The Giftware Association is delighted to announce that Gemma Sault will be joining as managing director at the beginning of September. With a strong background in the giftware and retail sectors, Gemma brings a wealth of experience and fresh energy to the Giftware Association as it continues to support and champion the UK's vibrant home, stationery, craft, jewellery and gift industry.
Posted: 5 August 2025
A significant leadership change is underway at the globally active family-owned business Schwan-STABILO.
With operations spanning Writing Instruments, Cosmetics, and Outdoor, and revenues of approximately 800 million, the Group employs more than 5,200 people in 38 locations worldwide. After nearly three decades in various leadership roles, Sebastian Schwanhäußer will step down from his operational responsibilities at the end of the current fiscal year and assumed the position of Chairman of the Advisory Board on July 1, 2025.
As of October 1, 2025, Michele Molon will take over as Group CEO of Schwan-STABILO. During the transition period, CFO Anke Buttler will lead the Group's operations.
Posted: 4 July 2025
The popular, coastal Giving & Living trade show will now take place from Sunday 18th to Tuesday 20th January 2026, in its usual venue, Westpoint in Exeter, just one mile off the M5, in the heart of the beautiful South West. The later dates mean that the show no longer clashes with Top Drawer Spring, or Harrogate Christmas Fair. Great news!
Posted: 10 June 2025
Spring Fair, which celebrates its 75th anniversary at the NEC Birmingham on 2nd – 5th February 2025, is delighted to announce twelve new winners of Theo Paphitis's #SBS Small Business Sunday initiative who each receive a free stand at the February show. Since 2018, the TV dragon and #SBS Small Business Sunday creator and Spring and Autumn Fair have joined forces to support start-up businesses. Together they have worked with over 60 SMEs, playing a vital role in their future success.
Posted: 15 October 2024
"As I sit down to reflect on the past two decades, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude and pride at the journey Laura Darrington Design has taken," shares owner Laura. "What began as a simple idea after graduating from Manchester Metropolitan University in 2000 has grown into something far greater than I ever could have imagined. This year marks the 20th anniversary of my business, and I couldn't be more thrilled to celebrate this milestone with the people who have been with me every step of the way."
Laura continues...
Posted: 2 September 2024
The UK Jewellery, Silverware and Allied Crafts industry welcomes the appointment of Lisa Nandy MP and Sir Chris Bryant MP as new Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and Minister of State (DCMS), respectively.
In letters to both ministers, the industry-wide group expressed its desire to continue open communications with the government to help drive the jewellery, silverware and allied trades forward.
Back in February, then shadow minister Sir Chris Bryant approached the National Association of Jewellers to host an industry-wide roundtable to better understand the industry's challenges, needs and opportunities. 25 individuals representing businesses and institutions throughout the breadth of the trade came together to outline the state of the industry and, in collaboration, its future direction.
Posted: 26 August 2024
After a successful transition phase, the consumer goods trade fairs Christmasworld and Creativeworld have a new show director. On 1st August 2024, Stefan Schopp took over from Eva Olbrich, who commenced her well-deserved retirement at the end of July. With the Conzoom Circle network, Messe Frankfurt links the most important international platforms for the global consumer goods and retail industry and bundles industry knowledge and expertise.
Posted: 22 August 2024
James Skidmore, Director of Consulting at Valpak, explained that the PackFlow 2023 reports, commissioned by WRAP, show that, for most materials, the amount of packaging placed on the market has decreased compared to 2019. He added: "As we approach the full implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging (pEPR), accurate data and baselines are more important than ever. The reports, which are used by UK governments to inform packaging policy, also offer valuable insights into packaging market trends.
Posted: 7 August 2024