ACID AND THE GIFTWARE ASSOCIATION JOIN FORCES TO POWER UP IP PROTECTION Acid is delighted to announce a new partnership with the Giftware Association (GA) to bolster support for this key uk creative industry and unite to influence positive change for designers. With design theft still a significant issue affecting creators, the GA’s collaboration with ACID brings a compelling new layer of support at a time when safeguarding creative originality has never been more essential. This exciting partnership aims to: Equip GA members with enhanced tools through accessing acid membership at a discounted rate to protect their ip, including access to acid’s respected ip resources, advice services, and the acid ip databank. Promote ethical trading practices across the gift, home, and lifestyle sectors by encouraging the adoption of the acid ip charter - an industry-wide pledge to uphold respect for original design and responsible use of creative content. Advocate for designers’ rights through joint campaigning, events, and educational initiatives aimed at raising awareness of the importance of ip protection. www.giftwareassociation.org/ LABRE’S HOPE ANNOUNCES NEW COHORT OF YOUNG PEOPLE AND EXCITING CREATIVE COLLABORATIONS FOR 2026 Labre’s hope, the award-winning non-profit dedicated to supporting young people experiencing homelessness, is proud to announce the arrival of a new cohort of beneficiaries starting at the end of January. The organisation, founded by aaron probert in south yorkshire, continues its mission to provide life changing employment, stability, and social care to young people who need it most. Through its unique model, Labre’s hope employs young people to handcraft its signature candles and soaps while also providing wrap around support from qualified social workers. This combination of paid work, skills development, and emotional support has helped transform the lives of dozens of young people since the organisation launched. As Labre’s hope moves into 2026, the organisation is focused on scaling its wholesale business to create more sustainable employment opportunities for young people. A major part of this growth comes from exciting new product collaborations with leading UK designer Laura Darrington design. The new Laura Darrington collection blends Labre’s hope craftsmanship with laura’s signature decorative style. “I’m so proud to be working with Labre’s hope-a collaboration with true purpose. Not only do our candles ‘look and smell’ amazing, they support such a meaningful and empowering cause. I can’t wait to show them to our buyers,” says laura. These collaborations mark a significant step forward in labre’s hope’s product development strategy, elevating the brand while staying true to its social mission. www.labreshope.co.uk, www.lauradarrington.com RECENT TOYS INTERNATIONAL ACQUIRED BY SMART TOYS & GAMES Leading belgian puzzles, toys and games company Smart Toys and Games has acquired dutch company recent toys international and its subsidiaries. Recent Toys, founded in 2001, by Guido Lap is dedicated to the mission of crafting brainteasers: hands-on puzzles that challenge the brightest minds and inspire players of all ages. The products are smart and collectable, one of a kind and importantly built to last. Whether you are a beginner or a genius at puzzles there is something for everyone of every age. There are hundreds of puzzles available including puzzles by meffert’s, constantin, oskar van deventer, andrea mainini, gabriel songel, vladamir krasnoukhov and many more. Guido said “I am delighted to announce that we are joining the smart family. We have shared common goals and values and it is a natural fit in terms of expanding the worldwide potential of the brainteaser category. With our combined brands, products and most importantly design potential i can only see huge potential for the future.” www.smarttoysandgames.co.uk SOFTIES LAUNCHES FIRST ONLINE STORE AS WIDDOP & CO. BEGINS MAJOR DIGITAL EXPANSION Chadderton-based giftware supplier Widdop & co. Has launched its first singlebrand direct-to-consumer ecommerce website, marking a major shift for the 140-yearold business as it develops new online revenue streams and prepares additional brand rollouts in 2026. Manchester-based digital agency Pixel Kicks, now operating under pushon commerce, delivered the new shopify platform for Softies, the company’s plush toy and keepsake gift brand. The launch is the next phase of Widdop & co’s move to broaden its model beyond wholesale distribution and build direct relationships with consumers. Softies, known for its high-quality plush toys and gifts, becomes the first of several Widdop & co. brands set to transition into consumer-facing ecommerce over the next year. Today, Widdop & co. oversees more than 30 brands and a catalogue of over 13,000 products, supplying more than 3,500 independent retailers across the UK and Ireland. The shift toward direct-to-consumer ecommerce builds on this established retail distribution network and forms a key part of the company’s long-term digital roadmap. Built on Shopify, the platform prioritises brand storytelling, rich product imagery and a warm, family-friendly tone tailored to both its core audience, children, and the key purchasing demographic, parents and gift buyers. Pixel Kicks created a customised storefront designed to strengthen softies’ positioning within a competitive category. www.softiestoys.com 10
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