Bumper show issue - Gift Focus magazine

Issue 61 September/October 2010www.giftfocus.comwww.giftfocus.comBumper show issue• Autumn Fair International• London Gift Fair• Top DrawerGREEN LINESPlanet-friendly gifts thatdon’t cost the earthTableMANNERSGreat tablewarefor today’s dinersWIN!Luxury trip to London Gift FairPLUS• Gifts with teen appeal• Greeting Cards• Toys

September/October 2010 Issue 61Group EditorEmma Cant+44 (0)1376 535 611emmac@kdmediapublishing.comEditorSarah Reeve+44 (0)1376 535 614editor@giftfocus.comEditorial AssistantRianna Fry+44 (0)1376 535 613riannaf@giftfocus.comSales ManagerMark White+44 (0)1376 535 606markw@giftfocus.comSales ExecutiveSharon Connelly+44 (0)1376 535 607sharonc@giftfocus.comDesign ManagerVicky O'Connorvickyo@giftfocus.comGraphic DesignersSarah Barnes, Sophie Handley, Laura Perry,Steve Mckea, Hayley Kilminster,Leanne Walsh+44 (0)1376 535 616Production ManagerStuart WeatherleyAdministrationScott Brothwell+44 (0)1376 514 000SubscriptionsAlice Henson, Charlotte Tannett+44 (0)1376 514 000KD Media Publishing LtdBroseley House, Newlands DriveWitham, Essex CM8 2ULwww.giftfocus.comCover courtesy of Dartington Crystalwww.dartington.co.ukcontentspgnews&eventsindustry news 6What’s what in the world of giftson with the show 10Trade show updates from home and abroadbrand spanking new 14Latest launches to hit the markethot property 59Spotlight on the world of licensingcompetition 18Win a luxury trip to the new London Gift Fairq&a special 131Our experts tackle your retail queriesfocus on...the ga 26All the latest from The Giftware Associationmarketing 51Top tips for profi t making promotionsanti copying in design 66Making the most of design rightsinsurance health check 70Guidance on trade show risks23featurestop toys 23Lifting the lid on a treasure chest of surprisesbest wishes 47Opening the envelope on some of the latest ingreetingstable manners 63Cool dishes for today’s dinersI london 68Product showcase of London-themed linesteen teasers 117Hot products for cool teenstaxing times 123Industry insight into pending VAT hikelicensed to thrill 137New launches from the lucrative world oflicensingup and coming 146Profi le of a blossoming new businesspg 14Gift Focus is solely owned, published anddesigned by KD Media Publishing Limited. Whilstevery effort was made to ensure the informationin this magazine was correct at the time of goingto press, the publishers cannot accept legalresponsibility for any errors or omissions, norcan they accept responsibility of the standing ofadvertisers nor by the editorial contributions.The views expressed do not necessarily refl ectthose of the publisher. Gift Focus is publishedsix times a year. Subscription rates for overseasreaders are £40 per annum (incl. p+p), Chequesshould be made out to KD Media PublishingLimited and sent to Gift Focus @ BroseleyHouse, Newlands Drive, Witham, EssexCM8 2UL.Gift Focus magazine is proud to be associatedwith and supporters of:MEDIA SUPPORTERANTI COPYING IN DESIGNAverage NetCirculation: 7,438(01/07/08 to 30/06/09)internet technology 120Final instalment on choosing a website designerbusiness link 127Focus on safety in the work placepg 113special featuregreen lines 53Planet-friendly gifts that don’t cost the earthshowslondon calling 19Countdown to the fi rst London Gift Fairgreat expectations 29A dose of inspiration from the forthcoming TopDrawerharvesting the halls 73Bumper preview of Autumn Fair Internationalgiftfocus 3

seasonal sourcingNow is the time to be digging out the comfyshoes and heading for the halls.It’s buying season again with Autumn FairInternational and Top Drawer, as well as thebrand new London Gift Fair, set to unleashthousands of the best and newest products onto the market.Savvy buyers will be doing their homeworkto make sure the shelves are stacked with allthe hottest new products for the crucial festiveseason ahead. We preview all three shows to flag up latest launches andprovide a head start before the doors open.As official media partners of Autumn Fair International copies of themagazine will be available from stands near hall 2, as well as from TheGiftware Association’s Gift of the Year show house in hall 4.Gift Focus and sister title Attire Accessories have been proud to beheadline sponsors of the Gift of the Year Awards for the past two years.During that time the competition has continued to go from strength tostrength and for 2011 will be moving on to a new and bigger platform.Next February the winning and highly commended products will beunveiled at a special ceremony at Spring Fair International and fairorganiser Emap Connect, will be taking over as the new headlinesponsor of the awards.We would like to take this opportunity to wish all those involvedcontinued success with the competition.As well as all the latest show news this issue is packed full of greatnew products across a whole range of categories including toys, greetingcards, tableware and licensed ranges.Green credentials continue to be a driver for sales and we spotlightsome winning eco-friendly lines in our special feature on page 53.There’s also a stunning showcase on page 68 of London-themedproducts for creating an eye-catching display in store.With all the regular news, top tips and retail advice, take time out, putyour feet up and catch up on all the latest.Enjoy readingSarahSarah ReeveEditorgiftfocus 5

industry newsCatch up on all the latest in our news round upAnd the winner is!Lizzie Lees has won the Jam Tart NewDesigner competition with her hand-craftedteacup and saucer design.Her designs are inspired by the importanceof the home environment and a shift inattitudes away from ‘disposable’ consumerismtowards more home-spun values.Mandy Allen of design-led company JamTart introduced the new designer scheme this year to raise awareness ofthe diffi culties faced by graduates and new designers in such a competitivemarketplace. The aim is to help launch the successful candidate into theirchosen fi eld.“We had a phenomenal response with over 400 entries; clearlyhighlighting the need for this kind of support and the chasm that there isbetween graduation and the world of business,” said Mandy.Jam Tart will be showcasing Lizzie’s work at Top Drawer Autumn inLondon this September from stand A88.Dartington Crystal partners withRoyal SaluteDevon based Dartington Crystal has teamed up with the world’s leading luxuryScotch whisky brand, Royal Salute, to produce hand-crafted decanters for thebrand’s most prestigious blend – Royal Salute 62 Gun Salute.Working exclusively with Royal Salute, Dartington Crystal makes eachdecanter by hand at its workshops in Torrington. Using midnight blue crystal, eachpiece is decorated with 18 carat gold and crowned with a cut crystal stopper.Neil Hughes, managing director for Dartington Crystal commented: “It isa pleasure to be working with Royal Salute whose name is as synonymouswith craftsmanship and quality as our own. To fulfi ll the exacting and superiorrequirements of such a prestigious brand is testament to the unique hand-craftingskills we have ourselves nurtured and developed for more than 40 years.”Rainbow steel butterfliesfrom Joe DaviesShudehill giftware showSeptember is showtime at Joe Davies with the company holdingits 10 th annual special Shudehill show. The event is held at JoeDavies’ south Manchester showrooms from August 31 st toSeptember 10 th (Special opening on Sunday 5 th September2010) and coincides with retailers travelling to and from theAutumn Fair International at Birmingham’s NEC.The Joe Davies showrooms have been freshly merchandisedafter the company’s recent success at the Home & Gift Show inHarrogate. Over 7,500 gifts, frames and jewellery items will beon show with over 2,000 brand new products for autumn andwinter.The showrooms are 10 minutes from the nearby M60motorway and Stockport mainline train station (directtrains from London and Birmingham) and 20 minutes fromManchester International Airport.For more details contact Joe Davies on +44 (0)1619 756 300.New Zealand firm set onUK expansionSixpence Worldwide Agencies, a family run agency businessbased in Auckland, New Zealand, is hoping to extend itsoperations in the UK.The company has been specialising in product sourcingfrom the Far East for more than a decade. It describes itsmain focus as the gift packaging industry but can also supplyother areas such as promotional items, party products andreusable bags. The company says it also has a wealth ofexperience in dealing with and creating licensed product.“Over our years spent dealing in Asia we haveformulated long term relationships with a group ofexclusive factories.This enables us to provide ourcustomers with top quality OEM products, competitivepricing and above all excellent communication and workeffi ciency,” says Jeremy Halligan for the company. It’s currentclient base covers customers within U.S.A, U.K, Australiaand New Zealand.For further details email carol.halligan@sixpence.co.nz orjeremy@sixpence.co.nz6 giftfocus

news&eventsStarchild in SwedenStarchild the UK manufacturer of soft leather baby shoesannounces a new distribution partner for Sweden.Steven Bryant, export sales director at Starchild says: “Thephenomenal success that we achieved in Finland with ourdistributor Pohjolan Laatutuote has led them to expand theiroperation into neighbouring Sweden, with plans for Denmarkand Norway before the end of the year.”New website for Classic CanesWalking stick specialists Classic Canes has launched a new website, whichincludes a facility for trade customers to log into a password protected area toplace their stock orders online.The new website is at the existing address, www.classiccanes.co.uk, andfeatures information on all aspects of walking sticks, available for both the publicand the trade to view.Pages specifi cally designed to help trade customers include instructions formeasuring a person for a walking stick, guidelines on VAT exemption for disabledstick users, a dictionary of walking stick vocabulary in six languages, and a ‘currenttrends’ page, as well as the new online ordering facility. Classic Canes managingpartner, Charlotte Gillan, says: “We believe the online ordering facility on our newwebsite will be of great assistance to our stockists. Many are busy shopkeeperswho fi nd it easier to place their orders out of offi ce hours when their shops areclosed. The new website features lots of information and advice, which will helpanswer many of their questions when a sales advisor is not available. Equally, wehave a great many export customers on different time zones who will also fi ndthe new way of ordering convenient.”Roger la Borde pops up at LibertyThis September sees Roger la Borde, the innovative design and publishinggroup, celebrate its 25 th birthday with a creative pop up installation at designemporium Liberty which launches on 18 th September.The event will culminate with an artist in residence on Saturday 25 thSeptember when one of Roger la Borde’s illustrators, Nelly Dimitranova, willbe sketching live in the store with her paint swatch sketches.Since it was founded in 1985, Roger la Borde has sought to bring highdesign values, style and quality to its cards and stationery, using renownedartists, talented illustrators andcreative designers. To tie inwith the birthday celebrations,it will launch its fi rst collectionof stylish homewares alongsidea collection of limited editionprints from some of its bestknown artists, celebrating the artof illustration.Christmas reed diffusersAshleigh & Burwood will be showcasing four Christmasfragrance additions to its successful 200ml reed diffuser range atAutumn Fair International this September. The new fragrancesare presented in the same style of printed tube packaging asthe existing range, with rich gold detailing replacing the standardsilver. Mulled Wine, Frankincense & Myrrh, Cinnamon Appleand Christmas Spice scents will join the current range of 24fragrances launched at the start of the year.To fi nd out more visit them at Autumn Fair International, hall4 Stand B38 or call +44 (0)1932 267 060 for details.Widdop Bingham’s open houseWiddop Bingham is having an open house following this year’s Autumn FairInternational at the NEC, Birmingham.Ten days after Autumn Fair closes on September 8 th the company isopening up its four showrooms at its headquarters in North Manchester foranyone who missed seeing them at the show.All 6,000 lines are displayed to make the selection process as easy aspossible. In addition visitors will be able to view over 1,200 brand newlines launched this autumn as well as best selling ranges across a number ofdifferent product categories.To attend the open house which runs from 19 th to 24 th September 2010call +44 (0)1616 881 220 or email sales@widdop.co.uk.giftfocus 7

industry newsHerdy wins national awardThe Herdy Company hasreceived the Business in theCommunity’s Small Companyof the Year award.The award was presentedat a glittering awardsceremony in Londonrecently by HRH Prince ofWales as he celebratedhis 25 th anniversary asPresident of Business in theCommunity (BITC). TheHerdy Company, a Kendalbasedbranded giftwareenterprise, recognises theimportance of business as apositive influence in society.By fostering the local economy and adopting a charitable, ethically-driven philosophy, Ithas shown its commitment to corporate social responsibility. The Awards for Excellencereward businesses who demonstrate the positive impact they have had on society.Diane Hannah, director of The Herdy Company said: “It’s fantastic to be recognisedon a national level for what we’ve achieved. We took a sustained approach to corporateresponsibility and integrated it into our business strategy from the start. From the outsetwe recognised the importance of the Herdwick sheep in maintaining the Lakelandlandscape and therefore made supporting the Herdwick and upland fell farming central toour company’s mission. We love giving something back to the region which inspired theherdy brand and our customers love it too!”Schleich’s Chessington adventureVisitors to Chessington World ofAdventures’ new Safari Hotel are enjoying ataste of the world of Schleich.Children staying in one of the hotel’spremium family rooms receive a gift from Schleichas a memento of their stay and those eating in therestaurant will be entertained with Schleich competitionand activity sheets that have been specially created forthe hotel.The partnership will be piloted until the end of2010 but plans are already underway for further linksbetween the German toy company and the theme park.Gary Wilmot, head of Schleich’s UK sales force commented: “This is a fantasticbrand awareness exercise for Schleich. The synergy between the new ChessingtonSafari Hotel and our Wild Life collection could not be stronger and with the hotelaccommodating up to 100,000 visitors each year, many of whom are in the agerange for new collectors, we expect the partnership to be extremely lucrative forour retailers too.”For more details call +44 (0)1279 870 000 or email Schleich@Schleich-s.co.ukIndustry professionalsDave Brown has joinedJohn Crane Ltd ascommercial manager,overseeing the day to daybusiness. His backgroundin the automotive industrygives him a wide skill baseto bring to this newlyformed role.On the sales floorNicola Woodward joinsas sales executive, herformer roles have includedworking closely withindependent stores.Former PA, HayleyHanwell-Holland, joins as administrative coordinator,where she will be responsible for theHR of the company, plus be an integral part of thecompany’s certification procedure.Sheena Beale has been appointed as the newoffice receptionist.Great Gizmos hasappointed a new keyaccount manager, CathyLing, who joins the teamwith more than 20 years’experience across the toyand gift industry, havingpreviously worked forcompanies such as Aurora World and Smoby.Joe Davies, importersand distributors of theShudehill giftware andLeonardo collections,has appointed two newsales representativesto its field sales team.Winnie Murphy will coverCarlisle, the Borders,north east England andCentral Scotland whileKate Adams will coverthe Midlands. Both Winnieand Kate have many yearsexperience in the gift trade.8 giftfocus

Upper Canada SoapDanielle Creations Ltd, Hubert Road,Brentwood, Essex CM14 4JYFor further information please contact us on01277 220842brian.halstead@danielle-ltd.co.ukwww.danielle-ltd.co.ukFollowing the recent merger with Danielle Canada we are now able tooffer an exciting new range of bath & body products from Upper CanadaSoap. This is a very high quality range made with all natural ingredientscomprising three main product areas:All About Hands - a speciality hand care product that draws on thehydrating and regenerative properties of Avocado Oil to provide moisture toand repair dry skin.All About Feet - a speciality foot care product that makes use of the naturalcooling and moisturising properties of Peppermint Oil to hydrate, soothe andrevitalise tired feet.Naturally - a botanical based product formulated using a combination ofbotanical extracts all natural ingredients, oils and mineral complexes, chosenfor their known benefits to the skin

on with the showAll the important dates and news from the tradeshow calendardiary datesTendencewhen 27 th -31 st August 2010whereFrankfurt am Main,Germanywebsite www.tendence.messefrankfurt.comMaison Objetwhen 3 rd -7 th September 2010whereParis, Francewebsite www.maison-objet.comInternational Jewellery Londonwhen 5 th -8 th September 2010whereEarls Court 2, Londonwebsite www.jewelllerylondon.comAutumn Fair Internationalwhen 5 th -8 th September 2010whereNEC, Birminghamwebsite www.autumnfair.comIntergiftwhen 8 th -12 th September 2010whereMadrid, Spainwebsite www.giftrends.ifema.esMacefwhen 9 th -12 th September 2010whereMilan, Italywebsite www.macef.itRazzle dazzleInternational Jewellery Londonis set to be bigger and better thanever this year, with an increase invisitor registration as well as exhibitors.Many new features are in the pipeline,including a prestigious line-up of seminarspeakers. Jewellery designer to the stars,Stephen Webster is the latest big name to beannounced as a speaker. The iconic jewellerwill be focussing on the ever-increasing market formen’s jewellery.For the first time, the exhibition’s Boulevard Bar willplay host to a selection of seminars including the IJL greatdebate, presented in partnership with the Birmingham Assay Office and again this year focussingon the ethical issues within the jewellery industry.Ag SilverThis year there will be more trends information than ever before, with leading experts from TJF,Stylesight, Trendstop and Global Color Research speaking at the show.Many leading brands are returning to exhibit, including Shaun Leane, Babette Wasserman, SHOFine Jewellery, Nomination, Coeur de Lion, Mark Milton and Domino. As well as the returningfavourites, there will be an influx of newcomers launching collections, including Carrie Elspeth,Moon Products Ltd and SuShila.Contemporary jewellery brand, Ag Silver, celebrating its 10 th anniversary this year, will launch itsautumn/winter 2010 collection from stand C14, while Midhaven (Stand H17) will be showing newlines including pendants and earrings in its Lavish range.The show, which takes place at London's Earls Court from 5 th to 8 th September, will open anhour earlier at 9am each day this year.To register visit the website www.jewellerylondon.com/register.Scotland’s Trade Fair Autumn moves to GlasgowScotland’s Autumn Trade Fair is moving to a bigger venue in Glasgow, in orderto accommodate twice as many exhibitors.The show will be taking place from 19 th to 20 th September 2010 atGlasgow’s SECC and will include a variety of large and small gift, jewelleryand clothing exhibitors. It will offer a mix of Scottish and internationalsuppliers with exhibitors such as Alicia MacInness, Ladycrow Silks, SprintClothing, Hansson, Smith & Canova, and Sheila Fleet. New exhibitors includeHearts & Crosses, Taurus Leather, and Kapre Scarves.Mark Saunders, MD of organiser Springboard commented: “Followinglast year’s highly successful autumn fair in Stirling we have had to move to alarger venue due to the demand for stands. We are hoping for 120 standsacross the gift, jewellery, accessory, home and clothing sectors. Given theuncertainty of the marketplace and the economy many retailers are not keento purchase stock too far in advance and this type of show will be perfect forlate orders.”The spring edition of the show will take place at the SECC from 23 rd to25 th January 2011.Visit the website www.scotlandstradefairs.co.uk for more information.10 giftfocus

news&eventsSource makeoverThe Source food and drink trade show has undergonea makeover following the successful show at Westpoint,Exeter this April.Shift Thinking has created a new identity to helpstrengthen the profile of the show, which takes place atWestpoint, Exeter from 4 th to 5 th April 2011.This year 200 exhibitors participated at the show, which isrun in collaboration withthe Taste of the West organisation.It is set to grow for 2011 and become an even broaderbased food and drink event. As well as the speciality ranges,buyers can expect to see an increasing number of primaryfood and drink producers to create a blend that representsthe diverse quality from the South West and beyond.Although strongly focussed on the region, the showpresents opportunity for companies from all over the UKand abroad to meet South West buyers from retail, foodservice and public sector.For further information about The Source visit thewebsite at www.sourceexhibition.co.uk.More to see at GleeGlee, the one-stop destinationfor garden, pet and leisurebuyers, has unveiled addedvisitor attractions. The initiativesare set to make this year’sshow, which takes place atBirmingham’s NEC from 20 th to22 nd September, the strongestyet for those looking to buildtheir business.As well as meeting suppliersfrom across six core productsectors, visitors to the show willbe able to take advantage ofnew retailing inspiration, expertinsight, staff training and visitorplanning opportunities.New attractions alreadyconfirmed include GardenAngels, Glee’s very ownDragon’s Den-inspiredshowcase. The Garden Angels will see six business thinkers put forward theirproduct pitch and business plan. Taking place in two, one-hour sessions onthe Monday and Tuesday, of the Garden Angels will be made up of a panel ofindustry leaders.Other features will include the Glee Innovators’ Zone, back and even biggerin 2010 following its launch last year. Glee’s seminar theatre returns and willfeature key industry figures and hundreds of new products are also set tolaunch at Glee this year. To make finding them easier, they will once again becollected in the Glee New Products areas.For more information visit www.gleebirmingham.com.All Asian sourcing showsLeading Hong Kong trade fairs Mega Show Part 1 and 2 are on target to present over6,000 exhibition stands this year, reports event organiser Kenfair.Held over seven days at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, MegaShow Part 1 takes place from October 20 th to 23 rd and Part 2 from October 28 th to30 th 2010.The long established events are a regular diary date for over 60,000 global buyers.With more than 3,580 Asian and international suppliers from around the globe it isa leading industry showcase for products, ideas and innovations in gifts, housewares,premiums and toys. Exhibitors present a broad selection of products, designed andmanufactured in Asia for export markets.New this year Mega Show Part 1 has undergone significant, customer-drivenreorganisation. For the first time the diverse mix of merchandise has been classifiedinto five broad categories, each in a clearly defined location to make the show easier to shop.Mega Show Part 2 offers a further opportunity to view an additional 833 companies in over 1,000 exhibition stands. With an emphasis on Chineseproducedgifts and housewares, it also presents a large contingent of 61 office and stationery companies showcasing Asian pen, print and papersuppliers. Displayed over three halls the show has also been reshaped for buyer convenience.To find out more visit the website www.mega-show.com.giftfocus 11

on with the showlooking aheadTop Drawerwhen 12 th -14 th September 2010where Grand Hall, Olympia, Londonwebsite www.topdrawer.co.ukLondon Gift Fairwhen 12 th -14 th September 2010where National Hall, Olympia, Londonwebsite www.londongiftfair.comScotland’s Autumn Trade Fairwhen 19 th -20 th September 2010where SECC, Glasgowwebsite www.scotlandstradefairs.co.ukChina Sourcing FairChina Sourcing Fair: Gifts & Premiums returns to AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong from October20 th to 23 rd , 2010 to showcase thousands of gift items, promotional products and premiums.The spring edition in April this year reported a total of 20,362 visitors from 131 countries andregions. The attendance was shared with co-located China Sourcing Fairs: Home Products, Baby &Children’s Products and India Sourcing Fair: Home Products.The event organisers say that the show is a trusted sourcing platform attracting top buyers fromall over the world, with regular visitors returning to take advantage of the wide product selectionlarger showing of competitive suppliers from Greater China and Asia.Thousands of creative gifts and premiums will be on show ranging from general gifts, stationery,Christmas and seasonal lines, photo frames, promotional items and more.The venue, AsiaWorld-Expo is just a minute away from the airport and 28 minutes fromdowntown via Airport Express train. Global Sources also provide free shuttle bus transportationto take visitors from multiple city locations to the venue during the shows.The China Sourcing Fairs are held in April and October, which are peak sourcing periods inHong Kong. The strategic timing is designed to allow visitors to attend other trade shows in theregion, in order to make the most of their visit in a single trip.For more information, visit www.chinasourcingfair.comGleewhen 20 th -22 nd September 2010where NEC, Birminghamwebsite www.gleebirmingham.comBrand Licensing Europewhen 28 th -30 th September 2010where Olympia, Londonwebsite www.brandlicensing.eu(All dates are subject to change, contactorganisers for more information beforemaking arrangements)For further in-depth show previews turn toPage 19 London Gift FairPage 29 Top DrawerPage 73 Autumn Fair InternationalFresh! cancelled for 2011Fresh the new design-led group stand launched at Spring Fair 2010 will not be going ahead next year.The initiative brought together design-led greeting card, gift and jewellery suppliers in a specially designed areawithin the greetings hall.Joint organiser, Jeremy Corner, managing director of handmade card specialist Blue Eyed Sun, has announced thatsadly it will not be going ahead for 2011.He said: “Despite the huge success of our inaugural exhibition, we are no longer able to pursue Fresh! for 2011 asthe terms between Fresh Exhibitions Ltd and Emap are no longer mutually favourable.“We would like to thank all of the exhibitors who shared our vision in 2010 and were brave enough to supportwhat we were doing without having seen the area before. We are also grateful to Isabel Martinson and The GiftwareAssociation for their endorsement of Fresh!”12 giftfocus

“Carry yourlunch in stylewith these newtrendy lunchtotes”The lunch totes are finished to a high standard, as you would expect from Danielle, are fully insulated to keep food such as sandwiches, drinks,snack bars cool and hot food warm. All have top zips and are large enough to carry a bottle of water/juice, sandwich, a piece of fruit and asnack bar. The bags are available in two fashionable finishes, High Gloss and Satin Fabric, and in five stunning colours, Pistachio Green, Purple,Black, Cherry Red and Fuchsia.A merchandising stand is available and carries 64 assorted totes.Danielle Creations Ltd, Hubert Road, Brentwood, Essex CM14 4JYFor further information please contact us on01277 220842brian.halstead@danielle-ltd.co.ukwww.danielle-ltd.co.uk

Take a look at some of the latest additions to the home and gift marketbrand spanking newbedcrumbProduct:Contact:Price:Specifi cation:Retailer Benefi ts:Other Information:Marlene lipstick purse and mirror setsTelephone + 44 (0)7810 187 327 or email heidi@bedcrumb.co.ukRRP £14.95Each set includes a 100% cotton canvas digitally printed purse, big enough for a couple of lipsticksor powder compact. There is a choice of three designs all with love letter and lipstick kiss printon the back. All are fully lined with contrasting scarlet red cotton, red zipper fastening with redribbon and contrasting bead zip pull. Complete with co-ordinating large pocket mirror.They make original and attractive stand alone gifts as well as an add on product for makeup salesor stocking fi llers. All bedcrumb fashion accessories (except fascinators) now come with a loveletter key ring.All pieces are made in the UK in bedcrumb’s studio. The fabric printing is digital and produced forbedcrumb in small runs using a UK printing company.NavigateProduct:Contact:Price:Specifi cation:Retailer Benefi ts:Other Information:Monster Madness kids’ collectionTelephone +44 (0)1279 653 249 or email sales@navigate.ltd.ukSuggested RRP from £4.99 to £12.99The funky collection includes an insulated lunch bag, a 400ml aluminiumdrinks bottle, a large two-compartment rucksack and a melamine mealtimegift set.The range is ideal for younger kids and parents looking for a fun and nonlicensedcollection of practical yet attractive products. Perfect for back-toschoolor a gifting occasionMonster Madness is just part of a larger collection of kids’ lunchtime productsat Navigate.BolsiusProduct:Contact:Price:Specifi cation:Retailer Benefi ts:Other Information:Winter SceneryTelephone +44 (0)800 169 5126 or email sales@uk.bolsius.comRRP £3.99 eachFive fragrance fi lled glasses decorated with photographic images from nature thatepitomise autumn and winter. Chestnuts, winter crocus, pumpkins and hoar-frostsadorn the opaque glass.Each design of Winter Scenery is available in outer cartons of six pieces.Winter Scenery is one of the highlights of the company’s new 2010 winter rangeof candles.Two Little BoysProduct:Contact:Price:Specifi cation:Retailer Benefi ts:Other Information:I Can Spot People Doing…Telephone +44(0)208 400 3606 or email info@2littleboys.co.ukRRP £3.50A new title to the I Can Spot… range of fl ip books, containing 24 labelledphotographic images for children to tick off as they spot them - ideal forholidays and travelling.Great as stocking fi llers or an impulse buy.The range was shortlisted in this year’s Gift of the Year Awards.14 giftfocus

new productsXystosProduct:Contact:Price:Specifi cation:Retailer Benefi ts:Other Information:TruthTelephone +44 (0)1914 991 570 or email sales@xystos.co.ukVarious pricepoints – RRP £39 for Erin Union Jack bag (pictured)An on-trend licensed range of handbags, small leather items and ladies’ accessories.The collection has been brought together by the Xystos creative team, taking inspiration fromPaul Kennedy’s Truth brand of charm jewellery.The fi rst products will be delivered to retailers at the beginning of October, with additionalhandbags to follow in early November.Poole PotteryProduct:Contact:Price:Specifi cation:Retailer Benefi ts:Other Information:Teatime TeasersTelephone +44 (0)1782 525 422 or email sales@poolepottery.co.ukRRP £6.99Earthenware series of six mugs designed by Andrew Tanner based on thetheme of teatime quizzes and trivia featuring an etched style pictorial teaserwith the answer revealed on the other side.Staying true to the heritage behind the brand the new collections fromPoole Pottery, are aimed to appeal to both traditional and contemporaryconsumers.Poole Pottery is a member of the Lifestyle Group of companies, who offerinnovative tableware, table accessories and giftware, celebrating British design.Dartington CrystalProduct:Contact:Price:Specifi cation:Retailer Benefi ts:Other Information:Caithness/Sarah P CollectionTelephone +44 (0)1805 626 226 or email sales@dartington.co.ukRRP £20Glass, handcrafted, replica cupcakes with cherry and hole for birthday candle on top.Range extension to the vanilla, strawberry and chocolate glass cupcakes introducedat the beginning of the year. The new additions are blueberry, butterscotch andpistachio. Each comes with a gift card certifi cate and candle.Fun, striking gifts, which make an eye-catching display in store and great pick up buyfor a lasting birthday surprise.Apples to PearsProduct:Contact:Price:Specifi cation:Retailer Benefi ts:Other Information:Gift in a TinTelephone +44 (0)1453 872 098 or email sales@atpgifts.comRRP from £7.99 to £13.99Range of 12 gifts in a tin ranging from traditional games, bath time hearts andhair accessories to cat toys and miniature magic set.The bright, contemporary, compact tins make an eye-catching display and areall packed to the brim, providing value for money and a great pick up buy.Heralding plans to expand into new markets the specialist garden giftsupplier Apples to Pears (formerly ATP Gifts) has launched the initial rangeto appeal to a broad range of customers. A further 12 designs will beavailable next spring.giftfocus 15

and spanking newIntelexProduct:Contact:Price:Specifi cation:Retailer Benefi ts:Other Information:Dusty PupsTelephone +44 (0)1933 679 777 or email sales@intelex.co.ukRRP from £4.95A fun range of innovative screen cleaners available in three sizes. Each designhas a soft plush body with a micro fi bre underside, gently scented withlemon for the ultimate in cleanliness. Each design is attractively packaged andcan be used in the home, car or offi ce.Great shelf appeal and at realistic prices the products are likely to appeal toall ages.Visit the website www.intelex.co.uk to view the company’s complete range.Danuk Innovative GiftsProduct:Contact:Price:Specifi cation:Retailer Benefi ts:Other Information:Keep Calm and Carry On trolley tokenTelephone +44 (0)8448 584 600 or email info@keepcalmandcarryonline.co.ukRRP £1.99Trolley token pound coin substitute, one of the latest designs in a range ofpound for life key rings.Part of a fast selling product range, which has high brand awareness and tapsinto the current mood for nostalgia.One of many products featuring the Keep Calm and Carry On insignia,including clothing, ceramics and accessories. Visit the website www.danuk.co.ukto fi nd out more.Workman PublishingProduct:Contact:Price:Specifi cation:Retailer Benefi ts:Other Information:Bananagrams!For KidsTelephone Melia Publishing Services +44 (0)1483 869 839 or email joanna@melia.co.ukRRP £6.99Full colour, offi cial paperback book inspired by the award-winning word gameBananagrams. Suitable for children aged from around eight to 11 years old, it includes130 word games and over a dozen banana-themed puzzles.Easy to use in the car or on the beach to keep children amused for hours.Launched this summer the book is by Puzzability and the creators of Bananagrams andis distributed by Workman.Yankee Candle®Product:Contact:Price:Specifi cation:Retailer Benefi ts:Other Information:Signature Christmas collectionTelephone +44 (0)1454 454 500 or visit the website www.yankeecandle.co.ukRRP £12.99 for reeds and tumblersFestive fragrances available in co-ordinating tumblers and reed diffusers.Decorated with delicate snowfl akes, Sparkling Snow offers a crisp aroma whileSparkling Cinnamon has the spicy warmth of real imported cinnamon stick witha hint of cloves.The hand decorated glass on both the tumblers and reed diffusers make thecollection suitable to give as a present or to decorate the home during thefestive period.The design-led Signature Collection runs alongside the traditional YankeeCandle® Housewarmer® Jars for Christmas.16 giftfocus

Bejewelled CompactsSequin Clutch PursesMirrored Jewel BoxesBow Clutch BagsDanielle Creations Ltd, Hubert Road, Brentwood, Essex CM14 4JYFor further information please contact us on01277 220842brian.halstead@danielle-ltd.co.ukwww.danielle-ltd.co.uk

Win!Luxury trip toLondon Gift Fair 2010London Gift Fair, is the brand new general giftshow that launches this September in London’sOlympia. Offering buyers the opportunityto stock up on last minute products for theChristmas season and beyond, the show isgeared towards helping retailers increase theirprofits over the festive period.Brought to you from the organisers ofHome & Gift, Top Drawer and Pulse, LondonGift Fair is offering readers of Gift Focus thechance to combine business with pleasure andwin a luxury trip to visit this this fabulous newevent, held in Olympia’s National Hall between12 th to 14 th September 2010.Co-located with the ever popular design-ledshow Top Drawer, London Gift Fair will offer animpressive and broad range of general giftwareitems, together with a large range of designinspiredproduct from Top Drawer in theGrand Hall. The timing and location will enablebuyers to enjoy both shows with ease, meetall their buying needs within one venue, andplace orders for delivery in time for the busyChristmas period.Some of the leading names in thegeneral gift industry will be there to unveila host of great product launches, crucial atthis important time of year. See ParlaneInternational, Libra Company, Lesser & Pavey,House of Marbles, Fun Time Gifts, Fallen Fruits,Evans Lichfield, Quay Traders and Montage FineArt amongst the many names exhibiting.The show is open from 9.30am – 6pm daily(5pm on the final day).Registration is free and visitors can preregisterby visiting www.londongiftfair.comThe prize includes:• Overnight accommodation and breakfast atthe Hilton, London Olympia• Dinner for two at Cibo* one of London’smost stylish Italian restaurants• A bottle of Champagne• An Exhibitor Directory(*Up to the value of £100)Hilton London Olympia is conveniently situatedon Kensington High Street, only a five minutewalk from Olympia Exhibition Centre. Thehotel has recently undergone a multi millionpound refurbishment. Facilities include a stylishinternational restaurant, trendy bar, businesscentre, meeting rooms, well-equipped fitnesscentre and health club. gHilton London OlympiaFor your chance to win this fantastic prizesimply answer the question below.Which hall is London Gift Fair takingplace in at London Olympia?Don’t delay with only a short time to goenter online now at www.giftfocus.combefore the closing date on 6 th September2010. For terms and conditions seethe website.To find out more about London Gift Fair,see a full list of exhibitors and to preregistervisit www.londongiftfair.com18 giftfocus

london gift fairIn briefshowLondon Gift Fairwhen 12 th -14 th September 2010whereNational HallOlympia, Londonwebsite www.londongiftfair.comParlanelondon callingTalbotThe countdown is on for the first London Gift Fair. We take apeek behind the scenes for a glimpse of what’s to comeAs the new London Gift Fair prepares for itsfirst ever event this September, exhibitors willbe unveiling a host of great new products asbuyers plan for both the Christmas 2010 andspring 2011 seasons.London Gift Fair is a new gift show offering aselection of general gifts, including home, fashion& jewellery, greetings & stationery, china & glass,and collectable products.Held in Olympia National Hall in the heart ofthe capital, the show offers retailers chance tochoose from a variety of products at a range ofprice points.Bringing together over 200 exhibitors from allover the UK, buyers can finalise their Christmasbuying and stock up for early 2011. The showbenefits from sitting alongside design-led showTop Drawer, in Olympia’s Grand Hall. Onceregistered for the London Gift Fair, visitors arefree to move between the two shows usingjust one badge. Companies at the show will bedisplaying thousands of brands and lines.Parlane International, one of the firstcompanies to sign up for the show, isincorporating London Gift Fair into its 40 thanniversary plans. Mike Burgess, managingdirector, explained “We are halfway through our40 th anniversary year. We are passionate aboutour autumn/winter collection and are confidentthat we can deliver an amazing showcase at theLondon Gift Fair, a fusion of styles and pricesmeans there’s something for everyone.”Another company planning great things forLondon Gift Fair is the Talbot Import Company.Managing director Robert Talbot said: “Wewill be displaying a fantastic autumn range ofour own designs, great value jewellery andgift products. We see London Gift Fair as animportant complementary show to Top Drawer.The two shows together will allow buyersto crossover and see a whole spectrum ofproducts from high quality, design-led itemsthrough to great value, affordable gifts.Naomi Hird, marketing communicationsmanager for organiser Clarion Events, added:“The plans for London Gift Fair are welladvanced and we are delighted that theexhibitors are being so proactive. Buyers will beable to see a fabulous range of products, whichwill help them plan not only for Christmas butbeyond for spring with the added bonus ofbeing all under one roof, in an easy to accesscentral London location.”Registration is free. To find out more andview the full list of exhibitors, visit the websiteat www.londongiftfair.com. ggiftfocus 19

london callingexhibitor profi lesPoltsaStand K42Tel: +44 (0)208 395 6152Web: www.poltsa.co.ukQuirky colourful designs havebeen added to the eclecticautumn/winter collectionby Poltsa.The handbags are createdusing disks, mirrors, pom-pomsand an array of unusual motifsin contrasting but co-ordinatedcolours, all framed by a bed ofembroidered leaves. Available in turquoise, khaki and black, the newrange is complemented by Spanish handmade pendant scarves.With fi ve new AW colours added to the range, the accessory hasquickly become Poltsa’s best selling item.BabybloomsStand K31Tel: +44 (0)1454 272 474Web: www.babyblooms.co.ukBaby clothing bouquet company Babyblooms is cooking up a storm withits delicious range of baby clothing cakes.Socks and bib cupcakes in a choice of blue, pink or lemon arepresented in silicon baking caseswhich can be used time andagain for home baking. Theycomplement the existing rangeof pyjama cupcakes and makegreat baby shower gifts.Tempting ring doughnutsconceal four absorbent cottonbibs, while presentation cakeboxes are fi lled with cleverlydisguised pyjamas.Lesser & PaveyStand G18Tel: +44 (0)1322 279 225Web: www.leonardo.co.ukLesser & Pavey brings to thebaby market ‘Little Ones’,a licensed range from card and giftcompany, Cavania.The range features a rocking horsesurrounded by toys and playthings, in babyblue or pink. It incorporates ceramic and paper products - from moneybanks and gift sets of cup, plate and bowl to photo album and christeningrecord book, from ceramic fi rst tooth and fi rst curl boxes to largekeepsake box and gift bags.The range is supplied in associated colours for gift bags and paperproducts but sold as individual colours for ceramic items. This range hasalready proven a winner with buyers and the consumer on the high streetand new additions can be seen at the London Gift Fair.Talbot ImportsStand J1Tel: +44 (0)1273 776 415Web: www.talbotfashions.comTalbot’s is one of the leadersin the fashion jewellery andaccessories business and hasadded over 200 new styles toits existing ranges. Autumn/winter collections embrace allthe latest trends and autumnalhues to include berry colours,forest greens, black diamond, topaz and sapphire. Ranges includestylish ceramics with a mix of beads, pearls interspersed with crystal,facetted glass pendants and statement rings, bag charms, antiquegold and silver cuffs, cluster bag charms, marbled acrylic necklacesand bracelets, knitted winter scarves and more. The business alsooffers a selection of accessories for teenage boys and girls includingshaped rubber bands - the latest craze to wear, share and tradein many themes including sea life, princess, zoo animals, myth andmagic and dinosaurs.CuckooStand E38Tel: +44 (0)1937 848 460Web: www.cuckoo.ltd.ukCuckoo Ltd has seen continued growth in the sales oftraditional toys and gifts with a modern twist. The Alex toysrange has been particularly successful in the craft, art andbath time collections and has seen rapid growth in the LittleHands range of craft products designed for younger children.The company also reports major interest in Mary Meyers PrintPizzazz plush.20 giftfocus

London Gift FairStand K42The Pendant Scarf, 8 fabulous colours, 100s of different pendantswww.poltsa.co.uk Tel / Fax: 020 8395 6152

Come andsee us at theNEC Spring Fair20116-10 FebStand 6H21CXD Designs Limited specialises in selling gemstones and gemstone related products.We are design led and strive to create products that are modern and stylish.Our new range, the ‘Eternity Crystals’ is a vibrant collection of high quality hanging crystals in contemporary box packaging.We also have our new ‘Well Being Products’ range, which was created for the promotion and enhancement of self-well being.Each gemstone in the range has been carefully selected and comes presented in an attractive box.For more information:Tel: 01702 292028 Fax: 01702 298486 Email: cxddesigns@yahoo.co.ukCXD Designs Ltd Unit 2 Imperial Park Towerfield Road Shoeburyness Essex SS3 9QE.

Rainbow Designstoystop toysNow is a busy time of year in the toy world. As Christmasis nearly upon us retailers will be stocking up with the latestmust-have buys. We lift the lid on a toy box of treasures setto fly off the shelvesTraditional quality toys remain a perennial favourite. Rainbow Designs has combinedplush classic characters with traditional toy fun in its range of three new musical Jack inthe Box gifts. Reminiscent of days gone by, the Jack in the Box toys offer timeless appeal.There is a Peter Rabbit version from the Beatrix Potter Classic collection, featuringa plush Peter Rabbit which pops out of the box to the tune Pop goes the Weasel. Theblue and white tin box features original illustrations from the Beatrix Potter books.There are also Paddington Bear and The Very Hungry Caterpillar versions.Telephone +44 (0)8707 587 700 or visit the website www.rainbowdesigns.co.uk tofind out more.Step back in time with Puckator’s Retro Tin Toys. Designs include Robot, Zeppelin andBlue Bird Car. See the whole range of over 30 Tin Toys at www.puckator.co.uk, or call+44 (0)1579 321550.New for this Christmas are the re-launched Gibsons Party Games. The new lookfamily favourites come in retro-styled tins. Each of the three games can be played by 12players or teams and provide real party action for youngsters and adults alike.“The toy market continues to see a resurgence of interest in some of the brandsthat have retained their popularity over the years. Big names like Lego and Hornby aretwo examples of companies enjoying a boom in sales as consumers return to the oldclassics,” says chairman Michael Gibson. “Gibsons is no exception to this trend and withover 90 years in the business, we have accumulated a lot of experience and a substantialback catalogue. It is perhaps no surprise that we have chosen to pull out a couple ofpast winners to re-launch for this Christmas, including the classic Hare & the Tortoiseand children’s party games.”Telephone +44 (0)208 661 8866 or visit the website www.gibsonsgames.co.uk tofind out more.PuckatorGibsonsSchleich’s latest product launches for September 2010 include not only new animalsand wildlife play pieces, all of which are intricately painted by hand, but also a majorextension to its fantasy collection known as Bayala. The range comes complete withelves, dragons and unicorns plus a new tribe called Arelan, which fits with the existingcollection. Also new is the Schleich Plane based on the traditional fixed wing prop planecommonly seen in the wildest regions of Africa and beyond.For more information on all the ranges call +44 (0)1279 870 000 or emailschleich@schleich-s.co.uk.Schleichgiftfocus 23

HABAtop toysLanka KadeWooden toys from HABA delight young children as well as parents and grandparentswho appreciate traditional play, value and quality.HABA has a range of wooden construction sets suitable for tiny tots up to any age.Building Blocks Sevilla is suitable for little fingers. The beechwood blocks can becombined with HABA’s other building block ranges ensuring long-lasting appeal.Also made from natural beechwood, the coloured building blocks Maxi range offersyears of building activity, with a range of shapes from rectangles and columns to bridges,slats and blocks.For more information email sales@haba.co.ukQuality wooden toys appeal to those looking for eco-friendly options and productsthat last. Fair trade toy company Lanka Kade launched a wooden Noah’s Ark on to themarket this year, designed as a heritage toy to be passed down through the generations.Handmade of natural rubber wood throughout it comes complete with Mr andMrs Noah and 11 pairs of animals. The latest additions to the natural collection will beshowcased at Autumn Fair International this September, which include a giant castle,chunky knight characters, castle and fairytale building blocks and a London bus.Lanka Kade is recognised by the British Association of Fair Trade Shops (BAFTS) as afair trade importer.Call +44 (0)1858 463 850 or visit www.lankakade.co.uk to find out more.Wild and WolfWind DesignsFor the child in everyone there are a growing number of ranges with bags of retro stylein line with the current trend for nostalgia. Wild and Wolf is introducing new productsto its Ridley’s House of Novelties range, including marbles in a tin, balloon fun kit andballoon modelling kit. The ever-popular spring toy continues to be a best seller forthe company.Call +44 (0)1225 789 909 or visit the website www.wildandwolf.com for details.Fun is always high on the agenda when it comes to top toys. Wind Designs ispassionate about getting kids active and prides itself on offering a wide range of qualitytoys that do just that. The company supplies a wide range of juggling equipment,children’s and sports kites, yo-yos, plus flying toys to encourage both creative play andabove all lots of fun.This year’s range includes many new lines from Zing Air such as the Zyphoon NanoLauncher, Pop Shotz Blaster and Zooper Ball, which provide great fun for all the family.They also have loads of pocket money flying toys available.Visit the website www.wind-designs.com or call +44 (0)8442 571180 for details.BrainstormAward-winning Citiblocs from Brainstorm are wooden construction blocks, precisioncut from high-grade pine sourced from sustainably managed forests. Each piece is thesame shape and size, and building requires no glue, mess, connectors or magnets. Anatural product it combines demand for eco-awareness with long lasting play value.For more information contact Brainstorm on +44 (0)1200 445 113 or visit thewebsite www.brainstormltd.co.uk. g24 giftfocusgiftfocus 24

news round upAll the latest from The Giftware AssociationVAT briefing sheet forGA membersThe Giftware Associationis drawing up a briefingsheet for members aheadof the VAT rise from17.5% to 20% plannedfor 4 th January 2011.Chief executiveIsabel Martinson says:“Retailers will need to start thinking nowabout how they are going to deal with theincrease – certainly before they start orderingmore stock for Christmas and into next year.”The GA’s suggestions and points to considerwill be available in August, to give memberstime to reflect before they attend autumntrade shows.Isabel has been in discussion with suppliersand retailers about the VAT rise. She adds:“While many retailers can’t afford to bear thisincrease, it doesn’t seem likely that suppliers –who have been on the wrong end of exchangerates and faced increased labour and freightcharges – will be able to absorb it either.“So where does that leave price points of, say,£4.99 and £9.99? It’s something that needs tobe addressed now. Margins need to be workedout – hopefully to the satisfaction of bothsuppliers and retailers.”Gift of the Yearwinners upbeatat Home & GiftThe GA’s MichaelSweeney andIsabel Martinsonpresented InterplayUK representativeswith their Giftof the Year 2010 awards during Home &Gift, Harrogate. The company’s London 4DCityscape jigsaw puzzle not only took theCollect It category prize, but also The Judges’Choice Award for being the outstandingwinner in all categories.Mark Collinson (pictured below right) said:“I am absolutely delighted. We have alreadypassed on the information about the awards toall our customers and potential customers. Weare rolling out the product worldwide and arealready working with distributors in Europe.The awards are great, great news for us.“We are putting it on our website andworking with customers who have the spaceto put special displays in their windows – andwhere we have shelf space we will make surethe product is bannered up. We have alreadystickered the product with Overall Winner ofGift of the Year and every product that leavesour Hong Kong operation will carry Gift ofthe Year for the UK on it.”Culinary Concepts won the PremiumLuxury category for its shot cartridge casewith eight stirrup cups – its first success inthe competition in three years. Managingdirector James Denton, who collected theaward, announced that as a result of seeingthe product on the stand in Harrogate, Italiangun-maker Baretta was planning to produce alimited edition of 500 pieces, which would notonly go on sale in its Italian store, but also inLondon, Paris and New York.Isabel and Michael riding highThe GA’s chairman Michael Sweeney and chiefexecutive Isabel Martinson are undertakinga 350-mile bike ride around Belgium andHolland in aid of Help for Heroes, whichsupports servicemen and women woundedin the current conflicts. The fund raisingevent has already attracted nearly half ofthe sponsorship target of £10,000 and Isabeland Michael are still keen for individuals tosupport them. There are also sponsorshipopportunities for companies to have theirbranding worn by the riders – as well as aseparate sponsorship package which givescompanies publicity on both the Help forHeroes and The GA websites as they continuetheir journey. Details are available fromIsabel on 0121 237 1103 or send an emailto isabel.martinson@ga-uk.org.The ride begins on September 13 th 2010.Pushpa’s babyPushpa Patel, long-serving member of TheGiftware Association, has given birth to adaughter, Maya, who weighed in at 7lb 2oz.Mother and baby are doing well. gFurther informationFor the GA log onto www.ga-uk.orgInterplay 4Dcityscape puzzle26 giftfocus

greattemptationsThis September’s edition of TopDrawer is promising to delivera bumper load of cutting edgeproducts with bags of wowfactor. A host of design-ledcompanies, many brand-new tothe trade show scene, will belaunching hot new products totempt and delight. Read on tofind out more…top drawerIn briefshowTop Drawerwhen 12 th -14 th September 2010whereGrand Hall Olympia, Londonwebsite www.topdrawer.co.ukorganiser Clarion Eventsopening times Sun-Mon 9.30am-6pmTues 9.30am-5pmadmission A trade only event, admission is freeif pre-registering otherwise the costis £20.Picture courtesy of By Alex, Stand B23(www.by-alex.co.uk)giftfocus 29

Top Drawer looks set to tick all theboxes for top products, top trendsand top results.Organiser Clarion Events reportsa 40 per cent increase in newexhibitors set to showcase cuttingedge products at the design-led showthis autumn.Taking place in the heart of London atcentrally based Olympia it is billed as a “mustvisit”event for retailers wanting to gain thatall-important competitive edge.The show promises to deliver a platform forleaders in design-led products to launch hotnew products for the crucial Christmas buyingseason, offering retailers the opportunityto source form the best in British andinternational talent. Clarion reports that 75 percent of exhibitors will not be showing at anyother UK trade show this September.With around 700 companies due to takepart, product ranges will span five main buyingzones – Home, Gift, Fashion, Children’s andGreetings.There will also be free seminars andsurgeries offering comprehensive advice,geared to help drive business and turn productinto profit.SpottedLaunching at this year’s autumn edition,Spotted is a handpicked showcase of tendesign-based businesses, not seen at anyother UK trade fair. Selected for the originalityof their products, Top Drawer offers uniquenew companies the chance to launch theirinspirational ideas to the gift market. Thediverse collection includes graphic stationery,hand thrown ceramics and belts made fromrecycled bicycle tyres.Retail guruA leading light in retail, Peter Cross has beennamed as a headline speaker.He runs one of London’s top retail andshopper marketing consultancies, Yellowdoorwith business partner and TV personalityMary Portas. Clients range from Louis Vuitton,Westfield London, Clarks Shoes and Swarovski.Having consulted and contributed to the BBC’sMary Queen of Shops programmes, Peteris well versed in transforming big ideas intoeffective actions for independent retailers.He will be presenting a lively and informativeseminar at Top Drawer at 12 noon on Monday,13 th September. The presentation will coverhow independent retailers can learn from thebig boys by engaging effectively with a postrecession consumer.Peter will also introduce four new pillarsof marketing, provide examples of innovativeideas, both big and small, from around theworld and deliver understanding of how to putthe ideas into practice.Product GB: Designed and Made inGreat BritainThis year the Product GB label has beenexpanded at Clarion’s London shows to fullyrecognise the creative talents of its exhibitorsas well as their use of UK-based producers andmanufacturers.For the purposes of Product GB, the term‘Made in Britain’ indicates that all of theproducts on an exhibitor’s stand are madein Britain from predominantly UK-sourcedmaterials. If any significant elements of theproducts have been imported, they musthave been substantially altered in the UKbasedproduction process. This recognisesthe importance of value added by Britishworkmanship and manufacturing. For example,imported textiles that have been dyed orprinted in Britain can be said to have beensignificantly altered in this country and aretherefore ‘Made in Britain’.Eco TrailRenowned TV presenter and environmentalchampion Oliver Heath returns to lend hissupport to the show’s accredited Eco Trail.Oliver’s stamp identifies products that are:• Produced ethically• Under fair trade schemes• Ideally made of sustainable materials• Biodegradable or reusable in some wayThe exhibitors’ products which are selectedwill be clearly marked with the ‘Eco Trailcertified by Oliver Heath’ sticker, making itreally easy for visitors to be ‘green’ about theirchoice of product.For further information visit the websitewww.topdrawer.co.uk30 giftfocus

exhibitor top drawer profilesTo find out moreabout the aimsand objectives ofTop Drawer thisautumn we spoketo show directorNeil Gaisford.How relevant is the show’s Eco trail forbuyers, retailers and consumers?The reason we do it is because we believethere is an extension of environmentalconsciousness that today’s consumer isaspiring towards.People are increasingly more aware of themoral issues that they face in their buyingdecisions, which is driving continued demand.The story behind the product, how it’s made,what it’s made of – these are key thingscustomers are looking for.That is why the Product GB trail is successfulas well, because people are interested in theprovenance of a product.It suits the key beliefs people live by now -respect for your own life, the environment, thelives of others and the planet. All these thingsare driving this mood of ethical consciousness.Our aim at Top Drawer is to stimulate the ecoretail market and to help promote it more. TheEco trail flags up companies trying to reducetheir impact on the environment. There areabout 200 companies involved this year and it’sgrowing year on year.How do you view the current mood of theindustry?I think there is a real mix. I feel many willremain cautious about the market for thenext six months and are buying cautiously asa result.However, I keep hearing positive reportswithin the design-led markets. Our show hasseen an increase in attendance, which supportsthe idea that buyers are keen to look for newideas and are using this show to do that.The design led market is playing an evenmore important role now. Pricepoints godown in this market when people are pricesensitive. This allows people to have somethingon trend, made with integrity and quality ata good price – they are the things that TopDrawer offers people.What sectors are showing particular strengthat the show?This year and over the past two years we havehad some very good brands on the home side,also wellbeing has weathered well. We havesome really good international brands choosingto do Top Drawer, bringing luxury products– the type of products that people will pay alittle bit more for, that are a really nice treat forsomeone but not out of people’s reach.business. Products that offer retailers a point ofdifference come from these type of companiesand we felt it remained important to offerthem a presence at the show.Companies dedicated to good quality andinnovative products have a vital role to play inthe retail market. We understand how difficultit is for them to break into trade shows andSpotted relieves some of the obstacles andprovides financial support.It includes about 10 designers, smallbusinesses individually selected, a nice diversegroup and range of products.What can you tell us about the design andpresentation of the forthcoming edition?Visitors will find a surprise when they arrivein the way the show looks - it will be quite adelight when they get there, but you’ll just haveto wait and see to find out more! gWhat is your overall objective for the show?We are trying to create a show with the bestcompanies, best products, best experts in thebest environment.What is the aim of the new Spottedshowcase?Top Drawer has its heart in small businesses. Itwas launched as a show to support the small32 giftfocus

Anna Nova presents the launch of ourAutumn/Winter range. Fresh and individualin design this one is not to be missed!Top DrawerStand J10Autumn FairHall 4 G58Phone: 0845 894 1710 • Fax: 0845 894 1711info@annanovaaccessories.co.ukwww.annanovaaccessories.co.uk

PRESENTS ITS HOME COLLECTIONTOP DRAWER - STAND B20Award-winning towels andbathrobes transmittingwarmth and luxury thatfascinate the eyes andseduce the sensesMade of 100% organicBergama cotton, handloomed by master weaversNatural colour fast dyesAn expression of luxurylifestyle, typical of peoplewho know how to treatthemselves well and how tofeel well about themselvesTel: 01753 892603 Fax: 01753 892001Email: info@ladybughome.co.ukwww.ladybughome.co.uk

exhibitor profilestop drawerCanovaStand E32Tel: +44 (0)1886 888 008Web: www.canova.co.ukBrand new from Canova is the Kew Garden candle range with naturalbotanical flavours. There are three different ranges; Fruits, Herbs &Spices and Garden Flowers. Each range contains eight different candles,packaged in a re-cycled card tube and a metal lid. The candles arehandmade using 100% pure eco soy wax and come in an attractivere-cycled glass jar. They have a long 60-hour burn time. In keeping withCanova’s ‘green’ ethos the candle has a lead free wick and as with allCanova’s candles they are hand poured in UK.Cocorose LondonStand J49Tel: +44 (0)7948 356 647Web: www.cocoroselondon.comCocorose London will be launching its new collection Thrillers for thisautumn/winter.The award winning, small designer brand launched in 2007 and hasbecome well known for its innovative, foldable ballerina pumps.The Thrillers collection comprises seven opulent options – eachnamed after an actress from a thriller movie.AsobiStand F20Tel: +44 (0)1628 200 077Web: www.asobi.co.ukCrafty Kids – now exclusivelydistributed by Asobi – will belaunching four new kits.Three new puppet kits featureglow in the dark skeleton, owl andRudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer.There is also a new rocket carcraft kit.Each kit includes paints, glue,good quality brush and all arepackaged in eye catching CraftyKids spotted tubs. Visitors will alsobe able to see the Crafty Kidsbuild-your-own puppet theatre, which will be on sale from SpringFair International 2011.In the 2010 Gift of the Year Awards the company’s witch puppetkit was shortlisted for the occasions category and the princesspuppet kit was shortlisted in the toys category.HABAStand E50Tel: +44 (0)1613 049 555Web: www.haba.co.ukHABA’s mini shop and award winning play food and accessories havebeen best sellers this year and visitors to Top Drawer are in for a treatwith some great new additions to the range.New soft play food items include a colourful fish with removablefishbone, a carrot, tomato, strawberry and banana – plus a fun collectionof assorted cookies. There is also a bag of buns which comes completewith decorated paper bags, two magnetic buns - to pop your ownchoice of filling inside - plus pretzel.There are also wooden play food items, imitation tinned foods andaccessories such as checkouts, shopping bags and play money available.HABA’s Christmas range includes a whole host of festive productsincluding tree decorations from wooden stars and angels to woodenadvent calendars and nativity scenes.giftfocus 35

top drawerJan ConstantineStand C15Tel: +44 (0)1270 821 194Web: www.janconstantine.comManufactured under licence by Jan Constantine, the company will bepresenting the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic collection.The products feature striking, contemporary designs and representiconic heirlooms for the future.The full hand embroidered textile collection will include cushions,throws, wall hangings, tapestry kits, lavender hearts and small zip up cases.These are set to be released in stages over the next two years leadingup to the Olympics. The first collection of cushions will be available toorder at Top Drawer.GiftwarehouseStand K63Tel: +44 (0)1159 461 173Web: www.giftwarehouse.euGiftwarehouse will be showcasing its extensive range of ladies fashionaccessories, including quality scarves, pashminas, shawls, handbags andbangles. Customers include multiple retailers, department stores andhigh street retailers.CubicStand D70Tel: +44 (0)207 095 9399Web: www.cubicuk.comCubic will be showing new ranges from its stable of brands.The British brand Wren will be presenting more funky pursesand bags to complement its current collections. The popular Fluffrange will have new makeup and wash bags, purses and luggage tagsfeaturing its galaxy of delightfully drawn characters. New to the UKthe QQ Bear range will complement its bags with beautiful purses.Cubic will also be presenting a new brand Shiraleah that specialisesin using butter soft vegan leather in beautiful colours and texturedfinishes. The ranges such as Harper feature bags cut with style andflair. As well as fashion accessories Cubic will also be presenting arange of gift focused brands such as Fred.Fabric FlavoursStand F18Tel: +44 (0)7989 967345Web: www.fabricflavours.comFabric Flavours has a range of babygrows, which they will be launching atTop Drawer.The Little Miss and Mr Men babygrows are made from luxuriousstriped cotton, and feature a colourful velvet appliqué of the characterwith its name embroidered underneath. Open up the nappy flap andthere’s a little message printed inside for non-stop cuteness.36 giftfocus

Discover theworld of... atwe combine creativity and design to produceinnovative playthings for inquisitive minds.See us at:Top Drawer AutumnLondon - Stand E5012-14 September 2010Kind + JugendCologne - Hall 11.1, F10/G1516-19 September 2010Cody Clip-clopDiscovery Cube Little GardenClutching toy Jungle caboodleHABA UK, 18/20 Stamford Street, Stalybridge, Cheshire, SK15 1JZphone: 0161 304 9555, fax: 0161 303 9113sales@haba.co.uk, www.haba.co.uk

top drawertop drawerKate Hamilton-HunterStand C157ATel: +44 (0)1745 826 500Web: www.katehh.co.ukKate Hamilton-Hunter will be showcasingher new Simply Silver collection.The range takes the Hearts collection,usually made from colourful recycled biscuittins, in a new creative direction. Madeout of polished, textured and oxidisedsterling silver, the silver sheet used is 65%recycled which is in keeping with thecompany’s planet-friendly philosophy. Katehas designed her own style of handmadeearwires and will be including some specialtouches for the Christmas buying season.Other jewellery designers fromthe company’s studio include BryonyCarrington who has a new copper collection created from recycled copper, featuring delicateimages inspired by nature offset against aluminium. Cariad Loughlin’s reclaimed, texturedand colourful corsages are a mix of fabric, buttons, beads and threads, while Carol Williams’contemporary collection offers easy to wear pieces.Enhance AccessoriesStand J3Tel: +44 (0)1316 650 330Web: www.enhanceaccessories.co.ukEnhance will be showcasing its autumncollection which includes fashion accessoriessuch as necklaces, bracelets, earrings,brooches and scarves.The company’s products are largelydesigned in Australia and are made using avariety of natural stones and resin beads.Fresh-water pearls, crystal, porcelain, semipreciousstones and glass beads are favouredby Enhance designers. Ranges feature designsin vibrant eye-catching colours.Peter Lang AustraliaStand H5ATel: +44 (0)7739 518 701Web: www.peterlangaustralia.comPeter Lang Australia is set to launch itsspring/summer 2011 range.The company reports having establisheda firm fan base, and the jewellery hasproved popular with the likes of Beyonceand the brand has a growing presenceacross Europe.Designs in the range are handmade inSydney, Australia, adorned with Swarovskicrystals and semi-precious stones andfinished in silver and gold plate.Talking TablesStand A20Tel: +44 (0)207 627 6767Web: www.talkingtables.co.ukParty specialists Talking Tables take celebrating seriously, with a myriad of stylish treats andsurprises for gifting and entertaining.New launches for Christmas 2010 include the updated design for Jolly Good Show, acollection of tartan treats such as the Party Persona guessing game, mini sparklers, rocketballoons, poppers, crackers, dinner disguises, social stirrers and even after dinner chocolates.Also launching is Something Magical, a festive red and white range of tabletop and party accessories with an animal silhouette design includingpoppers, crackers, trivia, sparklers, napkins, plates and felt reindeer. The Simply Silver range has also been extended to Simply Gold, withfavourites such as mini saucer crackers, ice fountains, trivia games, shaped sparklers and more. Also available is a range of Union Jack-emblazonedGreat British Table Games including London Ludo and Best of British trivia.giftfocus 39

top drawerArtisan LifeStand J98Tel: +44 (0)207 608 2717Web: www.artisanlife.co.ukArtisan Life designs handcrafted jewellery and fashion accessoriesimported from South America. All its products are sourced on a fairtrade basis using natural and sustainable materials.The company offers a modern jewellery range made from Tagua,known as vegetable ivory - a seed from the fruit of a palm tree thatgrows in tropical regions of South America. Tagua is a the naturalalternative to animal ivory.Artisan Life is a fair trade importer, and member of the World FairTrade Organisation (WFTO) and the British Association of Fair TradeShops (BAFTS).So IndigoStand G41Tel: +44 (0)7973 481 454Web: www.soindigo.co.ukThe Artist’s Bag from So Indigo includes a wealth of pockets andcompartments, including three removable tidies. It fastens with a robustzipper, has two mid length handles that can be slung over one shoulderand three outside pockets. The bags are individually hand made from100% hand woven cotton in different colour combinations.Blackbird PotteryStand B42Tel: +44 (0)7963 192 290Web: www.blackbirdpottery.co.ukBlackbird Pottery offers a product range in celebration of nature andlife in the country.The company is passionate about sharing its love of the naturalworld in all its glory and exploring the traditions of rural living. It isalso strongly committed to supporting the nation’s makers and skilledcrafts people. All thedesigns are producedat the company’sstudio in Somersetand are made inearthenware in Stokeon Trent, England.Alice PalaceStand F118Tel: +44 (0)1386 424 977Web: www.alicepalace.co.ukAlice Palace will be launching lots of new designs for Top Drawer.Due to popular demand there will be additions to the Wonderfulmice range. Each greetings card incorporates mice illustrations,which focus on various occasions. The newest designs include awonderful mum, a wonderful dad and a wonderful thank you cardto complete the collection, making a total of nine cards.Alice Palace is an eco-friendly family business. The cards areprinted on premium quality recycled uncoated FSC board,individually packaged inside a clear biodegradable bag with a white100% recycled envelope. Like all the other existing cards, the newimages are designed, printed and finished in the UK.40 giftfocus

top drawerSentiStand D91Tel: +44 (0)208 947 5179Web: www.senti.co.ukSenti, the home of luxury room fragrances, scented candles, perfumesand bath and body potions is introducing a new range of aromatherapycar diffusers.Available in eucalyptus, lemon or lavender fragrances, the elio cardiffuser range comes in a distinctive glass bottle with a wooden stick -which is adjustable to intensify the aroma.It can sit in the car cup holder, ashtray or coin drawer to add a stylishfinishing touch to the car interior.The company says, once activated the diffusers should last forapproximately two months and will not only dispel any nasty aromas butwill fill the car with natural fragrances.RedDog DesignStand H6Tel: +44 (0)7515 539 029Web: www.bagpod.comNew for autumn/winter 2010, RedDog is introducing the BagPod Fusionhandbag organiser - handmade in the same luxurious leather as theregular BagPod.With added thin leather handles and a zip – the new version convertsfrom being a daytime handbag organiser into a chic evening/clutch bag.It can be used on its own as an elegant handbag as the handles come inshort or long.Retreat HomeStand D79Tel: +44 (0)870 803 3428Web: www.retreat-home.comRetreat Home’s collection for Christmas 2010 includes its trademarklavender scented hearts with festive motifs.Renowned for its collection of decorations and gifts, this yearthere are hand-knitted tree decorations, folksy patchwork trees, starsand stockings for a homespun cosy feel. To add a shimmer to theChristmas tree, there is a nickel plated collection which includes stars,hearts, trees, angels, bells and snowflakes, as well as the words NOELand LOVE on gingham ribbons.Christmas stockings are available in linen with embroidery, or inpatchwork, with a personalisation service available.Handbag2HandbagStand J44ATel: +44 (0)1344 291 120Web: www.handbag2handbag.comA practical handbag organiser with 11 measured pocketsHandbag2Handbag has been successful with its animal print range oforganisers and is now introducing new autumn colours and finishesincluding a snakeskin range.The bags feature funky designs, designed by women for women. Thematerials used are silky and strong and each pocket is measured to makesure that belongings do not fall out.This summer Hansson the luxury leather company has become theUK agent for Handbag2Handbag.42 giftfocus

top drawerCarrieMeStand H105Tel: +44 (0)700 345 0210Web: www.carrieme.co.ukCarrieMe is launching its first designer Classic Heart key finder, to makekeys easier to find even in the deepest of handbags.The CarrieMe Classic Heart key finder fits to the bag, whilst theelongated arm keeps the keys secure.Available in the same selection of eye-catching colours as theCarrieMe Classic Heart bag hook, they can be combined and sold as anelegant gift set.By AlexStand B23Tel: +44 (0)7879 620 864Web: www.by-alex.co.ukBy Alex collections are designed and made in Northamptonshire. Theautumn/winter 2010 collection is inspired by bows and the excitementof unwrapping gifts at Christmas time.The autumn range includes draught excluders, cushions and lavenderhearts all with bows that mix and match to create a country cottagestyle. The bows are also both reversible and washable.The London StudioStand F87Tel: +44 (0)208 933 0122Web: www.thelondonstudio.comThe Wisdom of Kids range features real quotes from children aboutbirthdays, life and more.Shortlisted for the Gift of the Year Awards 2010, the humorousrange is being extended with brand new designs launching.The London Studio’s contemporary ranges are created by awardwinningdesigner, Soula Zavacopoulos, who has been in the spotlightrecently after winning the prestigious EISA Maestro Award 2010 forher photographic work. She also had four of her ranges shortlistedin the Gift of The Year Awards 2010 and was featured in the nationalpress after being selected for the Great Britons Award - finding thebest British talent in Art & Design.The London Studio will be launching brand new ranges by Soula,as well as showing her top-selling ranges with additional new designsunveiled for birthdays, occasions, Valentine’s Day and spring.Anna NovaStand J10Tel: +44 (0)8458 941 710Web: www.annanovaaccessories.co.ukInternational designer fashion accessorycompany Anna Nova offers a wallet andjournal collection, scarves, keyrings plusa collection of jewellery and a slim rangeof clutch bags.The company started trading inthe UK in January and says that sinceattending the Spring Fair in Februarythis year it has been enjoying somesell-out successes.44 giftfocus

Shopping Trolley &Locker Key RingsT shirtsHoodiesShopping bagsFridge magnetsTrolley tokensButton badgesWristbandsApronsCushion covers• Never be without apound coin when youneed one!• The perfect retail gift• 45 stock designs• High R.O.IBespoke with your design• A tactile and subliminal reminderof your company• Guaranteed to be seen manytimes a day• 2 year guaranteeWWW.KEEPCALMANDCARRYONLINE.CO.UK0844 873 1812 www.danuk.co.uk

est wishesgreetingsThe UK is a mine of design talent refl ected in thewealth of new and innovative greeting cards to hitthe market. We open the envelope on some fi rstclass deliveriesGreeting cards are a valuable revenue source for many gift retailers.As a nation we send more cards than any other and as well as offeringgreat profi t potential they create attractive displays in store, help drawcustomers in and encourage return visits.Brand new from open|box|design is the Close-Knit range ofcontemporary cards.“We’ve taken our cue from the wonderful world of knitting andcrochet of yesteryear and have bundled up all that care, craft and heartappeal with a little contemporary open|box|design styling to produce arange that is both on trend and traditional,” says the company,There are 16 new cards in the range and each features a heart witha crafted textile background and a simple message.Call +44 (0)1224 867 669 or email info@openboxdesign.co.uk forfurther details.Aliroo has recently launched Jungle Buddies a colourful and vibrantcollection of 12 birthday cards for children, featuring a variety of cheekyjungle animals across six age cards and six generic birthdays. Each card is150mm square and fi nished with sparkly fl itter and supplied with a brightcoloured envelope and is cello wrapped.Call +44 (0)1491 612 837 for further details or visit the websitewww.aliroo.co.uk.Shared Earth has becomethe UK distributor forwhat’s being heralded asthe world’s fi rst fair tradephotographic greetingscards - the conceptof Netherlands-basedimporter Fairmail Cards.The photographers– all teenagers fromthe slums of Peru andIndia – receive 50% ofthe profi ts from the initial saleof every card. They also receive free medical insurance, help with theireducation, and photography training, the company reports.The cards have a mixture of themes, from fl owers and animals topeople and humorous shots. They have rounded corners and comewith colourful recycled envelopes.The initial range comprises 65 cards, plus card packs, Christmascards and a calendar, with free spinners available. More designs areplanned for January. To fi nd out more call +44 (0)1904 655 314 oremail sales@sharedearth.co.uk.Cupcake Cards from bedcrumb featurecupcakes and vintage trinket prints withsweet greetings like Your Lovely andScrumptious like you!The Cupcake cards are all fromoriginal photographs and come withcontrasting envelopes . The cards areblank inside, professionally printed in theUK on 350gsm card with gloss fi nish andare suitable for a variety of occasions.Call + 44 (0) 7810 187 327or email heidi@bedcrumb.co.uk to fi ndout more.giftfocus 47

est wishesDots and spots is a new, fresh range that’s alreadyproving popular with quality card and gift shops.Fun and very much on trend, each of the 50greeting card designs and 16 Christmas cards areprints of original pieces of collage artwork fromthe Somerset studio of artist Becky Peabody. Eachimage is handcrafted from recycled paper and nocomputers are used in creating the cards. Dots,spots, gingham, stars and stripes feature strongly inall the designs, giving a vibrant, contemporary andclean feel to the whole range.Call +44 (0)1749 334 932 or visit the websitewww.dotsandspots.biz to fi nd out more.Personalised Memento Company has launched new personalised greeting cards. Thelatest addition enables retailers to not only offer personalised gifts to their customers,but a personalised card to go with it.There is a wide selection of card designs to choose from for all occasions includingwashing line design baby cards. The cards can be 100% personalised and are printedto the highest standard using the latest technology. With its own in house design team,Personalised Memento Company says it offers brand new designs that you can’t getelsewhere on the high street.For more information visit www.personalisedmemento.co.uk.Blue Eyed Sun reports resounding approval fromcustomers across the UK to the launch of its latestrange at Home & Gift, Harrogate recently.Fandango has 30 designs covering birthdays andmajor occasions like new babies, weddings andanniversaries. The range has proved so popular that 18more designs covering ages and relations are plannedfor release at Autumn Fair Internation this September.The cards are cello-bagged in sixes with envelopes.Telephone +44 (0)1273 823 003 for details or visitthe website www.blueeyedsun.co.uk.Laura Darrington Designshas recently launched 30new designs that cover bothoccasions and birthdays.The designs feature foilingand emboss print fi nishes,handfi nished with a satinrose. The range is also in anew larger format(165 x 165mm).Laura will be launching30 new spring designs thisSeptember at AutumnFair International, toexpand the Valentine’s andMother’s Day collections.For further informationemail info@lauradarrington.co.uk orvisit the website www.lauradarrington.co.uk.Tranquil Space Designs, a brand new publisher, offers The Gift of Imagination − a fun range withcards containing a set of instructions and assorted paper to make a simple model of whatever’s onthe front, for example a dinosaur or glider.Tranquil Space designer and director, Deirdre Morrison, says the cards are ideal for kids of all ages.“Origami helps improve concentration, dexterity and logic. Older children will enjoy making themand showing off their skills, while younger children enjoy playing with the models that adults havemade for them,” she adds. The origami models are chosen for their simplicity, and the range has askill rating on a scale of one to fi ve. For further information, telephone +44 (0)7977 444 435 oremail mail@tranquilspacedesigns.com. g48 giftfocus

a wonderful worldof chocolate awaits...Franchising with Thorntonsindulge... Are you looking to boost your salesand to enhance your business? Are you looking to sell a brand of fine chocolatethat is known and loved by everyone? Then a Thorntons franchise may be justwhat you are looking for…explore...A Thorntons franchise… sells products everybody knows and loves creates additional footfall for your business guarantees your business substantial extra turnover gives your store a point of difference fromyour competitorstaste...“Not only have we increased sales inour existing stores by adding Thorntons,we have also increased turnover on ourcards and gifts as we now have differentcustomers coming through the door”.Anthony Rundle - Card Bar Ltd16 Stores in the South Westtreat... yourself your business your customers...everybody loves chocolate!Stand 4E50Stand 3R06Contact us on 0845 075 0056 or emailfranchiseinfo@thorntons.co.uk to find out moreindulgeexplore taste treatwww.thorntons.co.uk/franchise

marketingthe powerof promotionPromotional activities are proven techniques for expanding your businessand brand awareness. Here, Clive Harper, managing director of YankeeCandle® Europe explains a variety of methods to consider as part of aneffective marketing plan for successPromotional techniques have been part of thebusiness world for so long it’s assumed thateverybody is aware of what they are and howto implement them. But as society changes sotoo do consumer reactions and so we need tonot only embrace proven methods but alsoadapt to new evolving ones.The most well known form of promotion isadvertising. For an independent retailer thiscan be in the local newspaper, on the radioor in magazines. However, many newspapershave now moved online with consumersliking to have instant access from their desk.The internet will also allow you to havean instant ‘click-through’ to your website,allowing you to increase hits and sales.Running a competition can often resultin free media exposure in exchange for aminimum prize value. If you have a website,running a competition can increase hits ifthe competition entrant has to visit the site todiscover the answer to the question.“Working with the local media andcommunity is a proven method ofgrowing brand awareness and is thebest place to start for a small business.”Your local radio station offers an instantcommunication tool to the whole communityand they are always pleased to hear of localbusinesses that are providing an excitingevent, charity support or a competition. Youcan offer the station competition prizes fortheir listeners in exchange for a presentertalking about your businesses. If you areconfident enough you can suggest beinginterviewed live on air, but make sure youhave something to say! You need to have a‘news’ story, which the radio station feels thecommunity will want to know about.You can hold a loyalty event or a late-nightshopping experience with the aim of notonly rewarding loyal customers, but of alsoachieving local press coverage.Other businesses in your local area alsoprovide many promotional opportunitiesthrough collaborations. You can worktogether to place promotional material suchas posters or fliers in each other’s premises. Alocal coffee shop is a great business to target,as they may be happy not only to give yourfliers to their customers but to also positionsome of your products in their shop directingcustom to you. You can offer your respectivecustomers exclusive discounts, which isalso a good way of gauging how many extracustomers you are gaining by.Working with the local media andcommunity is a proven method of growingbrand awareness and is the best place tostart for a small business. However, thereare many new methods evolving to offernew opportunities. Social networking is agrowing tool, which is used by millions ofpeople worldwide. While Twitter was initiallycreated for business purposes it has nowbecome a communication tool for the worldand celebrity interest is rapidly spreading. Thesite allows you to instantly connect and ‘talk’directly to celebrities who you consider arerelevant to your customers and business. Bygetting a celebrity tweeting about your brand,you are instantly communicating to thousandsof ‘followers’ who are potential customers.Facebook allows you to create your ownbranded page on which you can ‘post’ product“You can hold a loyalty event or alate-night shopping experience withthe aim of not only rewarding loyalcustomers, but of also achieving localpress coverage.”and brand information. Twitter and Facebookcan be used together, for example you canannounce a competition on your Twitteraccount and advise customers to go to yourFacebook page for further information.Although it may be daunting for first timeusers, the best way to combat any fears is tohave a go! Try searching on social networkingwebsites for other brands, which you considerto be successful and see how they arecommunicating with their customers.Many of the brands you stock may alreadybe running their own social networkingcampaign. Search for them on websites andyou can see how they are communicating withtheir customers.Finally, marketing is a continual strategy.You need to continually use these techniquesto ensure success, changing the method tosuit what you have learnt from past results.A continual presence in front of your targetcustomer, whether it is online, through directmarketing, in print, radio or even televisionwill reap many rewards and give you theencouragement you need to drive forward. gFurther informationFor further information on Yankee Candle ®and advice about marketing telephone+44 (0)1454 454 500 or visit the websitewww.yankeecandle.co.uk.giftfocus 51

Jarapa now have the complete range of the Halo range, bowls, carafe andtumblers which have proven to be so popular this summer. Continuing toextend and increase the range they now have a selection of colouredtumblers in fantastic autumn colours.With further product launches at Autumn Fair Jarapa are the best andmost competitive supplier of recycled glass at the fair.Autumn Fair - Hall 3 Stand H020845 5191982 • www.jarapa.co.uk • stewart@jarapa.co.uk

eco-friendly floralsNamastegreen linesMore and more people are looking for productsthat are not only desirable but also kind to theplanet, to themselves and others. We take a look atsome of the latest green lines with eco-credentialsThe age of conspicuous consumption isincreasingly frowned upon since the birth of anew breed of consumer with a growing socialand environmental conscience.Even the recession has failed to dent manypeople’s commitment to a more eco-friendlylife style. Although design and price remainkey, as the purse strings have tightened manyshoppers have been making more consideredbuying decisions. Quality, provenance, where,how and from what products are made, arefactors with increasing relevance.Namaste has always looked for products thatare kind to the environment and the policy haspaid off with recycled products now making upa large proportion of sales.Says the company: “Demand for eco friendlyand recycled products is definitely on the up.What is vital however is for the products tobe desirable in their own right and strongdesign together with realistic pricing are stillparamount. Customers pick goods up that theylike and if they then find out the goods are fairtrade, recycled or eco friendly, that may wellhelp to clinch the sale but design and pricemust be right.”Walking stick specialists Classic Canesreport increasing interest in their home grownsticks. Managing partner, Charlotte Gillan,Classic Canesexplains: “We grow and manufacture many ofour ash, hazel and blackthorn walking stickshere in the Somerset woodlands that surroundour offices and storerooms. They are producedin a very traditional way, by coppicing thesmaller trees beneath our crop of timber trees.The resultant shoots form an ever-renewingsource of walking sticks, and the coppice itselfis a wonderful habitat for native woodlandflora and fauna. The first ‘product miles’these sticks accumulate are when the carriercollects them for delivery to the retailer. Wehave a lot of stockists who prize these Englishmadeproducts and relish having unusual,characterful products with an interesting storyfor their shops.”Call +44 (0)1460 75686 or visit the websitewww.classiccanes.co.uk to find out more. ggiftfocus 53

green lineshome greensmost wantedShared Earth is introducing new ecofriendlyproducts to its fair tradeselection for autumn. Their newcatalogue includes ontrendfl oral Indian folkpatchwork throwsand cushion coversmade by disadvantagedcraftsmen and women in Jaipur. Toadd to the ethical credentials ofthe new range, all the fabricsused are recycled, making ita sustainable project. Thecushion cover and throwcome in either bright ormuted colours and have an all-over running or ‘kantha’ stitch.Also new in stock is a small range of homewares made from recycledrubber tyres, products which are creating work for a new artisan groupin India.“Re-using such a polluting material in handicraft production is reallyexciting everyone at Shared Earth and the design team is already busyworking on new products for forthcoming ranges,” says the company.The gift range includes rubber photo frame and boxes.+44 (0)1904 670 321www.sharedearth-trade.co.ukFair trade supplier, TilnarArt, has launched theMO-HOme Bamboorange after its acquisitionof Besmo last year.The MO-HOme Bamboocollection is environmentallyfriendly, handmade frombamboo. The bamboois worked to create anexclusive range of productsfrom vases to platters andbowls in beautiful andpractical shapes that areperfect for everyday use.+44 (0)1277 362 815www.mo-home.comJarapa offers anauthentic rangeof 100% recycledglassware.The company hasan exclusive collectionof bowls, plates,storage jars, tumblersand carafe, with eightitems available in newpackaging this summer.+44 (0)8455 191 982www.jarapa.co.ukNamaste has a wide selection of eco-friendly items including recycledaluminium giftware and tableware, environmentally friendly jute rugs,clothing and bags made from recycled silk sari, recycled teak photoframes, recycled iron wall art and hanging decorations to name a few.The cat paperweights pictured are part of a brand new range ofrecycled aluminium with enamelling that Namaste has introduced forthe autumn season. One collection features cats, owls and dinosaursin brilliant colours and includes photo frames, trinket boxes, hangingmobiles, paperweights, and funky key rings. Another brand new collectionfeatures popular heart designs.+44 (0)1756 700 790www.namaste-uk.com54 giftfocus

eco-friendly floralsgreen givingHABA is certifi ed with the Programme for the Endorsement ofForest Certifi cation (PEFC) – the world’s largest forest certifi cationorganisation. This gives consumers the added reassurance thatHABA not only uses wood from sustainable forests to create itsproducts, but its suppliers are eco-friendly too.HABA’s range of wooden toys, from rattles and pull-a-longs tobuilding blocks are all made from natural woods and are colouredwith water-based, ecological solvent-free lacquers in multiple layerswhich makes them resistant to humidity and wear and tear.Also new to the 2010 catalogue is the HABA Pure Naturerange of soft baby toys which are made from quality cottons andthreads produced from controlled organic farming. All of theseproducts are made in accordance with Global Organic TextileStandards ensuring safety not only for children who play with them,but the environment too. The range includes clutching, cuddlingand pull-along toys plus soft-bodied dolls.For more information about HABA’s range of green toys emailsales@haba.co.uk.More Than Bagsoffers products madefrom Lokta bark, whichis a 100% sustainableresource, is naturally dyedand acid free. The paperis great to write on too!For the companyMandy Beal explains:“We have recently beenaccepted as a BAFTSImporter, which weare really proud of andshould reassure our customersof the credentials and journey of theproducts they are buying from us.” As wellas the new pink hearts notebook the full stationery rangeincludes journals, photo albums, crafting kits, giftwrap, bags andother notebooks.+44 (0)1248 717 147www.morethanbags.co.ukGibsons has added four new titles to its award winning range of MyWorld children’s jigsaws. Created in conjunction with child psychologist,Dr Amanda Gummer, the puzzles are designed to provide continuousdevelopmental challenges for children from 18 months old. The planetfriendly puzzles are made on recycled board, in Britain and have a smallcarbon footprint. The new puzzles aimed at pre-school children centre onthe child’s world and include My Body and My Town.Gibsons traditional wooden games are also made from reforestedhardwoods with minimal cost to the environment. The range includescribbage, solitaire and shut the box, as well as four ‘mini’ games.+44 (0)208 661 8866www.gibsonsgames.co.ukThe H2Onya is a reusable alternative to bottled water and the waste it creates.The H2Onya is tough and toxin free made of 100% stainless steel so it doesn’tleach chemicals into the water. The bottle is designed to be robust, recyclable,stylish, easy to clean and is available in a range of colours, with a choice of lidsand neoprene jackets. The H2Onya aims to help combat the huge amount ofplastic bottles that go to landfi ll every year.+44 (0)5602 696 001www.reusablebottle.co.ukgiftfocus 55

green linesfragranced greensBoujies Londonis a new boutiqueBritish brand ofscented eco-candles.The company citesnumerous environmentalfriendly benefi ts of its new range, which are formulated using a new100% soya wax.The Boujies candle range currently consists of 10 scents, strikinglypackaged and design-led. They are each hand poured and handblended with essential oils.+44 (0)7973 545 052www.boujies.comAccording to Xystos general manager Tom Sykes, its Norfolk lavendercandle offering is not only on-trend but UK users are becomingincreasingly aware that it has a low carbon footprint. The lavender isgrown in Norfolk without the use of parabens or SLS substances.“Lavender is still the most popular fragrance in the UK and Norfolklavender is a Royal Warrant holder. These things, along with the distinctivepackaging, defi nitely give us a distribution edge,” says Tom.Xystos plans to add more lavender fragrances to the candle range,which could also see the introduction of citrus fruit scents.+44 (0)1914 991 570www.xystostrade.co.ukBath House has usedsustainable, eco-friendlypalm oil as a base forits latest soaps. Theembossed soap bars arefragranced with frangipaniwith a twist of citrus.“We always sourcethe best ingredientswhich is why we’ve usedan amazing 97% naturalingredients throughout our ‘Feeling Gorgeous’ range. We wantabsolute customer satisfaction!” says Nigel Brooks for the company.+44 (0)1539 621 992www.thebathhouseshop.comDistributed by Heart of the Country, Jack Stubbs Fine British Fragranceis a brand new collection of British, eco-friendly products.Jack Stubbs’ candles are hand poured in the UK, are made from 100%renewable, environmentally friendly rapeseed wax grown in Europe,and all of the fragrances are created and manufactured in England. Theindustrial look tin containers are 100% recyclable.+44 (0)1543 481 612www.heartofthecountryltd.co.ukFor Every Body the soy basedcandle brand continues toexpand its eco-friendly productrange with the introduction ofits Aroma Therapy collection.As well as soy based candlesthe Aroma Therapy collectionalso features a complementingrange of natural toiletryproducts, all produced in the UK without the use of parabens andsodium lauryl sulphate. The collection includes hand & body lotion,soaps and room and linen sprays.+44 (0)1952 457 409www.foreverybody.biz56 56 giftfocus

hotAll the latest frompropertythe world of licensinghot propertyLondon 2012 housewares range revealedSpearmark International, recently appointed as a licenseefor the London 2012 Games, has unveiled its fi rst ranges.The wide range of London 2012 products for adultsand children, will include lunchware, tableware and drinksbottles. There will be Olympic, Paralympic, Team GB andParalympics GB themes and designs, with some of themerchandise also set to feature the Olympic mascot,Wenlock and Paralympic mascot, Mandeville. The fi rstproducts are set to hit the shelves at the end of this year.“As the London 2012 licensing programme gatherspace we are experiencing a tremendous amount ofinterest in available licensing opportunities,” commentsSimon Lilley, head of licensing and retail, London 2012organising committee.Madeleine Floyd licensingprogramme takes flightBritish artist Madeleine Floyd is going from strengthto strength in 2010 thanks to new licensees andproduct launches.Birdsong, one of her signature designs, plays a keypart in the growing licensing programme.New licensee Jarrolds is set to bring out a rangeof licensed gift stationery, due to be launchedin spring 2011. The launch collection featuringBirdsong, will include notebooks, address books,diaries, calendars and photo albums.Madeleine’s latest book ‘Birdsong’ is beingpublished in September by Anova Books.Teletubbies become Beanie BabiesBBC Worldwide has announced a deal with Tyto produce a line of Beanie Babies based on theTeletubbies brand.It is more than 12 years since the Teletubbiesfi rst burst onto UK screens. The new deal withTy will see Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa and Potransformed into six inch Beanie Babies, whichwill launch in the UK and Ireland this comingautumn/winter.Teletubbies, created by Ragdoll Productionsfor the BBC, continues to be a success acrossthe world having aired in over 120 countries.The popular Teletubbies dance tour stagedacross the UK in 2009, was taken to Australiaearlier this year and will shortly transfer to Chinafor the World Expo in Shanghai in 2010.BBC Worldwide is currently working on anumber of new initiatives for the brand whichwill be announced in due course.It’s a Horrid reward for kidsFans of Horrid Henry are in for a treat with the launch of two magnetic reward charts from UKbased toy designer Fiesta Crafts this September.The large and small charts include 15 colourful activity pieces themed around Horrid Henryand other characters from the television series.Parents and children choose activities to follow and set targets for achievement. For each taskcompleted, children earn purple hand tokens – the splattered paint symbol of Horrid Henry’sPurple Hand Gang.With the larger version, two children can use the chart at the same time and write in theirrewards for achieving their goals.As well as reward charts, large and small magnetic calendars will be added to the HorridHenry range in September, followed in October by Horrid Henry and Perfect Peter handpuppets from the company’s award-winning Tellatale Puppets range.Visit the website www.fi estacrafts.co.uk or call +44 (0)208 804 0563 for further information.giftfocus 59

hot propertySplimple to publish Alison’s AnimalsIt has been announced that Splimple has acquiredthe licence to publish Alison’s Animals.“In a sense it marks the end of one era and thestart of another,” says managing director StuartCaldwell, who up to now has created all Splimple’s products. “I’m delighted that Alison’sAnimals is the fi rst such range we’re taking on. Alison has built up a loyal followingover the last six years, we share many of the same customers and her insightful humourcomplements and contrasts with our existing ranges.”Alison Lingley, the creator of Alison’s Animals, will be producing a steady fl ow of newdesigns for cards, ceramics and other giftware over the coming months. “I enjoyed beinga card publisher but my heart is in my art – and it will be nice to be free to concentrateon what I enjoy most. I felt comfortable with Splimple as soon as we opened the talks –and I’m sure their size, structure and reputation will help my work reach an increasinglywide audience.”For further details call +44 (0)1789 772 377 or email stuart@splimple.com.FABric Animals merchandise set to hit the shelvesBluebirds Brands, one of the UK’s leading producers of licensed goods, has teamed upwith renowned design company Bang on the Door to produce a new range based onthe FABric Animals brand.FABric Animals are characters that fi rstfeatured on a range of T-shirts designedby Bang on the Door. The collection nowuses photography and three dimensionalportrayals of the original animals usingrecycled and reclaimed fabrics to create anindividual style and look.The new line will follow the creative useof eco messages and Bluebird Brands is usinga wide range of fabrics to create productsincluding canvas bags and fabric plush, as wellas mugs, umbrellas, and plush in a mug. Theproducts are set to be exclusively previewedat Autumn Fair International this September.Edward Monkton makes its mark in accessoriesFans of The Interesting Thoughts of Edward Monkton can now wear the musings ofMr Monkton following the launch of a new range of cuffl inks.The new arrivals from accessories designer, Sonia Spencer, star some of theproperty’s quirkiest characters including the Penguin of Death, the RandomHedgehog and Zen Dog and are presentedin a stylish gift box.The Interesting Thoughts of EdwardMonkton is created, written and illustratedby children’s author and the creator ofPurple Ronnie, Giles Andreae.For more information call AliciaDavenport at DRi Licensing on +44 (0)208600 2550 or email alicia@drilicensing.co.uk.Laura Darrington toiletriesBeams International, a leading UK specialist infood and drink gifting products, has launched acosmetics and toiletries division – Beaux Belles ofLondon.Trading on the Beams reputation for supplyingquality licensed gifts to large high street names,Beaux Belles of London is offering retailers andbrand owners a quality range of cosmetic andtoiletry gift ideas.The company is working with award-winningdesigner Laura Darrington. Laura’s work is wellknown in the greetings card market and BeauxBelles has created two toiletry ranges inspired byher distinctive style.Laura Darrington Floral Fusions and HomeSweet Home pairs premium products withpackaging that refl ects the feminine, vibranttheme of her designs.Floral Fusions is a selection of luxury handcare, bathing and travel products while HomeSweet Home features a journal, fi ne bone chinamug and other garden inspired gifts and toiletries.Both collections are premium ranges and havebeen initially developed for the department storeand independent gift retailer market.In addition to the current ranges in production,Beaux Belles will be announcing further licensedcollections in the coming months.Beaux Belles of London will be featuring LauraDarrington Floral Fusions and Home SweetHome at the Autumn Fair in September.Telephone +44 (0)1634 265 494 or visit thewebsite www.b-belles.com to fi nd out more.60 giftfocus

JH DesignpointWant something really special?Extensive range of exclusive designs on most subjects:dinosaurs, animals, amusing quotations and more.Vases, tea towels and mugs new for 201055 Cecil Street, Glasgow G12 8RWjmhutton@btinternet.comtel/fax: 0141 339 4927

Royal Alberttableware floralsWedgwoodtable mannersDining is back on the table as a hot contender for consumerspend. The sector has been enjoying a fresh burst ofinspiration from leading brands, designer-makers and othercompanies set on injecting new style to mealtimesA consequence of the recession has beenmore people, spending more time at home.Dining in has become the new dining out andconsumers are looking to fi nd great tablewareto suit their lifestyles.Companies have been rising to the challengewith a raft of new designs from the traditionaland quintessentially English, to the practical,colourful and contemporary.Family mealtimes are back on the menu tooand there are plenty of kids’ ranges to get thelittle ones up to the table.From the quintessential English fl oral brandRoyal Albert comes the beautiful new Rosatableware and the best-selling 100 Yearsteaware collections.With the vintage trend, pretty fl orals haveproved a popular favourite this summer andthe Rosa tableware collection is right on trendfor stylish dining. The pattern features the rosesthat have become the Royal Albert brandsignature. The range offers a contemporaryand sophisticated take on the fl oral trendbacked by the quality and heritage associatedwith the iconic Royal Albert brand.Alongside Rosa the 100 Years teawarecollection is also testament to the strength ofthe vintage fl oral trend. The collection featuresten patterns from the Royal Albert archiveproduced over the past ten decades.Visit the website www.royalalbert.com toview more.Inspired by the English countryside RoyalCrown Derby’s latest tableware pattern isArboretum - a delicate pattern taking MotherNature as its inspiration.Designed by Tien Manh Dinh the fi ne whiteEnglish bone china sets off the gold patternhand fi nished in 22ct gold.For further information telephone+44 (0)1332 712 800 or visit the websitewww.royalcrownderby.co.uk.Wedgwood has launched a newcontemporary casual dining collection calledNature’s Canvas.The range has been created to be in tunewith relaxed living and dining for everyday.Inspired by natural textures and materials, thecollection comes in a neutral colour paletteRoyal Crown Derbyto fi t in anywhere, from the modern urbanapartment to a country-style kitchen.“The collection is a celebration of individualsimplicity inspired by the essence of JosiahWedgwood’s Jasper. It has its roots in the pastbut refl ects the essential needs of today,” sayssenior designer Louise Rosie.The collection is available in threecolourways, all fi nished with a hand appliedturquoise edge line. The marble design iscreated using a traditional potter’s technique,noted in Josiah Wedgwood’s Experiment Bookearly in 1759.Visit the website www.wedgwood.com forfurther information.giftfocusgiftfocus6363

table mannersRepeat RepeatDorothy is a contemporary bone china tea forone set, offering a modern twist to a traditionalline. Designed and manufactured by RepeatRepeat it is 100% made in Stoke-on Trent.“In spite of the decline of local manufacture,we are passionate about keeping alive thecenturies old skills and techniques within ThePotteries area,” says designer and founder ofthe company Gillian Naylor.Telephone +44 (0)1782 845 870 or visitthe website www.repeatrepeat.co.uk forfurther information.Namaste has a colourful collection oftableware featuring hand painted ceramicsas well as aluminium ranges with vibrantenamelling.The ceramics include a rainbow stripecollection and a funky heart range, fairlytraded, with dinner and breakfast set pieces, alldishwasher and microwave safe.64 64 giftfocus giftfocusPoole PotteryThe four ranges of aluminium tablewareinclude square plates, salad bowls and servers,small and large dishes, coasters, dips andnibbles tray with serving spoons. All thealuminium items are certifi ed safe for food use.Call +44 (0)1756 700 790 or visit thecompany website www.namaste-uk.com tofi nd out more.Poole Pottery’s new tableware series Fishand Chips is inspired by the nation’s loveof this traditional dish and the days when itwas served hot from the fryer, wrapped innewspaper. The collection includes dinner plate,bread and butter plate, pie dish, mushy peasbowl, teacup and saucer and an exclusivelydesigned ceramic chip tray. Created to bringalive the story of Poole Pottery and theDorset coastline, it coincides this year with the150 th anniversary of British fi sh and chips.Telephone +44 (0)1782 525 422 or emailsales@poolepottery.co.uk for details.Great Gizmos offers a practical range ofmelamine children’s tableware.Ideal for mealtimes, the Bunnykins range isa modern advance on the traditional ceramicpieces. Many of the much-loved Bunnykinscharacters are featured across a range ofplates, bowls, drinking cups, cutlery and more.There are four styles, suitable for boys andgirls with an assortment of mealtime setsand special gift sets. For more informationtelephone +44 (0)1293 543 221 or emailenquiries@greatgizmos.co.uk.HABANamasteGreat GizmosThe range of children’s tableware from HABAincludes Flower Pixies and Construction Sitesets with bowl, plate, drinking cup, knife andfork. Made from shatterproof melamine, thesets are dishwasher safe and have table matsand cotton bibs available to match.HABA’s Princess Rosina and KnightJulius tableware feature likeable charactersdecorating the melamine plate, bowl and mug.Both sets are available in retailer displaytableware sets including two mugs, six platesand six bowls of each item, making an eyecatchingcounter display.Another best seller for HABA are theTableware Tower stacking sets which include aplate, cup, bowl and eggcup in two fun designs,Animal Jungle and Magic Mountain.For more information visit www.haba.co.ukor email: sales@haba.co.uk g

making the mostof exhibitingWith the curtain set to rise on this year’s Autumn Fair International, DidsMacdonald, CEO of the organisation Anti Copying in Design (ACID),looks at maximising the return on investment in your brand by creatingvalue out of intellectual property (IP)In the current economic downturn, now more than ever, every singlepound spent investing in exhibiting and promoting existing and newproducts needs to pay dividends.Following recent talks with Emap, where ACID outlined their IPsteering group’s recommendations, Emap has pledged its ongoingcommitment to IP protection. Emap believes that helping its customersto protect their IP is another way to help them grow their businesses.Exhibitions are still the most critical springboard to the successfullaunch of any new product range so it is important to use your IP as apositive force. When used as an integral part of your marketing strategyand brand building, a sound IP plan will give you the infrastructureto go to market with confidence. Knowing that your company nameand product range is protected as much as possible from copycatsand by using your IP credentials for brand expansion i.e. licensing,manufacturing and franchising agreements, you will ensure even greatercommercial success. ACID will be on hand at Autumn Fair (entrance tohall 3, SL02) to support all exhibitors if there are any copying complaints.Remember careful handling of any dispute can have a swift andsatisfactory outcome!In an ACID IP seminar at Autumn Fair 2010, to be held on Tuesday 7 thSeptember at 2pm, visitors will gain practical advice on how to protecttheir products whilst looking at the positive aspects of brand protectionand making money from ideas. ACID will be supported by Niall Head-Rapson, partner of McDaniel & Co, an ACID accredited law firm thathas helped and advised many Spring and Autumn Fair exhibitors.Prior to the exhibition there are some practical and low coststrategies businesses can adopt to ensure their IP message iscommunicated loudly and clearly:1. Ensure you have documentation to prove that you own the IP rightsor have a licence to market the goods that appear on your stand.Emap has confirmed that every exhibitor at its events must sign a legalagreement upholding professional standards regarding intellectualproperty to confirm that they own the rights or have a licence tomarket the products on their stands.2. Make sure that this information is easily accessible. In any disputethe onus is on the complainant to provide evidence of ownership,originality and date of creation.3. Consider applying for a registered community design (RCD)www.oami.europa.eu. This is a monopoly right covering 27 memberstates and lasts for 25 years. You will have a numbered certificate thatconfirms ownership of any new design. For a design to qualify forregistration it must be new, have individual character, not be similarto anything already in the marketplace and not copied from another.It is very difficult to take action at an exhibition if there is no designaudit trail or evidence to support registered/unregistered designs. AllAutumn Fair exhibitors can call the ACID IP mobile legal helpline forfree advice during the exhibition on 07956 229876.4. Have a no photography policy! Remember with phone cameras,your designs can be sent across the world in seconds and could bemass-produced before you even pack up your stand! All exhibitorsat Autumn Fair are given an ACID No Photography sign. Look forit in the exhibitor’s pack on the first morning of the fair. New signs66 giftfocus

will make it clear that anyone who wants to take photos of a stand willneed to ask the stand holder first. This will also extend to key featureareas such as Cook Live and the catwalk shows where only officialphotographers will be allowed to take images.Trade marks and brand protectionThere is arguably nothing more important to a company than itsreputation, corporate identity and brand name recognition. Trademarkscan either be registered on a country by country basis or via an EU-wideregistration (a Community Trade Mark – “CTM”). As the number ofcountries expands, so it has become all the more important to ensuremaximum protection for your brands across the continent. A CTM canhelp achieve this. Visit the website www.oami.europa.eu for details.All Autumn Fair exhibitors and visitors are invited to visit the ACIDstand to speak with the ACID accredited lawyers at the now familiar IPdoctor one-to-one clinics. As well as advising on general IP issues andpractical tips and guidelines, ACID’s lawyers will also be on hand to helpdesigners and manufacturers on specific subjects to help you maximiseyour IP.Will licensing work for you?If you are assigning your rights, ensure you agree to specific terms sothat you maintain control. Know the difference between an exclusivelicence, a sole licence and non-exclusive licence. If you are copied whopays the bills? Is there a term to set out exactly how royalties will becalculated and collected and listing the countries in which the productswill be sold? How long will the licence last, how can you terminate itif things go wrong and how can you ensure that the design credibilityis not eroded in the manufacturing process? All these and many otherissues should be covered in the small print, which can be your blueprintto a successful and long lasting agreement between licensee and licensor. Creating an IP strategyMost successful businesses are underpinned by intangible assets– intellectual property, or IP. In order to identify this key asset, itsmonetary value must be identified and then leveraged as a recognisableUSP and key driver in mergers, acquisitions and investments. Mostinvestors too, will almost certainly require information on what IPstrategy you have in place. An IP strategy involves identifying your IPrights and evaluating which are relevant and need to be registered.It will also include a review of existing agreements, which support yourbusiness, a review of document management systems in place and alsoidentifying any copying issues that may exist. Most importantly it willinclude a communications strategy both internal and external of howyou wish to convey your IP policy to your competitors. This will act asa deterrent against copying. Starting off with a simple message, “Say noto copying!” which can be the basis of a statement on your website andmarketing material. This can read: “All intellectual property rights areand will remain the property of (insert your name). Any infringementswill be taken seriously.” gFurther informationVisit the ACID website www.acid.uk.comgiftfocus 67

IlondonWith the 2012 Olympics drawing nearer London isunder the global spotlight. There’s a growing array ofgreat gift lines currently available celebrating all that’sgreat about our historic capital. Iconic landmarksfeature large on a number of fabulous ranges from thedesign-led to the fun and practical. We showcase somecapital creations for a London-centric display in storeRex International has arange of I Love Londonproducts, including funpaperchains, tea towels,tissues and lunchbox.+44 (0)208 746 1700www.rexinter.comAllison Wiffen’s work is handmade in her workshopin Deptford, south east London. The pieces are madeof white earthenware clay, which complements theimagery that she selects and originates. Many piecesuse her own photographic images of Deptford andLondon. She has recently brought out a range ofceramic clocks incorporating London imagery.+44 (0)7880 520 071www.awceramics.co.ukBone China river mug set from Snowden Flood featuringimages of iconic London landmarks including the TateModern, London Eye, Battersea Power Station, AlbertBridge, St Pauls and Tower Bridge.+44 (0)208 671 1170www.snowdenflood.comTemple Island Collection’s Stripy range depicts London’s most famouslandmarks in a colourful modern design. The design itself was created in-houseby CEO, Justin Fielder and following its success other product lines, such ascotton shopping bag, apron and oven gloves are likely soon.giftfocus 68

london-centricLondon themed range from Jan Constantine.Cheshire based Jan Constantine producesoriginal hand embroidered cushions andhome accessories, designed to be heirloomsof the future.+44 (0)1270 821 194www.janconstantine.comThe London bus along with the famousLondon black cab, phone box anddistinctive post box all feature in MetalPlanet’s range of keyrings, brooches andpins crafted in pewter.+44 (0)208 440 2468www.metalplanet.netMichelle Mason’s new range of cushions depicts busdestinations from all corners of London. Created incollaboration with Transport for London the range wasinspired by vintage routemaster bus blinds and uses theoriginal Johnstone typeface.Her range of products includes other London-themedcushions, tea towels and mugs. Melamine tumblers and AllAboard tea towel feature red double decker buses andblack Scottie dog.+44 (0)7776 234 571www.michellemason.co.ukMichelle MasonLesser & Pavey haslaunched a new range ofgift items decorated withillustrations of the capital.+44 (0)1322 279 225www.leonardo.co.ukgiftfocus 69

a stitch in timeNow is the time of year the giftware industry will be busy gearing up for tradeshows, like Autumn Fair International at Birmingham’s NEC. However, whilebusy making preparations, it’s worth taking time out to consider the insuranceimplications. Neil McFarlane of insurance brokers T.H.March & Co Ltd advisesThere are many and various problems thatcan occur especially in light of frequentmisunderstandings over the level of coverprovided under standard insurance policies.For exhibitors there’s the risk associatedwith attendance at the trade fair itself. Thesecome under various headings:Stock and Trade stands, fixtures andfittings: Does your policy extend to coverattendance at trade exhibitions? If so, is theextension sufficient to cover the values at risk?Commercial policies are traditionally subject toan underinsurance condition which means thatif you insure for 50% of the value taken to theexhibition any claim will be reduced by 50%.Public Liability: Have you notified yourinsurers that you regularly attend tradeexhibitions, as there may be an exclusionwithin your policy. Also, a number of exhibitionevent organisers demand a minimum level ofcover of £5,000,000. Whilst this can oftenbe purchased separately it is often cheaperto increase the limit under the annual coverrather than take out small extensions to coverthe two or three exhibitions attended.Loss of Profits: Does your policy providecover for loss of profits arising from problemsat the event? Most policies will not and dorequire specific extension. This cover is notwidely available but some insurers will givecover. For example a fire on your standcausing damage to property which leads toa loss of profit arising from the event can beinsured. Again – you will of course need tohave told your insurers any events that youare attending.As an exhibitor you spend a great dealof money preparing for an event but whathappens if the event is cancelled or abandoned70 giftfocusdue to a fire or flooding at the exhibitioncentre? Insurance is available from severalmarkets to cover the loss of expensesincurred if an event is unavoidably postponed,abandoned, cancelled or relocated as a directresult of an event entirely beyond your control.In addition, cover is available for potentialexpenses that may arise from your inabilityto open your stand or space due to physicalloss or damage to the venue or your ownexhibits during transit or from delays in arrival.Naturally there are various exclusions whichapply to this form of cover but the generalinsurance offered does cover the majority ofsituations which could arise. That said, if theevent is held in the open then understandablymuch of the cover is not generally available."As an exhibitor you spend agreat deal of money preparing foran event but what happens if theevent is cancelled or abandoneddue to a fire or flooding at theexhibition centre?"For the retailer visiting exhibitions - theyoften travel long distances and may take alaptop, mobile phone and personal propertyalong. But if your laptop is owned by thebusiness, does the business policy providecover for the laptop outside the businesspremises? Cover is readily available at minimalcost. Personally owned property can easily beinsured as an extension to home insuranceunder a standard extension - providing coverfor personal possessions outside the home.This would include for example, loss or theft ofitems from a hotel room, from a parked car oritems surreptitiously stolen whilst talking to anexhibitor. Beware, however, that some policiesmay exclude cover entirely if left in unattendedvehicles or may require the laptop to be keptin a locked boot or glove box."Personally owned property caneasily be insured as an extensionto home insurance under astandard extension - providingcover for personal possessionsoutside the home."These claims do occur. A T.H. March clientattended an overseas fair and whilst he was indiscussion with an exhibitor, put his briefcaseby the side of the chair only to find that bythe end of his conversation it had disappeared.The briefcase contained a laptop, mobilephone, wallet, credit cards, plane tickets andreceipts of expenditure. This not only causedinconvenience but the total value of propertystolen totalled over £1,000, and all this wouldhave been covered for an annual premium ofjust £10.If in doubt seek advice, which T H March& Co Limited is happy to provide, especiallybearing in mind that policy wordings can varybetween insurers, so it’s imperative to ensurethat you have requested the appropriate levelsof cover. gFurther informationT.H. March is a well-established familybusiness founded in 1887. With offices inLondon, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow,Sevenoaks and Yelverton near Plymouth,the company has departments coveringhousehold, motor, travel, commercial andscheme insurance. To find out more visitwww.thmarch.co.uk.

Now incorporating the Besmo & MO-HOme collectionsRecognised BAFTSFair Trade ImporterTilnar Art, Besmo and MO-HOme sourcesunique Fair Trade high quality gifts andhome furnishings direct from artisansfrom the developing world.All our items are handmade and while notwo are exactly alike, each is a creation ofart and a one-of-a-kind collectable.Tilnar Art prides itself in the quality of ourproducts and the excellent serviceHall 5 Stand G14/H15Autumn Fair 5 th -8 th September 2010Bamboo VasesBamboo BowlsHandmade WoodCarvingsLobi Gaming ChairsRecycled Vinyl HandbagsHandmade Leather AnimalsHigh Quality Fair Trade Gifts & Home FurnishingsEmail: sales@tilnarart.co.ukTel: 01277 362 815 or 07740 946 518www.besmo.com www.tilnarart.co.uk

autumn fairharvesting the hallsAutumn Fair International 2010 looksset to produce a bumper harvest ofmust-have buys for product hungryretailers. With 1,500 exhibitors set toshowcase their wares, we reveal justsome of this year’s bumper cropPictured is the new Katie Alice collection of co-ordinated tableware from Creative Tops(Hall 2 Stand F30/G31).In briefshowAutumn Fair InternationalwhereNEC, Birminghamwhen 5 th -8 th September 2010(Volume halls open one dayearlier)website www.autumnfair.comopening hours Saturday 4 th September(Volume sector - hall 1)10am-5pmSun-Tues 9am-6pmWed 9am-4pmadmission Autumn Fair Internationalis a trade only event. Visitors are asked to bringwith them proof of trade status (eg. business card,letterhead). Log on to the website to register forfree entry. Entry is £30 for visitors who have notpre-registered.giftfocus 73

With Christmas looming and the New YearVAT increase on the horizon, this year’sAutumn Fair International (AFI) is beingbilled as the must-do trade show for retailerslooking to capitalise on the festive rush.With 1,500 exhibitors attending the 2010edition - 25 per cent more than last year – itwill be a platform for 50,000 new productlaunches and around 500,000 products in total.The show is geared to be more relevantthan ever as a crucial buying event not onlyfor Christmas but the seasons ahead.Organiser Emap Connect reports thatof those companies exhibiting, 900 will beshowing exclusively at AFI this season. Theyjoin 150 international suppliers from 31countries and 400 brand new exhibitorsacross eight product sectors.This year’s show will be buzzing with newand improved feature areas, including fullscalefashion accessories catwalk, expandedCook Live! demonstration zone, Gift of theYear Award 2010 showcase and new productdisplay areas.GiftsAFI boasts the largest showcase of marketleading and ethical gift brands to be found atany trade show in the UK outside Spring Fair.For those looking further ahead it alsooffers scope for spotting early spring previewranges from the industry’s biggest hitters andinnovative product development teams.The show will feature a comprehensiveselection of general giftware coveringcategories from candles, photo frames,ceramics, licensed ranges and collectables towellbeing, fashion accessories and plush.For retailers keen to expand their ecofriendly and fair trade product selections,the ethical product trail at this year’s showincludes over 80 different suppliers includingBoujies, Earth Squared, Heyland & Whittle,Jarapa, Lanka Kade, Namaste and Tilnar Art toname a few.Kitchen, Dining & HousewaresThere will be a host of designer kitchenwarespecialists in hall 2. The sector has grownsubstantially compared with last year’s show,attracting big brands as well as a host ofsmaller, niche companies.A highlight will be Cook Live! which madeits debut last year and also proved popularat this year’s Spring Fair International withdemonstrations from celebrity chefs.Ready Steady Cook starJames Martin will berepeating his star-turnwith a demonstrationfor licence holderDenby, while designerturned-chefJustin Cappwill be on hand to showoff his new range forCreative Tops.Akta Islam, who heads up award-winningIndian restaurant Lasan’s kitchen, will beappearing for the first time at Cook Live!AFI will once again host the Cookshop &Housewares Association (CHA) Village in hall2, which this year sees the CHA celebrating itssixteenth year on the Village.In addition to a packed hall 2, othercompanies in this category will be exhibitingthroughout the show.GreetingsA number of top card publishers will bereturning to the show after several years’absence as well as others who will beexhibiting for the first time.There will be a new Spotlight feature areafor new publishers, where up and comingdesigners will exhibit their latest lines to thetrade for the first time at Autumn Fair.New comers and returning exhibitorsjoin the ranks of over 100 publishers in thegreetings and stationery sector, which willonce again feature the Cardgains Village at theheart of hall 4.Toys and GadgetsToys and gadgets in hall 5 will feature ashowcase of traditional toys, plush gifts, ecofriendly,sustainable lines, new innovations anddress-up suppliers.Some of the companies visitors to AFIcan expect to discover in this sector includeDowman Imports, Brainstorm, Great Gizmosand more.Fashion accessories catwalkDedicated buyers of fashion accessories canlook forward to a restyled and revitalisedseasonal buying event at this year’s show.Emap Connect has announced majorinvestment and expansion plans to furthergrow this market segment following an“exceptional” AFI last year, which attractedover 10,500 buyers of fashion accessories.74 giftfocus

autumn fairNourThe highlight of Accessories at Autumn2010 will be a brand new Catwalk Caféfeature area in hall 4, which will provideseasonal direction on new trends.Produced by Rah Productions, whichcreated the Pandora Catwalk Café for TheJewellery Show at this year’s Spring FairInternational, the Autumn catwalk is set toprovide a showcase for the full spectrum offashion accessories. All exhibitors in the sectorwill be centrally located around the catwalkarea, to make it easier for visitors to find themand to create a lively focal point.Leading custom jewellery designers Pilgrimare sponsoring the Autumn Fair Catwalk Café.“The growth in fashion accessories at SpringFair International and in the market generallyhas led us to launch the Accessories atAutumn feature. Our fashion accessoriesand handbag exhibitors had a phenomenalSpring Fair and are clamouring for us to helpthem grow this thriving market at Autumn,”comments event director Julie Driscoll.The initiative has also been warmlywelcomed by the British Travel Goods andAccessories Association (BTTA).Divine RocksChief executive Diana Fiveash adds: “Buyerswill love the catwalk because it will help themto buy on trend and it will give exhibitors afantastic chance to show off their best ranges.The BTAA will certainly be supporting thisexciting venture.”SpotlightThe Spotlight initiative has more than doubledin size since its launch at last year’s show andprovides a special focus for buyers looking tosource some of the latest products.“One of the most exciting developments atAFI 2009 was Spotlight on Design Led Giftsand I am delighted that for the 2010 showit well be even bigger and is to incorporatezones in hall 4 as well as hall 3,” explainsevent manager Sarah Charlton. “Spotlight is abespoke area created for smaller companiesand designer-makers and is a must for buyerslooking to source the latest trends in quirky,stylish gifts, home accessories, children’s giftsand clothing.”Product trailsFor targeted buyers there are a number ofdistinctively signed product trails to homein on. These include – New Product, EthicalProduct (including fair trade and eco-friendlygoods), Licensed Product, Creative Britain and,with overseas visitors in mind, the Exportertrail to facilitate international trade.Customer initiativesAs well as improvements to make the showeasier to shop, moves to enhance the visitorexperience include free water stationsthroughout the show, product finding pointsat the entrances to each hall, a mobile website(m.autumnfair.com) and free breakfast pastriesfor early bird arrivals. Parking at the NECis still free of charge and full-sized showcatalogues will also be available free.An informative programme of seminarswill once again run throughout the four days,covering topics like consumer buying trends,multi channel retailing, style forecasts, how touse social media, protection against copyingand key environmental issues.Read on for a taste of what’s to come in ourbumper preview unveiling some of the latesthot products to be launched at the show.giftfocus 75

HALL 2Dartington CrystalStand 2C12Tel: +44 (0)1805 626 219Web: www.dartington.co.ukLeading UK crystal and glassware brand Dartington will be showcasingits latest selection of drinkware and gifts. There will be a new arrayof boxed sets, new launch of Royal Brierley products plus Caithnesspaperweights and artglass. Latest introductions include Glitz a range ofwine, goblet and flute boxed pairs of crystalline glasses with Swarovskicrystal elements. The glasses come with glossy presentation packaging.Creative TopsStand 2-F30/G31Tel: +44(0)1536 207 710Web: www.creative-tops.com.Creative Tops will be introducing a new collection of co-ordinatedtableware designed exclusively for the company by Katie Alice.The timeless pattern reflects her love for the countryside,the natural flora and fauna growing in her garden and a relaxed,homespun lifestyle.The collection includes cream porcelain tableware, oven totableware, kitchen textiles, kitchen storage and more.• View and order 800+ complete AW10 range at Autumn Fair NEC and Top Drawer.• Find extra edge by tapping in Jewelcity’s extensive 3000 competitive offering as full range.• Register online, order anytime and get your best deal delivered next day and risk-free*76 giftfocusTop Drawer - J90Autumn Fair NEC - 4H32Jewelcity, Marcoms House, Abbey Barn Rd, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP11 1RLT: 01494 444200 F: 0870 0056921 W: www.jewelcity.co.uk

Absolut FormStand 2-F01Tel: +44(0)208 731 3700Web: www.gilberts-foodequipment.co.ukNew for Autumn Fair 2010 are the innovative new collections from PO:at Absolut Form. All PO: products incorporate originality with functionto create designled collectionssuch as thenew Bird series,Aqua Towercarafe, ring pullbottle opener,nail door stop,Smile andWink vases andClown egg cups.At Heyland & Whittle, we are continually extending our range,to ensure there is the perfect item for everyone. All productsare handmade in England and guaranteed to be sulphateand paraben-free.Honesty. Purity. Care. For more information please log-on towww.heylandandwhittle.co.uk or call (01293) 863606La CafetièreStand 2-C15Tel: +44 (0)1352 717 561Web: www.lacafetiere.comLa Cafetière supplies stylish rangesof coffee, tea and chocolate-relatedproducts and accessories.Its range includes an ever-expandingcollection of cafetières, coffee machines,chocolatières, teapots, infusers, tablewareand accessories.The company’s continuing relationshipswith Nick Munro and Alison Appletonwill be celebrated at the show with twonew concepts from each designer.The Classic Nouveau (pictured) from Nick Munro features sleekstriking lines with a dash of retro flair. It is available in three and eightcupversions from September 2010.Nick has also created the co-ordinating Nouveau Classic Teapot.An exciting new range ofUnreal Cakes made from washcloths and hand towels.A unique product range that stopscustomers in their tracks with itshigh impact, colourful display andunique POS.J.J. VaillantStand 2-L34Tel: +44 (0)1213 800 720Web: www.jjvaillant.comJ.J. Vaillant is pleased to announce thatBetty Leg Up is available again.The figurine is available in red andblack glitter.Other new additions arriving atthe end of September include BettyHairdresser, Hockey, Wedding, Bunnyand Police figurines.Tel: 01293 863 744 | sales@unrealcakes.co.ukwww.unrealcakes.co.ukgiftfocus 77

HALL 3Two Little BoysStand 3-K18Tel: +44 (0)208 400 3606Web: www.2littleboys.co.ukTwo Little Boys will be launching the Coffee Table Book forChildren - Volume 1 and 2.“We think it’s about time that children were allowed abeautiful book that can sit amongst the ‘grown up’ booksin the living room,” says the company. The book containsimages from Two Little Boys' own photo library joined withfacts, some conversation starters and some straightforward‘what do you imagine?’ questions.ButtonbagStand 3-T25Tel: +44 (0)208 525 1640Web: www.buttonbag.co.ukExhibiting at Autumn Fair for the first time, awardwinningdesign company Buttonbag is launching severalnew craft kits including a knitting set. The ButtonbagKnitting Kit is aimed at girls aged eight years and aboveand has everything needed to get children started.Based in a studio in the heart of the East End’s oldtextile industry in London, Buttonbag designs andmanufactures all its craft kits in the UK.BoujiesStand 3-K08Tel: +44 (0)1483 282 918Web: www.boujies.comBoujies is a newlylaunched brand ofdesign-led, scentedeco-candles.Boujies’ newrange consistsof ten scented,environmentallyfriendly, pure soycandles, which areindividually handpouredinto brightmetal containers withmodern embosseddetailing and labelling.Carters Ceramic DesignsStand 3-S53Tel: +44 (0)1728 860 475Web: www.cartersteapots.comEstablished since 1978, Carters Ceramic Designs continues to design and make all itsquirky teapots at its pottery in Suffolk, England.Best selling designs include Quiltmaker, Typewriter, Sewing Machine, and PoetryBooks. This year some exciting new creations have been introduced including IceCream Sundae, Cup Cake, and Armchair teapots amongst others, all of which areworking and functioning teapots.78 giftfocus

HALL 3Indigo WorldwideStand 3-X40Tel: +44 (0)208 906 6767Web: www.indigoworldwide.co.ukIndigo Worldwide is showcasinga brand new range called FunkyBandz. Already a craze in the US,the colourful shaped bands aremade from silicone rubber and diemoulded in different shapes. Theystretch to fit on the wrist, ankleor to hold items in place but thenreturn to their original shape whentaken off.Each Funky Bandz tradingpack contains 24 multicolouredbands (four each of six designs) andthere are many different packs tochoose from. Children’s favouritesinclude dinosaurs, pets, zoo animals,princess and many more.Cavendish FrenchStand 3-P01Tel: +44 (0)1372 459 944Web: www.cavendishfrench.comCavendish French, well known for its sterling silver and stone setjewellery, is launching big bold statement designs plus bangles andnecklaces you can stack and layer and a selection of pieces featuringstrong colours in resin fused with silver, Austrian crystals or semiprecious stones.The hand selected jewellery includes a range of colours, styles andprice points from the modern and contemporary to the elegant andclassic to the fashionable and fun.The new modern collection contrasts oxidised and polished silver withgold vermeil and includes bold modern rings, funky earrings and a rangeof pendants.80 giftfocus

Articulate (Scotland)Stand 3-L03ATel: +44 (0)1414 164 105Web: www.articulategallery.co.ukThe ArticulateGallery is a specialpicture framefor the display ofchildren’s 2D and3D artwork. It hasa slot in the side sochildren can frametheir own art. Theproduct enablesfamilies to take thecurled up pieces ofpaper off the fridgedoor and framethem in an instant.The frames can beused over and overagain and can storefavourite picturesfor rotation.Carrie ElspethStand 3-X05Tel: +44 (0)1446 771 271Web: www.carrieelspeth.comCarrie Elspeth’s new autumn 2010 collection is packed with treasuresto suit all tastes including tactile Moments, sparkling metallic cutcrystaland hypnotic beads.New additions to Opulence, the best-selling limited editioncollection, are now also available - luxurious designs with the glitter ofSwarovski crystal sit beside bespoke monochrome beads inspired byPicasso, among many other new styles.giftfocus 81

HALL 3autumn fairCGE World GlobesStand 3-J40Tel: +44 (0)1635 866 021Web: www.cgeglobes.co.ukThe newest globes from Atmosphere are bright and fun.The range of colour co-ordinated globes come in greenor red, yellow or mauve. They have a distinctive ‘full circle’base, spindle mounting with a 30cms diameter bright shinyglobe. Mapping is up to date for the enthusiast, showingcountries and capital cities.Lower priced than the designer range from Atmosphere,as well as value the new globes offer brightness, and colourto lighten up any room in the home.That Company Called IfStand 3-V01Tel: +44(0)1751 475 757Web: www.thatcompanycalledif.comIF designs, manufacturesand distributes specialistgift products for retailmarkets all over theworld. The companyproduces a wide rangeof innovative impulsepurchase gifts and pointof sale to suit all types ofretailer. New additionsfor Autumn Fair 2010include Classic Car Mini-Marks, Gallery Collectionbookmarks, Day YouWere Born greetingscards and His & Hersbookmarks. New licensedgifts include Roald Dahl,Edward Monkton and Toy Story 3.Castle MelamineStand 3-W26Tel: +44 (0)1786 475 575Web: www.castlemelamine.co.ukThanks to sister companyCustomworks, Castle Melamine isable to offer customers some ofits best selling licenses and designsacross a range of new products.From September, Simon Drew’strademark drawings and witticismswill be available across products likemagnets and magnetic bookmarkswhile Stephanie Dyment’s vintagedesigns will feature on pocketmirrors and shopping pads.Lisbeth DahlStand 3-Q22/R23Tel: +45 46961 100Web: www.lisbethdahl.comThe latest collections from Lisbeth Dahl are designed to create a magical world ofpomp and circumstance .The company will be presenting an eye catching showcase including antiquesilver and brass candelabras, dishes decorated with engraved patterns, plushcushions of velvet and chiffon in pastel colours conjuring up hints of the Orientplus Venetian mirrors, adorned in antique crystals.Other treasures to be revealed will include sequin-covered hats, knit gloveswith pearl edges, bold kimono, and mélange knit cardigan.giftfocus 83

HALL 3JarapaStand 3-H02Tel: +44 (0)8455 191 982Web: www.jarapa.co.ukJarapa’s stand is bigger than ever with new additions tothe company’s recycled and natural home interior rangeshelping to keep its offering fresh and current. A new style ofrecycled cotton rug and a collection of gift boxed glasswarewill be among the products on show.Samantha HolmesStand 3-G22Tel: +44 (0)1436 676 777Web: www.samanthaholmes.comHandcrafted by skilled artisans in Peru with rare,luxurious, natural fibres, Samantha Holmes createsgifts and accessories, soft and appealing to classic andcontemporary tastes.Autumn Fair 2010 will introduce her new Ecocollection made from finest Peruvian HighlandEcoWool, undyed and unbleached in natural earthycolours for a soft finish. She will also be introducingBabyBoo, a brand new collection with a silky feel madewith a blend of purest Baby Alpaca and Bamboo - hermost luxurious fibre yet.Retreat HomeStand 3-R08Tel: +44 (0)870 803 3428Web: www.retreat-home.comRetreat Home’s autumn/winterrange offers a bridge fromsummer into Christmas withsignature soft neutral linenswarmed up with deep redsacross the collection of cushions,scented hearts and cosmeticbags, with burlesque lettering,embroidery and appliqué. Idealfor creative merchandising andeye-catching window dressing.Festive ranges, which includethe company’s trademark linenChristmas stockings, home-spunknitted decorations as well asa range of tarnish-free nickelplated decorations.Dora DesignsStand 3-T22/U23Tel: +44 (0)1778 561 111Web: www.doradesigns.co.ukDora Designs is introducing new products for autumn 2010. A new collection ofwildlife animals in recycled leather has been launched alongside additions to the catsand dogs and traditional ranges. Look out for the British Bulldogs and the latest hitPanache Poodle.84 giftfocus

HALL 3Switch SticksStand 3-L21Tel: +44 (0)208 994 3011Web: www.switchsticks.comSwitch Sticks offers a range of stylish foldingwalking sticks and hiking poles to keep peoplelooking good and moving.Tough, durable and made of lightweightaluminium each hiking pole is telescopic andcomes in a choice of bold, eye catching patternsand colours, including hot pink, bright blue,military green, subtle earth tones and multicolour dots.Switch Sticks hiking poles are speciallydesigned to fit in a small sized suitcase makingthem convenient for travelling. The latestdesign, Bubbles has recently arrived in the UK.The company offers over 30 walking sticks andhiking poles from luxury to plain, in both talland petite sizes. Think PinkStand 3-N40/P41Tel: +44 (0)1253 831 512Web: www.thinkpinkblue2.comThink Pink will be showcasing brand new gift collections at the show.The girls’ gift specialist will be introducing new Fairy Cupcake andDotty Daisy collections based on love of all things pink. The funkyproducts include trinket boxes, notebooks, bookends and much more.The company is extending its nursery range by introducing a brandnew collection based on a popular nursery song. The Five Little Ducksrange includes baby gifts such as clothes hooks, a rocking moneybox andfirst passport cover and luggage label. The existing collection Dandelionand Friends is also being extended.The new Flower Power travel range comes in two colourways, whiteand grey with both featuring bright pink flowers. Products includeholdalls, wash bags, cosmetic cases, purses and more. www.zinnia-gifts.co.uk86 giftfocus

Grafton InternationalStand 3-K31Tel: +44 (0)1827 280 080Web: www.graftons.co.ukBritish brand Rose & Co introduces a fresh new look and products toits classic bath and beauty range at Autumn Fair. In addition a brand newJasmine Green Tea collection will be exclusively unveiled at the show.The brand’s signature Rose Water range has been updated with newpackaging inspired by antique floral fabric swatches. New productsinclude Rose Water hand wash and day cream plus handmade bathmelts, packaged in pretty cake boxes.The new Jasmine Green Tea range features packaging inspired by alove of vintage oriental style. The uplifting properties of China green teainfused with fragrant Jasmine blooms marks the new fragrance.TotseatStand 3-L19Tel: +44 (0)1312 266 064Web: www.totseat.comTotseat is delighted toannounce the safe arrivalof Oobicoo.Flexible, washable andmade from plush, theOobicoo mannequincomes with two hairpieces, so it can easily betransformed from a girl toa boy with a quick changeof its wig. It is designedto display baby clothes, nursery products and accessories. Sized at sixmonths old, it has flexible arms and legs and can sit unaided.Oobicoo was originally created to model the Totseat chair harness.It is now helping raise funds for the Children’s Immunology Fund,which helps to look after children in specialist immunology intensivecare wards in Edinburgh and Newcastle upon Tyne. Every sale in theUK generates £1 for the fund.Autumn FairHall 3 T22 / U23Contact details: 01778 561111 (T) 01778 561115 (F)enquiries@doradesigns.co.uk | www.doradesigns.co.ukgiftfocus 87

HALL 3Metal PlanetStand 3-X09Tel: +44 (0)208 440 2468Web: www.metalplanet.netMetal Planet has been designing gifts for the UK gift marketfor almost 10 years.Handmade in the UK, the range includes keepsakes fornewborns and christenings. Stylish wedding albums andcufflinks in pewter for the wedding market and beautiful giftideas for special birthdays.The Bath HouseStand 3-M30Tel: +44 (0)1539 621 992Web: www.thebathhouseshop.comThe Bath House is gifted up and ready to go this Christmas with more bathingand bodycare treats. The Cumbrian based company makes everything in theUK and the new products are 97% natural. Products come with a choice ofindividual fragrances and beautiful packaging.Picture PalaceStand 3-M30Tel: +44 (0)1539 621 661Web: www.picturepalace.co.ukPicture Palace has new cards for Christmas includingPoppy Treffry’s cute red robin card and designs byAbigail and Nigel Brooks offering a modern twist ontraditional scenes.Check out the company’s stand to view the selectionof new cards and wraps for Christmas.Wild and WolfStand 3-U02/V03Tel: +44 (0)1225 789 909Web: www.wildandwolf.comWild and Wolf has collaborated with the London based artist Rob Ryan to produceits latest collection of interior items and accessories. Each features the imagery andhumourous quotes by the artist himself, who is well known for his paper cuts. Thecollection includes a set of four plates, vase, mugs, umbrella, bunting and more.Also launching at Autumn Fair, is the new Celia Birtwell Mademoiselle range,including clasp purse, passport cover and luggage tag set, both with appliqué stitching,compact mirror and more. The range also features a new format for Wild and Wolf,the travel jewellery roll to hold necklaces, earrings and rings.88 giftfocus

AUTUMN FAIRSEPT 5th - 8thHall 5 Stand F10/G09GLEE @ NECSEPT 20th - 22ndHall 3 Stand P20/Q21LONDON GIFT FAIRSEPT 12th - 14thStand G1Get 5% off you nextorder when you quoteGF4440910Visit marvells.comfor information on tradeshow dates, productcatalogues and muchmore...Marvell’s Limited • Station Road • Hadnall • Shropshire • SY4 3DDT: 01939 210800 F: 01939 210999 E: gifts@marvells.comwww.marvells.com

HALL 4autumn fairThorntonsStand 4-E50/F53Tel: +44 (0)845 075 0056Web: www.thorntons.co.ukDating back almost 100 years to 1911, Thorntonsis a familiar name on the high street selling qualitychocolates and confectionery using internationalrecipes with ingredients from around the world.With just over 375 company owned stores andaround 220 franchises the company reports turnover well in excess of £215 million.The Just Slate CompanyStand 4-A47Tel: +44 (0)1592 654 222Web: www.justslate.co.ukPart of a wide range of tableware by The Just SlateCompany, the slate three tier cake stand features a stainlesssteel base and handle. Each layer is hand-shaped withunfinished edges and a naturally uneven surface, creating arustic appearance. Slate is durable, non-porous and suitablefor serving hot or cold food. Each piece is washed andsealed for easy care.Emma BallStand 4-E41Tel: +44 (0)1159 858 081Web: www.emmaball.co.ukFollowing on from itssuccessful fabric ranges,Emma Ball Ltd is launchingnew products in both thecoastal and teatime designs.New products includelarge bowling style bags.There is plenty for thekids too with children’saprons in two sizes aswell as pencil cases.The new additionsare completedby a coastalwash bag.FatlipStand 4-L53Tel: +44 (0)1905 612 955Web: www.fatlip.bizFatlip, supplier of contemporary costume jewellery, willbe launching a wide variety of products.New lines will include updates to the Amarellacollection and funky acrylic and resin jewellery. Thecolour focus is split between party blacks, silvers andmetallics, and rich jewel greens, deep blues and darkreds. The selection includes long and short necklaces,chunky and more delicate styles, and co-ordinatingbracelets and earrings.Unusual pieces include Zippy jewellery with itssatellite feel, and the Flora necklace with adjustableflower design, changing the style from necklace to tie.giftfocus 91

HALL 4Top TalonsStand 4-M88Tel: +44 (0)1246 569 818Web: www.jwelu.co.ukExclusive UK distributorfor the full range Jwel Uand BlinxBling. The rangeof handcrafted non-sliphair accessories featureSwarovski crystals andpearls. The eye-catchingaccessories use a uniqueand patented fixing system,similar to the needle andthread - simple, non-slipand reusable.BalaganStand 4-G10/H11Tel: +44 (0)8452 600 925Web: www.balagan.co.ukBalagan’s Vintagecollection is based on abold and romantic theme,and features necklaces,rings and earrings in anon-trend contemporaryvintage style.There are sparklymarcasite pieces forelegant evenings andcharm collections foreveryday wear, as well asmore dramatic pieces.Each vintage itemis packaged in its ownpowder puff jewellerybox, based on originaldesigns from the 1950s.Chrysalis by Silver WillowStand 4- L30/M31Tel: +44 (0)1823 698 898Web: www.silver-willow.co.ukChrysalis will be launching its new bead collectionfeaturing tonal colours of blue and purple, fresh crispshades of green and subtle hues of red and pink. Thebeads are sold in window boxed sets.Chrysalis also provides bracelet boxed sets whichinclude spacers, beads and a branded Chrysalisbracelet, that make an ideal starter pack.Fun silver love spacers and charms, mystical fairiesand butterflies, silver flowers with a hint of enamelare a few of the pieces that make up the collectablerange of silver charms, beads and spacers.Each piece in the 2010 collection isinterchangeable with Chrysalis’ current range.Window-KitStand 4-B84Tel: +44 (0)1962 621 686Web: www.window-kit.comDesigner vinyl graphiccompany, Window-Kitwill be launching a newcollection for retailers atthe show.All kits are designed bya leading London windowdesigner to attract andfocus attention on retailwindows and products.There are over 200 kitswith 33 vinyl colour choicesto choose from. Kits canbe mixed and matched tocreate an individual andcreative window displayin minutes.There are kits availableto theme windows forValentine’s Day, Mother’sDay, Easter, Christmas andother occasions as well asdesigns to focus attentionon areas of the window or on specific displays and products.92 giftfocus

HALL 4autumn fairAlexander ThurlowStand 4-G57Tel: +44 (0)208 766 6466Web: www.alexanderthurlow.comAlexander Thurlow will be showing its latest range of fashion jewellery. Offering over200 new designs, the main focus will be on new bracelets using mixed materials andcolour to run alongside the ever-expanding necklace range. The company reportsthat this season’s colours of purple, teal and burgundy have all been well receivedalong with the traditional jet tone story. Large metal and stone statement neckletsare also proving popular for this winter.N.V. Bags & AccessoriesStand 4-K74Tel: +44 (0)1454 320 650Web: www.nvbags.co.ukEnvy Bags and Accessories is returning to the Autumn Fairand will be showcasing its new autumn/winter 2010 range.“We have looked at key styles, colours and fabrics for thisseason and have created an original, vibrant and catwalkworthyrange of ladies handbags,” says the company.Envy bags also offer a range of evening bags in a variety ofcolours and styles.Aqueo DesignStand 4-M32Tel: +44 (0)1614 308 880Web: www.hdueo.co.ukAqueo Design will bepresenting its latestcollections of Italianumbrellas from H.Due.O,Ferre Milano and Pasotti atthe Autumn Fair.The H.Due.O HippyFlowers collection is a bestselling line featuring brightflowers on a black canopy.The handle is also shapedlike a flower.The Ferre Milano Bubblecollection features acanopy covered in bubblesand comes in a varietyof different colours. TheFerre brand is producedexclusively in the centre ofMilan in Italy and uses the finest fabrics and frames.GoodlookersStand 4-C34Tel: +44 (0)1634 713 900Web: www.goodlookers.co.ukGoodlookers’ autumn/winter 2010 reading glasses collection boasts a wealth ofnew designs.New styles finclude a trendy unisex design Seattle, which uses strikingcontoured lines with a sleek yet easy-to-wear shape, creating an urban look.Offering a chic contrast is the elegant Bliss. This new style fuses one of thecompany’s best-selling shapes with a variety of patterns, including vintage paisleyand multi-coloured harlequin.giftfocus 95

HALL 4Ladies Who Lunch JewelleryStand 4-L64ATel: +44 (0)1494 729 813Web: www.ladieswholunchjewellery.comLadies Who Lunch Jewellery is making itsdebut at the Autumn Fair with a selectionof individual and handmade piecescreated from gemstones and materialssourced from across the globe.The show sees the launch of its newautumn/winter 2010 collection, includingthe Art Deco range - a contemporaryjewellery collection inspired by thecolours of the Art Deco period. Thepieces include pendant necklaces,bracelets and drop earrings.Mala LeatherStand 4-N11Tel: +44 (0)1543 483 230Web: www.malalaeather.comMala Leather is introducingits new collections of smallleather goods as well as itsfirst collection of leatherhandbags at AFI.With intricate detailing andpatterned lining materials, allitems are gift packaged. Thereare new styles and colours in best selling ranges along with a newcollection of Pinky Bee themed purses, and the Angel Hearts range andHarmony are new for the coming season. Not forgetting the men thereare classic styles brought up to date with modern leather.PilgrimStand 4-G40Tel: + 45 63333 333Web: www.pilgrim.dkThe Pilgrim autumncollection is inspiredby reflection onlife’s essentials andeverything fromdelicate to devilish.The design theme isdescribed as - delicate,feminine and refinedwith a raw twist ofdevilishness.96 giftfocus

DutchbagStand 4-H74/J73Tel: +44 (0)1422 244 800Web: www.dutchbag.nlBag label Axel David,launched in May 2009,is now available inmore than 13 countries.Featuring a mix of designsin striking colours, withthe maxim ‘Love at firstsight’, the brand is a playfultake on reality. For theupcoming spring/summercollection the colourpalette is inspired by the Caribbean reef for a runway look.ManumitStand 4-L52Tel: +44 (0)1635 231 211Web: www.manumituk.comManumit has alwaysbelieved that fair tradealone is not enough toensure its future in theworld of fashion. Productsmust firstly be fashion-ledwith fair trade offering theethical unique selling pointboth consumers and retailers want. Launching this September 2010,Manumit is proud to announce its collaboration with two leadingBritish high street designers for its autumn/winter 2010 jewellery andfashion accessories collections, helping to ensure fair trade’s future inthe fashion world.RosehipStand 4-E33Tel: +44(0)1179 710 340Web: www.rosehipcards.co.ukUsing its very ownartwork, Rosehip islaunching a collection ofmix and match stationeryproduced by the NewYork City stationerycompany Galison.The collection includesa little book of labels,mini sticky notes, pencilholders, flip top notecardsand a weekly organiser.giftfocus 97

HALL 4Taurus LeatherStand 4-N17Tel: +44 (0)1132 823 508Web: www.taurus-leather.co.ukTaurus Leather will be highlighting its spring/summercollections for 2011.The company has been supplying handbags, purses andfashion accessories for over 30 years, originally focussingon traditional leather pieces with a fashion twist. It hasnow extended its expertise into the world of designerfashion, non-leather bags and will be exclusively showingthe Elite Model’s fashion bags and the own-brand Ali & Loucollection. These ranges provide more of a fashion elementwith an explosion of colour, at an alternative price point.Taurus’ premium leather collection Harriet Rose isnow in its second season, with classic styles crafted fromsumptuous soft leather. The Island range of mid pricedleather handbags, purses and notecases has also recentlybeen updated with new designs.Monili SilverStand 4-J38Tel: +44 (0)1565 872 220Web: www.monilisilver.co.ukDesign director JulieMarren designs thecompany’s collectionsin house. Rangesinclude pendantsand earrings as wellas exclusive limitededition designs.The jewelleryis hand made bycraftsmen in the FarEast, Italy and Spainusing sterling silver.Entirely new collections are introduced twice a year, tokeep the offering fresh and desirable.This year’s autumn/winter jewellery collectionfeatures necklaces combining chunky chains withhandmade pendants, strong designs using a scratchedsilver and gold finish and a new range of CZ rings,pendants and earrings.Mad BeautyStand 4-C22Tel: +44 (0)208 958 0555Web: www.madbeauty.comMad Beauty designs and producesfun cosmetic related gift products. Havingintroduced eight brand new products atSpring Fair, the company is launching nearly adozen more at Autumn Fair this September.This year’s launches from The Lip GlossCompany brand include Brit Balms, a patriotictin of juicy balm with SPF15. Bootiful Lips,is an Aussie boot-inspired lip gloss. Alsolaunching is the Cocktail Body & Hand Lotionwith shea butter and vitamin E plus Presentsfor the Lips.Apple Display & ShopfittingStand 4-B20Tel: +44 (0)1613 350 660Web: www.appledisplay.co.ukApple Display & Shopfitting will be showcasing its expertise at the Autumn Fair. Thecompany recently completed the design, manufacture and installation of Bijou, a newjewellery, gift, card and coffee shop based in Elgin, Moray. Features included a rangeof black and white gloss contemporary cabinets, glass and timber island displays andcounter to the ground floor, with white gloss cabinets, slatwall and a modern serveryto the rear completing the area to the gourmet coffee shop on the first floor.98 giftfocus

HALL 4autumn fairBlue Eyed SunStand 4-E44Tel: +44 (0)1273 823 003Web: www.blueeyedsun.co.ukHandmade card specialist Blue Eyed Sun is launching anew collection of spring 2010 designs, flittered and handembellished with glitter and jewels on quality GF Smithboards. There are five new spring ranges being launched atthe Autumn Fair.The collection features two new Valentine ranges with 12designs in each, two new Mother’s Day collections with 24handmade designs and a new handmade Father’s Day rangeof 12 cards. Pictured is one of the new Valentine ranges -Smitten. These cards have an overall size of 170mm square.All cards come cello-wrapped with a coloured envelope.Gaeltag KeltikaStand 4-A50/B51Tel: +44 (0)208 998 1781Web: www.lolitadesigns.co.ukIt’s Champagne all the waywith the forthcoming launchof 10 new solo Champagneflutes - Champagne Momentsfrom Lolita.The hand-painted glasseswill complement theestablished Lolita ® martini,wine, beer and shot glasses,covering all those specialmoments in life worthcelebrating. The full range willinclude Congratulations, ‘I do’,Happy Anniversary, BirthdayGirl, 18, 21, Shopaholic, MyLittle Black Dress, HappyBirthday - and Divorce!Each of the products in therange comes in a signatureLolita ® livery black and whitebox with hatbox style carryhandle, and with an individualchampagne cocktail recipe.Also launching at theAutumn Fair is the first seasonal range from Lolita ® in the UK.Comprising of Christmas-themed wine glasses and mini-glasses designed as treeornaments, all hand-produced just as the standard range.There are five limited edition wine glasses - Frosty’s Party, Jingle Bells, SilverSnowflake, Tinsel & Hot Mama Claus, plus seven tree ornaments.Silver CherryStand 4-L35Tel: +44 (0)1217 021 488Web: www.silvercherry.co.ukSilver Cherry offers elegant and stylish handcraftedsilver jewellery with semi-precious stones, exclusivelydesigned in the UK.The distinctive designs feature intricate work andstriking colours. The company will be launching theAutumn Designer Collection 2010.Picture CaseStand 4-N20Tel: +44 (0)1371 878 047Web: www.picturecase.co.ukPicture Case will be launching Pookie the pig and Cazbi the bee, two newadditions to its existing The Cuties and Pals children’s luggage range. The animalshapedtrolley cases and matching backpacks, have proven a great success,creating a demand for new characters.giftfocus 101

HALL 4Trinity XtrasStand 4-A58Tel: +44 (0)2476 344 676Web: www.trinityxtras.co.ukTrinity Xtras range of fine black pencils topped with asparkling Crystallized Swarovski element make for stylishand lavish doodling. The pencils come in a wide range ofcolours and the company has designed and produced highquality smart black acrylic point of sale display stands, toreflect the quality of the pencils.BagabookStand 4-L44Tel: +44 (0)7821 895 381Web: www.bagabook.comBagabook is a fashionable and stylish protective bookcover and carrier.It has a magnetic closure, bookmark, card pocket,penholder, carry handle and inner support to fit avariety of books, notepad or electronic book reader.It is adjustable to take a variety of thickness. It comesin two styles Classic and Executive (unisex) and avariety of colours and materials. The new junior designfor girls will be launched at this year’s Autumn Fair.DivineStand 4-K05Tel: +44 (0)208 874 0616Web: www.justdivine.co.ukThe recently launched Ollipopcollection from Divine hasappeal for those with an eye forsomething different. Designedto wear as a mix of themesand colours, every combinationcreates a distinctive look.The rich tapestry of colour across the collection is created with a mix of semipreciousstones, vintage glass, enamel and metal elements which are blendedtogether to create one-of-a-kind appeal. Soft burnished metal finishes of bronze andsilver lend a retro feel to the collection, which is designed in California by ShelleyCooper and hand made entirely in house. The collection includes necklaces, cuffs andbracelets, earrings and statement rings.OuchBagsStand 4-N13Tel: +44 (0)1202 475 999Web: www.ouchbags.comUK-based fashion bag designers OuchBags describe their new autumn collectionas “sexy, sassy and gorgeous”.Created for the independent young woman about town, OuchBags providesfor those who want to make a big fashion statement on a small budget.This autumn’s bag collection is all about contrasts - maximum impact andintricate detailing. Scrunched metallics with chrome rock buckles and tooledNappa cascading with individual leaves.There’s studs and chains and toggles and zippers - all designed to make thenew range as individual as possible.102 giftfocus

HALL 4autumn fairMidhavenStand 4-L31Tel: +44 (0)1299 851 524Web: www.midhavensilver.comLavish:2 is a luxury range of matching sterling silver necklets,bracelets, earrings and pendants from Midhaven.Beautifully crafted and finished, the range is made to lastand comes with attractive packaging.OOZOO TimepiecesStand 4-A42Tel: +44 (0)1273 275 274Web: www.oozoowaches.co.ukOOZOO Timepieces will be launching its autumn/winter 2010 collection.With more than 450 watches in the range, andmany variations in size, shape, style and colour, there’sa watch to suit most tastes. Setting the trend for oversizewatches the collection includes many larger facewatches which are proving popular at the moment.The new autumn/winter 2010 collection introducesover 50 new timepiece designs, each available in fivedifferent colourways.In the FrameStand 4-C87Tel: +44 (0)1264 720 013Web: www.in-the-frame.comIn the Frame UK will be launching new products including a handbag photo framefor the girls. For added bling it comes with a little organza bag full of self-adhesivejewels to embellish the frame.The handbag frames are available in pink or turquoise.SSP HatsStand 4-M19Tel: +44 (0)1754 899 090Web: www.hats.uk.comSSP Hats offers a wide rangeof ladies’, men’s and children’swinter hats and accessories.The SSP autumn/winter 2010collection includes everythingfrom trendy trilby hats andclassic cloches to fabulous furs,berets and wacky wellies.The company will also beshowing for the first time itsnew range of wedding/race dayhats and fascinators. Designedby renowned millinery designerElena Lewis and offered underthe new brand - HawkinsCollection, the range featuresretro shapes, classic lines, softorganza petals and veils.giftfocus 105

HALL 5IntelexStand 5-L28/M29Tel: +44 (0)1933 679 777Web: www.intelex.co.ukWarmies are a newrange of 100% fullymicrowaveable gift items,presented in stylish andcontemporary packaging.Filled with a newer, softerfilling material, the practical gifts are available in five vivid colours withcontrasting handles. Choose from boots, slippers, bottles, bears or hotpaks. Each design has been manufactured in super soft corded fabrics.Heat the Warmies in a microwave for a maximum of two minutesto release the relaxing lavender aroma and enjoy the soothing warmthand comfort.3D DisplaysStand 5-A18Tel: +44 (0)1795 532 947Web: www.3ddisplays.co.uk3D Displays will be promoting Groovewall as the ideal solution forpromoting products in a limited space.Lightweight and easy to install, the company says retailers will notonly be able to buy 3D’s acrylic displays for merchandise but also anew slatted panel to enable the maximum use of wall space.106 giftfocus

Elf on the ShelfStand 5-A29Tel: +1 877 919 4105Web: www.elfontheshelf.comUS based company Elf on the Shelf is launching into the UK for thefirst time this year with two products brand new to the market.Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition® rekindles the spiritof Christmas with the story of a magical scout elf. The gift setincludes a North Pole pixie-elf, hardbound children’s book andkeepsake box. This year’s ‘must-have’ addition for every girl elf is theClaus Couture Scout Elf Skirt—an ice-white, pleated skirt withembellished holly berry red snowflakes.LifemaxStand 5-K31Tel:+44 (0)1189 710 075Web: www.lifemaxuk.co.ukThe voice recordings forLifemax talking watcheswere recorded in clearEnglish at the UK studio ofthe Royal National Institutefor Blind people.The face was alsodesigned in association with RNIB to help those with limited vision.Lifemax donates 40 pence to the RNIB charity for each watch sold.The Atomic Talking Watch series speaks the time and date with radiocontrolled accuracy to one second in a million years in the UK, USA,Germany and Japan. It automatically adjusts to summer/winter time.Available in silver tone case with stainless steel bezel, the leather strapversion has a white or black face and stainless steel bracelet.An accurate quartz movement is used in the 411 talking watch series.Both the ladies and men’s versions are offered in a choice of steelcase with leather strap or a two-tone finish with matching bracelet.All Lifemax talking watches have the option of alarm and hourly timeannouncement.giftfocus 107

HALL 5Professor PuzzleStand 5-B34Tel: +44 (0)1932 230 992Web: www.professorpuzzle.comSpecialist metal and wood puzzlemaking company Professor Puzzle will beintroducing its new range of Bamboozlers- puzzles made entirely from eco-friendlybamboo. The range features classicwooden puzzle designs, innovatively produced and packaged.Heart of the CountryStand 5-F12Tel: +44 (0)1543 481 612Web: www.heartofthecountryltd.co.ukHeart of the Country is the UK home of Greenleaf,the collection that includes the original scented sachet,Bridgewater Candles, a 40 fragrance strong range and theboutique candle brand Votivo, which offers handmade,distinctively packaged products.The Greenleaf scented sachet basket spinner is designedto maximise impulse sales whilst taking up minimal floorspace. Bridgewater Candles come in a stylish jar, with cleanburn, wide choice of colours, removable hang tag, long burntimes, eco-friendly soy vegetable blend wax and lastingfragrances. This year sees the launch of four brand newfragrances Lily of the Valley, Sunshine, Water Lily and Sangriataking the Bridgewater choice to 40 fragrances.Green Board GamesStand 5-D28Tel: +44 (0)1494 538 999Web: www.greenboardgames.comWith six titles to choose from including Myths & Legends to your very ownSafari, BrainBites come in colourful tins and have great shelf appeal.Answer questions to earn a brain cell – the first to fill their brain card is theworthy winner.BrainBites come with free point of sale. Visit the company stand to view therange and to enter the company’s Fairmont Prize Draw - see the website formore details.Lesser & PaveyStand 5-E04/F03Tel: +44 (0)1322 279 225Web: www.leonardo.co.ukFeaturing cheery snowman and reindeer, the newrange of Christmas products from Lesser & Paveyare fun and festive.Consisting of fine china mugs and coaster sets, italso encapsulates gift bags, key rings and jigsaws.108 giftfocus

Terramundi exclusive money pots are always the ‘must have’item for all design led gift stores and boutiques.Be it traditional, quirky or ‘contemporary interior’ theirdesigns add the perfect accent to all ‘grown up’ homes.Autumn Fair - Hall 3 Stand V21Phone: 020 8808 3818Email: moneypots@terramundi.demon.co.ukwww.terramundi.co.uk

HALL 5Nemesis NowStand 5-H34Tel: +44 (0)1782 596 660Web: www.nemesisnow.comNemesis Now, in associationwith Lions Gate Films will belaunching merchandise basedon the hit horror movieSAW at this year’s AutumnFair. Products include bags, wallets, figurines, pencil cases and more. Thelaunch coincides with the release this October, of Lions Gate’s SAW VIIin chilling 3-D.NamasteStand 5-G40/G43Tel: +44 (0)1756 700 790Web: www.namaste-uk.comNamaste is introducing anew range of velvet coatsand bags this autumn/winter. Hand appliquédand embroidered in Indiaon a fair trade basis, thecoats are available inthree rich colours and arecomplemented by a rangeof shoulder bags.Namaste is a companycommitted to ethical valuesand all its products are fairlytraded. The full Namasterange includes clothing, accessories, jewellery, gifts, home accessories,soft furnishings and furniture.PuckatorStand 5-H46/J47Tel: +44 (0)1579 321 550Web: www.puckator.co.ukPuckator is exhibiting atAutumn Fair again, after athree-year absence. With alarger stand and over 750new products, the companyis expecting a successfulshow. New product launchesinclude: Scottish souvenirs,including its exclusivelydesigned Piper ceramicseries, fold up re-usable bags,available in dozens of fundesigns with effective display stand included. There is also a new Chintzrange with products ranging from doorstops to hanging decorations.110 giftfocus

Paladone ProductsStand 5-D19Tel: +44 (0)1273 230 037Web: www.paladone.comPaladone Products willbe launching its gift rangefor the popular TV showI’m a Celebrity…Get MeOut of Here! at the Autumn Fair 2010.Products include a box of Which Witchetty Grubs - ten realisticgrub-shaped chocolates, seven of which are filled with a delicioustoffee flavour while the other three are flavoured with tripe.There’s no way to tell until you take the first bite! Take thechallenge yourself at the company’s stand.SusinoStand 5-L34Tel: +44 (0)1514 868 866Web: www.susino.co.ukSusino will be launching a new satin fabric range in luxurious animalprints. The company will be adding the first umbrellas to the range tofeature the luxurious fabric, in both compact and walker styles.The company saysnot only does thefabric provide thesame waterproofprotection as otherstyles within Susino’srange, it also givesthe appearance andfeel of a smooth,shiny canopy.Personalised Memento CompanyStand 5-M16Tel: +44 (0)1782 744 900Web: www.personalisedmemento.co.ukThe Personalised MementoCompany is looking toscore a winner with itsnew range of footballmugs specially created forfootball fans to feature theirown name and favouriteshirt number.The officially licensedmugs are printed anddecorated with a highquality glossy finish and, saysthe company, can be madeand despatched in 24 hours.giftfocus 111

The Candle Globe...a beautful and ambient night lighthand made by CraftsmenNew for 2010• Friendship Globes• Gazing Globes• Hanging Nightlight• The Still Room Luxury Pot Pourri1985-2010 Celebrating our 25 th AnniversaryAutumn Fair - Hall 4 Stand D41London Gift Fair - Stand E39Visit our new website www.themilfordcollection.co.ukUnit 18 Dyffryn Industrial Estate, Newtown, Powys SY16 3BDTel: 01686 629919 Fax: 01686 623918Email: david@milfordcollection.com www.themilfordcollection.co.uk

HALL 5autumn fairTilnar ArtStand 5-G14/H15Tel: +44 (0)1277 362 815Web: www.besmo.comFair trade supplier,Tilnar Art, Besmo andMO-HOme will beshowing its 2010-2011ranges. The companysources fair trade highquality gifts and homefurnishings from acrossthe developing world.The products are sourceddirectly from the artisanswho make them.As well as displaying popular established ranges ofwooden giraffes, shona stone sculptures, recycled productsand raku pottery, the company will also be showcasingBesmo’s leather animal range and many new products fromMO-HOme’s Bamboo collection.Charlotte Bird Fairy PhotographsStand 5-K43Tel: +44 (0)1516 391 747Charlotte Bird will belaunching new products atthe show.Together with herprints and cards otherBritish made productsinclude placemats andcoasters, bubble bath invintage jars, mouse matsand canvases. Also at theprototype stage and readyfor Christmas buyers isa range of textiles bearing Charlotte’s fairy photographsincluding duvet sets, single and double, baby quilt sets,aprons, t-shirts and tea towels.TrendleStand 5-D45Tel: +44 (0)1984 656 888Web: www.trendle.comTrendle has six new designs arrivingfor autumn 2010, adding to its earlierwinter group of new fully jointedbears - Daphne Duck, donkeys Pedroand Pepe, bears Buttercup and Sandyand a soft plush donkey jacket (withears!) to fit two to three-year-olds.The company reports that this yearthe ‘Leggies’, Seamus Sheep, MauriceMonkey and Bea Bear, have been a run away success. In addition retailers can ordera mix from hand-painted miniature porcelain animals, thimbles, cruets and more -plus the charming World of Miniature Bears.Nordic Barn/MagicalPlay TimesStand5-B24Tel: +44 (0)1270 879 900Web: www.nordicbarn.co.ukNordic Barn, exclusive distributorof the oskar&ellen brand in theUK and Ireland, is now launchinga colourful range of greetingcards, lunch boxes, storageboxes, stainless steel drinkingbottles, thermos flasks, gift wrap,aprons, bibs and buntings fromNorwegian based Blafre.Blafre is a family run businessbased in Oslo in Norway.The thick, premium qualitypaper for the cards, buntings andgiftwrap is certified by The ForestStewardship Council and carriesthe FSC logo. All the printingis produced in the UK usingrecycled paper.House of CraftsStand 5-C46Tel: +44 (0)1162 838 996Web: www.houseofcrafts.co.ukThe House of Crafts has been manufacturing boxed craft kits since 1991. New additions this yearinclude an organic soap making kit, which the company believes could be the first of its kind. The kitcontains organic essential oil, aniseed, linseed, poppy seeds and marigold petals for making a selectionof handcrafted organic soaps.Also new for 2010 is a mosaic tray craft kit containing a plain wooden tray and all the materialsneeded to create a beautiful mosaic tray.giftfocus 113

HALL 5Umbrellas at Lindy LouStand 5-K60Tel: +44 (0)1273 564 020Web: www.umbrellasatlindylou.co.ukLindy Lou are European specialists in quality see-throughdome umbrellas, with over 20 different styles in a variety ofcolours and designs.All their umbrellas are designed in-house, are exclusive toLindy Lou and are protected by European registration. Thecompany prides itself on quality and the ribs and frames oftheir umbrellas are resilient to stand up to bad weather.Many of the Retrobags range match the umbrellas for aco-ordinated look and eye-catching window displays. Thebags are made with heavy duty zips and materials and areideal for the back-to-school season.Lindy Lou manufacture customised umbrellas and bagsand are experienced in helping companies design their owncorporate products.Great GizmosStand 5-A20/B21Tel: +44 (0)1293 543 221Web: www.greatgizmos.co.ukGreat Gizmos will be unveilinga brand new range of children’sdressing up clothes at the show.Great Pretenders is an awardwinningline of children’s costumesand accessories offering versatilefancy dress for all occasions.For girls, there is a colourfulcollection of fairy costumes andaccessories including flower garlandheaddresses, glittery wings andjewelled wands – as well as ladybird,bumble bee, ballerina and medieval queen costumes.For boys there’s a world of adventure on offer withheroic characters such as super heroes, knights, pirates,princes and many more to choose from.To complete each theme capes and headgear are alsoavailable, many of which are reversible, offering two sides tothe role play.Visitors to Autumn Fair will also be able to catch up onother new gift ranges being launched by Great Gizmos, asthe company expands its array of craft and science kits, toysand girly gifts.BrainstormStand 5-A13Tel: +44 (0)1200 445 113Web: www.brainstormltd.co.ukNew for Brainstorm for 2010 isthe 2 in 1 Globe showing earth byday, space by night. The 22.8cm globe defines clearly political boundaries and naturalfeatures such as lakes and rivers. Capital cities are indicated by a star and other majorcities are detailed.The illuminated night globe shows key stars and constellations with their Latinand common names. An advanced light sensor automatically turns on the LEDillumination whenever the room darkens, magically transforming the earth globeinto a fascinating map of the stars. It makes a stunning night light and contains usefuleducational information.For Every BodyStand 5-K81Tel: +44 (0)1952 457 409Web: www.foreverybody.bizFor Every Body is expanding its leading Folk Art soy based candle collection.Produced in a 15oz designer jar with an average burn time of over 100 hours,this soy based candlecollection features 12winning fragrancescomplete with signaturetoppings.There are five newfragrances for theAutumn Fair - DanishCinnavanilla, Apple Pie,Hot Cocoa, BirthdaySurprise and refreshingMorning Due.Empirical PraxisStand 5-E50Tel: +44 (0)1246 229 208Web: www.empirical-praxis.co.uk/wholesaleMagical Spinning Carousels are a new gift innovation from Empirical Praxis.The company designs and manufactures innovative products, which marrytraditional pastimesand nostalgia withnew technology. Thenew Magical SpinningCarousels CD-Romallows customers tocreate working 3Dmodels of fairgroundcarousels, using just card,scissors, glue and thehome computer printer.114 giftfocus

advertising featureboujiesSpotlight on Boujies Londonhot-gift tip for 2010Stylish new candle brand Boujies is causing a stir on the high street.Read on to fi nd out whyWho or what are they?Boujies London is a new boutique scentedcandle brand that began life trading atLondon's world famous old Spitalfi elds marketand subsequently launched to trade in May2010.What do they offer?Boujies offers a range of 'scrumptiouslyscented' soy candles, which are hand pouredin England, using 100% environmentally friendlysoy wax, hand blended with essential oilsand IFRA certifi ed fragrances. All packagedinto strikingly colourful and design-led metalcontainers, with metallic labels and embosseddetailing. At present the range consists of tenscrumptious scents.Why are they tipped as a hot new line?Boujies hit the headlines when they launchedto trade in May of this year. They haveattracted an impressive amount of mediaattention, including being featured on theBBC for product innovation. They have alsoproved popular with a growing number ofcelebrities such as Paloma Faith and EsmeeDenters (see photos on their website), and alarge number of design conscious consumershave been quick to follow suit. This rapidlygrowing popularity,combined with the factthey are still new andrelatively hard to gethold of, provides a ratherattractive combination forastute retailers.What people love about them• New British brand withall products hand-poured inEngland• Striking and highly giftable design• Environmentally friendly (made of100% eco-friendly soy wax)• Do not contain paraffi n or petroleum• Scrumptious scents developed by a masterperfumer• Made with essential oils• Generous 300g tin• Min 35 hour burn time• Great value £9.99 RRPWhere are they currently stocked?Boujies are still relatively new, but growingrapidly. They are currently stocked in a numberof leading and award winning independentgift shops around the UK, as well as a smallnumber of select department stores.How much are they?RRP of just £9.99 / £10, which is a fantasticprice point for the growing number of highlyvalue- conscious consumers. Trade price is£4.25 / Unit.How to become a stockist?Contact Keith at Boujies via hello@boujies.com / 01483 282 918 / 07973 545 052Visit www.boujies.com or visit them at stand3K08 at Autumn Fair 2010. gNEWPRODUCTREADER OFFERAny new stockists quoting 'Gift Focus'magazine on orders made before 1 st Oct2010, will receive free delivery on the fi rstorder. (Mainland UK only. Offer subjectto terms and conditions. Boujies is aregistered trade mark of Boujies Limited).Boujies London lovingly hand-pour arange of seriously scrumptious scentedcandles made with 100% soy and a wholelot of love.Further information:Head Offi ce: +44 (0)1483 282 918Sales: +44 (0)7973 545 052www.boujies.comgiftfocus 115

teensteen teasersKeeping up with the teen market means keeping bang upto date with latest trends. We take at look at some hotnew lines with teen appealThink PinkFickle teens can be a hard market to crack.Today’s must-have buy can be tomorrow’sbargain bucket special. Fashion and latestcrazes are strong influences but design is alsokey with today’s style-savvy youngsters. Withinstant access to a global marketplace, they’relooking for that extra something special tostand out from the crowd.“I think teenagers’ spending habits areconstantly changing and while fast fashion andmass consumption is still a popular trend, Ithink there has been a higher demand fromteens seeking individual and unique itemsthat perhaps hit a higher price range,” saysJerry O’Sullivan of Lazy Oaf. “Our teenagecustomers seem to be willing to spend a littlebit more on our designs because of theirunique style and higher quality.”Lazy Oaf ’s latest collection has been designedexclusively for the Tate Modern. The collectionincludes T-shirts and accessories.Key piecesinclude a pencil tote bag with colouredstraps and a T-shirt and notebook featuringa handy artist’s pocket of tools. There isalso a stationery brooch set and pendantscomplemented by a colourful badge pack.Email jerry@lazyoaf.com or visit thewebsite www.lazyoaf.com for further details.Girls gift specialist Think Pink has a host ofproducts to appeal to young teens with a loveof all things girlie. All products are designedexclusively by the in-house team to stand outon the shelves.The brand new Fairy Cupcake collection ison-trend and includes trinket boxes, lip glosses,cupcake-shaped mini notebooks, bookends,moneyboxes and much more.There is also an extensive range of fairylights in the Think Pink collection with eightstyles including hot pink feather lights, feltbutterfly lights and lots of different styles andcolour choices.Telephone +44 (0)1253 831 512 or visitwww.thinkpinkblue2.com to find out more.Lazy OafLazy OafDanukThe Keep Calm and Carry On slogan hascaptured a whole new generation of fans.Teenagers are loving the nostalgic, retro appealof the product range from Danuk InnovativeGifts. With T-shirts, wristbands, button badgesand mugs available there’s plenty for all ages.Telephone +44 (0)8448 731 812 or visit thewebsite www.danuk.co.uk for details.giftfocus 117

teen teasersPuckatorXystosJoe DaviesFor car-crazy teenagers the new Car Masutrarange of male toiletries should be right uptheir street. The Custom Car Masutra, SportsCar Masutra and Classic Car Masutra toiletriesrange, provide great products, great smells witha bit of fun thrown in.Made from high quality ingredients andmanufactured in the UK, one of each productrange has been put together for the awardwinning Body Repair Kit.Visit the website www.carmasutra.com orcall +44 (0)1359 239 907 to find out more.Teenage gifts form an important part of JoeDavies’ gift selection. The company is noticingincreasing sales of its gifts targeted for 13 to 16year olds.Popular items in the company’s newcollection include Hip Jean jewellery hangers,which are right on trend for teenage girls.Glamour Puss purses proved a big seller at therecent Harrogate Home & Gift show and thecompany’s Girly Chic range of colourful pensand keyrings make great presents for womenof all ages.For more details contact Joe Davies on+44 (0)1619 756 300 or emailsales@joedavies.co.ukThe new Janie phone/gadget holder frombedcrumb features La la la Lady illustration onthe front with vintage fabric print on the back.The multi purpose holder is made from 100%cotton, fully lined with black cotton and fastenswith black elastic loop and new or vintagebutton. It comes complete with the company’strademark love letter keyring.For further information telephone+ 44 (0)7810 187 327 or emailheidi@bedcrumb.co.uk.The teen market is notoriously hard to buy forbut Puckator comes to the rescue with rangesof jewellery, accessories, bags and scarves.Products include Kimono Doll tweezers andnail files and brand new Butterfly mood rings.To view more visit the websitewww.puckator.co.uk.Xystos has developed a movie/TV themefor its hot range Street Machines, which lookset to earn some of the world’s best-knownfilms and programmes some new young fans.Pictured is v’A’n Hannibal and other titles inthe range include Gotham Cruiser, StripedTomato, Ecto Buster, Duke of the Road andTime After Time.Telephone +44 (0)1914 991 570 or visitwww.xystostrade.co.uk to find out more. gbedcrumbCar Masutra118 giftfocus

T:W:E:+44 (0)1359 239 907www.carmasutra.comtrade@carmasutra.comFree promotionalgive-away, ecofriendly carrierbags with ordersMary’s unique brand of humour and gloriousway with words has produced The Car Masutrarange of male toiletries withSO MUCH MORE yet to come!Original Amazon best seller book“The Car Masutra” available at huge discountfor promotion with product line.Mind, Body& SoulUnder£10.00Car Masutra Limited, 37 High Street, Ixworth, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP31 2HJRegistered Offi ce: Car Masutra Ltd No 6933749 Eldo House, Kempson Way, SuffolkBusiness Park, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP32 7AR VAT Registration No. 997 3375 70“CAR MASUTRA... for the man who loves his car” is an International Registered Trade Mark.

choosing a websitedesign companyIn the final instalment of his series, expert David Mackley sums up the essentialthings to know before choosing a website company so you get it right first timeAre you looking to start a new website orrefresh your online offering in 2010? If sothe most common questions are - “How doI select the right website design company?”and “Where do I start?” There are so manywebsite design companies to choose from,but how do you know if they are right todevelop your website, particularly if youare going to sell online. I have seen retailersspend many thousands of pounds on belowstandard websites that will always struggle toproduce a payback on the time and moneyput in.In the first part of this series we looked athow to find a good team, the main roles being-web designer (the arty one), web developer(the engineer) and marketer (the one whopresents the messages to your market). In thesecond installment the discussion centred onthe importance of finding the right shoppingengine. This is the backbone for your wholewebsite. Whatever you do don’t let them buildone for you! It can take years to get rightand why re-invent the wheel when there arealready some great ones already out there?In the third part we looked at somepotential pitfalls like inexperience ineCommerce and copyright.In this final part of the series we look ata set of important questions to ask yourpotential web designers that may uncoversome things you really should know beforeyou sign up with them.How will my customers find products andhow does it compare to some of the leadingretail websites?120 giftfocusPart 4Users are highly goal-driven on the web. Theyvisit sites because there’s something theywant to accomplish, hopefully that includesbuying your product! A website has to makeit easy for users to achieve their goal. Soin eCommerce, simple clear navigation isessential. What will the navigation be likefor your new website? The renowned JakobNielson’s law of the Web User Experiencestates that: “Users spend most of their time onother websites.” I would recommend lookingat the most popular sites like John Lewis, M&Sand other major websites to see how theirnavigation works, you may not have as manydepartments, but stick with something similarin terms of positioning and functionality andyou won’t go far wrong. In 2009 most of themajor sites changed their sites to ‘Refine By’navigation; it is so powerful, quick and easyto use. Look at John Lewis for an example.I suggest looking at women’s jewellery andsee how they use the left menu to help usersquickly refine the search. I will write moreabout this quiet revolution in online shoppingin a future article.“A website has to make it easyfor users to achieve their goal.So in eCommerce, simple clearnavigation is essential.”Do I have to ask you to make changes to mywebsite pages? If not how do I make changesmyself?You will no doubt want to change your imagesand words on your pages at some point, howwill you do this? Can you do it yourself? Ifnot you could be faced with costly web designbills each time you want to make a change.So it is worth checking what is possible, andpreferably getting a demo to make sure it iseasy enough for you to do.How do I update my products?This part has to be easy because you will wantto keep your products up to date. Wherewebsites are clunky and time consuming toupdate, retailers find other things to do withtheir time and the website gets out of date.Some worthwhile questions here are:• How do I upload new products? Is it easyto do (you will be doing this quite a lotso hopefully it will be)? Worth getting ademonstration.• Is there a limit on the number of products Ican upload?• Can I offer related items? For example, canyou link a set of items together on the samepage so that your customers can buy themat the same time?• How do I manage and control stock? Isthere any automation?Will my website be continually improved andupdated or should I budget to upgrade at alater date?eCommerce is in a constant state of change.If your website is not being improved it willgo out of date possibly prematurely. Worthfinding out what you are actually buying. Is itgoing to be updated? Will there be additionalcosts? Worth checking what the web companyhas changed in the last 12 months to keeptheir websites up to date. If your website isn’tmoving forward you can be slipping behind.

etail technologyHow will the website system help me deliver ahigh quality of service?In my experience, independent retailers like todifferentiate on quality of service. This appliesto their shops as well as selling online. If youare not able to offer a quality service you canquickly get a bad reputation which will affectyour online and offline business. Quality isthat important it often makes all the differencefor independents. One of the biggest issues inrunning a quality service online is managingstock. Maybe not when you first start off,but it’s certainly worth considering becausemanaging stock can quickly soak up a lotof your time if you don’t have an efficientprocess. If your website system has stockcontrol built in then this is the best solution.Also worth considering is how you will fulfillyour orders, how will you make it reliable andconsistent and make sure you achieve a goodturnaround for all your orders.“If you are not able to offer aquality service you can quickly geta bad reputation which will affectyour online and offline business.”Can I see examples of how your otherwebsites perform in search engines?All this will come to nothing if you leave yourwebsite in the middle of a field where no onewill see it. Will your website be optimised forsearch engines? Pages should be structuredin such a way that Google can read themquickly. No time here to go into the detail, butit’s worth getting advice from an independentsearch engine optimisation (SEO) professionalif you are not sure. Then you should reallyplan to spend money on marketing. Youalready have a marketing budget – your shopis a lot more expensive than an office, that’sbecause you are buying footfall. You also haveto buy footfall online, the best way is thougha credible SEO service, but it’s always worthlooking at past examples of work.Which internet browsers will you be testingmy website on?Internet Explorer is the most commonbrowser, but millions of people use otherbrowsers and if your website isn’t tested itmay not work well on them. Popular ones areMozilla Firefox, Google Chrome and Safari.Worth checking whether the designers testyour website on these browsers.What additional costs might there be?I have seen people spend many morethousands of pounds on a website than theyhad first intended. Do you know exactlywhat you are buying? It’s a good idea to makesure you have agreed clearly with the webcompany what the end result will be for yourinvestment and if there is likely to be anyadditional charges.(If you missed any of the series visit the GiftFocus website www.giftfocus.com and clickon articles to read previous installments oremail David who will be happy to send themto you.) gDavid Mackley MBA BSc is MD ofIntelligent Retail – providers of MultichannelEPoS and eCommerce websites forindependent retailers. If you have anyquestions you can contact David on 08456800126 or dmackley@intelligentretail.co.ukgiftfocus 121

VATtaxing timesPlans to increase Value Added Tax from 17.5% to 20% in the new year have met withmixed reactions sparking fears that it could threaten the recovery and cause a double-diprecession. Alan Monahan spoke to suppliers and retailers in the gift industryVAT is set torise on the 4 th ofJanuary 2011,but CathieBroster ownerof The ChestnutPavilion inTarporley,Cheshire, refusesto regard it asa black day inthe history ofretailing.“I wouldrather it wasn’t happening, but I haven’t hada nervous breakdown about it,” she says.“I think it will be quickly forgotten in ourmarket.”Her shop sells jewellery, toiletries, candles,cards and gifts for various occasions. Doesshe think the VAT rise will affect so-calledpricing sweet spots?“We’ve never used price points such as £9.99or £19.99 because I don’t think they work.Items go out at a round figure – so a braceletwill be £20 not £19.99 – we have no troublewith that as the penny pays for the bag.”“Our customers know they get really goodvalue for money. Everything is gift wrappedfree of charge. And it’s going to be my policynot to put the VAT rise on the stock I alreadyhold – I will carry that. But I am going tostart increasing the margin in September andgently work it in until Christmas.”Enesco Europe managing director KenJohnson comments: “Although it would bebetter if it didn’t happen, I don’t see it havinga massiveimpact overall –bearing in mindwhat has beenoccurring inChina and Indiamore recently,regarding thesupply chain,increased pricesand higherfreight charges.”He believesthat consumerswill have face to rising prices but advises: “Assuppliers we must make sure that what weoffer is valuefor money.”“Everyone will have to make decisionsabout margins. There is no doubt that £9.99is an important price point, but look on thehigh street now and you see strange pricingfrom a lot of people - I’ve seen £11.43!“After talking to retailers it is clear thatthere is someconfusion as tohow the VATincrease will beapplied. I thinkthat many largeretailers willhold it backuntil after theJanuary sales.”Sue Arnotthas owned theLily Shamblesjewellery shop in The Shambles, York, for thepast nine years. She plans to absorb the VATincrease initially but thinks, inevitably, priceswill have to move up gradually during 2011.She says: “I am not particularly worriedabout the VAT increase. We had our best yearever in 2009. You would probably think at themoment that people wouldn’t buy jewelleryand it would be well down the line from foodand other necessities. But that has not provedso with our shop. If people want somethingthey are going to find a way of getting it.”David Lewiswho, with hisfather Philip,runs home andgift supplierXystos anda clutch ofCollectablesstores in thenorth-east,says: “Thegovernment isgoing to take abigger slice andwe will have to cope with that. As a supplierwe have recommended retail prices – so wewill have to look at the relevant margins andhow we are going to tackle the situation.“As a retailer we follow RRPs and that willprobably put margin pressure on the businessbecause £9.99 is still going to be £9.99. Youhave to decide whether it stays at that orbecomes £10.99 as you are not going to have£10.25!”giftfocus 123

taxing timesIan Sargeant,owner of EADLighting inMiddlesbrough,which alsosells gifts andnovelties,comments:“Once VATgoes up I thinkwe will go intoa double-diprecession.“Businesshas become harder in the last 18 months.The little independent always suffers. Thebig suppliers say, ‘That’s the price and if youdon’t like it, go somewhere else’. They wantto supply the multiples, where the money is.You have to try to find something differentor compete on price and we can’t do thatbecause they have the buying power.”Lindsey Adam,owner ofaward-winningSt Andrewsstore Bonkers,believes thatconsumers willforget about theVAT increase afew weeks afterit is introduced.She says:“I spoke to asupplier todaywho said they were adjusting their pricesso that retailers could have the margin theywanted on products. So if you had somethingto sell for £4.99 they were going to make surethat the cost price came in to meet that.”As for those ‘sweet spots’, Lindsey adds:“You try to keep prices under if you can,but if you can’t, you can’t! As a retailer weneed price inflation in our business becausefor years we had no inflation. That is verydifficult to cope with when all other costs aregoing up. If one doesn’t keep pace with theother you’re stuck.”Michael Sweeney, joint managing directorof Worldwide Co and Natural Products andchairman ofThe GiftwareAssociation,comments: “Asa supplier weare going to beslightly hit byretailers wantingto maintainprice pointsand, of course,they will wantus to absorb theextra 2.5% VAT,so it will have an impact on our selling prices.“I do see it as a double whammy. There willbe pressure on pricing and consumers willbe a little more reticent as they will not onlyhave in mind the VAT increase but any otherincreases announced by the government.“The VAT rise won’t affect Christmas andthere could even be a slight benefit. But therecould be a very tough climate immediatelyafterwards and into 2011.“However, there are bright spots and weare lucky that, by and large, we are in anoccasions-driven industry. And as life isbecoming harder for retailers there is a littleless upward pressure on rents, so perhapsthere will be a little bit of a saving to offset theupward move in VAT and the fiscal tighteningthat the government is also putting in placein general.”Brian Wiseman,owner ofPresentCompany inBurgess Hill,West Sussex,comments:“The importantthing is thatwe have beengiven plentyof warningthat the VATrise is coming– and that is perhaps the best thing a newChancellor could have done for business,rather than imposing it at midnight thatnight. Because of that I’m guessing that it’sgoing to be pretty much a non-event whenthe time comes next January.“Retailers are going to put increases on nowso they can swallow the VAT later: importersare going to be increasing prices.”Is there the possibility of a double-diprecession?“Yes, there is a real fear that the worst is yetto come. And I guess there has also been afeeling that the home and gift trade has beenspared the worst of the economic downturn.Now job insecurity has been introduced tothe agenda I think people have reason tobe a little fearful about what the short andmedium term will bring.”And what of the festive season?“I don’t think we are going to have a reallygood Christmas. Some buyers are going tostop buying and that is the worst thing theycan possibly do – the smart buyers are goingto be working from cash flows very carefullyand ensuring that they have different productsin their shops this Christmas, which is whatmakes attending gift fairs more importantthan ever.” g124 giftfocus

usiness linksafety in the workplaceMaking sure you’re up to date with health and safety regulations is very important, even fora small business. Business Link advisor Tony Barritt tells us what you need to considerWhen you run yourown business thereis so much to dothat keeping up withall the rules andregulations on issueslike health and safetycan slip down yourto-do list. However,your business haslegal responsibilities to ensure the health andsafety of your employees and other peopleaffected by your business’ activities, such ascustomers and suppliers.Implementing health and safety measuresdoesn’t have to be expensive, time-consumingor complicated. In fact, poor health and safetycan lead to illness and accidents and significantcosts for your business, so effective healthand safety practices pay for themselves. Theyalso improve your reputation with customers,regulators and your own employees.Who has responsibility?Within any business everyone has healthand safety duties – from the business owneror director through to supervisors andemployees. The law requires you to appointsomeone who is competent to meet yourhealth and safety needs – this doesn’t haveto be the business owner; it can be a partner,manager, employee or even someone fromoutside the business. The person with overallresponsibility for the health and safety policyand risk assessment must make sure thateveryone else is aware of the policy and theirresponsibilities.Inspectors from your local authorityenforce health and safety in shops, offices,hotels, catering and leisure industries, visitingworkplaces to check that people are stickingto the rules. They investigate some accidentsand complaints but mainly they help you tounderstand what you need to do: they enforceonly when something is seriously wrong.Health and safety policy and risk assessmentAs an employer, you must assess and managehealth and safety risks, even if your businessis very small or you are just a one-personoperation. Accidents and ill health can notonly ruin lives but they can also damage yourbusiness. If you or an employee are out ofaction due to an accident, for example, thenyour profits will be affected if you have to takeon someone else to cover a period of sickleave. This could have serious implications forthe future of your business.If you have more than five employees youare legally obliged to have a written health andsafety policy. Even if you have fewer than fiveemployees it is still good to write a policy as itwill help you identify any hazards and the stepsneeded to avoid them, as well as making yourstaff aware of heath and safety issues.Your health and safety policy should explainwho you are, how your business is organisedand run and who does what. It should then saywhat standards you aim to achieve and howyou will do this. You should also show how youwill check that you are meeting the standardsand record what you are doing. You candownload an example of a health and safetypolicy from the HSE website www.hse.gov.uk.In order to identify activities or situationswhich might be a hazard in your workplaceyou should carry out a risk assessment. This is acareful examination of what could cause harmto people in your business. It is an importanttool in protecting your workers and yourbusiness because it helps you decide whetherthere is a high or low risk that a potentialhazard could cause harm. Most hazards can bereadily controlled by straightforward measures.If, for example, your floor becomes slipperywhen wet you should provide suitable mats tosoak up excess water at your entrance and usesigns in wet weather to make customers awareof the issue.In a small retail business you may thinkthere aren’t many risks because you don’t usemachinery or handle hazardous substances, butareas you should look at include:• Working at a height – when you arechanging lights, changing your windowdisplay or cleaning high up• Lifting – moving things to and from yourstock room• Workplace transport – deliveries, vehicles,access to your premises• Electrical equipment – for examplecomputers, kettles, fans, heaters• Providing and maintaining facilities – toilets,floors, stairs• Fire safety• Preventing slips and trips.When carrying out your risk assessmenttake advice from the people who are directlyaffected such as those working in a particulararea or on a specific task. Often you will findthat as well as offering good advice on healthand safety they will also have some usefulideas about improving efficiency. Health andsafety should benefit your business not harmit, so don’t over complicate it and identify clearactions to remedy any hazards that mightcause accidents.Once you have completed the assessmentit is important to carry out your actions,checking and reviewing that they have beencompleted as you go through the list. If youneed to make a number of improvements, youshould produce an action plan listing the mostimportant things first.The golden rules for your policy are:• Say what you are going to do• Do what you say• Keep a record showing what you have doneand when you have done itgiftfocus 127

usiness linkOf course, even under the best systemsaccidents can still happen but you should beable to show that you have assessed yourbusiness carefully and taken reasonable stepsto ensure that your staff and your customersare not exposed to unnecessary risks.TrainingYou have a duty to ensure that your employeesunderstand and carry out their responsibilitiesregarding the safety rules that you have setup, training them where necessary. You mustdisplay the health and safety law poster orprovide your staff with the same information ina leaflet available from the HSE.When new systems are introduced, or whennew staff join your organisation, it is importantthat suitable training is conducted to ensurethat everyone is up-to-speed with the newrequirements. It is also important that trainingrecords are accurately maintained so that youhave clear evidence that the training has takenplace. In some cases this includes keepingrecords of any tests or assessments that staffhave undertaken.Finally, don’t forget to review your riskassessment regularly, especially if you make anychanges in your workplace, so that it remainsup-to-date and effective. New regulationscome into force from time to time, so youneed to take these into account as well.Recording and reporting accidentsYou are legally responsible for recording andreporting accidents in your business. If anyonedoes have an accident you should record theincident in an accident book (available fromHSE), giving details of what happened, the timeand place and the action taken. You shouldhave a first aid box on your premises, so makesure that this is well-stocked.Under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseasesand Dangerous Occurrences Regulations(RIDDOR) you also have to report workrelatedaccidents which result in an employeebeing off work for more than three days, aswell as diseases and near miss incidents, tothe HSE incident contact centre. Althoughit is unlikely that you will have to do this it isimportant to know how to make a report: fulldetails are on the HSE website.InsuranceHaving the right insurance is essential to makesure that you are covered in the event of aclaim against you. When buying insurancetreat it as you would your own home or carinsurance: always use an authorised insurancecompany and check around for the best coverand price. You should have:• Employers Liability Compulsory Insurance:this insurance is essential if you have anyemployees as it provides cover if a memberof staff makes a claim against you because ofan accident or if they think that theirwork has caused them ill health. It is onlyfor employees and the minimum cover is £5million. In certain circumstances you may beexempt: for example if you are a sole traderor only have close family members workingfor you. You can find out if you need thisinsurance by checking the HSE website.• Public Indemnity Insurance: this coversyou if a member of the public makes a claimagainst you as a result of an accident onyour premises.• Buildings Insurance.• Motor insurance – if your business involvesthe use of a vehicle.More informationPutting health and safety into action in yourbusiness is important, not just because youhave a legal obligation, but also because it isvital to look after yourself when your livelihooddepends on your ability to continue working.It is equally important to protect the safety ofyour employees and your customers to avoidany claims against you.Use this simple checklist to make sure thatyou’ve covered everything:• If your business is very new or you have just“Don’t forget to review yourrisk assessment regularly,especially if you make anychanges in your workplace, sothat it remains up-to-date andeffective. New regulations comeinto force from time to time,so you need to take these intoaccount as well.”started up check whether you need toregister with the local authority or HSE• Take out Employer’s Liability CompulsoryInsurance• Appoint a competent person• Write your health and safety policy• Assess the risks• Provide basic welfare facilities• Provide free health and safety training andsupervision• Consult your workers• Display the health and safety law poster• Understand the RIDDOR reportingprocedures• Keep up-to-dateBy using the free advice available from theHSE and Business Link, as well as your own andyour employees’ knowledge of your business,you can easily write a health and safety policyand take the steps needed to make sure yourbusiness is a safe place to work and visit. gFurther informationTo get the latest on health and safety issuesand sign up for free and up-to-date emailbulletins visit www.hse.gov.uk or phonethe HSE infoline +44 (0)845 345 0055. Forfurther information and advice on healthand safety in small businesses visitwww.businesslink.gov.uk or phone+44 (0)845 600 9006.128 giftfocus

Our main product categories are gift packaging and product packaging,including products such as; gift bags, gift boxes, packaging boxes, gift wrap,ribbon & bows, fabric hanks, stationery, greeting cards, tags, stickersplus many more.Specialising in Far East sourcing for over a decade andsupplying some of the worlds leading brand names.We have long term established relationships with our Asiancounterparts and you can rely on us for all your offshore sourcing needs.We take the hassle out of product procurement leaving youto do what you do best, design beautiful products.Supplying products to customers in NZ, Australia, U.S.A and U.K.creating customers own designs and also offering off the shelf products.Contact: Carol or Jeremy HalliganCarol.Halligan@sixpence.co.nz or Jeremy@sixpence.co.nzPh: 64 9 4789210 Fax: 64 9 4789215Sixpence Worldwide Agencies1/12 Ridge Road, Waiake, North Shore, Auckland, New Zealand 0630Award Winning New Baby Gift RangeBeautiful Baby Clothes BouquetsNEW 2010 range now availableNo Minimum Order - On-line Orderingcontact usfor a freesamplewww.thefl owerstork.comemail: wholesale@thefl owerstork.comtel: 01495 303030

q&a specialall the answersOur experts tackle your retail-related queriesNeil McFarlane, sales and marketing director, ofT H March & Co Limited. T H March is a wellestablishedfamily business founded in 1887,with offices in London, Birmingham, Manchester,Glasgow, Sevenoaks and Yelverton, near Plymouth.The company has departments coveringhousehold, motor, life and income protection,travel, commercial and scheme insurance.Alan Springall’s work has always involved displayand exhibitions, from 13 years in Selfridges’ displaydepartment to lecturing at colleges and runninga consultancy with his partner. Areas of expertiseinclude design, construction, prop making,merchandise handling, and exhibitions.Chris Earle is the operations director for businesstelecommunications provider Unicom, whichsupplies more than 80,000 UK businesses withtelecom, broadband and website services. Asoperations director, Chris oversees Unicom’scustomer service, IT, compliance and trainingand development teams. Working with his seniormanagement team, he ensures Unicom deliversoutstanding customer service, develops newproducts which appeal to businesses and ensuresthe company consistently develops its staff. Formore information visit the website at www.switchingon.com.If you have a question about any aspect of the gift retail industry, simply writeto: Q&A special, Gift Focus Magazine, Broseley House, Newlands Drive, Witham,Essex, CM8 2UL. Alternatively, send your queries to editor@giftfocus.com.vulnerable goodsTarget stock – what does this mean?Neil McFarlane says: To ensure that you have adequateinsurance cover in place it is essential that you declare anytarget stock you may hold; target stock can include, but isnot limited to:• Jewellery, watches and precious metals• Compact discs• Electrical goods including computers• Furs and clothing• Cigarettes and alcoholNot all insurers have the same stock type as target, so, if indoubt, ask your insurance advisor or insurer. Should you notdisclose such stock, this may lead to a claim not being met.evaluating phone costsWhat costs do I need to be aware of whenpurchasing telecoms services?QAQChris Earle says: Small companies do not have the sameApurchasing power as larger organisations and so need tocarefully research the options available to them to ensurethey receive a service which suits their needs.Be careful when evaluating prices. Ask for all the termsand conditions and read them carefully so you understandall charges. Know how much call connection charges are,which are the charges made by the telecoms firm for eachcall, in addition to the pence per minute rate. As most callsare short in duration (less than one minute) any connectioncharge (sometimes called ‘call setup fee’) will significantlyinflate your costs.It’s also important to find out whether you will becharged per minute billing or per second billing. Per minutebilling means all calls will be rounded up to the nearestminute. This will significantly increase all costs, in somecases by 6,000 per cent (a one second call charged as a 60second call is 6,000 per cent increase).Lastly, check if there are any installation or transfercharges. Most companies can transfer you from your currentsupplier at little or no cost.giftfocus 131

all the answerscover in the USAQNeil McFarlane says: If you distribute productsto the USA because of the strict liability lawsAthere and in Canada, having the correct coverin place is very important. Insurance policiesavailable in this country may restrict cover soas the policy will only respond should a claimbe made against you in a court not operatingunder the jurisdiction of either USA or Canada.Cover can even be further restricted to onlyrespond to claims brought under a courtoperating under UK jurisdiction.Very few insurers are able to offer coverwhich operates under the USA/Canadianjurisdiction and premiums required by insurerswill be high. Check with your current insurer/broker to ensure you have the necessary coverin place.Product liability and the USA – am Icovered?Qco-ordinating coloursAs a regular reader of your answers,I am persuaded that I should changethe colour of my window back andfloor more often in order to show offmy stock. The reason for not doing soup until now is cost and the time andeffort involved. Are there any cheapshort cuts that I can take?AAlan Springall says: Having fresh, co-ordinatedcolours will always make your merchandiseand shop look more attractive. There are asome effective ways that should make the jobsimpler and cheaper.Firstly it’s worth investing in some removablefloor panels cut from 15mm or 18mm thickMDF. If your budget allows cut two sets so thatone can be covered at leisure ready for a swiftchangeover. These are quicker and neater tocover, by wrapping fabric around the back andstapling, rather than fixing the covering directto the existing floor, and if the size is calculatedcarefully, bearing in mind standard fabric widths,less material will be used.As for the background, this could be moredifficult. If you have a solid backed window andwant it covered in one piece, you will almostcertainly need to sew widths of fabric togetherand hide your fixings with ribbon or by ‘blind’stapling. One solution is to paint the existingback wall in a neutral colour and use smallerpanels that can be covered more economicallywhich can be hung in front or fixed to it. Thesecan create an attractive feature if consistentgaps are left around and between them. Thepanels can be made from 12mm MDF andhung from the ceiling by chains and ‘S’ hooks,although they will probably need a couple oflengths of 25mm x 50mm timber fixed to theback to stop them warping. If they can’t behung, they can be fixed to the wall with specialbrackets called ‘flush mounts’ or simply with apiece of 25 x 50 timber sawn along its lengthat an angle. One half of this is fixed to the wallwith the high edge outwards and upwards, theother half is screwed across the width of thepanel with the high edge outwards and facingdown. The panel is then simply dropped ontothe wall timber and locks into position. Like thefloor panels, careful sizing can make the backpanels very economical to wrap with fabricand fix with staples.If a larger budget is available, lightweight,reasonably rigid panels can be obtained.For open-backed windows similar panels canbe hung from the ceiling or supported bydiscrete floor brackets but will need to beneatly finished on the back.As for covering materials, the range isextensive, although the choice is slightly limitedif the covering has to be fire retardant (FR).FR fabrics usually need to be obtained fromspecialist suppliers. If FR is not a priority andonly small quantities are required then the localmarket stall is a good place to start looking.Coloured bed sheeting is particularly usefulas it is made very wide. Plain coloured PVC ischeap and vibrant but will need another thickfabric or thin wadding underneath it to ensurea smooth finish. Be careful when ordering PVCas the plain colour high gloss type is produced‘kiss laminated’. This means that the gloss sidesare pressed very firmly together on the rolland need to be separated before use. It alsomeans that if you order 5m it will be suppliedas two lengths 2.5m long pressed together.For large quantities there are many specialistdisplay fabric suppliers. Whatever your choicecan I insist that you avoid the temptation touse crepe paper no matter how attractive thecost might be.telecoms customer serviceHow do you know if a telecomscompany provides a good level ofcustomer service?QChris Earle says: The telecoms industryis based on communication so firstly it’sAimportant to ensure clear communicationchannels are available for you to keep incontact with your telecoms provider.Before opting for a certain telecomsprovider, find out if they use automated menusand off shore call centres. When running abusiness you need to be able to pick up thephone and speak to a real person when youhave problems. Many telecoms firms use offshore call centres so check where call centresare based.It’s also good to check if the company hasbeen independently assessed for nationallyrecognised standards such as CustomerService Excellence, ISO 9001 and Investors inPeople. Look on potential company’s websitesto find out what accreditations and standardsthey hold.Many companies now provide a dedicatedpoint of contact within their company for youto go to with any problems or questions. Askwho will be responsible for your company’saccount and get their full contact details. g132 giftfocus

licensed tolicensed rangesthrillThe world of licensing is big business – a meltingpot of innovative designs, artwork, familiar namesand latest hot properties all served up as standout new products. We take a look at what’s onthe menu todayWild and Wolf is launching Mademoiselle,a new range for Celia Birtwell at AutumnFair International this September. Productsinclude a clasp purse, passport coverand luggage tag set, all with appliquestitching, a compact mirror andmore. The range also featuresa new format for Wildand Wolf, the traveljewellery roll tohold necklaces,earrings and rings.Visit the websitewww.wildandwolf.comor call +44 (0)1225 789 909.“Licensed gifts are as in-demand as ever,” says Sarah Blackwell,marketing manager for That Company Called IF. “The brandswhich appeal most to our customers tend to have a bookishtheme. We endeavour to select licences which will complementour existing ranges and fit naturally within our retail markets.Key licensed ranges from ‘IF’ for autumn/winter 2010 are EdwardMonkton, Roald Dahl and a film tie-in with Toy Story 3. We haveworked with Disney on a number of ranges in the past which havebeen popular, including Classic Pooh and High School Musical.”For more information on ‘IF’ licensed product ranges visit thewebsite www.thatcompanycalledif.com.Jelly Belly, the Original Gourmet Jelly Bean range from Wax Lyricalhas some great new additions with products now available in gift andaccessories sets. New to the range from September are fun mini candles,which can be used together with a branded accessories tray to blendfragrances and create your own fruity sensation. There are also newsweet-shop style candle jars and reed diffusers in favourite Jelly Bellyflavours. Additions to the original candle tins feature new fragrances,strawberry cheesecake and liquorice.Call +44 (0)1229 461 100 or visit the website www.wax-lyrical.co.ukfor details.The 1920s range from Berkeley Square Cosmetics combines fragranceand nourishing formulations to create a body care range as glamorousand elegant as the era it was named after. Each product features originalartwork from 1920’s artists, illustrations that capture the essence ofthe period and make the products look stylish and sophisticated. Theimages were originally featured in the world’s first illustrated magazine– The Illustrated London News and are original pieces of artwork, someof which have not been published since the 1920s. There is a differentillustration for each fragrance.New to the range are luxury travel sets containing body lotion, bathand shower cream, shampoo and soap in full travel sizes.Call +44 (0)1923 213 313 or visit www.bsquare.co.uk for details.giftfocus 137

licensed to thrillMonopoly is probably one of the world’s best-loved board games, and hasdeveloped into a universal phenomenon loved by all ages. With its iconic andnostalgic imagery, it’s still as popular today as it was when it first hit the highstreet back in 1933. Creative Tops has created some great gift ideas inspired bythe family favourite, including four fine china mugs complete with swing tags,a Monopoly tin gift set with mug, coaster and tin, a Monopoly money and jailtime-for-tea gift set plus a handy lap tray.Telephone +44 (0)8450 346 660 or visit the website www.creative-tops.comto find out more.Kico Products offers around700 licensed designs acrossits product range, whichincludes lap traysmanufacturedin the UK. Thecompany has atwo-year licence agreementwith D.C. Thomson & Co Ltd.“D.C. Thomson provides us with a great rangeof images to work with which represent therich history of comics such as The Beano and The Dandy. We have used artfrom covers and stories which work perfectly on trays and create really eyecatching designs. Next year is the 60 th anniversary of Dennis the Menace’s firstappearance which should create extra demand,” comments Steven Burke ofKico Products.The company plans to extend its Beano and Dandy product range in the newyear.Telephone +44 (0)1274 921 338 or email steven@customtrays.co.uk to findout more.Dowman Soft Touch is launching a new range of plushbased on innovative pre-school brand Hari’s World.Hari’s World started life as a series of books featuringHari the bumbling young elephant and a supporting cast ofloveable characters. The books incorporate a subtle safetymessage that teaches children how to avoid accidentalinjury. Initially, Dowman Soft Touch will be producingsix plush items in an array of sizes based on Hari and acollection of characters that feature in the first three books- Moe the Mouse, Max the Dog, Sting the Wasp, Pinch theCrab and Peck the Seagull. The products are set to go onsale through gift shops, department stores and other retailoutlets this autumn. Hand puppets are also being developedand a range of finger puppets is in the planning phase.Email sales@dowman.com or call +44 (0)1487 840 124for more details.Continuing on the successof J.J. Vaillant Ltd’s handpainted Betty Boop collection,the company is introducingits first glass sculpture intothe range. Standing just fiveinches high, the figurine is inthe beloved character's everpopular leg up pose.Visit www.jjvaillant.com orcall +44 (0)1213 800 720.Frances Collectables is one of the UK’s leading suppliersof resin figurines designed and sculpted by acclaimed artistPeter Mook.The company’s licensed collections include Betty Boop, MrBean and other familiar faces. Three new additions to theirDisney collection are now in, including Mickey and Minniegetting married.Visit the website www.frances-giftware.com or call+44 (0)1702 544 546 for further information. g138 giftfocus

FrancesCollectablesSpecialising in Betty Boop, Disney Range, The Muppets,Winnie The Pooh, Warner Bros, Whimsical Figures and Mr. Bean.We are not exhibiting at NEC Autumn FairFrances Collectables LtdT: 01702 544546 F: 05600 498490E: francesgiftware@btconnect.comwww.frances-giftware.comMagees Nurseries, Windsor Gardens, Hawkwell, Essex SS5 4LH

If you’ve enjoyed reading Gift Focusmagazine, why not log onto our websiteat www.giftfocus.com? Containingup-to-the-minute news, events andspecial offers, the site is updatedregularly with information to help youadvance your business.Find a SupplierThe latest feature on www.giftfocus.com,the supplier directory, allows you tocontact advertisers in the magazine formore information about their productsor services. Simple to use and availableworld-wide 24 hours a day, the supplierdirectory is a reader reply service for the21 st century.PREVIOUSISSUES AVAILABLETO DOWNLOADNOW!• Back Issues ArchiveIf you’re looking for information on aparticular giftware sector or show, takea look at our back issues archive. Allback issues will be sent out post-free.Special Features• Featured ArticlesRead our regularly updated spotlightedfeatures whenever you wish, coveringlegal issues, intellectual property advice,the latest EPoS information, tips fromthe Giftware Association and much,much more.www.giftfocus.com• Media PackDownload our comprehensive on-linemedia pack for a 2010 features list,advertising rates and specifications.140 giftfocus140 giftfocus

Tel/Fax: 020 8339 3731info@21stcenturysilver.co.ukwww.21stcenturysilver.co.uk21st Century Silver,PO Box 328, Esher,Surrey, KT10 8YR

next issue...CollectablesSpotlight on achanging marketJanuary show previews• Top Drawer• Giving and Living• Christmas & GiftHandmadeFocus on artisan rangesFair trade specialTipping the balance with ethical productsEnescoNew Overseas TradersIssue 62November/December 2010Available from 1 st November 2010AdvertisingDeadline: 15 th October 2010Plus• Valentine's Day• Industry news• New productsJo for GirlsChildren’s jewelleryMust-have lines for little ones142 giftfocus

Subscribe to Gift FocusFill in the form below to receive a regular copyof your favourite magazine.Gift Focus magazine, the leading trade title for the giftware industry, isavailable free of charge to qualifi ed registered readers. Published six timesa year, Gift Focus contains news on industry trends, new products andall gift trade events. Simply fi ll in the form below and post to Gift Focusmagazine, c/o KD Media Publishing Ltd, Broseley House, Newlands Drive,Witham, Essex CM8 2UL. Alternatively, photocopy the form and send afax to 01376 514 555 or register online at www.giftfocus.com.Do you work within the giftware industry?YesNameJob titleCompany nameAddressTelephoneEmail addressNoPostcodeFacsimilePlease tick one or more of the boxes below whichbest describe your businessIndependent Gift Shop ImporterGift Shop MultipleMail OrderGarden CentreAgent/RepDepartment StoreManufacturerWholesaler/Cash & Carry Museum/Heritage OutletOther (Please specify)Number of Employees1-5 6-15 16-30 31-5051-100 101-300 301-1000 1001 +Annual Turnover£0-£25000 £25,001 - £50,000£50,001 - £100,000 £100,001 - £250,000£250,001 - £1,000,000 £1,000,001 - £5,000,000£5,000,001 - £10,000,000 £10,000,001 - £50,000,000£50,000,001 +Do you wish to receive a free copy of Gift Focus Magazine?YesNoSignatureDateSend the completed form to Gift Focus Magazine,Broseley House, Newlands Drive, Witham, Essex CM8 2UL.Alternatively, register online at www.giftfocus.com.

product showcaseWe reveal some of this season’s hottest giftsChristmas glitter from Clere ConceptsA new collection ofkeyring pens fromClere Concepts. Torun alongside thevery popular existingPiccolo ranges ofpens and torches –the Piccolo glitterkeyring pens comein six sparkly colours,prefect for Christmas sales. Clere Concepts has many new gift ideasand stocking fillers so come along and see us at Autumn Fair 2010 –Hall 4, Stand B9For more information call 01635 297911, fax 01635 299237 emailinfo@clereconcepts.co.uk or visit www.clereconcepts.co.ukMademoiselleLaunching this autumn is Wild and Wolf’s “Mademoiselle” collectionin collaboration with Celia Birtwell.A collection of chic travel accessories for the fashionable girlabout the world, based on the travels of Mademoiselle and her littledog Beau. Featuring stitched stars and appliquéd cameo of beautifulillustrations drawn by Celia herself, this wonderful range includesclasp purse, passport holder and luggage tag set, hip fl ask, zip purse,compact mirror and jewellery roll.To see the full collection, visitus at Autumn Fair Stand U2, Hall3 and Top Drawer Autumn, StandE51. For more information call01225 789 909, email sales@wildandwolf.com or visitwww.wildandwolf.comEnvirosax new coloursUpdated for Autumn; Envirosax bestselling messenger bag styleSling Sax returns in two new colours. Made from certified EnvirosaxRPet fabric and featuring an adjustable strap and innovative Minisax version give your customers something pretty and unique for agreen Christmas option. Wholesale cost of £3.80 for the Sling Saxshape and orders over£250 are carriage paidto mainland UK. Findout more at AutumnFair, Hall 4 C63 and TopDrawer Stand D104.Email uk@envirosax.com or call 0800 1357906.Stacks of potentialStack Ring Co is expanding globally thanks to new accounts securedwith department stores in Australia and the US. The brand allowsretailers and consumers to be creative with an extensive range ofdifferent stack combinations.We will be exhibiting at IJL Stand F28 and Autumn Fair Hall 4 L30/M31. Please contact us on 01823 698 898 or visit the websitewww.silver-willow.comBertie Girl handmade bags and accessoriesThese cute little reversible knot bags are just one of Bertie Girl’saward winning quirky new products. Handmade in Scotland fromiconic Harris tweed, Bertie Girl has been wowing customers thelength and breadth of the country with her feminine creations.Beautifully made, visually stunning pieces are adorned with bows andflower pins in new, brightand traditional tweeds. Visither at Scotland’s Trade Fair19 th and 20 th of Septemberat the SECC Glasgow onStand J6.For more details contactbertie@bertiegirl.co.uk,tel 0776 985 7780 or visitwww.bertiegirl.co.ukProduct showcasesAvailable in every issue of Gift Focus magazine.They are an ideal and cost effective way topromote new products to over 7,438 gift shopowners and operators.To fi nd out more contact Sharon Connelly on01376 536 607 or email sharonc@giftfocus.comAverage NetCirculation: 7,438(01/07/08 to 30/06/09)

Dinner party napkin gamesAnother new napkin game from Black Ginger, The Chain Quiz hasjust been launched to add to the Treasure Hunt, Quiz, Spot theDifference, Memory Game & lots more.Great Party Games for lots of people for the price of a packetof paper napkins - just £1.40at cost. Free shop display boxavailable with eight differentgames.Visit us at Autumn Fair 2010,Hall 3 Stand K1. Contact uson tel 0118 940 3731, fax0118 940 1448, email info@blackginger.co.uk or go towww.blackginger.co.ukBig bloomersNew for autumn Australian market leader in reusable bags Envirosaxpresents a collection of over sized floral blooms on warm spicetones and exotic prints.Compact, colourful anddurable these bags make theperfect till-point item and acustomer favourite. Withwholesale prices starting at£1.25 and orders over £250carriage paid visit their standat Autumn Fair, Hall 4 C63and Top Drawer Stand D104.Email uk@envirosax.com orcall 0800 135 7906.Blue Poppy ArtJust one of three new dogs – Ozzie the hopeful Lurcher - sculptedby Harriet Dunn which will be introduced with ten other newsculptures joining the Frith collection,These include three new figurative models by talented artistJonathan Saunders and three more wonderful ‘shaggy’ animalsculptures by Veronica Ballan. Visit their stand to see these bestselling sculptures.Autumn Fair Hall 4 Stand A08, contact David Wilkinson at BluePoppy Art Limited,tel 01793 759000,fax 01793 759012or email sales@bluepoppyart.co.ukScrabbleScrabble was invented by New Yorker Alfred Butts in 1931, whowanted to explore his passion for games and words in the depths ofthe American depression of the 1930s. Since then, 100 million gameshave been sold in over 100 countries around the world, making itthe world’s bestselling word game. Wild and Wolf have designed arange of individual letter mugs and 26 gorgeously comfy cushionswith more fabulous inspiredproducts being launched for SS11.To see the full collection, visitus at Autumn Fair Stand U2, Hall3 and Top Drawer Autumn, StandE51. For more information call01225 789 909, email sales@wildandwolf.com or visitwww.wildandwolf.comNew fantastic flying funZyphoon Nano Launcher, this hand held compact launcher has greatflight performance! Soft flexible airfoil rings launch up to 55 feet!Also new are the Popshotz, simply squeeze the Popshotz handle forair-power blast! 3 in 1 air blaster fun, blast balls, rockets and dartsover 30 feet!! How about the new Zooperball which zings up to200 feet on its high performance flights? Great for the garden, parkand the beach.See us at AutumnFair, Hall 5 Stand C60/D63 or visit www.wind-designs.com,email sales@winddesigns.com,tel +44(0)844 257 1180.Fashion reading glasses from Clere VisionClere Vision introducesfive new collections offashion readers - modernshapes, reliable designsand wearable colours.Most Clere Vision rangescome with spring hingesfor durability and comfort.Our stand at AutumnFair will have morechoice than ever before. See the current best sellers, the reliable oldfavourites and the hot new must haves at Autumn Fair 2010 – Hall4, Stand B9.For more information call 01635 297911, fax 01635 299237 emailinfo@clerevision.co.uk or visit www.clerevision.co.uk

seeds ofsuccessSally Morris is sowing the seeds for success with her newbusiness, big tree little tree. Read on to fi nd out moreSally Morris is an entrepreneur with a growingbusiness – quite literally.She produces a range of products withseeded attachments that when planted cangrow into vegetables, fruit, fl owers and herbs.Her company big tree little tree offers apro-active way to send greetings and giftsto friends and family, while at the same timehelping to promote local biodiversity andencouraging people to think green and growtheir own.There are fi ve different ranges of seededstationery including recipe cards, grow mefl ower cards, bookmarks, gift tags and a specialcollection of vintage seeded fl ower cards.The company is committed to the principleof being as eco-friendly as possible and theproducts, wherever possible, are made fromrecycled material all sourced within theUK. The seeded embellishments are 100%biodegradable – ans so is the glue used.Sally, a graphic design graduate, decided totake the plunge and set up on her own afterworking in a variety of different jobs and ayear off travelling. The fi nal push came whenshe was made redundant.“I am a great believer in the saying ‘necessitybreeds invention’. I knew whatever I did hadto be both responsible and ecological andmerely by accident I stumbled upon the ideaof seeded paper,” she explains.“I eventually found a botanist that couldproduce my designs on seeded attachmentsthat could carry a variety of seeds includingfruit, vegetables, herb and fl ower seeds. Byengaging people with the novelty of planting aseeded shape, the cards encourage people toeat healthily and get into gardening whileat the same time helping to improve theirlocal biodiversity.”She started big tree little tree with just aset of four seeded and boxed vegetable notecards and tested the market to see if it wasworth proceeding.“We booked a stall at a Christmas marketin Leeds and waited. The fi rst sale was anamazing feeling – to know that somebodywanted something that I had produced gaveme such a high. We had some great feedbackand we did really well so that gave me all Ineeded to continue,” she recalls.Following more successful retail markets sheoffi cially launched her range to the trade atthis year’s Home & Gift, Harrogate, and wasbowled over by the response.“Quite unexpectedly we had the mostamazing response, on the fi rst day, we couldn’twrite orders out quick enough. Although itwas daunting, as a new business we were ableto get into the Intro North section of theexhibition, specifi cally designed for newcomers.I truly believe even if we hadn’t taken anyorders it would still have been a valuableexperience, spending four days around likemindedpeople that are going through thesame experiences you are, was one of thebest things I could have done. I’m defi nitelyvery pleased I took the leap.“There is lots of help out there, it just aquestion of having the time to sift through andfi nd the bits that help you the most. I foundBusiness Link a great resource and certainlyworth talking to when I needed a bit ofimpartial advice,” she adds.As far as the future goes, Sally wants toexpand the range to include various gift itemsand explore different market opportunities.Moving out of her spare bedroom into somededicated studio space is also high on herwish list.“My ethos will still remain strong, and I amcontinuing to look into ways to make myproducts even more eco-friendly. I have alsostarted a sister business that concentrates onbespoke eco-friendly designs for marketingand business needs which I will be launchingsoon,” she continues.Her top tip for other would-beentrepreneurs is not to put off the bits theydon’t like about being in business to onlyconcentrate on the things they do.“The problem with being a sole trader isthat you have to do the bits that you’re notgood at along with the things you are – andfor me that has been the hardest part – and Istill have a very long way to go.“The best advice I can give is just to knuckledown and don’t avoid or put off doing theboring bits, and get your friends and familyinvolved, challenges are much easier to scalewhen you’ve got support near by.” gFurther informationTo fi nd out more visit the websitewww.bigtreelittletree.co.uk or emailsally@bigtreelittletree.co.uk.146 giftfocus146 giftfocus