Whizz Kid Games, a designer of environmentally-friendly, educational games, has launched in London. The company, which focuses on developing games for children that support the key stage 1 and 2 curriculum, is the brainchild of former Lagoon Group MD Heather Watherston.Heather says, "When my children were younger, I used to make games to help them spell, tell the time and learn their times tables. I believed that involving and engaging them in games helped them to learn. Then recently, during the coronavirus pandemic, I've seen parents everywhere really struggle to home school their children and I thought now's the time to launch a company to help all these parents! So, Whiz Kid Games, with its mission to entertain and educate, was born!"... read more
Posted: 8 January 2021
Joe Davies has announced that is to reschedule its At Home event due to the current UK lockdown, moving the event to 1st to 12th March.The company has also announced that it will remain open with reduced manning throughout January and February to supply post offices, pharmacies, garden centres and online retailers. Paul explained "It's sad news that another lock is necessary but we understand the reasons completely. The good news is that the vaccination program is well under way and the end is in sight. Moving the show to March will mean that many more of our customers will be able to safely attend."... read more
Posted: 7 January 2021
Old English Company Ltd, which designs and manufactures a range of high-quality bespoke giftware items, has successfully resolved a copyright infringement dispute against national supermarket chain Morrisons over the sale of infringing designs printed on mugs. Old English Company was assisted by ACID's legal affiliate, McDaniels Law. Despite not admitting liability, Morrisons and Old English reached a settlement, the terms of which are confidential.... read more
Posted: 6 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
Hale Events, the event organisers based in the south west has accessed a £250k CBILS loan from Funding Circle. Funding Circle is a peer-to-peer network and one of the best-capitalised lending platforms in the world. They're accredited by the Government-owned British Business Bank to provide loans under the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS).Hale Events organise a mix of shows in the SW region, mainly for trade buyers of Gifts and Food & Drink, so increased staycations will mean increased business, but only once they overcome the challenges that Covid-19 has presented to the events sector. The organisation remains optimistic and, with their main events postponed until May and June of 2021, can see light at the end of the tunnel.... read more
Posted: 5 January 2021
Enesco has announced the launch of its virtual showroom to accommodate customers during the recent government lockdown.The company says, "We have now launched our new virtual showroom. With current restrictions meaning we cannot welcome you in person, we bring our new showroom directly to your home, office or even your car! View our virtual showroom anywhere, anytime – everything links to our website www.enesco.co.uk, which has all the details of our January product launch. You can place orders, check stock and order the latest pre-packs at your convenience 24/7."... read more
Posted: 4 January 2021
The burgeoning licensing programme for Cloudco Entertainment-owned evergreen brand, Care Bears, has been further boosted with the addition of a partnership with leading global manufacturer of licensed product, Bioworld, which will be creating a range of apparel and accessories inspired by the bears of Care-a-Lot. The ranges will target kids of all-ages across apparel lines and accessories.Established for 38 years, Care Bears continues to appeal to a wide-range of fans. Bulldog Licensing, which manages the rights for the brand in the UK, has been further building the property with a number of deals. The new partnership with Bioworld is the latest in a line of leading licensees, which are each leveraging the universal love for the property among consumers.... read more
Posted: 30 December 2020
The Giftware Association is incredibly excited to announce the shortlist for this year's Gift of the Year competition. With a competition that started in the midst of a pandemic the GA has seen an incredible number of amazing products and quality entries into this year's awards that really highlight the hard work from designers, manufactures and suppliers. The Shortlist as in previous years are larger to allow for more celebration of the judge's favourite products as well as some larger than usual categories which we had to ask some extra judges to toe break.... read more
Posted: 29 December 2020
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
Ania Haie is set to launch a turquoise and abalone shell collection for its spring/summer 2021 offering. The Turning Tides collection is inspired by the ocean and the magnificent blue and green hues that radiate from the water. The collection features 14kt gold plated pieces adorned with abalone shell and rhodium plated pieces adorned with vibrant turquoise stones, both reminiscent of the ever-changing tides and waves of the sea. Turning Tides features statement abalone/turquoise slice signet rings along with sleek drop hoop earrings, bringing a touch of sea serenity.... read more
Posted: 23 December 2020