Joe Davies has been appointed by Star Link Global Group as exclusive UK distributor for the renowned US artist Gus Fink Studios brand of licensed plush, resin and accessories.
A full launch collection, including a large selection of on trend plush debuted at NEC Spring Fair in February, featuring some of Gus Finks most loved characters, such as Numb Bunny, Agony Ann, Skellbo, Grim the Stitchy Bear and Devil Doo.
Hailing from Pennsylvania Gus Fink has a unique talent of bringing together the weird and wonderful, with a touch of darkness, combining his art with a playful mindfulness and very unique style.
The range will be available to order from the Manchester-based importer at the NEC and consists of plush toys, bag clips, key rings and resin figures. Each item is collectable, with swing labels telling the story of each character.
Posted: 10 March 2025
British walking stick specialist Classic Canes has announced a forthcoming change of ownership. From 1st June 2025, Classic Canes will be owned by its long-term supplier, Gastrock of Germany.
Classic Canes' managing director and co-owner Charlotte Gillan said, "My parents and I are delighted to have accepted an offer for Classic Canes from our long-term suppliers and close personal friends, the Gastrock family of Germany. Hans and Elke Gastrock and their children, Peter and Sara, share our commitment to excellence in design and quality and they are the perfect people to supply our customers in Great Britain and beyond."
Gastrock was established in 1868 and has passed through many generations of the same family. The company manufactures high quality wooden walking sticks in Germany to this day and is also an established international wholesaler.
Posted: 4 March 2025
This year marks a significant milestone as The English Soap Company's parent company celebrates 25 years of soap making.
The English Soap Company celebrates this momentous occasion, having grown into a business admired for being family-run and its dedication to quality, sustainability, and beautiful design.
What began with a single bar of soap has flourished into an expansive range of luxurious products, including hand creams, soy wax candles, and more.
Each item is crafted with care on the company's tranquil Sussex farm, reflecting its unwavering commitment to sustainability and excellence. Proudly made in England, the products combine high quality ingredients with timeless elegance, making them perfect for gifting or everyday indulgence.
Posted: 3 March 2025
The INDX Toys show will return to West Midlands event venue, Cranmore Park on 2-3 September 2025.
Save the date and get ready to explore an inclusive product showcase, perfect for a variety of retail spaces and carefully crafted to drive commercial success.
The only dedicated toy industry trade show taking place in Autumn 2025, this two-day show is an unmissable opportunity to secure stock for Christmas and preview new launch products for 2026.
Register today and be inspired by an expertly curated brand showcase featuring market leading suppliers, the hottest new toys and games, the latest licensed product ranges, and unique kid and adult gifts.
Posted: 28 February 2025
Morphy Richards licensee Consumer Brands is taking up new premises at Whittle Court, in Hanley, investing a six-figure sum into refurbishing the building.
The headquarters will be home to the company's sales & marketing teams, alongside customer service staff. In August 2023, Consumer Brands Limited became the official licensee of Morphy Richards and is currently situated at the Smithfield Works in Hanley. A warehouse facility and distribution centre is located in Chesterfield as well as a testing site in Leeds. Now 18 months later, Consumer Brands has reaffirmed its commitment to Stoke-on-Trent, by taking on new headquarters which will lead to a local recruitment drive.
Some employees from Chesterfield and Leeds will also be moving to Stoke-on-Trent once the new base opens in April. Consumer Brands has also said it is hoping to increase employee numbers from 31 to 53 this year.
Posted: 27 February 2025
The fast-growing fragrance company, The Fragrance House, is delighted to announce the acquisition of the brand Heyland & Whittle.
Heyland & Whittle has a long-standing heritage in the UK market with its primary focus on creating home fragrance and Bath & Body products. Since its launch in 2003 the brand has been widely known for its beautiful natural soap collections and premium home fragrance ranges.
David Brown, CEO The Fragrance House says: "The Heyland & Whittle ethos of using pure natural ingredients to create stunning fragranced products fits perfectly with The Fragrance House. The brand has a great long-standing reputation in the UK market and will be a fantastic addition to The Fragrance House."
The Fragrance House will be looking at operations and production in the coming months.
For further details email enquries@tfhltd.co.uk or call +44 (0)1727 836 454.
Posted: 24 February 2025
The Giftware Association (GA) announces Sarah Ward has stepped down as CEO, creating a pivotal opportunity to move the association forward.
Tom Jones, CEO of the British Allied Trades Federation (BATF), will step in as interim CEO, ensuring continuity and supporting the GA's mission to serve its members during this critical time.
The giftware industry is undergoing significant change, with new opportunities and challenges emerging daily. At this critical juncture, the GA remains committed to its mission of providing resources, connections, and advocacy to help members thrive in a competitive global marketplace. With a renewed focus on inclusivity, innovation, and sustainability, the GA aims to drive growth and continued success for the industry and its members.
The GA would like to extend its gratitude to Sarah for her leadership and the valuable contributions during her time as CEO.
Posted: 21 February 2025
The year 2025 certainly began on a high note for the UK's only festive trade show – Harrogate Christmas & Gift – as exhibitors and visitors turned up in large numbers to not only see the latest products the industry had to offer; but to celebrate a few important milestones too.
Whilst the fair celebrated its 75th anniversary this year, one exhibitor, Playwrite, boasted having attended every single show since it began! Warren Cornelius, one of the directors of Harrogate Christmas & Gift, first attended the event himself as an exhibitor in 1967. However, his predecessor Syd Vening was one of the show's founders when it began its journey in Harrogate as International Toy Fair.
Posted: 20 February 2025
The Giftware Association has unveiled the finalists for the Gift of the Year 2025 awards! After months of anticipation, hundreds of incredible entries, and two rounds of judging by an panel of over 120 industry experts, the best products from the home and gift industry have been selected to move forward.
The Gift of the Year awards celebrate the most exciting, innovative, and commercially successful products across 20 categories covering Home Fragrance, Home and Kitchen and Games and Puzzles as well as introducing new categories' such at the Made in The UK Category for this year.
Judges from leading retailers, trade press, and industry professionals struggled to select their top choices from a truly outstanding pool of over 900 entries.
Posted: 19 February 2025
Hyve Group, a global leader in events and exhibitions, has announced the exciting co-location of Autumn Fair and Glee at the NEC Birmingham. Autumn Fair will take place 6th – 9th September 2026 and Glee will take place 8th – 10th September 2026.
This strategic move by two industry-leading trade exhibitions unlocks multiple benefits for their respective sectors, creating a stronger, future-proofed platform that supports the long-term retail growth and successes of the industries they represent.
Sitting alongside Autumn Fair, the UK's leading home, gift, and fashion exhibition with a four-day content programme, Glee, the premier event for the garden retail sector, will continue as a dedicated three-day showcase for the garden, leisure, and pet industries.
Posted: 18 February 2025
