Gift Focus inc Attire Accessories - November/December 2020

9 EDITOR’S LETTER On the cover We love these beautiful double walled flasks from Blue Eyed Sun, which make the perfect fashion accessory with new on-trend colours for the winter months. Visit www. blueeyedsun.co.uk New year, new start Having been in trade publishing for some 16 years, it goes without saying that the past year has been one of the most challenging. When the word ‘lockdown’ first got floated, the relative panic understandably set in and, like most people, thoughts of ‘what next’ abounded. However, while challenging, I have also never felt as inspired, encouraged and proud of the industry in which we work. From retail closures to event cancellations, in the face of extreme adversity I have dealt with nothing but optimism, positivity and business owners willing to think outside the box and go the extra mile to stay afloat. And that is the core of the independent gift market, which is why it’s easy to see so many consumers making sure they spend their cash where it is needed the most – on the local high street. I have also felt honoured to head up this wonderful magazine during these tough times. We have all felt the loss of the physical shows, however, the determination of our team – from our lovely account manager Lauren, to the publishers, to the editorial manager Danielle – to get the wonderful products showcased, has been unfaltering. Month in, month out, we work together to ensure that while suppliers and brands may not be able to get out to shows or on the road for meetings, thanks to our continued extensive coverage, you can still see them. This issue we have a plethora of features to round off the year, including but not limited, to Handmade, Gifts Under £10, Fairtrade, Valentine’s Day, and of course a showcase of the would-be exhibitors at Top Drawer, Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring and Giving & Living. So, sit back, grab a mulled wine – it’s 5pm somewhere, right? – and check out what’s hot in our wonderful world of gifts. And here’s to a new, prosperous year – we will, as ever, be here to support you every step of the way. Louise Prance Editor Louise EDITOR Louise Prance +44 (0)1376 535 613 louisep@giftfocus.com EDITORIAL MANAGER Danielle Harvey SALES AND EVENTS DIRECTOR Sarah Ellis +44 (0)1376 538 490 sarahe@giftfocus.com ACCOUNT MANAGER Lauren Wright +44 (0)1376 535 600 laurenw@giftfocus.com PRODUCTION MANAGER Scott Brothwell SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Stephanie Hodder, Vicky O’Connor, Sarah Young +44 (0)1376 535 616 artwork@kdmediapublishing.com PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Lorna Butcher WEB DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Stuart Weatherley SUBSCRIPTIONS +44 (0)1376 514 000 subscriptions@kdmediapublishing.com KD Media Publishing, Pantile House, Newlands Drive, Witham, Essex CM8 2AP www.giftfocus.com Gift Focus and Attire Accessories are solely owned, published and designed by KD Media Publishing. Whilst every effort was made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal responsibility for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility of the standing of advertisers nor by the editorial contributions. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Gift Focus is published six times a year. ISSN 1758-0897 @giftfocus @giftfocusmag @gift_focus Gift Focus magazine is proud to be associated with and supporters of: