Gift Focus inc Attire Accessories - November/December 2020

12 WILD THINGS GIFTS DONATES PROCEEDS TO NHS CHARITIES TOGETHER Wild Things Gifts is donating proceeds from its ‘Thank You’ rainbow catcher to NHS Charities Together. According to a press release, “The regular Thursday night applause may already seem like a distant memory, but the nation’s appreciation of healthcare workers remains as strong as ever. “NHS Charities Together was formed long before the word ‘coronavirus’ became part of our everyday lexicon, but it has been over the course of 2020 that the charity collective has seen its biggest donation surge. “The federation of over 250 charitable organisations has so far amassed over £130 million as part of its emergency Covid-19 appeal, largely publicised by the heroic efforts of Captain Sir Thomas Moore.” Also joining the fundraising efforts is Wild Things Gifts, a hand-made gift manufacturer based in Devon. Reflecting on the national lockdown earlier in the year, founder Jules Vahrman says: “No one could miss all the rainbows in the windows and the efforts of Captain Tom. It was obvious that Wild Things should make a contribution, so the new ‘Thank You’ rainbow suncatcher was born.” With a portion of proceeds going directly to NHS Charities Together, the limited-edition piece – featuring Swarovski crystals – quickly became a bestseller for Wild Things stockists both within the UK and further afield. “I’ve already seen one or two in peoples’ windows during my evening walks,” Jules adds. “Obviously it’s great to see them being displayed as I’d originally intended when I first imagined the design, but the real satisfaction comes from knowing that we’ve been able to contribute to such an important cause.” Owing to its popularity and to continue charity support, Wild Things has extended availability of the Thank You Rainbow suncatcher into 2021. UK GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES £95 MILLION SCHEME TO BOLSTER HIGH STREET RECOVERY The UK Government has announced a £95 scheme aimed at aiding the recovery of the high street following the effects of COVID-19. The programme, named the high streets heritage action zone (HSHAZ), is being delivered by Historic England which will work with local authorities to convert disused buildings into new homes, shops, workplaces and community spaces in 68 high streets. Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said, “High streets sit at the heart of our communities and every part of the country deserves to have one they can be proud of. “This fund will help breathe new life into high streets in towns and cities across the country – restoring them to their full glory so that they are beautiful places for people to shop, work and enjoy.” The programme will be funded with £40m from the Department for Digital, Culture Media and Sport and £52m from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government while a further £3m will be provided by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Kelly Tolhurst, high streets minister, said, “This new funding will help to transform and restore historic buildings, creating new homes, shops and community spaces, and reinvigorating local high streets up and down the country.” GIBSONS GAMES EXPANDS TEAM Gibsons, the British, independent games and puzzles company, has welcomed three new members to the team. The company was already experiencing a period of steady growth, which has accelerated due to the nation turning to puzzling during lockdown. These appointments join two new employees recently appointed to cover maternity leave. Savannah Davenport and Avina Jayram join the team into the new roles of customer services, website and social executive and assistant accountant. Savannah’s role is primarily focused on customer service for the Gibsons’ website as well as providing social media support. Avina will assist with financial reporting commitments, as well as developing new processes and efficiencies as the business continues to expand. Ravinder Rai has been appointed as operations manager and brings with her plenty of experience working with major retailers, including Amazon. Zoe Walsh joins the team as junior international account manager to cover for head of international sales, Alice Tournaire, as she goes on maternity leave. Zoe brings experience from her previous role at Talking Tables where she was account support for UK and Ireland and will build and maintain relationships with retailers overseas. Gibsons product development manager, Emily Charles, is also going on maternity leave so Emma Kilby, also joining from Talking Tables, has been appointed to manage the development of new puzzles and games over the coming year. Kate Gibsons comments, “We are delighted to welcome Ravinder, Savannah, Zoe, Emma, and Avina to the Gibsons team and are excited to see the business develop further over the coming months.” Visit www.gibsonsgames.co.uk