Kirsch and home accessory designer Kesemy Design. The Spotted Award also returns to the show for its second edition. This prestigious award is judged by a panel of industry professionals and given to the three most original, most promising and best-designed brands at the showcase. Prizes include a free stand at Top Drawer Spring for the winner and a series of mentoring sessions with key designers, retailers, brand consultants and PRs for the three finalists. For more on the show, see our preview feature over on page 57. Image: Ben Langworthy L-R: Iona Purchas of Portico Designs, Debbie Wigglesworth from The Paper Library, Vanessa Fortnam of Stationery Show London, Nicola Breen of Caroline Gardner and Gemma Parris of Paperchase giftfocus 11 news & events