Gift Focus - Mar/Apr 2019 (Issue 112)

The British Craft Trade Fair (BCTF) is returning in April to showcase the very best of British crafts across a huge variety of product categories, including jewellery, glassware, metalwork, fine art, greetings cards, ceramics, fashion accessories and homewares. The event is perfect for retailers seeking exciting British-designed products, and it features a number of strong brands with sound provenance and strong heritage values. 2019 marks the show’s 45 th year. BCTF will host hundreds of creative designer-makers in a state-of-the-art venue: the Yorkshire Event Centre in beautiful Harrogate. Trade prices for these distinct, handmade works start from only a few pounds, providing new stock avenues for big and small retail outlets while catering to a wide variety of audiences. All exhibitors are guaranteed to be working from Great Britain and Ireland, providing an excellent opportunity for buyers to support local, independent manufacture and traditional British craftsmanship. Show organiser Margaret Bunn commented: “Research has shown that the consumer appetite for authentic British products is running at an all-time high, as people look to support more local, sustainable businesses and seek beautifully designed products that they know are of sound provenance. This research is backed up by strong anecdotal feedback we are receiving from retailers visiting the show and followers on our social media sites. If ever there were a time to support our heritage industries and designer-makers, then this is it!” Regular BCTF buyer Rachael Chambers, owner and director of Ferrer Gallery in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, explained her reasons for attending the show: “I have been visiting the British Craft Trade Fair for many years – it’s the one trade show that I always attend. We only stock British made craftsmanship, so it means we can choose from all the designer-makers at the show, which isn’t possible at other trade fairs.” Margaret continued: “We are very excited about this year’s show. We will once again hold the annual BCTF Awards on the Monday evening. We are delighted to welcome a raft of excellent judges and sponsors, some of whom are participating for the first time this year: Pyramid Gallery (York) will sponsor the BCTF Award for Excellence, Heart Gallery (Hebden Bridge) will sponsor the Best Newcomer Award and ACID (Anti Copying in Design) will sponsor the Best Newcomer Award.” These new additions join existing sponsors, with the GA sponsoring the Giftware Association Award for Excellence, the NAJ sponsoring the Award for Excellence in Jewellery, Greetings Today sponsoring the Greetings Card Award and DesignGap/ ArtGap sponsoring the Wow Factor Award. Traditionally decided by exhibitor votes submitted during the show, the Wow Factor Award is set for another exciting year in light of the excellent selection of products Alongside the lineup of exhibitors, the show is looking forward to welcoming some great speakers for both buyer and exhibitor targeted seminars. Speakers include Ian Retallick, the founder of Specialist Retailers, a training company aimed at transforming independent retailers into highly sought-after specialist retailers. BEST OF BRITISH We look forward to the April edition of BCTF IN BRIEF Show British Craft Trade Fair (BCTF) Organiser Primary Sports Management When 7 th -9 th April, 2019 Where Yorkshire Event Centre (YEC), Harrogate Website bctf.co.uk Twitter @BCTF_Harrogate For more information visit bctf.co.uk giftfocus 39 BCTF