Gift Focus - May/Jun 2019 (Issue 113)

13 NEWS & EVENTS ITE GROUP COMMITS FUTURE OF ITS FASHION PORTFOLIO The ITE Group recently announced increased visitor numbers across all of its Fashion Portfolio shows and a three-year plan of investment, support and growth to offer exhibitors and visitors events to promote trade and offer specialist platforms for all fashion-buying needs. Julie Driscoll, UK regional director at ITE Group revealed her vision for the Fashion Portfolio during this year’s edition of MODA, saying: “This is the first time all the shows (Pure London incorporating manufacturing and sourcing expo Pure Origin, Moda, Jacket Required and Scoop) have been part of the same portfolio. Each show has its own wonderful identity and distinct USP. We now offer a show for every buyer and a show for every brand or designer. Our shows have an answer for whatever your fashion business needs. Our three-year plan will see investment across the shows, including new appointments, shared intelligence and data analysis, the development of our educational content programmes and the continued commitment towards sustainability through our Power of One campaign. Working together as a portfolio, the shows benefit from the knowledge and experience of the teams and their networks. But they will continue to be run separately, as each one is distinct. We are committed to investing in each of the shows, building on our visitor acquisition programme, delivering newness, innovation and creativity. Each event is tailored to meet the specific needs of buyers across the UK, in Europe and around the world. The shows are market-leaders… and it is our vision to continue that and facilitate the best fashion-buying experiences in the UK.” Following a comprehensive judging process, Cannon Hall Farm Shop, Barnsley, beat out competition to be named Retailer of the Year at the Farm Shop & Deli Awards 2019. The awards were presented at the show following nearly 5,500 consumer votes, and saw 12 category winners and nine regional winners. Judges praised Cannon Hall Farm Shop highly, with comments covering a respect for their digital presence and continued growth in what is a difficult time all round for retail, as well as their involvement in local causes and events. The judges said: “Interesting day to day view of a working farm. Great employer. Good social networking. Beautiful butchery counter with aging display.” Another judge complimented the retailer’s “sheer dynamism and success of what is still at its heart a farm. They measure smiles on faces and bums on seats, love it.” Co-chair of judges Elaine Lemm, a respected food writer, classically trained chef, teacher and ex-restauranteur, said: “Roger Nicholson took over Cannon Hall Farm at the age of 16 following the untimely death of his father, but in the 1980s, with farming becoming less and less profitable, it became clear the farm needed to either diversify or sell. Against the advice of his bank, he headed down the diversification route, and today Cannon Hall is a resounding success. Alongside the farm shop, there are two restaurants plus a dog-friendly café; there are adventure playgrounds; a year-round programme for visiting schools and a new £1.5million farmyard where visitors can see the day to day workings of a modern farmyard including a milking parlour and a Rare Breeds Barn. With awards and plaudits both regionally and nationally, it is no surprise that Cannon Hall and the Nicholson family are recognised as one of the pioneering businesses in this sector and worthy winners of the Farm Shop and Deli Retailer of the Year award.” Also receiving high praise was Minskip Farm Shop in Boroughbridge, which scooped the 2019 Newcomer of the Year award and Village Store/Local Shop of the Year winners Campbell’s of Leyburn. Nigel Barden, chairman of judges and food and drink journalist and broadcaster, said: “More work than ever goes into goes into the Farm Shop & Deli Awards, including an increased number of visits and more hours spent on the road for our judges. This gives the Awards even more kudos and esteem – as does the experience of our 20 judges, who represent all aspects of the food and drink sector. Some of them are previous Retailers of the Year and appreciate how much benefit is gained by winning an award and the amount of expertise required to triumph. Winners and finalists get marvellous consumer and trade coverage. The Awards are organised by William Reed, who have more than 150 years of experience to call upon.” The full list of winners and runners-up was published on the Gift Focus website. More information can also be found at farmshopanddelishow.co.uk Cannon Hall Farm Shop scoops Retailer of the Year, Large Farm Shop of the Year and North East regional accolade at Farm Shop & Deli Awards 2019 