Enesco has announced the appointment of Joanna (Jo) Castle to its UK sales team as Area Sales Manager. Joanna lives in Weston-Super-Mare and has extensive experience within the jewellery and gifting sector. Her role as Area Sales Manager, will involve the management of trade accounts in Southwest England and South Wales.Jo's most recent sales role was as Area Sales Account Manager for a well-known jewellery and ladies' accessories brand. In her spare time Jo likes to walk her cockapoo puppy Ossie with her husband Ben, who coincidently was named after Benjamin Bunny, and he has a brother called Peter, named after Peter Rabbit!... read more
Posted: 21 July 2021
Games and puzzles specialists, University Games has announced the appointment of Chris Maker as new National Accounts Manager.Chris brings over two decades of retail expertise as well as national account experience to the role and has worked many with prestigious brands that include: Joseph Joseph, Camelot and Lintd Chocolate. Chris says, "As retail begins to get back on track, this is a crucial but exciting time, not only for the sector as a whole but also for the growth and development of the business and I am very much looking forward to playing my part. With Q4 just around the corner and over 700 games, puzzles and gifts in our portfolio there is plenty to be get excited about!"... read more
Posted: 12 July 2021
Potters Crouch has announced the appointment of Matt Elvidge, who has filled the newly created position of Chief Operating Officer. Matt graduated from Manchester with a degree in Chemistry and decided to add accountancy to his CV. Following a few positions in Leeds and Manchester he moved into a senior role located in Bedfordshire before being headhunted by Potters Crouch to fill this new role. Matt says, "I'm excited to be joining the Potters Crouch team and to meet both agents and customers as I seek to ensure that the fantastic quality products are matched with outstanding customer care and efficient operations. Come and meet me at Harrogate in July."... read more
Posted: 4 June 2021
The ONS retail sales data for April was released May 21st. One of the main points concluded that retail sales volumes grew sharply in April 2021 with a monthly increase of 9.2 per cent, reflecting the effect of the easing of coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions including the re-opening of all non-essential retail from 12th April in England and Wales and from 26th April in Scotland. A full report can be seen on the Office for National Statistics website.... read more
Posted: 25 May 2021
Gift retailer Enesco has recently announced that Jens de Voogd has been appointed as export sales manager for Holland with immediate effect. Jens studied Food and Business in Nijmegen, after which he worked in several sales positions within the food industry. The most recent at IMCD where he sold flavours within the savoury food enhancement segment. Jens commented "I like the wide range of products at Enesco and the feeling it gives a lot of people."... read more
Posted: 15 January 2021
Nick Kounoupias has been appointed a Director of Anti Copying in Design (ACID), effective immediately. As one of the best-known names in the international IP world, Nick has held an impressive career in IP, and has practised across all the IP sectors since 1986, both in private practice and in house. During that time Nick developed an international reputation for his depth of IP knowledge and diverse strengths.Nick has supported ACID in its campaigning and public affairs strategy and delivery since 2008.... read more
Posted: 5 January 2021
The British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA) has expanded its housewares committee with the addition of two new members. Claire Whalley-Livesey has been with Meyer Group since September 2019 and is Group Sales Director covering Meyer UK, Meyer EMEA and JWP. Prior to joining Meyer, Claire worked in both sales and category roles in the UK and Europe within brand and own brand in the household and health and beauty sectors.... read more
Posted: 28 December 2020
Enesco has announced the appointment of Phil Atherton as company sales director. Phil was most recently the group sales and marketing director of Portmerion Group plc, where, during his eight-year tenure, sales grew from £55m to £93m. He was previously with John Cotton Home textiles for fourteen years, where he similarly oversaw significant sales growth. Before that he held senior sales management positions in the drinks trade with Remy Martin, Gaymer Group and Allied Domecq.Phil says, "I am looking forward to working with the team at Enesco and to identifying and growing the many opportunities we have. The fantastic brands and products within the Enesco portfolio have huge potential across the whole of EMEA."... read more
Posted: 2 December 2020
Jacqui Gale, Chief Executive of Wax Lyrical, has been presented with the In-Cumbria Award for "Business Person of the Year". The Award recognises the leadership and drive demonstrated to overcome challenges and significantly transform a business. Never were those qualities need more, than in 2020.The award recognises an outstanding contribution to the company, however, Jacqui was quick to share the accolade with the Wax Lyrical team. She said, "I am of course honoured to accept this Award, but I do so on behalf of the 138 staff in Wax Lyrical and the wider Portmeirion Group. The year 2020 has been a challenging year for everyone but it is important to appreciate what was achieved in the face of such adversity."... read more
Posted: 27 November 2020
Joe Davies has announced that it will remain open during November, with many of its customers still trading throughout the UK such as Post Offices, pharmacies, garden centres and online retailers, as well as those offering Click & Collect. In addition, at the time of writing Scottish retailers continue to operate with Welsh customers due back on the 9th November.... read more
Posted: 6 November 2020