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
