On the heels of latest ONS statistics showing a 0.5 percent rise in retail sales volumes in April, after a fall of 1.2 percent in March, FSB Policy & Advocacy Chair Tina McKenzie urged SMEs to have their say on FSB's Future of the High Street survey. She said: "These statistics prove the enduring potential of our high streets. A rise of 0.8% in sales in the three months to April 2023 tells us that our traditional high street still holds its own in the business arena. It's a feather in the cap of the nimble high street retailers that stay one step ahead of market shifts and trends.
Posted: 4 October 2023
The Giftware Association is thrilled to announce a new and mutually beneficial partnership with the prestigious Hilton Hotel Group. This partnership marks a significant milestone in the company's ongoing efforts to provide unparalleled benefits to its esteemed members. The Hilton is a globally recognized hospitality brand known for its exceptional service and luxurious accommodations. Through this exciting collaboration, valued members will now have access to exclusive discounts, complimentary access, and special offers at the following Hilton sites: Hilton Birmingham Metropole, Hilton London Olympia and Hilton London Canary Wharf.
Posted: 2 October 2023
ACID's trailblazing work and ongoing campaigning has been a game changer in championing designers and the importance of their intellectual property rights' protection. This has influenced and brought about positive change in the legal and political landscape. The Design Economy is one of the success stories of the UK contributing nearly £100 billion to the UK's GVA and the protection of its intellectual capital is critical. In its 25th year, they want to shine a light on, and celebrate with everyone the huge success that has been achieved since the organisation was co-founded by Dids Macdonald (a designer maker) and Simon Clark (an IP lawyer and Partner of Bristows). From a round table action group it has grown to be a key influencer in design law reform over many years.
Posted: 2 October 2023
Neonimo's products are designed and sustainably made in the UK, making eco gifting a breeze this Christmas! Neonimo put together a handy, ultimate gift inspiration guide for readers to find the perfect planet-conscious present for all the special people in their lives! This easy gift inspiration guide works on a Q&A basis to find a great gift for anyone – the blog post is a simple way to decide which present to buy based on someone's interest and lifestyle. Neonimo, has a vision to reduce landfill through responsible end-to-end production using sustainability-conscious materials and practices to make eco-friendly products.
Posted: 30 September 2023
The Women In Furniture Network (WIFN) is excited to announce three upcoming events across the UK. All centred round empowering and celebrating women, WIFN unites women from across the furniture and design industry to foster meaningful connections, gaining invaluable insights and inspiring leadership. On the 25th October, WIFN will be coming to Birmingham for their "Mentorship Matters" event, at the Iron House art space. This event will focus on the importance of mentorship in professional growth and will provide attendees with a platform to connect with experienced industry leaders.
Posted: 29 September 2023
Visitor registration is now open for Toy Fair 2024, the UK's largest dedicated toy, game and hobby exhibition. Taking place between the 23rd-25th January 2024 at Olympia London, the show returns to celebrate its 70th anniversary with a sold-out floorplan and extended footprint. Toy Fair is an unrivalled opportunity to forge new business and build on existing relationships. This will be the first opportunity of the year in the UK for visitors to see thousands of exciting new product launches in person across a vast range of categories including licensed toys, construction toys, board games and puzzles, tech toys, plush, arts and crafts, plus many more.
Posted: 28 September 2023
Leading online packaging supplier, Kite Packaging, has added a new, hamper-sized eCommerce box to their range due to growing demand. Designed with a crash lock base and adhesive peel-&-seal strip, this eCommerce-ready packaging facilitates quick assembly to support efficient pack and dispatch. It also comes with a tear strip for effortless unboxing to enhance end customer satisfaction. This new size is larger than the standard market offering, offering versatility, and provides ample space to accommodate both small and bulky items – particularly beneficial for businesses with a large product profile.
Posted: 27 September 2023
Spring and Autumn Fair and Glee, owned by Hyve Group, has announced that its connections programme Connect will not be running in 2024, while the business collaborates with the industry and key partners to create better shows and experiences for the future. Exhibitors have been contacted with full details on the adjustments to fees and contract details relating to both Spring and Autumn Fair 2024.
Posted: 26 September 2023
The Giftware Association, the leading trade association representing the gift and home industry, has announced a significant partnership with Birmingham Mind, a prominent mental health charity serving the community with a wide range of support services.
This collaboration aims to create a positive impact by raising awareness of mental health issues within the industry and promoting mental wellbeing among its members.
The giftware industry has always been committed to enriching people's lives with thoughtful, meaningful gifts and home products. As the sector thrives, The Giftware Association recognises the importance of prioritising mental health and supporting the overall wellbeing of individuals working within the industry.
The GA has recognised this by creating a Wellness category within its Gift of the Year competition.
Posted: 25 September 2023
As well as offering cards with a "card-clasp" label, the Eco-friendly Card Co also offers cards, calendars and Christmas packs in compostable corn-starch bags certified with the compostable "Seedling" logo (EU composting standard EN13432).
The publisher can now take back any Eco-friendly Card Co compostable packaging for disposal through the Zero Waste bins offered by Terracyle.
Terracyale's bin will accept any type of biodegradable or compostable plastic goods (including PLA corn-starch bags) which is then sent for industrial composting. More information about Terracyle's Zero Waste boxes can be found at shop.terracycle.com/en-GB
Posted: 22 September 2023
