Home & Gift, Harrogate - Gift Focus magazine

Issue 66 July/August 2011 

www.giftfocus.com 

WIN! 

Fabulous fair trade fashion accessories courtesy 

of Earth Squared 


Home & Gift, Harrogate 

Bumper show preview 

Hearth 

& home 

Finishing touches 

for today’s homes 

BEST IN 

GLASS 

Dazzle customers 

with great glass gifts 

Countdown to 

Christmas 

Stock up for the 

2011 festive season 

TRICK OR 

TREAT 

Halloween showcase 

PLUS 

• Kitchen gadgets 

• Moomin magic 

• Photo frames and albums

July/August 2011 Issue 66 

Managing Editor 

Louise Prance 

+44 (0)1376 535 613 

louisep@kdmediapublishing.com 

Editor 

Sarah Reeve 

+44 (0)1376 535 614 

editor@giftfocus.com 

Assistant Features Editor 

Lauren Dowey 

+44 (0)1376 535 613 

laurend@giftfocus.com 

Sales Manager 

Mark White 

+44 (0)1376 535 606 

markw@giftfocus.com 

Sales Executive 

Sharon Connelly 

+44 (0)1376 535 607 

sharonc@giftfocus.com 

Design Manager 

Sarah Barnes 

Deputy Design Manager 

Sophie Handley 

Graphic Designers 

Laura Perry, Steve Mckea, 

Hayley Kilminster, Brett Skingle, 

Leanne Walsh 

+44 (0)1376 535 616 

artwork@kdmediapublishing.com 

Web Development Manager 

Stuart Weatherley 

Subscriptions 

Alice Henson, Tammy Wright 

+44 (0)1376 514 000 

KD Media Publishing Ltd 

Broseley House, Newlands Drive 

Witham, Essex CM8 2UL UK 


Cover - Heathcote & Ivory 

www.heathcote-ivory.com 

Gift Focus is solely owned, published and 

designed by KD Media Publishing Limited. 

Whilst every effort was made to ensure the 

information in this magazine was correct at the 

time of going to press, the publishers cannot 

accept legal responsibility for any errors or 

omissions, nor can they accept responsibility of 

the standing of advertisers nor by the editorial 

contributions. The views expressed do not 

necessarily refl ect those of the publisher. Gift 

Focus is published six times a year. Subscription 

rates for overseas readers are £75 per annum 

(incl. p+p), Cheques should be made out to 

KD Media Publishing Limited and sent to 

Gift Focus, Broseley House, Newlands Drive, 

Witham, Essex CM8 2UL UK. 

Average Net 

Circulation: 7,379 

(01/07/09 to 30/06/10) 

Gift Focus magazine is proud to be associated 

with and supporters of: 

MEDIA SUPPORTER 

ANTI COPYING IN DESIGN 

contents 

news&events 

industry news 6 

All the latest from the world of gifts 

on with the show 10 

Trade show updates from home and abroad 

brand spanking new 14 

Latest launches to hit the market 

hot property 67 

Spotlight on the world of licensing 

q&a special 73 

Our experts tackle your retail queries 

competition 80 

Win fair trade accessories from Earth Squared 

focus on... 

retail technology 25 

Fifth in a series on multichannel retailing 

sales advice 34 

Top tips on clinching sales 

insurance 38 

Experts TH March answer your insurance queries 

the ga 52 

Annual report from The Giftware Association 

anti copying in design 62 

Latest news in the fi ght against design theft 

business link 76 

A defi nitive guide to business advice 

social media 141 

Tips for protecting your business reputation online 

21 

25 

features 

moomin magic 18 

Insight into a licensing phenomenon 

best in glass 21 

Sparkling showcase of the latest in glassware 

countdown to Christmas 28 

Stocking up for this year’s festive season 

retailer interview 31 

Behind the scenes at Cariad, a brand new gift 

shop in North Wales 

trick or treat 36 

Spooky specials for a stand out Halloween display 

in the frame 41 

Picture perfect with stylish frames and albums 

the bookshelf 142 

New and popular titles in the gift book sector 

up and coming 146 

Introducing Ragged Rose, a new lifestyle brand 

special feature 

hearth & home 45 

Must-have accessories for today’s homes 

45 

18 

shows 

tendence 54 

A taste of what’s to come from this international 

trade show 

new designers 60 

Spotlight on design stars of the future 

pride of Pulse 78 

Award winners from Pulse London 2011 

home & gift 83 

Raising the curtain on the 50 th edition 

giftfocus 3

The success story continues 

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Contact Information: 

Harrogate Christmas & Gift 

Tel number: 01902 882280 

Contacts: 

Adrian 07904 838 963 adrian@harrogatefair.com 

Simon 07798 737 077 simon@harrogatefair.com 

Robert 07774 941 526 robert@harrogatefair.com 

Web site: www.harrogatefair.com

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Enjoy reading and see you at Harrogate 

Sarah Reeve 

Editor 

let’s celebrate 

For most of us the recent sunny weather has 

been a real tonic. 

A healthy dose of sunshine helps lift the 

spirits and generates a more positive mood, no 

matter how gloomy the headlines. 

So why not bring the sunshine in store with 

bright, new lines to draw customers in? In 

this issue we show you how with an array of 

seasonal sizzlers sure to brighten the outlook. 

With summertime favourite Home & Gift, Harrogate, just around the 

corner it’s time to celebrate. It’s the show’s 50 th anniversary edition and 

the party starts as soon as the doors open with a host of special events 

planned throughout the fair. 

Starting on page 83 we preview some of the hot new products that 

will be on show, so don’t miss out – make sure you have your essential 

Gift Focus guide at the ready. We will be at the show throughout the 

four days, so visit us in Hall E, Stand 1A to say hello and to pick up a 

free copy of the magazine. 

As well as all the show news, this edition is packed full of great ideas 

for stocking up for the seasons ahead, including a special showcase on 

page 36 of fabulous Halloween treats for a sensational display in store. 

Turn to page 28 to get the heads up for Christmas 2011 with our guide 

to festive products for the crucial retail period ahead – to be continued 

in the next issue as well. 

With features on glassware, home accessories, photo frames and 

albums, kitchen gadgets and more, there’s plenty to inspire. Packed full 

of great new products, we also offer a wealth of business advice from 

industry experts covering everything from insurance, multichannel 

retailing, networking and how to clinch sales. 

Sarah 

giftfocus 5

industry news 

Catch up on all the latest in our news round up 

New showroom 

As part of its further expansion programme, gifts, games and gadgets company 

Boxer has opened a 1,400 square foot showroom on the second fl oor of its new 

larger premises in Leeds. 

The new showroom allows buyers and customers opportunity to see the full 

range of Boxer products all at once for the fi rst time. 

Boxer reports steady growth over the last two years despite the recent 

diffi cult trading conditions. 

“This will provide a useful opportunity to allow customers to see, pre-trade 

show, the launch of new products and others, sometimes at an early stage of 

development,” says Thomas O’Brien, Boxer’s head of sales. “It is a real opportunity 

to move forward, having the facility to sit down and understand our customers’ 

requirements better.” 

For more information call +44 (0)1133 955 595 or visit www.boxergifts.com 

6 giftfocus 

Lego light 

Introducing the new Lego Go 

Glow® Light from Worlds Apart. 

The three-in-one product consists 

of a rechargeable night light, torch 

and colour projector discs. The night 

light glows and the cone transforms 

into a handy torch when lifted from 

the base. In addition the fun Lego 

Go Glow® Light has a removable 

top with interchangeable Lego 

man so children can choose 

their favourite Lego character. 

The projector light disc 

changes to different 

colours to create 

different moods. 

For more information 

call +44 (0)800 389 8591 

or visit www.worldsapart.com 

Time for tea 

Brand new British ceramic design company Tea With Bea has 

been selected as one of the winning contenders from Liberty’s 

Best Of British Design open call. 

As a result they will be creating a range of exclusive designs 

for the world-renowned London store, to be stocked there later 

this year. 

Liberty buying manager and panel-member Michelle Alger 

said: “I love Tea with Bea as their designs are hand drawn, and 

show a real fi neness, whilst still being witty. When I found Tea 

with Bea, I knew that I would want it displayed in my kitchen!” 

Family-run business Tea With Bea offers delicate and quirky 

designs on an extensive range of fi ne bone china tableware. 

Owners Steve and Karen Bourke commented: “This is a fantastic 

boost for us as a new business. We’re delighted and fl attered 

that Liberty chose us from so many talented entrants.” 

Liberty runs the highly competitive open event to support 

new and emerging British talent. New designers are invited to 

pitch to the Liberty buying team, with selected products then 

stocked in the prestigious store. 

Tea with Bea’s ideas and designs are often inspired by fond 

memories and have an evocative, nostalgic quality. The company, 

based in Hereford, is passionate about creating great designs 

which are affordable and versatile. 

Visit www.teawithbea.com for further information.

A perfect match 

Baby brands, Inch Blue and Lilly + Sid have got together 

to create a unisex ‘Best of British Design’ range. 

The collaboration between the two brands is based 

around Lilly + Sid’s seasonal fashion range, which 

features inspiration and trends from the catwalk. Cool 

colours and funky prints are key and Inch Blue has 

created a range of complementary shoe designs using 

the same colour palette to complete each outfi t. The 

Lilly + Sid designs include babgrows, tops and dresses. 

“With the trend in brand partnerships on the rise, 

we felt that it made perfect sense for Inch Blue and Lilly 

+ Sid to partner up. We share the same brand values 

and are equally committed to working with high quality, 

locally sourced materials,” comments Rhiannon Owen, 

Inch Blue’s founder. “We have used this opportunity to 

share design ideas and capitalise on our respective areas 

of expertise to create, what we believe to be, a unique 

and exciting series of new British design classics. We 

expect this to be the start of a long-term relationship 

and will be bringing out new additions to the designs 

each season.” 

Design with conscience 

Arthouse Meath is on a mission – to show that charity gifts can be fun, quirky and 

design-led. 

Their stationery and kitchenware products are intended not only to look great 

but are designed with a social conscience too. The designs celebrate the creativity 

and talent of adults living with learning diffi culties and severe epilepsy. All profi ts 

from the products go back into the Meath Epilepsy Trust. 

Ranges include a fresh graphic collection in four designs, Woof, Tweet, Going 

Postal and Tea Potty. 

New products include hand printed cards, silkscreen prints, tea towels, notebooks 

and gift wrap. 

There is also a new Letters range of notebooks, wrapping paper and cards. 

Visit the website www.arthousemeath.com to fi nd out more. 

Spreading the joy 

Happiness by Aardvark is a 

collaboration with Wild and Wolf 

and the idiosyncratic Aardvark, 

creator of beautiful handmade 

prints. Inspired by The Desiderata, 

the range features a brand 

new print created on a vintage 

Heidelberg press using wood and 

metal type. This modern take on the 

classic text refl ects the commands 

of Aardvark, to amuse and inspire. 

The range includes kitchen apron, 

tea towel, cotton shopping bag, A2 

wall print and more. 

To fi nd out more about the 

company’s range of products visit 

the website www.wildandwolf.com 

giftfocus 7 

news&events

industry news 

industry news 

Daydream 

Catch up on all the latest in our news round up 

Product expansion 

The Scottish Fine Soaps Company has taken on two new brands in order to 

strengthen its product portfolio. 

German brand Pfeilring, specialists for over 100 years in the manufacture of 

luxury tweezers, nail files, nail scissors, and quality manicure sets, is joining the 

company stable as well as Daydream luxury sleep masks. 

“Both brands fit seamlessly with our current product portfolio and will 

allow us to sell both brands through our existing sales channels and to open 

up new ones,” says the company. 

Call +44 (0)1324 573 402 or email enquiries@scottishfinesoaps.com 

New name for retail trade association 

The trade association for independent retailers, BHF-BSSA Group, has 

taken on a new name, British Independent Retailers Association (bira). 

The new identity was adopted at the association’s annual general 

meeting recently. 

The previous name followed the 2009 merger of the century-old BHF 

Group and the British Shops and Stores Association (bssa). It was always 

intended to give the association a new and clearer identity once the 

merger had been consolidated. 

Your office in China 

A new service is being 

launched to help companies 

source and import products 

from China more efficiently. 

The British Jewellery & 

Giftware International (BJGI) 

is introducing Your Office in 

China to help UK companies 

from BJGF Federation industry sectors to source from China, saving time, 

money and frustration. 

BJGF is joining forces with an experienced partner organisation with offices 

in both the UK and China, which employs both British and Chinese staff. 

BJGI manager Mike Josypenko explains:“Dealing directly with Chinese 

suppliers from the UK can be time-consuming and frustrating. Simple 

problems are sometimes magnified by distance and time differences, while 

language and cultural issue can make it difficult to obtain accurate information 

and resolve obstacles. 

“Your Office in China intends to provide UK companies with eyes and ears 

on the ground, from initial supplier visits and assessment, product specification 

and negotiations, supply agreements, inspections, order processing and 

monitoring, through to shipping. The package of services can be tailored to 

meet the specific needs of individual clients. Experienced UK and local staff 

and the use of effective supply agreements, can identify and avoid issues in 

advance to save time and money.” 

BJGI is a division of the British Jewellery Giftware & Finishing Federation and 

offers a range of services and benefits to members and others to help them 

export or import goods. 

For more information visit www.bjgf.org.uk/international 

8 giftfocus 

Industry professionals 

Rob Templeman has been appointed as 

chairman of the British Retail Consortium 

(BRC). He succeeds Luke Mayhew who 

steps down from the role on 1 st October 

2011. Rob is currently chief executive of 

Debenhams until 2 nd September this year 

when he will be retiring from the company. 

He is also non-executive chairman of Gala Coral. Previously 

he was chief executive and subsequently chairman of Halfords, 

chief executive of Homebase Group and chief executive of 

Harveys Furnishing. 

Award-winning gift journal publisher, from 

you to me, has taken on Kerri Littlefield as 

its newly appointed marketing and media 

relations manager. 

Kerri has over 17 years’ experience in 

the publishing and marketing industry and 

has previously worked for Redactive Media, 

Time Out Publishing, the Design Council and Iford Arts. 

Lesser & Pavey has appointed John Costi- 

Mouyia in a new business development role. 

John has previously worked within the 

toy and gift industry for 17 years. His role 

is to identify and develop new business 

opportunities within the UK and overseas 

markets which will include the travel retail 

and the duty free sector. 

Houseware supplier Grunwerg has 

welcomed 23-year-old Anthony Pettit to 

the team. 

Anthony is based in Liverpool and will 

represent Grunwerg’s sales team in the 

north of the UK focusing on the catering 

side of sales. 

Michael Haynes has been appointed UK 

managing director of the tabletop and 

homewares company, Portmeirion Group. 

Michael, whose previous role was group sales 

and marketing director, joined Portmeirion 

in 2004 and was appointed to the board of 

directors at the beginning of 2007.

on with the show 

All the important dates and news from the trade show calendar 

diary dates 

The Essential Collection 

when 17 th -19 th July 2011 

where Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire 

website www.theessentialcollection2011.com 

Home & Gift 


where Harrogate, North Yorkshire 

website www.homeandgift.co.uk 

Formland 

when 18 th -21 st August 2011 

where Herning, Denmark 

website www.formland.com 

Tendence 

when 26 th -30 th August 2011 

where Frankfurt, Germany 

website www.tendence.messefrankfurt.com 

10 giftfocus 

China Sourcing 

China Sourcing Fair: Gifts & Premiums takes place from October 20 th to 23 rd 2011, 

at AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong. 

This October visitors will once again be able to take advantage of affordable 

sourcing from Greater China and other emerging Asian supply hubs. The spring 

edition of the show drew thousands of visitors including top buyers. With an 

extensive array of gifts and premiums, the fair is designed to help global buyers find 

new product updates that can maximise business growth. 

Organisers report a host of leading international companies already preregistered 

for the show. 

“Quality attracts quality, and so we see continued growth in the number of 

top exhibitors and big name buyers participating at the fairs each season,” said 

Global Sources exhibitions president 

Tommy Wong. “Buyers know that each 

supplier they meet through our online 

marketplace, magazines and China 

Sourcing Fairs has been verified by 

Global Sources,” he added. 

Products on show will cover a 

range of categories including general 

gifts,watches and clocks, stationery, 

seasonal products, trinkets and more. 

Free on-site features include advice 

from professionals on China sourcing 

strategies and Ask the Experts. 

Visit www.chinasourcingfair.com to 

find out more. 

A glittering success 

London Jewellery Week (LJW), the capital’s annual celebration of jewellery took place 

from 6 th -12 th June this year. 

With events and activities taking place across London, LJW 2011 was reported to 

be the biggest and best so far, with plenty of opportunities for consumers and trade to 

engage with London’s world-class jewellery sector. 

Activities and events on the schedule included champagne receptions, jewellery 

fashion shows, open workshops, antique jewellery valuations, new collection launches, 

informative seminars, meet-the-maker events and exhibitions and showcase events 

for London’s top emerging and established jewellery designers. Offering something for 

everyone, from the experienced collector to the impulse buyer and even those looking 

to explore the world of jewellery as a career choice, London Jewellery Week aimed to 

be an inclusive event that brought together jewellery-lovers from all walks of life. 

This year, London Jewellery Week built on its success as a consumer event by opening 

up to trade buyers as well. The first day of Treasure, the contemporary jewellery show 

at the heart of London Jewellery Week, was an exclusive trade day for domestic and 

international retail buyers to view collections and meet jewellers. The exhibition boasted 

a huge turn-out and showcased innovative design, cutting-edge technology and new 

talent from over 100 of Britain’s most inspired and exciting designers and brands.

Inspiration Formland 

Inspiration is a central theme of the Formland Autumn 2011 trade fair for the 

interior, decorative art and design sectors. 

This year, the organisers are setting their sights even higher with, amongst 

other things, workshops to help visitors find their own individual style. 

This autumn’s edition will offer visitors real, practical purchasing tools. These 

include a mood board to help them with their buying decisions. 

In the House of Happiness area, visitors will be able to make their own 

mood board in co-operation with interior designer Anette Eckmann. 

“With a mood board, buyers can manage their purchases so that they 

match the shop they are buying for,” explains Anette. “It’s all about creating 

something unique and bringing the atmosphere from House of Happiness out 

into the shops, so that the ideas become transplanted to the customers and 

culminate in a sale. 

“The name of the area - House of Happiness - should be taken literally. The 

surroundings will exude the happiness and joie de vivre that we all seek in our 

daily lives,” she adds. 

Formland is Scandinavia’s leading trade fair for the interior, applied art, 

furniture and design sectors. It is held twice a year and has up to 600 

exhibitors. The 55 th Formland trade fair in MCH Messecenter Herning in 

Denmark will be held from 18 th to 21 st August 2011. 

In addition to four trend zones, the winner of the Formland Design Award, 

an area devoted to fair trade products and a programme of presentations, 

there will be areas focusing on Ethno Chic and Craft & Ceramics. 

Visit the website www.formland.com to find out more. 

Joint venture 

Emap and Mack Brooks Exhibitions have announced a new 

joint-venture. 

They are to form a new joint-venture company, EMAP- 

Brooks International Ltd, to launch a range of new 

international exhibitions to capitalise on Emap’s strength 

as a trade show producer and Mack Brooks’ experience in 

overseas event organising. 

Emap produces over 300 business to business events a 

year and its exhibition division Emap Connect is responsible 

for 20 industry-leading exhibitions including the home and 

gift market’s Spring and Autumn Fairs. 

Emap intends to fast track its international roll-outs and 

new launches by combining the strength of its brands with 

Mack Brooks estblished international network, distribution 

and operations. 

Mack Brooks has a track record of over 35 years running 

international events and an extensive network of branches 

and partners globally. 

The newly formed joint-venture has set itself the target of 

launching up to 10 new exhibitions during the next two to 

three years. 

Emap Connect’s chief executive officer, Malcolm Gough, 

said “Mack Brooks’ expertise and track record in creating 

and growing profitable events globally is second to none, 

and we are convinced that this partnership will provide a 

great spring board for us to grow our business on a truly 

international scale.” 

Mack Brooks’ CEO, Stephen Brooks commented: “I 

strongly believe that a number of Emap’s brands are wellsuited 

to development in new markets, both in established 

and in emerging markets around the world. In order to 

launch these brands in different countries, we are able to 

build on a network of partnerships all over the world which 

we plan to strengthen and develop.” 

Mack Brooks organises exhibitions in the fields of 

metalworking, engineering, transport, metalworking, 

information technology, railways, construction, tunnelling, 

airport management, printing, converting, textiles, water 

supply and food technology. 

giftfocus 11 

news&events



All the important dates and news from the trade show calendar 

Clarion Events takes over Scottish food show 

Clarion Events, owners of Scotland’s Trade Fairs, is to take over sole 

ownership of Scotland’s Speciality Food Show. 

Springboard Events will organise the show, which will take place from 

22 nd -24 th January 2012 at the SECC in Glasgow. 

For the last four years Clarion Events and The Guild of Fine Food have 

jointly owned the show, which has been co-managed by Springboard and 

the guild. The guild is keen to commit more time and resources to its 

many other interests within the UK speciality food and drink market. 

Scotland’s Speciality Food Show is co-located with Scotland’s Trade 

Fair and the two fairs are reported to attract 4,800 key buyers and retailers from the gift 

and food sectors in Scotland. 

Springboard Events, as well as organising Scotland’s Trade Fair, has been closely involved 

in the marketing and operations of the food show in the past and is planning the transition 

from the current management. 

Springboard director Mark Saunders said: “This new arrangement will allow Clarion and 

Springboard to channel more resources in terms of management, sales and marketing into 

this show. The show will remain co-located with Scotland’s Trade Fair as this is popular with 

both sets of buyers. We will maintain separate identities and marketing campaigns for both 

shows and we will be looking to grow both the exhibitors and visitors to increase the 

appeal of the show.” 

Visit the website www.scotlandsspecialityfoodshow.com for further information. 

Ninety-one years young 

Macef, the Italian International home show, is 91 years young this September. 

The 91st edition of the show is all about newness - new image, new ideas, new 

products, new trends and new features. 

The show, which takes place from 8th to 11th September in Milan, Italy, draws 

visitors from around the globe to source latest products. The best of home design 

and Italian manufacturing will be on show, as well as dynamic and innovative 

international exhibitors. 

Last September’s edition presented 1,700 exhibitors, an increase of 2.5% 

compared to the previous year, and attracted 76,000 visitors, an increase of 5.1%. 

This autumn’s show has a new 

image, created and produced 

by renowned Milanese architect 

Alessandro Mendini. It has been 

designed to reflect the efforts made to 

underline the key role Macef plays in 

the home design sector. 

A new feature called AbitaMI, 

described as a “theatre of creativity”, 

will offer visitors the opportunity to 

get up to date with the latest styles 

and trends for modern living. The 

area promises to be a place where 

designers, dealers, journalists and trend 

setters will be ready to test first hand 

the best creative products designed for 

the home. 

Camomilla 

12 giftfocus 

looking ahead 

Formex 

when 1 st -4 th September 2011 

where Stockholm, Sweden 

website www.formex.se 

International Jewellery London 

when 4 th -7 th September 2011 

where Earls Court, London 

website www.jewellerylondon.com 

Autumn Fair International 


where NEC, Birmingham 

website www.autumnfair.com 

Macef 


where Milan, Italy 

website www.macef.it 

Maison & Objet 


where Paris, France 

website www.maison-objet.com 

Intergift 


where Madrid, Spain 

website www.giftrends.ifema.es 

(Please note: All dates are subject to change, 

contact event organisers for more information 

before making arrangements) 

For further show reports turn to 

page 54 Tendence, Frankfurt 

page 60 New Designers, London 

page 83 Home & Gift, Harrogate

We take a snapshot of some of the latest hot products around 

brand spanking new 

Artylicious 

Product: 

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Specification: 

Retailer Benefits: 

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bedcrumb 

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14 giftfocus 

Canvas clocks 

Telephone +44 (0)1274 421 410 or email info@artylicious.co.uk 

RRP £34.99 

High quality printed canvases with working quartz clock movements. 

An original idea with wide appeal, featuring fun themes like Is it Wine O’Clock yet? 

and Is it Pub O’Clock yet? 

Designer Lindsey Hill-Mawson got the inspiration from friends Facebook statuses. 

Designer mugs 

Telephone +44 (0)7810 187 327 or email bedcrumb@googlemail.com 

RRP £14.95 

Retro-style designer mugs available in six designs all featuring front and back prints. 

All prints are taken from original illustrations and come with a gift-ready, ribbon-tied 

linen bag. Each bone china mug is fired and finished in the UK. 

The mugs make a quirky gift or self indulgent treat and are a generous size. 

Product: 

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Boxer 

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Berkeley Square 

Wackisnapz watches 

Telephone +44 (0)1133 955 595 or email sales@boxergifts.com 

RRP £9.99 

Australian designed fashionable watches each with a funky silicon 

strap. They come in six great designs and make a colourful personal 

statement and are both cool and fun to wear. 

The Wackisnapz watches complement the Wackisnapz TXT and 

Wackisnapz Funky Graphics silicon snap bracelets. 

The Wackisnapz range is being launched by Boxer at Home & 

Gift, Harrogate Stand DP2-62 

Black Cassis Eau de Parfum 

Telephone +44 (0)1923 213 313 or email info@bsquare.co.uk 

RRP 50ml £16 

Made with essential oils of British Cassis it is the first eau de parfum in the company’s awardwinning 

1920s range. The fragrance is a fusion of British blackcurrant essential oils with natural 

lavender, patchouli and vetivert. 

By launching the fragrance Berkeley Square is supporting the work of the British Blackcurrant 

Foundation and promoting British Cassis in perfumery. Body lotion and shea butter hand cream 

are also available in the Black Cassis range. 

The image on the package was featured in the world’s first illustrated magazine – The Illustrated 

London News and presents an original piece of artwork from the 1920s by Gordon Conway.

Enesco 

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Mathmos 

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Willow Tree® Musicals 

Telephone +44 (0)1228 404 022 or email uksales@enesco.co.uk 

Courage RRP £39; Happiness RRP £45 

A collection of seven Willow Tree® musicals by Susan Lordi in response to customer requests. 

The new musical additions round out the product line with significant pieces for specific occasions. 

The new format features fresh interpretations of favourite Willow Tree figures to appeal to both 

new customers and existing collectors. 

The musical pieces turn while they play. Courage plays Beethoven’s Ode to Joy, while the 

Happiness version plays Waltz of the Flowers. 

Villeroy & Boch 

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Bump 

Telephone +44 (0)1202 620 114 or email mathmos@mathmos.com 

RRP £65 

A portable, rechargeable lantern with a ‘bump’ switch mechanism with 

four settings for colour changing or white light. 

Bump is splash proof and makes an ideal garden light for summer 

entertaining but is also a child-friendly all-year-round portable indoor light. 

Visit the website www.mathmos.com 

Ronin 

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Amazonia collection 

Telephone +44 (0)208 875 6060 or email customerservices@villeroy-boch.com 

Starting from £15.50 for an espresso cup 

Tableware collection inspired by the exotic plants and animals of the South 

American Amazon. Using the shape of the brand’s popular Modern Grace 

collection, the design features passion flowers, orchid, butterflies and hummingbirds 

with subtle golden touches for a sense of opulence. 

Amazonia can be mixed with the Modern Grace plain white tableware, glassware 

and cutlery to create an on-trend table setting. 

Angular plates and sculptural bowls are available in three different sizes as well as 

espresso cups and saucers. 

Sweet Pea bracelet 

Telephone +44 (0)1269 826 000 or email sales@ronindesigns.co.uk 

RRP for jewellery varies from between £8 to £30 

New ranges and colour ways for summer 2011 are inspired by the 

flowers and butterflies from the British countryside in summer. 

All jewellery is supplied attractively packaged. 

Ronin’s semi-precious, gemstone jewellery is designed and handmade 

in rural Wales. 

giftfocus 15 

new products

and spanking new 

We take a snapshot of some of the latest hot products around 

brand spanking new 

Aynsley 

Product: 

Contact: 

Price: 




Very Beryl 

Product: 

Contact: 

Price: 




16 giftfocus 

Decorated cutlery 

Telephone +44 (0)1782 339 400 or email services@aynsley.co.uk 

Meadow cake fork box set RRP £14 

Aynsley is extending its casual dining collections with the addition of decorated 

cutlery, initially offered in three designs, Daisy Chain, Meadow and Camille. 

Available in sets of six cake forks, six teaspoons and a cake slice presented in 

decorated hinged boxes as a great gift option for any occasion. 

Aynsley reports that many other new and exciting ideas are currently in the pipeline. 

MAKE International 

Product: 

Contact: 

Price: 




Vintage Rose heart earrings 

Telephone: +44 (0)1172 302 850 or email info@veryberyl.com 

RRP £19.50 

Vintage inspired rose pattern earrings within an a-symmetrical heart shape on long kidney 

shape fish hooks. 

The subtle vintage design is part of the company’s best selling classic range. 

Visit the website www.veryberyl.com 

Creative Tops 

Product: 

Contact: 

Price: 




Martin Wiscombe mugs 

Telephone +44 (0)8456 860 960, email info@makeinternational.com 

RRP £9 

MAKE has again collaborated with painter and illustrator Martin 

Wiscombe to extend the popular biscuit range with eight new tea 

party cake mugs. The designs include cupcake, doughnut, cherry 

bakewell and more. 

Each illustration has a pastel colour background and comes in its own 

matching designer gift box. 

Visit the website www.makeinternational.com 

Apron and gauntlet 

Telephone +44 (0)1536 207 710 or email sales@creative-tops.com 

RRP £12.99 

A colourful kitchen textile set with the popular slogan “Keep Calm and Carry 

On” on the front of the apron. Not only adds a dash of retro fun to the kitchen 

but also makes a gift for any occasion. 

This product comes neatly packaged in a PVC bag with insert so takes up 

minimal shelf space 

Other products in the Keep Calm and Carry On collection include tea towels, 

lap tray, tea cosy, mugs and more.

moomin magic 

Tap into Moomin magic with licensed lines featuring the 

loveable trolls 

The Moomins have been around for decades 

and now a new UK licensing campaign is 

successfully building on the brand’s appeal for 

children and adults alike. 

Moomin has become a worldwide 

publishing, film and television phenomenon. 

And today the magic of Moomin is as potent 

as ever. Asked to launch the Moomin brand 

for the modern era in the UK market, licensing 

agent, Caroline Mickler Ltd, discovered that 

Moomin had enormous potential in two 

markets in particular - for children and for 

adult women. 

“The Moomins’ appeal to children was 

based on their enchanting and unique look 

and the emphasis on humour, kindness and 

affection for others,” explains managing 

director Caroline Mickler. “However, the same 

values have proved to be a powerful draw for 

the adult market too.” 

While books and apparel are major 

categories, the distinctive look of Moomin 

lends itself to imagery ideal for the gift sector 

as well - a category in which Aurora World’s 

range of plush toys and children’s products is 

ideally positioned. 

However, gifting is also strongly represented 

in licences for the adult market. These include 

hand-painted enamel boxes from Halcyon 

Days, gift stationery from Copywrite Designs, 

ceramic ware from Iittala Oy Ab and, arriving 

in August, luxury Moomin kitchen timers made 

by Bengt Ek of Sweden and distributed by 

Dexam International. 

One of the biggest successes recently has 

been the Disaster Designs fashion bag range, 

18 giftfocus 

which won the best branded/character section 

in the 2010 Gift of the Year Awards. Disaster 

recently followed up with the Woodland 

collection, a fun ten-piece lifestyle range for 

young women. 

Some licences appeal to all markets, such as 

Hype Associates’ range of 16 greetings cards, 

each one containing a charming image of one 

or more of the Moomin characters. 

Copywrite Designs is also set to launch a 

range of gift stationery due to be on sale at 

independent gift shops in the autumn. The 

range will include illustrated notebooks, pencil 

cases and pocket organisers, as well as to-do 

lists, notecards and sticky notes. 

Moomin is a one-of-a-kind brand, with a 

charm and appeal that make it globally popular. 

“It’s easy to ‘get’ Moomin, even if you don’t 

realise that the brand has a long and illustrious 

history,” adds Caroline Mickler. g 

MOOMIN FACTS AND FIGURES 

��The inventor of Moomin is Tove Jansson, Finland’s most widely translated author. 

��The first Moomin book, The Moomins and the Great Flood, was published in 1945. 

There were nine books and four picture books in the original series. 

��The main characters are the Moomin family - Moomintroll, Mominmamma and 

Moominpappa - and their friends Hemulen, the Snorkmaiden, Sniff, Snufkin and Little My. 

��As well as books, television, film, opera and radio, there was a Moomin comic strip that 

ran from 1954 to 1974 in 120 newspapers around the world. In the UK it was serialised in 

The London Evening News. 

��There is a popular MoominWorld theme park in the Finnish city of Naantali and a 

Moomin art museum in Tampere. 

��After Finland itself, the country in which Moomin is most popular is Japan. 

Disaster Designs

Dexam 

International 

Hype Assosciates 

SelfMadeHero 

Petit Jour Paris 

Aurora World 

MOOMIN PRODUCTS AND LICENSEES 

Adult licensing programme: 

Copywrite Designs (www.theankergroup.com) - stationery 

Dexam International Ltd (www.dexam.co.uk) - kitchen timers 

Disaster Designs (www.disasterdesigns.co.uk) - bags, makeup bags, 

purses, compacts, keyrings, phone charms, bracelets, button badges, 

hot water bottles 

Halcyon Days (www.halcyondaysstudio.co.uk) - enamel boxes, 

porcelain candle holders 

Hype Associates (www.hypa.com) - greeting cards, gift wrap and tags 

Iittala Oy Ab (www.iittala.com) - china tableware 

Publishers Group UK Ltd (www.pguk.co.uk) - hardback comic strip 

books from publisher of independent comics, Drawn & Quarterly 

SelfMadeHero (www.selfmadehero.com) - Moomins Cook Book, 

Moomins Book of Thoughts 

Somerbond (www.somerbond.co.uk) - adult t-shirts, nightwear, 

and underwear 

Children’s licensing programme: 

Aurora World (www.auroraworld.co.uk) - plush toys, beanies, 

backpack, stick-ups, magnets 

Green Eyed Monster (www.green-eyed-monster.co.uk) - organic 

cotton babywear 

Petit Jour Paris (www.petitjour.com) - melamine tableware 

Puffin (www.penguingroup.com) - hard & soft back picture, sticker, 

activity, board & novelty books 

Further information 

For further information call Caroline Mickler Ltd on +44 

(0)7968 850 329 or email caroline@carolinemicklerltd.co.uk. 

giftfocus 19 

moomins

• 924 new lines launching at Home & Gift Harrogate 

and Moda, including our new handbag range and a 

preview of the A/W11 collection. 

• Register online to view thousands of contemporary 

jewellery, scarves and handbags, and order at your 

convenience. 

• Minimum order £30, free next day delivery on orders 

over £100. 

T: 01494 444200 F: 0870 0056921 W: www.jewelcity.co.uk 

Marcoms House, Abbey Barn Rd, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP11 1RL

est in glass 

Glassware covers a whole range of 

categories from art pieces 

best 

to 

in 

decorative 

glass 

gifts 

and everyday lines. We showcase a selection 

from the handmade to the fun and functional 

Th e new Alabaster range from Jarapa has proved so successful 

the company is introducing new additions to the collection this 

summer including two vases and a bowl. All Jarapa glassware is 

made in the EU and from 100% recycled material. 

Call +44 (0)8455 191 982 or visit the website www.jarapa.co.uk 

for further information. 

Swedish company 

Orrefors has produced 

utility glass and art 

glass made of crystal 

since 1898. Timeless 

Scandinavian appeal, 

innovative design and 

craft smanship are 

defi ning characteristics 

of the brand. 

Recent additions 

include Edgy in black, designed by Martti Rytkönen - a group of four 

modern votives, which can be turned to create a new look. Tempting to 

play around with, the colour of the tray is refl ected in the diff erent angles 

of the glass (also available in red and silver). 

Visit the website www.orrefors.com or contact the UK distributor 

iii UK Ltd (www.iiiuk.com) on +44 (0)1252 337 900. 

Bougies la Francaise has launched brand new solid colour tealight 

holders in a rainbow of colours for diff erent styles and interiors. 

Visit the website www.bougies-la-francaise.com or telephone 

+44 (0)207 723 8327 to fi nd out more. 

Berserks Glass 

Works is launching 

on to the market 

with its debut 

collection of 

contemporary 

fused glass gift ware 

including the fun 

Fusidude ‘Q’ clocks. 

“One of our 

favourites! Slinky, tactile and one of a kind. A signature piece of 

glass art,” says the company. Visit www.berserks.co.uk or call 

+44 (0)1626 834 001 for details. 

Th e Contrast series from Kosta Boda is being expanded with a 

new light green colour. Fresh green hues fl ow around bowls and 

dishes with contrasting glass threads in bright green, pale purple 

and white. 

Visit the website www.kostaboda.com or contact the UK 

distributor iii UK Ltd (www.iiiuk.com) on +44 (0)1252 337 900 to 

fi nd out more. 

giftfocus 21 

glass

est in glass 

Crafts people from across the UK gathered recently to attend the 

inaugural Balvenie Masters of Craft Awards where glassblower 

Stewart Hearn of London Glassworks was honoured with the title 

Master of Ceramics & Glass. 

Stewart, who has been blowing glass for nearly 30 years, combines 

traditional skills with contemporary design throughout his work. 

Popular pieces include his Oval Encalmo bowls which appeal both 

as a decorative object and a functional item. The simple form and 

colour of the bowls disguises a complicated glass blowing technique 

originating from Italy. 

Visit www.stewarthearn.com or call +44 (0)208 531 0088. 

The team at design-led brand Spaceform is constantly inspired by the 

beautiful effects that can be created from glass. This 

passion drives the company to continually innovate 

techniques, products and designs to keep its 

hand made collections fresh and exciting. 

For further information or to view 

the complete range visit the website 

www.spaceform.com or call 

+44 (0)207 622 2227. 

Xystos is adding two bowls and three vases to its Gleneagles 

Crystal Springtime giftware range. Featuring an elegant fuchsia 

design the range is complemented by beautiful stemware. The 

company also offers Cello decorative art glass, Rockingham 

Crystal stemware and Walther-Glas traditional glassware. 

Call +44 (0)1914 991 570 or visit www.xystostrade.co.uk to 


22 giftfocus 

Giftware importers and distributors, Joe Davies, report increasing 

sales of its glassware ranges as customers follow the trend towards 

gifts that are functional as well as decorative. 

The company has been selling its handmade and decorative glass 

bowls, dishes and plaques for a number of years and the selection 

goes from strength to strength. Golden Glade, the hand painted 

series pictured, is one of seven ranges for autumn and winter. 

For more details contact Joe Davies on +44 (0)1619 756 300 or 

visit the website at www.joedavies.co.uk 

Jo Downs’ latest range of 

handmade fused glass is 

inspired by the Cornish 

coast, playing on the 

popular nautical design 

theme. Cornish Pilchards 

features delicately 

arranged copper fish, 

carefully fused within 

bubbly blue and green 

enamels, emulating the 

sea. Available as round 

dishes, stunning mirrors 

and a range of quirky 

giftware. For further details email pippa@jodowns.com or call 

+44 (0)1566 779 779. 

Boxer has introduced a new fun range of Tallulah Chic wine 

and cocktail glasses. The simple 

but effective designs are striking 

and make great gifts as each 

glass comes in its own elegant 

ribbon-tied gift box. Titles 

include Happy Birthday, Party 

Princess and Shopaholic, as well 

as 18 th and 21 st birthday editions. 

In the same style, giant wine 

glasses, big enough to hold two 

full bottles of wine in each, are 

also available. As with all Boxer 

glassware the giant glasses are 

also gift boxed. To find out more 

email sales@boxergifts.com or 

telephone +44 (0)1133 955 595.

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

��

Harrogate Home & Gift Stand DP4 6A 

Look forward to showing you our new range of products for Spring/Summer 2011

multichannel retailing today 

The fifth in a series of articles by expert David Mackley, looking at the pros and 

cons of multichannel retail, the potential pitfalls and risks and how it can boost 

profits for those who get it right 

In the first four instalments of this series 

we discussed how the internet has 

evolved. In its early days the internet was 

all about low prices. Now consumers 

are willing to pay more in return for a 

good service. Retailers like John Lewis 

and Amazon are concentrating on quality 

of service, not just on price. They are 

looking to deliver the right balance 

of service, convenience and value for 

money to keep their customers coming 

back time and again. We also looked 

at the benefits and some of the risks 

involved in moving to multichannel in 

your business. In this article we look at 

the challenges faced by the chain stores 

compared to independent retailers in 

making the change to multichannel. Some 

independent retailers might look at the 

chain stores and feel pangs of envy; the 

money they have, the people, the skills. 

Changing to multichannel must be easy 

for them, right? Wrong - we look at 

why and in the next issue will show why 

independents can in fact do it better and 

shouldn’t fear or envy the big stores. 

I have spoken with IT directors from large 

chain stores about their plans to move from 

focusing purely on shops, to multichannel 

retail. The challenges they face are time 

consuming and costly. The intention is quite 

straightforward. The retailers wish to give 

customers a seamless experience whether 

they shop in store or online. So what’s 

stopping them? The answer - lots of things! 

“The retailers wish to give 

customers a seamless experience 

whether they shop in store 

or online.” 

Large retailers use a range of systems that 

tend to include the following modules: 

• EPoS (Electronic Point of Sale) 

• PDQ (credit and debit card terminals) 

• Merchandising (managing stock across 

the organisation) 

• Warehousing 

• CRM (Customer Relationship Management) 

• Website management 

• Payroll 

• Financial system 

• Reporting systems 

Each of these modules will have been 

designed to fit their style of business. Often 

the different software modules will come from 

different suppliers and will fit together like a 

jigsaw (although the reality is that it probably 

won’t fit together quite this well). Information 

will be passed from one module to another, 

so when stock moves or customers buy 

from different parts of the business all the 

information should be captured centrally. 

giftfocus 25 

retail technology

multichannel retailing today 

For a 100-store chain the different modules 

will have cost hundreds of thousands of 

pounds, if not millions, by the time they are 

all pieced together. In this size of business the 

IT systems can make the difference between 

profit and loss. IT is one of the key parts of a 

well run, efficient retail business. 

So, as an IT director you have toiled for years 

with software suppliers... 

You have been squeezing, cajoling and 

building modules to fit the business and keep 

the people who work in the business happy. 

Then along comes the internet and customers 

suddenly want to buy across multiple channels. 

“Customers also want the same 

brand experience whether they 

buy online or in a store.” 

Customers also want the same brand 

experience whether they buy online or in a 

store. They expect to be able to buy on the 

internet and return an item to a store! They 

expect to see an item on the internet and they 

want to know if it is in their local store. They 

also want to see an item in store, and then 

decide to buy it later online. (Maybe time to 

consider a change of career - that oil painting 

course suddenly looks rather appealing!) 

Your world has been turned upside down... 

You are getting pressure from the board 

to implement these changes because your 

competitors are working on it and the news is 

full of stories of companies making high profits 

when they get this right. But your existing 

systems were never built to carry multichannel 

information around the business; they were 

designed to run the shops. 

So what do you do? 

Well you start to re-design your systems. No 

longer can you think of your business in terms 

of shops alone. Now you have all these new 

requirements to consider and at the centre 

of it is the customer. You have to allow the 

customer to do all those things they want to 

as mentioned above. Previously the centre 

26 giftfocus 

of the IT system was considered stock, it was 

all about stock management, now it is the 

customer that is the central theme. You have to 

redesign your system to be multichannel and 

then add in all the modules and functions your 

previous system had. 

“Previously stock was considered 

to be the centre of the IT 

system, it was all about stock 

management, now it is the 

customer that is the central 

theme.” 

Ouch! 

Changing systems that have taken years to 

build is extremely tough. Chain store systems 

are often built using an off-the-shelf platform 

but then bespoke elements are added to 

fit their own specific business needs and to 

talk to other modules. To put in new systems 

means a huge amount of work for the IT team, 

starting with a design brief that documents 

all the new functions needed and includes 

making sure the old functions still work. This 

will involve properly understanding what each 

person in the company needs from the system. 

Once the requirements brief is written, the 

new system needs to be designed. The team 

will look at software companies to help deliver 

this. Once they have been selected and the 

system is developed, it’s then that the real 

problems start. 

Next time 

We will be looking at the difficulties chain 

stores have in making these changes, in 

comparison with independent retailers. g 

David Mackley MBA BSc is MD of Intelligent 

Retail – providers of Multichannel EPoS 

and e-commerce websites for independent 

retailers. If you have any questions you can 

contact David on +44 (0)8456 800 126 or 

dmackley@intelligentretail.co.uk

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

��

countdown 

to christmas 

Start stocking up for Christmas with great 

festive lines to set the tills ringing 

28 giftfocus 

Many companies will be unveiling new festive 

products at Home & Gift, Harrogate this July. We 

start our countdown to the big day with a special 

showcase of latest lines and seasonal favourites. 

Watch out too for the next bumper edition of Gift 

Focus when the coundown continues … 

Santa Balls are a 21 st century take on the traditional 

glass Xmas bauble. Individually gift boxed they make 

a great secret Santa gift or stocking filler with new 

designs for 2011 available. 

+44 (0)208 681 8368 

www.artscapeonline.com 

New to Dora Designs in 2011 is its Festive 

Fun range. The collection includes jolly white 

snowmen and Santa doorstops dressed in red 

brocade. There are also two draught excluders. 

+44 (0)1733 305 452 

www.doradesigns.co.uk 

Soap in a tin featuring 

Christmas fragrances from The 

Scottish Fine Soaps Company 

are a festive favourite. 

Four 100g soaps in Cinnamon, 

Mulled Wine, Spiced Apple and 

Cranberry fragrances will be 

available to order from July for 

Christmas 2011. 

+44 (0)1324 573 402 

www.scottishfinesoaps.com 

Black Ginger has 

introduced a new-style 

advent calendar. The 

company has designed a 

Santa and reindeer both 

in advent coats with 

pockets which will take 

a small gift or sweet. 

+44 (0)1189 403 731 

www.blackginger.co.uk 

Christmas at Retreat Home this year is a cosy, homely 

affair with the emphasis on a handmade look and feel. In 

a colour palette of festive red, cool blue, soft green and 

natural, new lines include beautiful felt tree decorations, 

finished with buttons, choose from stockings, trees, stars 

and crackers, and pretty retro candy stick and lollipops, 

all hanging on red gingham ribbon. 

+44 (0)8708 033 428 

www.retreat-home.com 

Following on from the first 

Lolita ®. sell out seasonal 

trial in the UK last year, 

licensees Gaeltag Keltika 

has doubled its offer for this 

Christmas. The selection 

includes Christmas-themed 

wine, and now cocktail, 

shot and beer glasses too 

plus original mini glass tree 

ornaments in traditional and 

fun designs, all of which are 

hand-painted. 

+44 (0)208 998 1781 

www.lolitadesigns.co.uk

At Christmas SIA always sparkles and this year 

is no exception with three new collections to 

discover, all with a typically Scandinavian feel. 

+44 (0)1189 227 800 

www.sia-homefashion.com 

Gleneagles Studio from Xystos will this year 

see the introduction of an interactive Christmas 

collection featuring snowmen, Father Christmas 

and nativity scenes. There are 12 lines in the range. 

+44 (0)1914 991 570 

www.xystostrade.co.uk 

New for Christmas 2011, Pintail 

Candles is launching its Christmas 

gold range. The fully labelled gold tins 

are available in 12 festive fragrances, 

including Spiced Plum, Cinnamon & 

Orange, and Warm Mince Pie. The 

collection of innovative perfumes 

and colour palettes, complement 

the existing festive favourites. 

+44 (0)1539 559 007 

www.pintailcandles.com 

New from Deck the Halls is a 

contemporary woodland collection, 

including fawns, acorns and other 

fl ora and fauna. Also new this year 

is a limited edition range of lavender 

fi lled hearts and stockings. 

+44 (0)1494 814 062 

www.deck-the-halls.co.uk 

Joe Davies has a number of new additions 

for Xmas 2011 including new coloured glass 

Christmas trees, angels, and glass bauble tea 

light holders. 

+44 (0)1619 756 300 

www.joedavies.co.uk 

This Christmas, Daisy Roots’ range of gift 

shoes goes all festive with four different styles. 

Designed and handmade in Northamptonshire 

the collection includes a Christmas pudding 

on red suede, a red leather shoe with a white 

snowfl ake motif and a fun robin red breast on 

navy leather. 

+44 (0)1604 880 066 

www.daisy-roots.com 

Merry Berry from Heathcote & Ivory is a 

limited edition 2011 collection with specially 

created festive fragrance free from parabens 

and sulphates. Enriched with shea butter, 

glycerine and nourishing vitamin E, Merry Berry 

offers a feel good and moisturising festive treat. 

+44 (0)207 483 8383 

www.heathcote-ivory.com 

giftfocus 29 

xmas 2011

With money left to her by her grandfather Cariad Loughlin realised a 

dream and on April 30th now or never 

this year opened her own gift shop in the 

historic market town of Llanrwst on the edge of the Snowdonia 

National Park in North Wales. We spoke to the 29-year-old about 

the venture and her hopes for the future 

After graduating with a degree in 

illustration from the Swansea Institute 

of Higher Education in 2006, Cariad 

moved to Llanrwst from Conwy two 

years ago and worked for a jewellery 

design workshop before striking out on 

her own. 

As well as selling a range of her own 

jewellery, her shop also stocks carefully 

selected gifts for the home from brands 

such as Bombay Duck, Sasse & Belle, 

Angelic Hen and Kate Hamilton Hunter 

Studio, another local jewellery maker. 

In the current challenging times for retail 

what made you decide to open your gift 

shop now? 

It has always been a dream of mine to open 

my own shop - either that or a post offi ce! 

I’ve always loved fi nding little gift shops 

selling lovely things when on my holidays. 

I was fortunate enough to be left some 

money by my Grampa and decided this was 

the kick I needed to start my own business. I 

think he would have been proud of what I’ve 

achieved with the money he left me, he was a 

very money-wise man. 

I felt that if I didn’t take the chance now that 

I probably wouldn’t be able to again. 

What was your vision for the shop from 

the outset? 

I wanted to open a little gift shop for the 

people of Llanrwst. I wanted to sell different 

and quality products at good prices so they 

could come here instead of having to go to 

the coast for a nice present. Being able to sell 

handmade products and locally made products 

was also important to me. 

How important are your Welsh roots? 

I could not imagine starting my business 

anywhere else, Wales is where I was born and 

bred and where I want to live for the rest of my 

life, anywhere else just wouldn’t be home. 

How would you describe the location? 

The shop is on a fairly busy street, it’s one of 

the main roads into the square at the centre of 

town. The shops that surround me are all small, 

locally-run businesses. 

Llanrwst is a small historical market town 

once famous for its production of leather, clocks 

and harps. It still has a cattle market and general 

goods market each week. 

How do you plan to promote the business 

and draw customers in? 

I started with an opening offer of free 

gingerbread hearts with 

purchases over £5, which 

ran for about two weeks. I 

also intend to 

hold craft 

workshops 

for children 

during the school holidays 

and I am planning to have a 

Christmas grotto during December 

where children can come and meet Father 

Christmas. I offer a gift wrapping service and 

I am also running a ‘wish list’ scheme 

where people can come in and make 

a list of the things in the shop that 

they would like for their birthday or 

Christmas so they can let their family 

and friends know. 

Describe the design layout and feel 

of the shop? 

I really like the retro feel and stock products 

that fi t in with that from Mother Love, RJB 

Stone and Bombay Duck to name but a few. 

I also wanted a homely atmosphere and 

think I achieved this with the reclaimed 

furniture I’ve used to fi t the shop and with the 

various products I sell from Make International, 

Mother Love and Rex International. 

giftfocus 31 

retailer interview

now or never 

What do you consider to be your key lines 

and core customer base? 

My best sellers so far have been the jewellery 

I stock (the Bryony Jade collection is currently 

exclusive to Cariad in this area), and the 

various little hanging hearts and birds from 

Rex International. 

I would say my core customers have been 

women of all ages. I do stock things for young 

boys and men but it’s mainly women who 

come in and buy. 

How have you sourced the majority of your 

product lines? 

I worked at Kate Hamilton Hunter Studio so 

that’s how I was aware of that line of jewellery. 

That’s also where I met Bryony who makes 

32 giftfocus 

the Bryony Jade Collection. I have always 

liked JoJo Jewellery so I approached her 

through her website. I’ve also been buying 

Rex International products for presents for 

my own friends through their Dotcomgiftshop 

website so I approached them and RJB Stone 

at Spring Fair International in Birmingham 

earlier this year. Mother Love is a small local 

business based in Dolgarrog that makes 

upcycled cushions from old shirts, t-shirts 

and denim. I will be attending Autumn Fair 

International later this year to source more 

lines but I will also be using the internet to find 

local producers and crafts people that do not 

attend the larger trade shows. 

What kind of help and advice have you been 

able to source? 

I was unable to get any financial help from 

anywhere as my business didn’t quite fit any 

of the criteria for grants but the Business Link 

website has been my Bible since I set out on 

this journey. 

I am very lucky to have a graphic designer 

as a close friend who offered to design all 

my branding. They designed and organised 

everything for me, my business cards, posters, 

gift vouchers, tags, logo. They were a great 

help and gave the business a very real and 

professional feel. 

How much attention do you pay to the 

presentation of your stock? 

I’m aiming to change my window display 

roughly every month to suit special events 

or holidays that are coming up. I will also 

re-jig how things are laid out inside the shop 

highlighting different products every couple of 

weeks or so. 

How valuable is modern technology to 

the business? 

I don’t currently have a website but I will begin 

to research and build one over the summer. I 

intend to sell things through the website so I’m 

aiming to have it up and running in time for 

the Christmas trade. 

At the moment I have a Facebook page for 

the shop so that I can let people know of new 

stock that’s been delivered and special offers 

or events I’ll be having. I’m also planning on 

writing a blog on Wordpress. 

What do you see as key factors for retail 

success in 2011? 

I strongly believe that it is important to 

constantly refresh stock so that I can always 

offer new and returning customers something 

different and up to date with current trends. I 

also hope that special offers and promotions 

will help draw in the customers. 

What are your plans for the future? 

To launch my website enabling me to reach 

a bigger customer base and also to open the 

back room of the shop giving me twice as 

much space on the shop floor. I also hope to 

build a good and loyal customer base. 

g

�� 

�� 

�� 

Do you want to join in the Crystal Power 

revolution? Do you want to attract more 

customers? Do you want to make more profit? 

If you answered YES to any of these - help is finally here. 

Rosewood Gifts have introduced a new range of unique gifts 

for 2011. All designed and made by industry expert Robert W. 

Wood D.hp, who has over 20 years experience in the field of 

Hypnotherapy, and has given 

many talks on the mysteries 

surrounding gemstones and 

crystals. Plus a reprint of the 

popular ‘Power of Life’ series of 

inspirational books. More and 

more people are becoming 

curious about gemstones, 

crystals and astrology. 

To claim your FREE sample 

pack simply email your 

details to: 

info@rosewood-gifts.co.uk 

or call 01484 516570 

CLAIM 

YOUR 

FREE 

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NOW 

UAS01

A customer is only a customer once they 

purchase a product or service. Until that 

point they are a browsing visitor or a target 

consumer, bursting with potential and 

possibility. The trick is in knowing how to tempt 

this person, how to communicate with them, 

draw them in and hook their interest in order 

to clinch a sale. 

These skills however need to be perfected 

not only by you but also by your staff, the 

day to day faces of your brand and the direct 

influencers on customer perception. Your retail 

staff play one of the biggest roles in the success 

of your shop. With the correct training and 

skills they will help you to increase the amount 

of people who actually purchase in your store 

and even increase the amount people spend. 

Selling techniques 

The first and most important technique is 

‘effective engagement’ - the initial contact you 

have with a consumer can make the difference 

between a solid purchase and a swift exit. As 

the consumer enters, allow them time to relax 

and feel comfortable in their surroundings, to 

browse for a space of time and even pick up 

a few products. The next step is the key, your 

initial engagement with the consumer will be 

more effective if it is an open, indirect question. 

Can I help you? 

Instead of this often-used question, pose one 

relating directly to the item they’re looking at 

or holding. For example, if the consumer is 

looking at a collection of fragranced candles, 

greet them and ask: ‘What’s your favourite 

fragrance?’. There is no abrupt answer to this 

and this is not a sales question. The consumer 

will relax and without them realising you are 

discovering information which you can utilise 

and turn into a direct sale. 

34 giftfocus 

from browsing 

to buying 

Creating and maintaining a successful retail business in today’s economic climate is no easy 

task. Consumers are spoilt for product choice and retailers face tough competition. Here, Clive 

Harper, managing director of Yankee Candle® Europe reveals a number of techniques to allow 

you to maximise selling opportunities and to turn browsing visitors into purchasing customers. 

Upselling 

This informal gathering of information also 

allows the salesperson the opportunity to 

‘upsell’ - a method which allows them to lead 

the customer to purchase a more expensive 

item. For example, if the customer reveals 

they like vanilla fragrances, this opens up the 

opportunity for the sales person to pick up a 

larger vanilla candle and talk about the benefit 

of a longer burning time and value for money. 

Product knowledge 

Effective engagement needs to be maintained 

by product and brand knowledge. However it 

can be an endless task to keep up to date with 

the latest developments for the brands you 

stock. So combine product knowledge with 

staff motivation and enthusiasm by assigning 

‘brand ambassadors’. For each member of 

staff, award them the ambassador position for 

brands they are passionate about. Encourage 

them to go to the brand’s retail seminars or 

to visit trade shows and talk to the company 

representatives face-to-face. The knowledge 

and history they discover will be passed on 

to customers, positioning your shop staff as 

engaging and interesting to communicate with. 

The rapport your retail outlet builds with 

your suppliers will not only lead to a better 

understanding of the brands you’re selling, but 

also open ways to discuss terms. The brand 

ambassadors might discover point of sale 

materials and graphics you previously were 

unaware of or loyalty schemes and discounts. 

The right products 

All this emphasis on your retail team will be 

wasted, however, if you are not offering your 

customers the products they desire. It may 

seem simple, but you would be surprised 

how many retailers fail to offer consumers 

Whether it’s through displays, 

branding, marketing or discussion, 

it’s how you communicate 

yourself, your brand and your 

products to your customer that 

will clinch the sale. 

what they are looking for at exactly the right 

time they want it. Although it’s important to 

bring new products into your store, it’s equally 

important to revive and refresh current stock 

and displays. Just as important is making sure 

any products you sell are right for your shop 

and consumers. Do you really know your 

target customer? Does your shop have a 

theme and is it really of interest to the locality? 

The most successful gift shops offer a good 

collective mix of products which hit a variety 

of price points and gift solutions. Remain 

true to your cash cows (those products and 

brands which steadily sell throughout the year), 

these are your best sellers which your staff 

can become expert in, but don’t be afraid to 

experiment with brand new innovations into 

the market. 

One final word of advice is to remember 

that stripped to its core, selling is effective 

communication. Whether it’s through displays, 

branding, marketing or discussion, it’s how you 

communicate yourself, your brand and your 

products to your customer that will ultimately 

clinch the sale. g 


For further information on Yankee Candle ® 

and advice about business success telephone 

+44 (0)1454 454 500 or visit the website 

www.yankeecandle.co.uk.

trick or treat 

Don’t miss a trick on fright night, stock up on 

some spooky treats for a seasonal 

halloween display 

The Breathless Banquet 

range from Talking Tables 

is due out in August 

and includes courtly 

candelabras, plates 

and signs. 

+44 (0)207 627 6767 

www.talkingtables.co.uk 

Spider shoes from Inch Blue are 

ideal for little demons and come in a 

choice of colour ways including these 

striking red and black versions. 

+44 (0)1495 311 123 

www.inch-blue.com 

This year May Arts has designed 

some sensational ribbon for 

the season. Fun satin cut outs 

include witches, pumpkins, bats, 

ghosts and bones. May Arts is 

available through S E Simons 

Textile Merchants in Bristol. 

+44 (0)1179 554 710 

www.sesimons.co.uk 

Nomination’s composable link 

bracelets can by made with 

a variety of different links to 

create a Halloween theme. 

00800 2607 2007 

www.nomination.com 

36 giftfocus 

Yankee Candle® taps into the popularity of 

Halloween in the UK with three new scents, 

launching with exclusively designed 3D graphics on the 

labelling for maximum impact in store. The three spooky 

scents include Witches’ Brew, Candy Corn and Trick or Treat 

in black and orange colour ways. The Halloween fragrances are 

available in samplers, tarts, tea lights, 14.5oz jar, regular tumbler 

and 3.7oz small jar. 

+44 (0)1454 454 500 

www.yankeecandle.co.uk 

Premier Halloween boasts the largest comprehensive 

range of Halloween lines in the UK market and this 

year alone is offering 514 new items. 

+44 (0)1423 324 800 

www.premierdec.com

Shared Earth is introducing some fun 

products ideal for a Halloween display, 

including a spider tea light holder, a spider’s 

web wall decoration and sweet bowl. 

+44 (0)1904 670 321 

www.sharedearth-trade.co.uk. 

A range of mice beanbags with a Halloween theme or a fun 

menacing mummy, which makes a scary noise, are 

available from soft toy company Gund. 

+44 (0)1228 404 022 

www.enesco.co.uk 

Black and Orange candles are the perfect addition for 

Halloween dining. Various sizes and packs are available 

from Shearer Candles, as well as orange tea light and 

votive holders, fi lled hurricane glasses and outdoor 

lanterns - perfect for ghoulish gatherings. 

+44 (0)1414 451 066 

www.shearer-candles.com 

For party time fun scary cake decorations from Birchcraft come in 

a variety of designs from sets of pumpkins to spooky characters. 

+44 (0)1780 749 296 

www.birchcraft.co.uk 

Halloween collectables 

in the Cherished 

Teddies range include 

cute Merle or Jolene 

editions. 

+44 (0)1228 404 022 


Rococo Chocolates Halloween offering includes packs of four thin 

chocolate discs in milk, white and dark chocolate hand-painted 

with spooky bat, pumpkin, ghost and skull designs. Or for a stunning 

centrepiece Rococo’s hollow pumpkin is fi lled with mandarin confi te 

mini-pumpkins made from fi ne dark chocolate blend, covered in a thin 

layer of hand-painted white chocolate. 

+44 (0)208 761 8456 

www.rococochocolates.com 

giftfocus 37 

halloween

Neil McFarlane, sales and 

marketing director, of 

T.H. March & Co Limited 

Qnegotiate terms 

Are insurance long term agreements 

worthwhile? 

Neil Asays: Over the past few years commercial 

insurance premiums have been very 

competitive, however, there are signs that 

such premiums may now start to increase 

and it may be worthwhile trying to negotiate 

with your insurer to see if they will fix their 

terms for a period. If you do decide to enter 

into such an agreement, it is very important 

that you make certain you fully understand 

the precise terms of the agreement and what 

obligations both parties are committed to. 

Q 

A 

peace of mind 

Are my liability limits adequate? 

Neil says: As final costs relating to the 

Buncefield oil storage depot disaster are 

becoming clear, there is now focus on the level 

of potential claims that may arise. Whilst this 

was an exceptional event and few companies 

will have this level of exposure, the principle 

remains. Increasing your liability limits may not 

be as expensive as you think and could give 

you extra peace of mind. 

Qduty to manage 

Where can I get further information about 

‘duty to manage’ regulations with regards to 

health and safety? 

Neil Asays: The Health and Safety Executive 

(HSE) has teamed up to produce a fact 

sheet with the British Independent Retailers 

Association (bira) – an independent retail 

trade body (formerly the BHF-BSSA Group) 

representing more than 7,500 small retailers 

- after it was found that compliance with 

‘duty to manage’ regulations was particularly 

low in this sector. Any person or organisation 

38 giftfocus 

insurance solutions 

Gift Focus readers put their insurance queries, concerns and questions to 

leading brokers T.H. March 

responsible for the maintenance or repair of 

non-domestic premises will almost certainly be 

responsible for managing any asbestos present, 

under Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos 

Regulations 2006. 

The fact sheet outlines: 

• Who has the duty to manage; 

• What the duty to manage means; 

• Three essential steps to comply with the 

duty; and 

• Advice on asbestos surveys. 

The fact sheet is available to bira members 

- contact the bira information office on 

information@bira.co.uk 

Qprotection for company directors 

I have been hearing a lot about directors’ 

and officers’ liability cover, why should I invest 

in this? 

ANeil says: Directors’ personal liabilities are 

unlimited and in the course of carrying out 

everyday duties for a company, directors are 

exposing themselves to personal lawsuits, 

investigations and criminal prosecutions. 

Without insurance, directors can end up 

having to re-mortgage, or worse, just to pay 

legal fees. 

When a director needs to defend lawsuits, 

investigations and prosecutions, being able to 

draw on insurance funds in order to hire the 

best law firms in the country will help achieve 

the best possible outcome. 

There is an increasing number of 

government bodies that can investigate a 

company – the DTI’s Companies Investigations 

Branch, the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), 

the Serious Fraud Office, the Disability 

Rights Commission, to name a few – and an 

increasing focus on smaller businesses. Even 

when there is no initial allegation against 

a director, having the funds to obtain legal 

representation at these investigations allows 

directors the most positive results. 

In one year* 

(a) Over 1,500 directors were disqualified for 

between two and 15 years; 

(b) The DTI’s Companies Investigations Branch 

looked at almost 5,000 companies; and 

(c) The HSE issued over 11,000 notices and 

prosecuted 982 cases. g 

(*DTI’s annual publication on companies provides 

further detail) 


T.H. March is a well-established family 

business founded in 1887. With offices in 

London, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, 

Sevenoaks and Yelverton near Plymouth, 

the company has departments covering 

household, motor, travel, commercial and 

scheme insurance. To find out more visit 

www.thmarch.co.uk.

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in the 

frame 

Photoframes and albums are a 

staple gift line throughout the year. 

We take at look at what’s on offer 

With increased demand for gifts that are both stylish and 

functional, photoframes and albums tick all the boxes. 

Suitable for a host of different occasions throughout the 

year, at a range of different pricepoints, there is an array of 

different styles to suit most tastes and occasions. 

Black Ginger offers a fun and innovative product - a glass coaster that’s 

also a photo frame. “The photo coaster is a retailer’s dream gift because 

it is both a self-buy, and a great gift. It can be personalised over and over 

again,” says the company. 

Black Ginger now has a range of 18 different designs, and is set to 

launch four new ones. There are also two table mat photo frames and a 

free shop display box to help maximise sales. 

+44 (0)1189 403 731 

www.blackginger.co.uk 

Shared Earth’s specialist fairly 

traded gifts include handcrafted 

wooden photo frames. The 

company also offers frames 

made from embossed metal, 

recycled tyres and bike chains, 

embroidered fabrics, and inlaid 

bone, including a new Union 

Jack design. 

+44 (0)1904 670 321 

www.sharedearth-trade.co.uk 

Silver Heart Message Frames 

Joe Davies boasts the largest collection of gift photo frames and albums in 

the country. Over 2000 models are on offer ranging from classic to modern 

and from sentimental to occasion-based frames and albums. At Home & Gift, 

Harrogate this July over 500 new styles will be on display for the first time. 

+44 (0)1619 756 300 

www.joedavies.co.uk 

Retreat Home offers a range of photoframes with a personal touch. 

Choose from distressed white painted wood, simple rectangular 

frames, pretty heart shaped frames and double frames with 

heart-shaped apertures, all made from sustainable mango wood 

and finished by hand. There are also stylish nickel frames, finished 

by hand to give a lustrous sheen without tarnishing and featuring 

engraving, or embossed hearts, flowers and butterflies. 

+44 (0)8708 033 428 


giftfocus 41 

frames & albums

New from Enesco, Little Stars is a fun collection 

of giftware aimed directly at the baby and 

nursery giftware market. Each item is available 

in two colourways - pink and blue. 

The initial launch comprises a wide array of gifts perfect for baby showers 

and christenings, as well as for older children’s bedrooms and birthdays, and 

includes photo frames celebrating baby’s special milestones. 

+44 (0)1228 404 022 


New from Widdop Bingham are glamorous, 

glittery new photo frames. With plenty of 

sparkles and crystals to catch the eye they're 

sure to stand out on the shelves. 

“Everyday frames continue to be 

influenced by current design trends. 

Photo frames have in many homes 

become the home decoration of 

choice,” says the company. 

+44 (0)1616 881 226 

www.widdop.co.uk 

42 giftfocus 

Signature Frames from Splosh! are available in the UK and Eire 

from Instant Gifts International. 

The quality finished white wooden frame says “celebrating 

your birthday with you” and comes with a pen so all the guests, 

friends or relatives can sign it making an extra special and 

memorable gift. 

+44 (0)1580 765 040 

www.instant-gifts.co.uk 

All Personal Gifts offers a range 

of frames including sleek and 

stylish designs in polished 

crome finish, suitable for 

engraving with a message or 

company logo. 

+44 (0)845 170 7000 

www.allpersonalgifts.co.uk 

Every Grandma likes to do a little bragging and 

these handbag-sized photo albums from Metal 

Planet are just the job Each special occasion 

album has removable plastic sleeves, versatile 

for photos and for writing special messages. 

Photo albums are available in soft pinks 

and blues, neutral whites and hot pinks 

with something in the range for every 

special event. 

+44 (0)208 440 2468 

www.metalplanet.net 

Namaste has a large range of fair trade photo frames in a variety 

of materials, including wooden, recycled aluminium, fabric covered, 

mirrored, glittered and velvet patchwork. 

The hanging heart photo frame pictured is part of the company’s 

new mango wood hand carved hearts range. Other items available 

include a small and large standing heart shaped frame, a twin heart 

standing frame and wall mounted frames which come as single, double 

or triple sized versions. 

The products are handmade in Northern India by a family business 

that specialises in employing skilled wood carvers to make sustainable 

and eco-friendly crafts from mango wood. The wood comes from 

government managed and regulated plantations. 

+44 (0)1756 700 790 

www.namaste-uk.com

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TS Homeware supply items such as Storage Trunks and Benches, 

Linen Baskets, Storage Baskets, Hampers, Deli and Bread Trays, 

Footstools and Rattan Furniture. 

We are offering a 5% discount on orders placed 

at the show, along with free entry into a 

prize draw to win £250 worth of stock. 

Why are we different? We constantly monitor 

our stock so what you see at the show is 

what you get. We don’t use poly bags, all of 

our products are boxed for protection. 

We’re happy to split sets so if you only want a 

particular item of a set we’re happy to do that. 

W: www.tshomeware.co.uk 

E: info@tshomeware.co.uk 

T: 0844 800 0766 

Home & Gift, Harrogate 

Stand CM1-8A

hearth & home 

Home accessories is a burgeoning sector as more people choose to 

lavish their time and money on staying put rather than moving up the 

property ladder. Read on for a glimpse of some of the latest fi nishing 

touches that make a house a home 

From the abigail*ryan homewares 

studio in Belfast comes a contemporary 

and original range of cushions featuring 

Abigail’s botanical illustrations. 

Ginkgo is one of the most popular 

repeat patterns - featuring joyful scattered 

illustrations of Ginkgo leaves. The front of 

the cushion is digitally printed with Abigail’s 

illustrations and combines exclusive cotton 

fabric with locally milled Irish linen to make the 

fi nished product. 

All the cushions come complete with a 

luxurious duck feather insert. 

www.abigailryan.com 

giftfocus 45 

home accessories

most wanted 

Namaste offers an extensive selection of home accessories, with lines 

for every room in the house including table and kitchenware, bedroom 

furnishings, wall hooks, photo frames, rugs and doormats, wall hangings 

and more. 

Pictured is a recycled, enamelled aluminium vase, hand made on a 

fair trade basis in India. It is part of a range now available in vibrant 

shades of lime, purple and teal. The range includes other matching 

items for the home, photo frames in two sizes, tea light holder and a 

set of coasters. 

+44 (0)1756 700 790 

www.namaste-uk.com 

Central to Retreat Home’s collection for this autumn/winter is its range of pure linen 

cushions. In a colour palette of warm red, cool blue and Retreat’s trademark natural, the 

look is homespun and heartfelt, fresh and contemporary, yet warm. 

The collection features beautiful embroidery and appliqué, including birds, fl oral hearts, 

and seasonal scenes of elves and snowmen. 

The cushions are made using quality materials and fi nished with linen piping. 

+44 (0)8708 033 428 


46 giftfocus 

Katigi’s reclaimed-wood range, which comprises furniture and home 

accessories, includes this dramatic 120cm mirror. 

The environmentally-friendly collection also includes tables, benches, 

candle holders, lamps and clocks. Due to the nature of the products, 

every piece is different from the next and adds individuality and charm to 

any setting. The company also has a new range of aluminium accessories 

and ceramics. 

+44 (0)1263 720 332 

www.katigi-designs.com 

Enesco is excited to introduce a fun art 

concept from About Face Designs. 

The Haight-Ashbury collection consists 

of colourful and whimsical designs with 

heart-warming verses. Several product 

categories are showcased in the Haight- 

Ashbury line including ceramic message tiles, 

charm photo frames and wall block art - all 

of which make wonderful sentiment gifts for 

family and friends. The tiles are available in 

two sizes, each tile is handmade and fi nished 

with backing that includes an easel with 

ribbon stop and a hanger for wall mounting. 

The wall décor items are quality wooden 

plaques with sentiment poems. The photo 

frames feature dangling pewter charms. 

+44 (0)1228 404 022 

www.enesco.co.uk

SIA Home Fashion and Lampe Berger 

Showroom Open Days 

Newby Hall, Ripon 

During the Harrogate Home & Gift Show 

17th to 20th July – 9am to 6pm 

No Appointment Required 

Refreshments and Pimms Available 

Call 01423 329008 or 

email : newby.hall@sia-homefashion.com 

for more information 

20 Minutes Away!

Pins and Ribbons is an award-winning home accessories 

company. The extensive collection combines style, 

prettiness and practicality. Products include everything 

for the home from memo boards, fabric door stops, foot 

stools, beanbags, cushions and more. 

Pictured is a simple and stylish set of three mounted 

hooks on a covered board, shown in Man’s Best Friend 

Duck Egg fabric. Choose from silver or gold hooks and the 

full Pins and Ribbons range of fabrics. 

+44 (0)1642 786 777 

www.pinsandribbons.co.uk 

most wanted 

New Geo Location Aware cushions from Twisted 

Twee are silk screened onto 100% strong, smooth 

cotton. Modern, whimsical and practical ‘You Are 

Here’ and ‘Destination’ pay homage to the advances 

in technology whilst offering an alternative to them, 

says the company. 

+44 (0)7939 257 409 

www.twistedtwee.co.uk 

Personalised china clocks, from Personalised Memento Company are 

made from fi ne bone china and are available in a number of designs 

including fairies for little girls and cute cupcakes. 

+44 (0)1782 744 900 

www.personalisedmemento.co.uk 

One of Sia’s best-selling products of the last few years has returned due to 

popular demand. The contemporary bud vase design is made of porcelain and 

is now available in various size and colour combinations. 

+44 (0)1189 227 800 

www.sia-homefashion.com 

giftfocus 49 

home accessories

most wanted 

The herdy company’s range of 100% pure wool throws make stylish gifts 

and home accessories, bringing real warmth to the home this winter. 

The eight different finely woven throws are made from a blend of 

yarn combining Herdwick wool with lambswool. Contemporary highlight 

colours contrast with the natural tones of the Herdwick sheep - one 

of the most distinctive breeds in the UK. The throws are made in the 

Northwest of England to herdy’s exclusive design, and feature a versatile 

asymmetric herringbone pattern. They measure 1.5 x 1.8m making them 

ideal for draping over a sofa or bed. 

+44 (0)1539 739 201 

www.herdy.co.uk 

50 giftfocus 

Jarapa will be introducing two new patterns of rug in their popular 70cm 

x 130cm size with up to six colours available. The recycled cotton rugs are 

machine washable, reversible and 100% recycled. 

+44 (0)8455 191 982 

www.jarapa.co.uk 

Bronte is launching its brand 

new Bronte by Design 

cushion collection. 

The cushions 

have been 

designed to 

match and 

complement the Boutique 

collection of pure Merino lambswool furnishing 

fabrics from Bronte’s sister company Moon. 

All the cushions are UK designed and UK manufactured including the 

duck feather filled pads. 

The Merino lambswool used for all the cushions is dyed, spun and 

woven within the Bronte mill in Yorkshire to produce a fabric with a 

naturally finer feel and softness. 

Plaids, checks and stripes in luxurious colours, including fuchsia and a 

striking lime and aqua combination, softened with natural shades, offer 

something to suit most tastes and room settings. 

Available as a bolster, a rectangular or a square shape, each is 

covered in pure Merino lambswool fabric with contrasting piping 

around the edges and a zip opening. 

+44 (0)1943 873 181 

www.brontebydesign.co.uk 

TS Homeware has introduced a new range of colourful pouffes, 

beanbags and floor cushions. New for 2011 they are ideal for use 

inside the home or in the garden. Available in four styles and four 

different colours. 

+44 (0)8448 000 766 

www.tshomeware.co.uk

Autumn Fair 

4th to 7th September 2011 

Stand No. 3XO3 

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heroes and challenges 

Reporting from The Giftware Association’s annual general meeting and away day 

The GA served up a feast 

of advice and information 

for members attending its 

general meeting and away 

day in Birmingham. 

A packed programme of 

speakers covered topical 

subjects from making the 

most of social media to sourcing from China 

and business investment. 

Chairman’s report 

Presenting the association’s annual report, 

chairman Michael Sweeney said that both 

retailers and suppliers responded “very 

positively” to the pan-industry survey 

conducted last autumn, with 92% of members 

stating they would recommend The GA to 

other people. 

New initiatives and highlights included: 

• An extra 170 new members signed up to 

the association last year and during the first 

few months of 2011. 

• High levels of retention close to 90% for 

suppliers and 80% for retailers last year. 

• Segmentation of the membership base to 

provide a tailored service to the different types 

of businesses within the home and gift industry. 

• GA starter packs for those new to giftware 

in order to provide essential background 

information about the industry and how to 

succeed within it. 

• Refreshed GA website helping to bring in a 

whole new audience. 

• The GA selected as a finalist in the electronic 

communications and member recruitment 

categories of the Trade Association Forum best 

practice awards in 2010. 

Michael also issued a reminder that the 

deadline for entries for next year’s Gift of the 

Year competition was the middle of December 

2011 and he urged all suppliers to enter as 

many products as possible. 

Your Office in China 

Speaker Mike Josypenko revealed that British 

Jewellery & Giftware International (BJGI) was 

introducing a new service, Your Office in China, 

to help its member companies source and 

import products more effectively from China. 

52 giftfocus 

Mike, BJGI international services manager, said: 

“The service and the partners will act as your 

ears and eyes on the ground in China and 

provide a link between you and suppliers. Your 

Office in China will offer a support package 

enabling businesses to work with existing or 

new suppliers.” 

He added: “Most importantly, we act only 

on your behalf. We have no third party 

agreements or arrangements with any 

suppliers and our simple fee structure makes 

your life easier.” 

Challenges 

James Robinson, investment manager for 

Lloyds Development Capital (LDC), offered 

some valuable financial advice. 

On a positive note he said although 2008-09 

had been “a very tough time” for business, 

there was now more longer-term lending. 

“I am sure you have come across various 

challenges when you have tried to fund your 

growth strategies recently,” he said. “But there 

is now more competition in the debt market 

and most banks are open for business again. 

Hopefully, demand is increasing and we are a 

bit more positive about the outlook.” 

However, he warned that although 

businesses might currently be able to negotiate 

some improved lending terms, a pricing 

increase was predicted in the next couple of 

years which would bring new challenges. 

The meeting also heard from Taz Thornton, 

co-founder of PR company Turquoise Tiger and 

the digital magazine Tweeting Times. 

In a lively presentation she told members how 

online services such as Twitter, Facebook and 

Linkedin could be used to strengthen company 

brands and attract customers. 

Heroes 

There was a moving presentation from the 

founders of Help for Heroes, Bryn and Emma 

Parry. They set up the charity in October 2007 

to help wounded servicemen and women 

returning from Afghanistan and Iraq. 

Ex-soldier Bryn explained that he and Emma 

had been in the gift industry for 23 years. 

In 2009 they sold their business, Bryn Parry 

Studios, to concentrate on the charity, which 

has raised around £97.5 million to provide 

practical, direct support. 

The charity is supported by the Help for 

Heroes Trading Company, the giftware business 

run by Emma, which was given the go-ahead 

by trustees in 2008. 

Philippa Allan receiving her 

award from David Simons 

In brief 

David Simons a GA stalwart whose late 

father, Elkan founded The Giftware Association 

presented the Elkan Simons Award to Philippa 

Allan, a director of Stone The Crows!, in 

recognition of her outstanding contribution to 

the gift and home industry. She chaired The 

Giftware Association, became the first female 

president of the BJGF, served on the managing 

board of British Trade International and its 

successor, UK Trade & Investment, and in 2009 

received the OBE for services to business in 

the East Midlands and international trade. She 

steps down from the BJGF board this summer. 

Mike Sartain of Hale Events and Sebnini’s 

Gert Schyber were elected to the national 

committee for 2011-12. 

Two framed Help for Heroes T-shirts, signed 

by Bryn and Emma Parry, raised a total of 

£600 for the charity. g 


The GA: www.ga-uk.org 

Your Office in China: www.bjgf.org.uk/ 

international 

Help for Heroes: www.helpforheroes.org.uk

summer sourcing 

For five days in August Frankfurt am Main in Germany 

becomes a honey pot for home and gift buyers from around 

the globe. Read on to find out more 

Tendence is an important international 

consumer goods trade fair in the second half 

of the year, showcasing latest lines from the 

furnishing, decoration and gift sectors. 

With more than 2,000 exhibitors presenting 

their latest products for the coming autumn, 

winter and Christmas business, the show 

offers buyers an opportunity to round off 

retail collections in the second half of the 

year. It also provides an early insight into new 

products for the spring and summer of 2012. 

With around 130,000 square metres 

Gilde-Handwerk Macrander GmbH & Co. KG 

54 giftfocus 

of exhibition space in nine halls, Tendence 

occupies the whole western section of 

the Frankfurt Fair and Exhibition Centre. A 

meeting place for over 56,900 trade visitors 

it provides a platform for discovering new 

products, to place orders and meet with new 

and existing clients. 

“With the two product sections, 

Living and Giving, and over 2,000 

exhibitors, we present, on the one 

hand, everything for the home and 

table with emotional, exclusive 

and stylish products and, on the 

other hand, the entire portfolio of 

products from individual gift items 

and trendy lifestyle products, to highgrade 

jewellery.” 

Tendence show director, Sabine Scharrer 

This year’s Tendence partner country is Austria 

and numerous events are planned throughout 

the show to flag up authentic, modern and 

traditional firms, craftsmen and designers, 

as well as to showcase Austria as a popular 

tourist destination. 

Living 

The international Living section showcases 

modern interior design elements including 

furniture and furnishings, home accessories, 

design and luxury products, trendy ranges, 

festive decorations and outdoor furniture. 

With around 1,000 exhibitors, including 

renowned suppliers and manufacturers like 

Alessi, Koziol, Leonardo and Reisenthel, Living 

In brief 

show Tendence 

when 26 th -30 th August 2011 

where Frankfurt am Main, Germany 

website www.tendence.messefrankfurt.com 

visitor registration www.ukfrankfurt.co.uk 

WR- Accessories GmbH 

is spread over five exhibition halls. The vast 

range of products are presented in five 

main categories – Interiors & Decoration, 

Loft, Seasonal Decoration, Outdoor Living and 

Passage Home & Garden. 

Loft is the designated area for designorientated 

and avant-garde home accessories, 

furniture, lighting and textiles. 

New for 2011 is the Home & Trend Award 

which aims to draw attention to products 

distinguished not only by individual qualities 

but also by a well-rounded overall concept. 

The award-winning products will be selected

Linum GmbH 

by an independent jury of experts and 

consumers. During the show there will be a 

special Home & Trend Award exhibition in the 

Interiors & Decoration zone in Hall 9. 

Giving 

In the Giving section, everything revolves 

around presents for the coming autumn, 

winter and Christmas seasons and the 

following spring trends. The array of products 

are presented in different sectors including 

Young & Trendy, with fresh gift ideas and eyecatching 

presents for all occasions, to Gifts 

Unlimited, where buyers can fi nd established 

companies presenting a broad range of classic 

gift and decorative items. 

There is also a modern crafts sector, 

which is being expanded with a number of 

new attractions this year, as well as a section 

for original items, small product lines and 

collectors’ pieces. For buyers wanting to buy 

in large quantities the Passage Gifts sector 

features overseas exhibitors presenting a wide 

choice of products. 

Jewellery 

More than 250 exhibitors will be showing 

their latest jewellery collections and 

innovations as well as providing an overview of 

trends for the coming season. As well as key 

players in the fi eld of fi ne jewellery, companies 

will also be unveiling latest fashion jewellery 

plus all the newest creations from young 

designers in the special Talent and Next zones. 

As well as special shows and prize 

ceremonies there is also an area in the 

jewellery hall for visitors to relax and network 

and to listen to ‘top-fl ight’ speakers talking 

about topics relevant to the business. 

This year personal accessories including 

belts, bags and sunglasses will be immediately 

next to jewellery to make it easier for buyers 

to take advantage of the synergies between 

the two and to maximise cross-over buying. 

Rising stars 

There will be no shortage of talent at 

Tendence 2011. 

Within the special Talents promotional 

programme 14 students, university graduates 

and young designers from six countries will 

be showcasing fresh ideas for the home and 

interior design. A further 21 rising stars will be 

exhibiting new ideas within the jewellery hall. 

Messe Frankfurt has been supporting young 

design through the Talents scheme for the past 

11 years. 

Talents 

Textring (Roberts-Jan Snoeks, Shanna Deurloo) 

“Many committed young designers 

begin their careers in the 

international market place with the 

help of Talents and then, just a short 

time afterwards, fi nd their products 

on show at the Frankfurt fairs – for 

us, that is the best proof that this 

promotional programme is both 

right-minded and important.” 

Tendence vice president 

Nicolette Naumann 

Participants in the Next promotional 

programme at this year’s show are young 

entrepreneurs from the jewellery sector who 

have already gone one step further, gaining 

initial business experience, and are now 

seeking to establish themselves. g 

(Photographs by Pietro Sutera, Jean-Luc Valentin 

and Helmut Stettin courtesy of Messe Frankfurt 

Exhibition GmbH.) 


For further information about the 

show visit the website www.tendence. 

messefrankfurt.com 

giftfocus 55 

tendence

� � 

kitchen aid 

Everyone loves a gadget – we showcase some 

handy kitchen must-haves for style-conscious 

consumers 

Product-hungry cooks are always on the look out for latest 

gadgets and gizmos, not only as labour-saving devices but for 

making a style statement too. 

Kitchen basics are frequently reinvented to add a contemporary 

touch, everything from the lowly washing up brush to pots and 

pans get a makeover to keep pace with consumer demand for new 

and different product lines. 

With more cash-strapped diners opting to eat in and the ever 

increasing number of cookery programmes on the television, now 

is the time to stock up on some of the hottest kitchen products 

on the market. 

Vacu vin has launched an 

ingenious new pineapple slicer 

and wedger. The company claims 

the handy gadget will peel, core, 

slice and create bite size pieces 

of fresh pineapple in around 30 

seconds. It works like a corkscrew, 

removing the fl esh in perfectly 

formed rings leaving the core 

in the outer skin, which remains 

intact. With the new separate 

wedger, there’s the option, in one 

simple movement to cut the pineapple into bite size wedges as well. 

Visit the website www.iicbrands.com or call +44 (0)1299 250 480 

to fi nd out more. 

The herdy garlic pot offers a fun, neat way to store garlic bulbs. 

The pot has been designed with a lid to keep out light, and holes in 

the side to allow air to circulate. Terracotta is porous and naturally 

absorbs moisture from the air so the garlic keeps fresher for longer. 

Visit www.herdy.co.uk or call +44 (0)1539 739 201 for details. 

� 

For a trendy and practical addition to the kitchen, Dexam International has 

introduced Russian Doll measuring cups. Call +44 (0)1730 811 811 or visit 

the website www.dexam.co.uk to fi nd out more. 

The retro fi zzy drinks maker SodaStream is enjoying a revival, with a 

sleek more chic look and a new premium version just out. 

The new SodaStream Fizz has patented in-built Fizz Chip technology 

to allow people to see exactly how much fi zz (CO2) they are putting in 

to their drink and how much they have left in the cylinder. The new 21 st 

century SodaStream comes in a range of colours including white, blue, 

titan, bold green or red. 

For more information visit www.SodaStream.co.uk. 

giftfocus 57 

kitchenalia

kitchen aid 

The award-winning 

Perfect Mix from 

Gilberts is a nifty gadget 

for creating the perfect 

mix of oil and vinegar 

for vinaigrettes. 

Visit the website 

www.topgourmet.co.uk 

or call +44 (0)208 731 

3700 for details. 

The Chef’s Cloth is a Cooking Gorgeous creation 

designed to bring commercial cooking expertise to 

domestic kitchens. 

The company has created a domestic version of the 

heat cloths frequently used by professional chefs. With its 

generous proportions, tufted towelling and cotton layers, 

the cloth is flexible, easy to use and great for protecting 

work surfaces as well as hands. 

Designed and made in England from 100% cotton. 

Visit the website www.cookinggorgeous.com or call 

+44 (0)1223 890 261 for further details. 

58 giftfocus 

Boon UK’s Grass drying rack offers a fresh take on drying racks, 

and now the blades have multiplied with a full Lawn version 

available as well. 

From bottles to pacifiers, both Grass and Lawn hold baby 

accessories as they air dry. Modern and quirky the product is 

designed to fit in with the contemporary kitchen and to help keep 

the inevitable mountains of baby feeding clutter contained. The 

soapy washing up water drains into the tray underneath. 

Visit www.boonuk.co.uk or call +44 (0)7792 230 836 for details. 

Nuance A/s Denmark offers a contemporary kitchen 

collection designed by recognised Danish designers such as 

Marcus Vagnby. The company recently took over its own UK 

distribution, with Brand Select (UK) as its new trading partner 

for sales and marketing across 

the UK and Ireland. Latest 

additions include a new version 

of the Nuance TREE dual grinder 

with a stylish matt black rubber 

coating for a 

modern look. 

The ceramic 

grinders, for both salt 

and peppercorns are adjustable 

for fineness and are mounted in the two upwardfacing 

branches to avoid spills on the table. 

Even the humble washing up set gets a style 

boost with Nuance’s latest set comprising a black, 

white or grey stand, with a built-in dispenser for 

soap or washing-up liquid. There is also a peg to 

hang the dishcloth on, and a holder for the washing-up brush. The base of 

the stand is made of silicone for non-scratch stability and a washing-up 

brush is included. 

To find out more visit www.nuance-denmark.com or contact 

Brand select (UK) on +44 (0)208 953 7059. 

Specially designed for La Cafetière® by 

Alison Appleton the classic milk frother not 

only looks great but also makes fabulous 

volumes of froth in seconds for hot drinks 

or creamy deserts. 

For further information visit the 

website www.lacafetiere.com or 

call +44 (0)1352 710 517. 

Following the success of the 

Diva washing up sponge and 

Punk washing up brush last 

year, Paladone has added to 

the range with the Disco 

King and the Groovy Beehive 

washing up sponges. 

For further details call 

+44 (0)1273 230 037 or visit 

the www.paladone.com 

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ising stars 

We present an inspirational showcase of fresh new talent 

from the One Year On exhibition at this summer’s New 

Designers show 

New Designers is an essential hunting ground 

for those on the search for fresh design talent. 

Every July, it helps thousands of graduates to 

launch their careers by presenting their degree 

work at the stylish Business Design Centre in 

London, the world’s capital of design. 

Now in its 26 th year the event provides an 

invaluable shop window bringing together 

infl uential business people with newly 

graduated designers from across all major 

creative disciplines. 

A two-part event, the fi rst part features 

contemporary applied arts, ceramics and glass, 

textiles, fashion and accessories, jewellery and 

precious metalwork. 

Part two focuses on product design, 

furniture, visual communications including 

graphic design and illustration. 

Over the whole two weeks there will 

be wide-range of design-led talks from 

contributors including Habitat, V&A, Design 

Museum, Sky Creative, Cockpit Arts, Fashion 

and Textile Museum. 

For the 12 th year running, New Designers 

Tom McDowell Design 

+44 (0)7973 770 691 

www.tommcdowelldesign.com 

Tom McDowell uses anodised aluminium, silver 

and a variety of different media to transform 

children’s drawings of animals into quirky 

wearable jewellery pieces. 

He believes that the act of wearing jewellery 

is too often a formal activity and that it is 

important for us to sometimes let go of the 

seriousness of being a grown-up and hopes that 

by doing so we can make the world more smiley 

and enjoyable. 

60 giftfocus 

will also be presenting the One Year On 

feature for those who have already set up 

in business within the last 12 months. It is 

a focused area, showcasing the work of 

50 young designers already demonstrating 

entrepreneurial fl are. 

This year One Year On includes everything 

from jewellery to animation, from fashion and 

accessories to furniture design, from ceramics 

and glass to graphic design and illustration. 

New Designers 2011 takes place from 29 th 

June to 2 nd July and from 6 th to 9 th July. Th is 

year new opening times have been introduced, 

including late night Thursdays. 

On the second late night Thursday global 

phenomenon, Secret Wars, hits New Designers 

for a special collaboration. Artists will gather 

with black paint markers to battle it out against 

each other and create a visual spectacle in 

front of a live audience. 

Visit the website www.newdesigners.com 

for details. 

Deryn Relph 

+44 (0)2392 649 222 

www.derynrelph.co.uk 

Deryn Relph’s contemporary, interior products 

include stretch chair covers, cushions, pouffes, 

blinds/screens and lampshades, all constructed 

from knitted textiles. 

Machine knit, hand knit and crochet 

techniques are combined with use of colour 

and pattern to create products that are both 

aesthetically pleasing and functional. 

Where possible natural fi bres are used, 

mainly cotton, bamboo and some wool, yarns 

are sourced from factory surplus stocks and 

waste is kept to a minimum.

Charles Churchman 

+44 (0)2032 876 540 

www.charleschurchman.com 

The Transparent collection by Charles Churchman is a range of products 

designed to bring modern style to the kitchen. The products are designed to 

be both simple yet stylish, eye-catching and functional. 

Eliza Jayne Ceramics 

+44 (0)7845 685 721 

www.elizajayneceramics.co.uk 

Eliza Simpson creates ceramic pieces which explore 

form and line with inspiration drawn from plants, nature and organic form. All her 

pieces are hand built, mainly using the traditional process of hand-coiling. 

Yas-Ming Ceramics 

+44 (0)7949 037 532 

www.yas-ming.co.uk 

Yas-Ming Ceramics is a 

collaboration between Yasmin 

Dilekkaya and Ming Wai Sun. 

They design and make a range 

of fun animal-themed ceramics, 

including mugs, dishes, bowls 

and chopstick stands. The main 

process used is slip casting, 

incorporating press moulding 

and hand building techniques 

as well. 

Laura Olivia 

sales@lauraolivia.com 

www.lauraolivia.com 

Laura Olivia is among the emerging talent hand-picked 

by award winning designer Jethro Macey to exhibit their 

work within the One Year On section. Laura Olivia is a 

freelance textile and surface pattern designer who has 

just launched her own range of luxury interior products 

and accessories. Along with her portfolio of designs, she 

will be exhibiting her new collection of digitally printed 

products including pearlescent lampshades, velvet 

cushions and wallpaper panels. 

giftfocus 61 

new designers

protect and deter 

Dids Macdonald CEO of the organisation Anti Copying in Design (ACID) advises on how best 

to protect new products and deter the copyists 

In the recently 

published Hargreaves 

Intellectual Property 

Review, design 

has been finally 

acknowledged as a 

key contributor to 

the UK economy, 

which is no surprise 

because, according to 

Nesta, £23 billion was spent by UK businesses 

on investment in design. 

So, for those within the highly competitive 

giftware sector whose lifeblood depends on 

creating new, design-led products, protection 

and deterrence against copying are top 

priorities. Within today’s tight economic 

constraints, it is crucial that all the creativity, 

research and development that goes into 

creating new products and designs, is allowed 

to reach its full market potential to reward the 

originator free from the threat of copying. 

Risky business 

Intellectual property law is based on property 

law so, in the same way that you would have 

title deeds to your home (or your mortgage 

company would!) or a lease to rent your flat 

or house, it boils down to ownership and 

permission to live in a property. Therefore, if 

someone squats in your home without your 

permission, your home rights are violated. Well, 

it’s the same with intellectual property (IP) – 

the generic term for patents, designs, copyright 

and trade marks. If someone “takes” your 

designs without permission they are infringing 

your intellectual property rights. Would you 

send thousands of pounds through the post 

without adequate protection? I doubt it. And 

yet designers continually send their precious 

designs quite happily by email without any 

safeguards and little regard for the investment 

they have made in new product development 

62 giftfocus 

to bring a new design to market. 

Seizing opportunities to submit new product 

designs when responding to a buyer’s interest 

in your product range is a ‘no brainer’ but not 

without its potential IP hazards. 

Many buyers, naturally, are commercially 

responsible about respect for IP and in 

ensuring that they have the right permission to 

use others’ IP but some, sadly, are not! No one 

can refuse a business opportunity, but sending 

designs electronically without safeguards is a 

risky business. 

“Seizing opportunities to submit 

new product designs when 

responding to a buyer’s interest 

in your product range is a ‘no 

brainer’ but not without its 

potential IP hazards.” 

Protect 

When pitching via e-mail you should include 

an intellectual property statement within your 

e-mail signature and a copyright statement 

on design drawings. ACID members also use 

the ACID logo to inform others that they are 

aware of their IP rights. 

It is at this vulnerable stage that tracing the 

whereabouts of your latest designs can also 

put a valuable layer of intellectual property 

awareness into the equation. Using ACID’s 

new IP Tracker will ensure that details of 

new designs, drawings, submissions to tender, 

responses to brief and indeed any other 

confidential IP rights-based information sent to 

a third party has the safeguard of confirmed 

delivery for the sender, with a copy held by 

ACID as evidence. The service automatically 

acknowledges delivery of information and 

the recipient confirms their acceptance of 

confidentiality of content and the terms of 

agreement when accessing the file. And all 

it costs is around £5 per transmission for 

peace of mind. ACID members benefit from a 

reduced price of £3.50 per transmission. 

ACID ambassador and designer Sebastian 

Conran, commented: “An unintended 

consequence of digital technology is the 

dissemination and theft of identities, ideas 

and designs. Proving ownership of IP is the 

foundation of protecting it; and the ACID IP 

Tracker provides unequivocal evidence for 

files in digital transit - simply, efficiently and 

effectively.” 

When IP is translated into tradable 

knowledge it has a commercial value and 

needs to be protected. In the UK the majority 

of IP rights are unregistered (copyright and 

unregistered design rights). ACID IP Tracker 

does not add to those automatic rights 

but using it to send confidential IP based 

information to third parties will provide third 

party evidential proof of receipt in the same 

way as the ACID Design Data Bank, which 

holds 350,000 copies of designs. Not only will 

the IP Tracker be another deterrent against 

copying, it will be a positive vehicle for safer 

creative collaboration to maximise return on 

original investment and to bring IP to market 

successfully and more safely. 

Visit www.acidtrading.eu.com/acid-iptracker 

to find out more. 

Deter 

Most micro and small to medium-sized 

enterprises cannot afford to go to court 

over IP infringement, so the most important 

element of IP protection is as a deterrent 

and preventative strategy, particularly when 

sending sensitive information to a third party. 

Importantly, providing receipted evidence of 

sending reverses the burden of proof and 

makes it easier to take legal action for those 

whose rights have been infringed.

“If you don’t want to be copied, say so! Nowhere 

is there a more effective conduit for stating your IP 

policy than on your website and 

marketing material.” 

Survive 

ACID’S objective is to ensure that every designer/manufacturer 

within the giftware sector understands the value of their IP rights, has 

the support to put an effective IP armoury in place in order to fight 

plagiarists, while having access to effective resolutions through mediation. 

The year ahead will not be without challenge, so for those who need a 

survival strategy – remember to: 

• Have a design audit trail for unregistered designs; 

• Register designs officially if at all possible (www.ipo.gov.uk www.oami. 

europa.eu); and 

• Use the ACID logo (if you are a current member) together with an 

accompanying IP policy statement for maximum effect. 

If you don’t want to be copied, say so! Nowhere is there a more 

effective conduit for stating your IP policy than on your website and 

marketing material. g 


Visit the ACID website www.acid.uk.com 

�� 

�� 

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Exhibiting at 

Autumn Fair and 

Top Drawer 

NO MINIMUM ORDERS 

tel: (01425) 461594 

e: cooltradewinds@yahoo.co.uk 

www.cooltradewinds.co.uk 

(Please contact us for password)

hot 

Get the low-down 

property 

on latest licensing deals and hot new properties 

Dancing with Mickey 

Mickey and Minnie Mouse join the dance craze with a new 

range from Enesco’s Disney Showcase Collection called 

Dancing With The Mouse. 

The dancing duo feature in six different dance styles - Disco, 

Jitterbug, Paso Doble, Waltz, Tango and Salsa. 

Call +44 (0)1228 404 022 or email uksales@enesco.co.uk 

for details. 

Sanderson Primavera 

Heathcote & 

Ivory introduces 

Primavera by 

internationally 

renowned interior 

design house 

Sanderson. 

A limited 

edition range of 

home fragrancing, 

it features 

Sanderson’s 

contemporary 

Art Deco inspired 

Primavera 

designs married 

with luxurious 

fragrances. Taken 

from a hand 

blocked wallpaper 

printed on gold foil dating from 1926, the Primavera designs 

place rhododendron leaves amongst stylised fruit and flower 

motifs in the distinctive Art Deco style and is represented 

in four different colourways - Spiced Pear & Ginger, Sugared 

Almond & Iris, Cassis Rose & Violet, Mandarin Blossom 

& Neroli. 

Visit the website www.heathcote-ivory.com or telephone 

+44 (0)207 483 8383 for details. 

THE GRUFFALO ® CLEANS UP 

Ethos Concepts has launched a new range of Gruffalo toiletries. 

The core range consists of bath and shower gel, liquid hand soap and 

bubble bath. Made in England using gentle, pH-balanced, hypoallergenic 

formulations, the products contain organic honey, which the company says 

is traded to fair trade standards and produced by a small community of 

beekeepers in Nicaragua. 

The Woodland Mist scent was designed for the Gruffalo range by a 

renowned perfumer to capture the essence of the “deep, dark wood”. The 

company has also used UK-produced, fully recyclable bottles made from 25% 

recycled materials. 

The first range is accompanied by a Gruffalo hand-shaped bath mitt, 

bubbling bath fizzers, an expandable towel, toothpaste and toothbrush. 

Call +44 (0)208 566 8478 or email armen@ethos.co.uk to find out more. 

Sweet and saucy 

Award-winning maker of 

novelty gifts and confectionery 

Spencer & Fleetwood has 

introduced a range of sweets 

in packaging featuring images 

from the renowned Bamforth 

and Company saucy seaside 

postcard collection. 

The Great British Sweets 

range includes aniseed balls, butterscotch, pear drops and rhubarb and custard 

- all produced in the UK. 

“Interest from retail in the Great British Sweets range has been fantastic. 

It seems that everyone knows the Bamforth collection. And the timing is 

perfect. With the 2012 Olympics and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee next year 

generating even more buzz around all things British we expect the range 

to be popular for a very long time,” says Spencer & Fleetwood marketing 

manager Kate Laming. 

Visit www.spencerandfleetwood.com or call +44 (0)1372 734 070 for 

further information. 

giftfocus 67 

hot property

PETS ROCK THIS 

SUMMER 

Takkoda’s award-winning Pets 

Rock range uses animal imagery 

on quirky and comical card and gift 

ranges. The Takkoda team matches 

the pets to famous personalities with 

hilarious results. 

Now the company has licensed 

its designs to Natural Products 

Worldwide to feature in a fun gift range of health and beauty 

products – lip balms, nail files, wipes and tissues, air fresheners and 

lens cloths. 

To celebrate the launch Takkoda is running a summer promotion 

offering an alternative festival beauty pack or fun gift pack for music/ 

animal lovers. Contact Takkoda for details on +44 (0)208 740 8887. 

PMC EXPANDS LICENSED RANGES 

The Personalised Memento Company (PMC) is expanding its 

licensed gift selection with two new brands, Cotton Zoo and 

Bang on the Door. 

Cotton Zoo is a collection of both traditional and 

modern gifts for newborns and children. The range offers china 

breakfast sets, personalised baby clothes, lunch bags and drinks 

bottles. All the gifts feature the cute Cotton Zoo characters. 

The Bang on the Door range features cartoon animals 

and characters like Groovy Chick on a wide range of products 

for kids, teenagers and women including personalised mugs, 

notebooks, stationery sets, aprons and chocolate bars. 

PMC has also expanded its successful Purple Ronnie range, 

launched 18 months ago. There are now birthday products 

featuring Purple Ronnie big numbers and a fun and funky 

wedding range. A brand new Father’s Day range will also be 

available soon. 

For more information or to see the full product range visit 

www.personalisedmemento.co.uk 

68 giftfocus 

Inspired by nature 

The National Trust has launched a new collection of toiletries which 

captures the essence of the beautiful landscapes cared for by the trust. 

The collection, which is made in England, features four fragrances 

inspired by the coast, countryside, gardens and woodland looked after 

by the National Trust across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. 

Phillippa Green, brand licensing manager for the national trust, 

said: “This collection represents the very best of the National Trust’s 

outdoor spaces – from parks and countryside to the coastline and 

woodland we look after. The range harnesses the greatest scents at the 

heart of the UK’s natural beauty.” 

The collection has been especially created for the National Trust by 

the Icon Partnership. Visit www.nationaltrust.org to find out more. 

RSPCA makes a date 

with BrownTrout 

The RSPCA animal charity has 

awarded a licence to BrownTrout 

Publishers to produce a range of 

branded, animal-themed 2012 

calendars and diaries. 

BrownTrout, a major publisher of 

calendars and diaries, will launch its 

RSPCA range throughout the UK 

in August 2011. 

The range will include wall 

calendars, organisers and a slim pocket diary as well as BrownTrout’s 

popular slim calendar format, all featuring animal-themed photographs 

including puppies, kittens and wildlife. 

Call +44 (0)1179 739 191 or visit the website www.browntrout.com to 


WHAT NEXT FOR 

MR BENN? 

United Oddsocks has announced the first 

ever collection of Mr Benn socks and boxer 

shorts for spring/summer 2012. 

Mr Benn, the quirky creation of David 

McKee, first appeared on TV in 1971. United 

Oddsocks has created a men’s range of Mr 

Benn socks and boxer shorts that capture 

the retro-feel of the character and his extraordinary 

adventures. The designs feature 

many of Mr Benn’s much-loved characters. 

The range includes a number of two pair pack 

designs of matching Mr Benn socks, Mr Benn 

jersey boxer shorts plus themed gift boxes. 

Call +44 (0)1525 863 902 or send an 

email to paul.hughes@unitedoddsocks.com

contact us 

for a free 

sample 

New baby gift giving is a Piece of Cake 

Beautiful Baby Clothes Bouquets 

NEW Angel Cake range now available 

No Minimum Order - On-line Ordering 

www.thefl owerstork.com 

email: wholesale@thefl owerstork.com 

tel: 01495 303030 

UK & Ireland 

Agents 

toiletries & 

fragrances 

Multi award winning fragrance & toiletries 

brand Berkeley Square combines 

outstanding brands, gift packaging 

and performance and are looking for 

self employed agents to be part of its 

expansion in the UK & Ireland. 

You must have a proven sales record 

working with Garden Centres, Lifestyle 

Boutiques or Gift Shops. The Brands offer 

an excellent opportunity for candidates 

with the professional standing to be a 

partner with this high growth company. 

Apply in confi dence sending CV in the fi rst 

instance to ameen@bsquare.co.uk 

www.bsquare.co.uk 

supporting excellence in British perfumery

�� 

MAGAZINE 

The UK’s leading magazine 

for the craft industry 

Read the latest issue 

online now 

Subscribe for FREE 

www.craftfocus.com

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all the answers 

Our experts tackle your retail-related queries 

Stephanie Jerome is a founder of the Intelligent 

Retail Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) 

programme and has optimised many retail 

websites over the years. She is closely tapped 

into the UK and worldwide SEO community and 

conducts her own research into SEO techniques 

as a specialist in SEO for e-commerce and retail. 

Call +44 (0)1635 517 923 or email sjerome@ 

intelligentretail.co.uk for more information. 

Gift wrapping expert Jane Means has her own 

workshops based around the UK and travels 

nationwide running private gift wrapping courses. 

She has featured in numerous glossy magazines 

and television programmes and is a popular 

demonstrator at events and exhibitions up and 

down the country. For more information visit her 

website www.janemeans.co.uk or email info@ 

janemeans.co.uk. 

Barbara Aspin is the business development 

manager at SiteWizard.co.uk. She has 10 years' 

experience within the website design industry. 

SiteWizard.co.uk has been trading for 15 years 

and has designed websites for thousands of 

companies. She can be contacted on 

+44 (0)1622 200 045 or email barbara.aspin@ 

sitewizard.co.uk for more information. 

Q 

A 

smartphone payment 

What does the introduction of smartphone payment 

mean for retailers? Do I need to pay for new terminals? Is 

it worth it? 

Kevin Harrington says: Smartphone payment will become 

a reality in the UK this year. The iPhone 5 is expected to 

incorporate payment technology when it launches in July 

and MasterCard already offer watch2pay (the first watch 

that can be used to make payments worldwide). In the US 

Starbucks has been one of the first to announce that they 

will accept payment via a mobile app. The app then deducts 

the purchase from their prepaid Starbucks account. 

Smartphone payment will offer your customers the 

advantage of avoiding queues or having to ensure that they 

have the right cash on them. I think it will consequently 

catch on really quickly. The only issue, that might hold it back, 

is security concerns. However I think people will quickly 

become reassured that it offers no more risks than other 

payment methods. Sophisticated encryption technology 

helps safeguard personal information and providers that 

offer a direct connection between a mobile device and 

point of sale system offer minimal risk by cutting out as 

many intermediaries as possible. 

Smartphone payment also has huge advantages for 

retailers as it allows you to serve many more people per 

hour without the need for more shop staff. The cost of 

introducing the technology is similar to card payment 

methods. Whether you should be an early adopter, or wait 

a while, I think therefore depends on the volume and size 

of the individual transactions you make in your shop. If 

you sell high volume/low value goods I think you will find 

the small initial investment well worth while, particularly if 

you have pronounced peaks in customer volumes (such as 

experienced by shops near stations and at events). 

Further information on this subject can be gained from 

American Express, MasterCard and Visa (all Global Prepaid 

Exchange members). 

Kevin Harrington has advised a number of top 

companies including Argos, Boots, Comet, Harrods, 

House of Fraser, Waterstones and WH Smith. He 

is now managing director of the Global Prepaid 

Exchange, the widest reaching prepaid industry 

Q 

wrapped to go 

organisation. His mission is to help all sectors of For the forthcoming festive season I am looking to 

the economy understand the potential of prepaid. 

introduce a gift wrapping service for the first time. I am 

Qgiftfocus 

a complete novice and don't want to get in over my 

head. Could you give me some tips for simple yet stylish 

If you have a question about any aspect of the gift retail industry, simply write 

Agift wrapping that's cost effective too? 

to: Q&A special, Gift Focus Magazine, Broseley House, Newlands Drive, Witham, 

Jane Means says: Firstly I must say this is definitely a good 

Essex, CM8 2UL. Alternatively, send your queries to editor@giftfocus.com. way of getting customers through the door. It will help 

73 

q&a special

all the answers 

well. If you have a website, flag it up there too, 

use word of mouth or pop little leaflets in 

customers' bags to make sure people know 

about the service. 

To save money try to be sparing with 

ribbon, just go around the parcel once instead 

of crossways - the finished look is just as 

effective. I would also advise you to charge for 

the service or only offer it free to customers 

spending over a certain limit, say £25. In 

general customers will not pay more than 

they would spend on paper and trimmings 

themselves - £2.50 for a small item, no more 

than £3, is a good guide. 

Qmy conversion to sales is not very good. 

A 

clinching online sales 

I get a lot of visitors to my website however 

you stand out from your competitors, which 

What advice would you be able to give me? 

is crucial, especially at Christmas time when 

Barbara Aspin says:There are many aspects 

competition for trade is so fierce. It doesn't 

to consider when looking at your website to 

have to cost the earth either - you don't need 

ensure that your visitors are getting the best 

to spend more than £50 to set yourself up. 

user experience. I have picked out some of 

All you need is a basic start up kit including: 

the points that I would look at on any website. 

��sharp scissors; 

You need to look at your website as a whole 

��double-sided tape; 

including how long it takes to load. If the user 

��sticky tape; 

is waiting for images to download then they 

��cellophane, tissue paper and counter roll 

are likely to click off your website. We live in a 

giftwrap (available from floristry wholesalers). 

world now where people want things instantly. 

When deciding what colour paper to 

Does your website look fresh? Ask friends and 

choose, one option is to go for your own 

colleagues to give their honest opinion of your 

company colours to reinforce your brand 

website, and don’t be offended if the feedback 

image. I favour plain wrapping, because 

is negative. Your website represents you and 

patterned restricts what you can do with 

needs to look slick, modern and professional. 

ribbons and trimmings. When I am choosing 

Are there lots of typos? If your website is 

a colour I go for an all-rounder like turquoise 

littered with typos and bad grammar then 

or light purple which is suitable for most 

people are less likely to buy from you as your 

occasions, ages or gender. 

website will not look professional. 

Brown paper and raffia is a good option too, 

Also look at the images of your products. 

it is really inexpensive and can be used any 

Are the images grainy or is there bad 

time of year. For a seasonal touch add some 

lighting? If the answer is yes then you are not 

natural foliage like laurel or bay leaves, a sprig 

promoting your products in the best possible 

of ivy or thyme, with some artificial berries for 

way. If you look at your competitors' websites 

a really stunning effect. Tie in some inexpensive 

and they have features that you would love to 

baubles for an eye-catching result - customers 

have on your website then borrow their ideas. 

love it! 

Look at the big retailers and see what they 

Or how about simply embellishing your 

are doing. If they have a tell-a-friend feature on 

shop bags by punching a hole at the top and 

their website and you do not have it on your 

threading through some ribbon. You can tie a 

website then you are missing out on potential 

business card on as well for extra effect. 

recommendation sales. Most importantly you 

A good tip is to have a display of wrapped 

need to set up Google analytics which will 

boxes in the window advertising the gift 

enable you to see not only how many people 

wrapping service with a notice at the till as 

have visited your website but also what pages 

74 giftfocusA 

they have visited and how long they stayed on 

the pages, this will enable you to identify the 

areas of your website that require work. 

Q 

A 

pressing the right buttons 

I’ve seen ‘tweet this’ and ‘like’ buttons around 

lots of websites; is this something I should 

use for my e-commerce website? 

Stephanie Jerome says: Social networking 

on platforms such as Facebook and Twitter 

are more than just for socialising, they’re for 

sharing too. People are eager to show their 

friends and family things they’re enthusiastic 

about. Whether it’s an interesting news story, a 

fantastic product they’ve found or just a funny 

video, people want to tell the world about it, 

so they share it on the social networks they’re 

involved with. 

People can do this manually within the social 

networking platform itself, but it makes sense 

for websites to make it much easier for users; 

by giving them appropriate buttons directly 

on the web page they want to share. This is 

known as ‘social bookmarking’. So if you have 

a Facebook account and you see a news story 

you want to show everyone, you can ‘like’ it 

precisely on that page, making it very easy to 

share in just one click. 

Social bookmarking is a great tool for 

e-commerce websites - each of your category 

and product pages should have the capability 

to share that page on different social networks. 

It helps spread the word virally about your 

website and also gives a great boost to your 

website’s rankings in search engines if enough 

‘bookmarks’ to your various web pages are 

created by users. By making it effortless for 

people to share your content, you can make 

your website more successful in the long run. 

There are hundreds of social bookmarking 

websites out there, and Google is also 

getting in on the act with its own +1 button 

(pronounced “plus one”), only just released. 

There’s a fantastic tool that covers lots of 

social bookmarking networks at once – called 

Add This (www.addthis.com). It highlights the 

main sites used along with another side option 

to select from a huge list of other networks. I 

recommend you sign up on Add This before 

you add the relevant code to your website 

– you’ll then be able to access analytics data 

about how many people are bookmarking 

your web pages and what sites they use. 

g

usiness link – 

a helping hand 

Every business has its share of issues that cost them time and money. Here, a team of 

business link advisers share their thoughts on how to tackle the problems, while not being 

afraid to ask for help 

All business owners, whether they are just 

starting out or have been trading for some 

time, can benefit from some external help 

from time to time. 

The independent retail sector in particular 

is facing a challenging time with chains and 

online retailers taking a larger slice of the 

pie. Finding out how to ‘punch above your 

weight’ and attract and retain customers is 

key to retail success. However, to keep ahead 

of the competition and remain profitable you 

need to make time to work on your business 

rather than just in your business. This is where 

Business Link can help. 

You may have heard that Business Link is 

changing and that after November 2011 the 

regional service will be streamlined into a 

national telephone enquiry and web-based 

service. Until the end of November though, 

you can still benefit from the full range of 

Business Link services including one-to-one 

advice from a Business Link adviser either 

face-to-face or by phone and email. 

A helping hand 

For a small business, the cost of paying for 

advice from a consultant can be off-putting 

and it is sometimes difficult to know how to 

find someone who can meet your needs. A 

face-to-face meeting or telephone session 

with a Business Link adviser offers you access 

to free, independent and impartial advice 

and your adviser will point you in the right 

direction if you need specialist help. 

Business Link advisers provide an external 

perspective, a sounding board for your ideas 

and plans. Many of them have run their own 

small businesses so they understand the 

pressures and constraints of working for 

yourself. Business Link advisors work with 

hundreds of very different organisations, giving 

76 giftfocus 

them insight into what works and how to get 

results by focusing on the key issues. 

If you need further help with a particular 

aspect of your business, such as IT, website 

development, marketing or finance, the 

advisers can also help you find assistance. 

“No question is too trivial or 

too complex for Business Link 

advisers who are experienced 

professionals with expertise in a 

wide range of areas and sectors.” 

Information service 

Small business owners are the ultimate multitaskers. 

If this is you, you’ll know that this 

means having to be an expert, not just about 

your own product or service, but in every 

area of the business. From finance to managing 

staff and keeping up with IT, you need to keep 

up to date with the rules and regulations. 

No-one can be totally proficient in all 

these areas and this is where Business Link’s 

information service can help. A quick call to 

the information service will put you through 

to an experienced adviser who will be able to 

deal with your enquiry. As well as answering 

your business questions and providing advice, 

the information service can direct you to 

other agencies and support organisations if 

necessary. For example, Trading Standards 

covers all the trading regulations covering your 

sector, or if you need legal advice, Business 

Link can help you find a solicitor through 

their supplier database. You may even qualify 

for a free 30-minute legal consultation from 

a member of the Lawyers for your Business 

network. You can find details on the Law 

Society website. 

The information team can deal with any 

business questions and issues covering a 

vast range of topics from business planning, 

sales and marketing and cash flow, to credit 

reports, help with accessing finance, patent 

and trademark services and information on 

trading abroad. No question is too trivial or 

too complex, our advisers are experienced 

professionals, with expertise in a wide range 

of areas and sectors. A range of other services 

is also available, from bespoke research to 

support in developing overseas markets, 

benchmarking and producing mailing lists. 

Online services 

Don’t forget that the Business Link website 

has a wealth of information on everything you 

need to know about running your business. 

The website also has templates for business 

plans and other essential documents as well 

as up-to-the-minute information on the latest 

regulations and issues affecting businesses. For 

example, did you know that the Government 

is phasing out the default retirement age, 

or that you can now incorporate a private 

limited company online? Or that HMRC runs 

free Business Advice open days to help you 

understand tax issues? Check the website to 

keep up to date with the latest issues. 

As well as finding the answers to your 

business questions the website features many 

interactive tools which cover every aspect 

of running your business. They are quick and 

easy to use and will give you clear guidelines 

on what you need to do to achieve your 

objectives. Whether you want to plan your 

finances or marketing, find out how to employ 

and manage staff, use IT and e-commerce 

more effectively or manage health and safety 

at work, there is a tool to take you through 

the process and give you a plan of action.

The information and intelligence team at Business Link East of England: 

Back Row: Kantilal Patel; Bob Hinchcliffe; Richard Swift; Andrew Cook 

Middle Row: Lauren Dovey; Sanjay Majmudar; Kevin Smith; Tony Barritt 

Front Row: Heather Elliott; Andree Hava; Andrew Downes 

A definitive guide to the areas in which Business Link offers help 

Starting up 

Included are the basics of starting a new 

company plus how to budget finances, what 

are the financial and legal requirements plus 

tips on conducting research and preparing a 

business plan. There are also case studies and 

advice on getting a business mentor. 

Finance and grants 

Watch on line videos about financing your 

business, read articles on finance options 

and prepare to raise finance. There are also 

guidelines on managing finance and what to 

do when in financial difficulty. 

Tax, payroll and company information 

This section provides lots of advice on tax, 

from self assessment to VAT and business 

rates, tax reliefs and allowances plus industryspecific 

taxes. Payroll explains PAYE and 

expenses and benefits employees can claim 

whilst the HM Revenue section includes 

everything about dealing with HM Revenue 

and Customs. You can also search for company 

names and find out about Companies House 

returns and accounts. 

Employment and skills 

Not only can you find out about taking on 

and managing staff, there are tips on resolving 

problems and dealing with retirement, 

redundancy and dismissal. 

Workplace health and safety 

Health and safety can be a minefield. This 

section provides simple information about 

what you need to do, how to write a H&S 

policy for your business plus protecting your 

business and indeed, getting insurance. 

Environment and efficiency 

This section is about environmental 

compliance and responsibility with ideas on 

improving your environmental performance, 

reducing carbon emissions saving money and 

resources. It also has a climate change tool to 

help you get your business ready for climate 

change impacts. 

Premises and property 

Popular sections of this particular area are 

fire safety and risk assessment, how to chose 

the right premises for your business, disabled 

facilities grant and an overview of the planning 

system with a direct portal to applying for 

planning permission online. 

Create, innovate and protect 

Particularly useful for designs, this area covers 

protecting your intellectual property, research 

and development and information on how to 

develop new products and services. 

IT and e-commerce 

As well as the basic information and advice 

on introducing IT to your business, there are 

spotlighted tips on working ‘in the cloud’ 

so you can find out how cloud computing 

can help your business, and how to manage an 

IT incident. 

Sales and marketing 

Marketing is an area often left to the last 

minute, so here the useful guides on how 

to write a marketing plan are very useful. 

As is the advice on advertising, branding and 

online marketing including how to ensure 

your business is complying with the law when 

selling to customers. 

International trade 

Very useful if you trade with overseas 

companies, this section has tips on importing 

and exporting basics, sanctions, embargoes 

and restrictions, tax implications and customs 

procedures and regulations. 

Grow your business 

As well as lots of advice and tips to read, 

there are online options such as creating an 

action plan to successfully grow your business, 

or use Business Link’s interactive tool to find 

out who your most valuable customers are, or 

access your business performance. 

Buy or sell a business 

Most popular are the articles on buying an 

existing business and an overview on selling 

or closing your business. There is also advice 

on understanding contracts and responsibilities 

to employees. g 


Business Link Information Service 

+44 (0)845 600 9006 

www.businesslink.gov.uk. 

Trading Standards 

www.everythingregulation.org.uk 

Law Society www.lawsociety.org.uk 

giftfocus 77 

business advice link

pride of pulse 

Design-led trade show Pulse London revealed its customary 

batch of fresh talent this June. We showcase some of the 

award-winning products 

Pulse 2011 hosted its annual exhibitor awards, 

recognising the best new products and talent 

in the market. 

Hosted by Pulse show director, Raj Gill and 

judged by top industry experts, the awards 

celebrated the creativity and originality, which 

Pulse has become famous for. 

Harriet Patterson, style director of Livingetc. 

and Morag Bruce, chief sub editor had the 

difficult task of judging Best New Home 

Product, which went to Nud Collection 

for its innovative black hand painted light 

bulb. Commenting on the winning product, 

the judges said: “This product has taken an 

industrial trend and given it a beautiful and 

delicate twist.” 

The duo also judged the Best New 

Launchpad Product, which was awarded to 

Je Vous en Prie for its reversible printed silk 

fabric. The judges remarked: “Designed and 

made in the UK, this product stood out as 

completely different, a contemporary take on 

woven fabric.” 

Michelle Alger, buying manager of 

homewares & gifts at Liberty used her 

expertise to identify the Best New Launchpad 

exhibitor, which went to Abigail Ryan for her 

78 giftfocus 

www.jevousenprie.com 

www.therenovationstore.co.uk 

stylish and luxury homewares inspired by 

botanical illustrations. 

The Best New Fashion Product accolade 

was awarded to Gina Stewart Cox for her 

coral bracelet, which was praised for its 

commercial appeal. 

Best New Gift Product was awarded 

to Thornback & Peel for their Rabbit 

and Cabbage print tea-towel, which was 

commended as, “an updated version of a 

classic bestseller”. 

The Renovation Store’s Tokyo Milk scooped 

the Best New Bath and Body product for its 

Dark Collection, described as, “a quirky, edgy 

new collection”. 

The Best Dressed Stand Awards for under 

and over 24sqm, went to Andrea Garland and 

Flux respectively. 

Next year’s Pulse takes place from 10 th 

to 12 th June at London’s Earls Court. Visit 

www.pulse-london.com for details. g 

www.thornbackandpeel.co.uk 

www.nudcollection.com

Home & Gift is the crucial trade event for retailers, perfectly timed for your 

Christmas ordering. Visit Home & Gift this summer to profit from the: 

• Huge selection of fabulous products 

to suit your budget from over 900 

exhibitors. 

• Exclusive access to over 350 

companies who will not be exhibiting 

at any other UK trade show. 

Get your Christmas 

profit wrapped up… 

17-20 July 2011, Harrogate 

• New autumn and winter lines – be 

the first to see hundreds of product 

launches in time for the festive season. 

• Free business advice, designed to 

boost your profits and put you ahead 

on the high street. 

REGISTER NOW for free entry at: 

www.homeandgift.co.uk 

Home / General Gifts / Design-led Gifts / Men’s Gifts / Collectables & Traditional Gifts / Jewellery & Fashion / Greetings & Stationery

Win! 

Fair trade fashion 

accessories from 

Earth Squared worth 

a total of £600 RRP 

Earth Squared is enjoying continued demand 

for its fabulous fair trade fashion accessories and 

to celebrate rising sales the company is offering 

three lucky Gift Focus readers a chance to share 

in the success story. 

Things have changed in a big way for ethical fashion accessories producer 

Earth Squared since its initial conception nine years ago - and the outlook 

for continued growth is looking brighter than ever. 

Earth Squared designs all its products in-house, working with fair trade 

accredited partners in Vietnam to bring them to fruition. The leap from 

retailer to wholesaler was made just three short years ago and since then 

the brand has grown significantly to over 450 accounts in the UK alone 

with new stockists on board this year from the USA, Europe and South 

Africa. Despite the difficult economic climate, the company reports that 

sales for spring 2011 have grown by 36% compared to last spring. 

With Home & Gift, Harrogate on the horizon, Earth Squared is looking 

forward to unveiling its brand new autumn/winter lines for 2011 at the 

show. The product range is expanding to include some fabulous new 

designs to appeal to a broader customer base. 

The stylish new quilted Charlie and Sarah collection indicates a new 

direction for Earth Squared and the fantastic, mix and match options with 

purses and scarves, and great detailing are expected to be a huge success. 

Also new for 2011 are the Ava and Lily collections in a winning selection 

of funky tweeds, classic cords and felts, all with scarves and purses to match. 

Classic designs like the Emily bag and Jersey Spot scarves return in a range 

of great new colours which, the company predicts, will continue to be 

strong and consistent best sellers. 

Earth Squared is proud to be a registered importer with the British 

Association of Fair Trade Shops (BAFTS). Given the current consumer-led 

trend towards a more ethical approach to fashion and with RRPs ranging 

from £4.99 to £34.99, Earth Squared believes it is in a prime position to 

provide fashionable, affordable and functional accessories to the market 

and anticipates continued growth into 2012. 

Earth Squared’s new ranges can be seen at Home & Gift, Harrogate in 

the Queens Suite, stand number 111 or visit the website 

www.fairtradewholesale.co.uk to find out more. g 

80 giftfocus 

★ 

★ 

★ 

★ 

★ 

★ 

★ 

★ 

HOW TO ENTER 

Earth Squared is offering three lucky retailers a selection of 

products worth up to £200 RRP each. For your chance to win 

simply answer the following question: 

Sales of Earth Squared products for Spring 2011 increased by 

what percentage compared to last spring? 

Enter online at www.giftfocus.com before the closing date on 

22nd August 2011. Terms and conditions apply – see the website 

for details. For further information telephone directors, Simon 

Henderson or Alison Holt on +44 (0)1620 824 392.

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golden years 

Home & Gift, Harrogate kicks off on the 17 th July this year, the start of four 

days of celebrations in honour of the show’s golden anniversary. Before the 

party starts, take time out to read up on some of the fabulous products set to 

be revealed 

Picture courtesy of En Gry & Sif (Stand DP4-2A) www.engryogsif.dk 

In brief 

show Home & Gift, Harrogate 

where Harrogate, North Yorkshire 


organisers Clarion Events 

opening times Sun-Tues 9am-6pm 

Wed 9am-4pm 

website www.homeandgift.co.uk 

giftfocus 83 

giftfocus 83 

home & gift

After half a century Home & Gift, Harrogate 

remains forever young. 

With a host of exciting new products set to 

be unveiled, this year’s 50 th anniversary show 

promises to be as fresh and inspiring as ever. 

Ideally placed in the buying calendar it allows 

retailers to source new lines for the busy 

Christmas season and beyond. 

This year’s golden edition will feature over 

900 exhibitors showcasing ranges across a host 

of categories from gifts, jewellery and fashion 

to greetings, stationery and home. 

New exhibitors for 2011 include Avoca, 

Bahoma, Zippo UK, Lime Cards, Blue Moon 

Trading and En Gry & Sif. 

Also new for 2011 is the Men’s Gifts sector, 

which in addition to traditional gifts for men 

like cufflinks and ties, will also feature gadgets, 

health and wellbeing products. 

After two successful years, the Intro North 

sector will once again be showcasing new 

and original design talent from across the UK. 

Each Intro North exhibitor is hand-selected 

based on the originality, quality and commercial 

potential of their products. 

As well as a major sourcing ground, Home 

& Gift offers visitors the opportunity to gain 

valuable business advice. Free one-to-one 

sessions with successful industry professionals 

will be available at retail surgeries which will 

run after the informative seminars. Topics 

84 giftfocus 

include PR, visual merchandising and trend 

advice, geared to help retailers maximise sales 

and prepare for the busy Christmas season. 

Paul Middlemiss, chief executive of 

renowned gift company Pedlars and owner 

of his own wholesale company L-Living, is this 

year’s keynote speaker. 

He will be outlining and discussing key 

points to help retailers make their businesses 

world-class and will share his experiences as 

a former director of Habitat, House of Fraser 

and previous owner of The General Trading 

Company. Paul’s talk will take place at 3pm on 

Sunday 17 th July. 

The 50 th anniversary celebrations will run 

throughout the show, promising a party 

atmosphere and plenty of opportunity to 

combine business with pleasure. 

Visit the website www.homeandgift.co.uk to 


Flashback to the 1960s 

Facts & figures 

(Courtesy of Clarion Events) 

• Home & Gift is the largest annual 

event to take place at the Harrogate 

International Centre 

• The show was relocated to Blackpool 

during the early years and was then 

moved to Birmingham’s NEC before 

returning to its original home in Harrogate. 

• Clarion Events acquired Home & Gift 

during the early 1990s and has expanded 

the show ever since 

• The 2010 edition saw over 12,000 

visitors with over 900 UK and 

international exhibitors 

• It takes 40 days to build and break down 

the marquees

86 giftfocus 

(Correct at time of going to press)

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EXHIBITOR PROFILES 

Yankee Candle Co (Europe) 

Hall A, Stand 35 

Tel: +44 (0)1454 454 500 

Web: www.yankeecandle.co.uk 

Leading home 

fragrance 

manufacturer 

Yankee Candle® 

launches a brand 

new odour 

eliminating concept, 

Good Air Beads. 

Part of the popular Good Air collection, each individual 

bead contains properties to continuously fragrance the 

home. The new Good Air Beads are made from Super 

Absorbent Polymer (SAP) and deliver a continuous scent 

lasting for up to 30 to 45 days. Conveniently packaged, the 

beads are ideal for discreet use around the home. 

The Good Air range has two fragrances, Just Plain Clean 

and Just Plain Fresh. To help maximise sales a new look 

metal stand will launch at the show, complementing the 

colour ways and differing fragrance options on one stand 

with a clinical clean theme. 

Heathcote & Ivory 


Tel: +44 (0)207 483 8383 

Web: www.heathcote-ivory.com 

Men is a new grooming and body care system from 

Heathcote & Ivory designed for today’s man. 

The range offers a splash of red, blue and citrus, 

cut with basil, lime and cloves in an authentic boys’ 

own style. Two 

complementary 

fragrances have 

been selected 

and developed 

to uplift, revitalise 

and refresh. 

Products are 

presented in 

travel-friendly 

gift packaging 

and contain 

pro-vitamin A 

and vitamin K for 

healthy skin. 

GENERAL GIFTS 

Halls A, B, D, Q 

Gift & Home Marquee 

Aurora World 


Tel: +44 (0)1256 374 260 

Web: www.auroraworld.co.uk 

Aurora has launched brand new additions to its popular Yoohoo range. 

The new additions include a Yoohoo Wannabe Surfer, Snowboarder, Pilot, Boxer 

plus many more. 

This latest Aurora collection has been created by the company’s in-house 

designers, using quality materials and carefully hand finished. 

Mala Leather 


Tel: +44 (0)1543 483 230 

Web: www.malaleather.com 

Mala Leather is launching new autumn/winter collections that will not have been seen 

anywhere else before. 

The new season’s collection includes pretty heart shaped and round trinket boxes 

and a classic cufflink box in leather. 

There is also a cute new heart range which includes luggage tags, bookmarks and 

passports and the competitively priced Polka Dots range. There are three colour 

ways and it is packaged in a pretty dust bag. 

The company also has another two ranges of ladies purses with colourful appliqué 

and embroidery detail as well as new additions to the men’s Verve range and to the 

popular Rayas stripe collection. 

home & gift 

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JJ Vaillant 


Tel: +44 (0)1213 800 720 

Web: www.jjvaillant.com 

JJ Vaillant supply an 

extensive range 

of furniture, home 

accessories, wood carvings, 

traditional wooden gifts 

and games, as well as 

popular Betty Boop 

collectable figurines. The 

company reports that 

sales of wood carvings 

during 2010 saw a 

dramatic increase due to 

the addition of new ranges and larger stock holding. At 

Harrogate there will be a further 100 new designs of 

boxes, animals, and sculptures up to 1m tall on show. 

Blue Poppy Art 


Tel: +44 (0)1793 759 000 

Web: www.frithsculpture.co.uk 

Sculpted by British artists Blue Poppy Art will be 

introducing a number of new designs in the Frith 

Sculpture collection. 

New artist Adrian Tinsley has created contemporary 

Polar Bears which will be displayed in Frith’s bronze 

finish. They will also be available in a pewter colour. 

Other new sculptures includes a dramatic piece by 

Veronica Ballan – the Highland bull scratching. 

Personalised Memento Company 


Tel: +44 (0)1782 744 900 

Web: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk 

The Personalised Memento Company will be exhibiting its extensive personalised gift 

range, two brand new licensed product lines as well as its Ready to Go range. 

Ready to Go is a collection of non-personalised gifts covering all occasions, with 

no minimum order so retailers can stock as much or as little as they like. Visitors to 

the company’s stand will receive a 10% discount off all Ready to Go orders, as well as 

free postage for orders over £100. 

Smith & Canova 


Tel: +44 (0)1132 657 676 

Web: www.smithandcanova.co.uk 

For Autumn 2011 Smith & Canova has a range of high quality ladies handbags and 

accessories as well as a larger men’s range featuring satchels, weekend bags, wallets 

and iPad accessories. The autumn collection from sister brand Claudia Canova this 

season promises to be a coherent collection with quality materials and finishes 

including faux furs, animal prints, ostrich, tassels and heavy embellishment. There is 

also a stunning range of purses, clutches and iPad accessories to complement the 

handbag collection.

Home & Gift, 

Harrogate 

Stand DP1-131 

Pure London, 

Stand K78 

www.poltsa.co.uk 

T: 020 8393 6010 

Stunning accessories at sensible prices

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HALL B 

Intelex 

Hall B, Stand 4 

Tel: +44 (0)1933 679 777 

Web: www.intelex.co.uk 

Intelex reports strong demand for its heatable fragranced gifts this 

year, after investing heavily in new product development, packaging 

design and sales and marketing. 

The company offers an array of innovative new products in 

attractive gift packaging. 

Some of the company’s best-selling lines include premium Cozy 

Plush® soft toys and licensed Bagpuss® and Jelly Belly® ranges, all of 

which can be warmed in a microwave to soothe, relax and comfort 

all ages. 

Clere Vision 


Tel: +44 (0)1635 297 911 

Web: www.clerevision.co.uk 

Clere Vision’s latest animal print range of reading glasses, in vibrant eye 

catching colours, is one of six new ranges being shown at Home & Gift. 

Many of the new ranges are priced so that they can retail at less than 

£10, but all still include the quality fi nish, spring hinges and matching 

pouches that Clere Vision products are known for.

Ashleigh & Burwood 


Tel: +44 (0)1932 267 060 

Web: www.ashleigh-burwood.co.uk 

Brand new to the scene are the eye-catching Obsidian lamps from 

Ashleigh & Burwood, leading suppliers of fragrance lamps and diffusers. 

Bold single colours are put through the glass to create a statement piece, 

which can be fi lled with a fragrance of choice. 

Widdop Bingham 


Tel: +44 (0)1616 881 226 

Web: www.widdop.co.uk 

Whether it’s the groovy seventies, the fabulous fi fties or the swinging 

sixties - Widdop Bingham has something to offer for a gift with a 

difference. Its new value-for-money collection includes a handy keyring, 

magnet, photo frame and mug. Each item has its own classic icons 

reminiscent of a particular decade - sure to bring back fond memories. 

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Showcasing our new collections at 

Harrogate Home & Gift Hall C C35a 

Jewellery Handbags 

Accessories 

T: 01449 775566 www.capiz.co.uk E: sales@capiz.co.uk 

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Instant Gifts 

International 


Tel: +44 (0)1580 765 040 

Web: www.instant-gifts.co.uk 

Personalised placemats are now 

being produced in the UK by 

Instant Gifts International. 

There are 145 titles in all 

including the top boys’ and girls’ 

names plus generic messages like 

“I love my mum”, “100% trouble” 

and “cutie pie”. 

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Goodlookers 


Tel: +44 (0)1634 713 900 

Web: www.goodlookers.co.uk 

Goodlookers autumn/winter collection comprises many new 

reading glasses designed to hit the right notes in terms of style 

innovation and value for money. 

One of the new designs for this season is the quintessentially 

1950s Monroe model (pictured), which combines a nostalgic shape 

with warm autumn colour options and striking jewel-decorated 

temples. Other additions include the stylish Ava reading glasses, 

which incorporate a pearl shell temple design. The new ranges 

complement Goodlookers’ existing collection of reading glasses, 

sunglasses and sun-readers. 

Gibsons 


Tel: +44 (0)208 661 

8866 

Web: www. 

gibsonsgames.co.uk 

Gibsons will be 

previewing a number of 

new games, puzzles and playing cards. 

Highlights include Pass the Bomb card game; based on the original, 

best selling Pass the Bomb. On the puzzle front, there will be six new 

1,000-piece puzzles launched to add to the company’s range of over 250 

images. Classic card games such as cribbage, rummy and poker have also 

been given a new lease of life with two versions of the new and updated 

packaging being launched at the show offering a choice of a traditional 

or contemporary look. Gibsons is also the UK distributor for Piatnik 

playing cards. 

HALL D 

Thorntons 

Hall D, Stand 58 

Tel: +44 (0)1773 542 086 

Web: www.thorntons.co.uk 

A wonderful world of chocolates awaits at the Thorntons stand. 

The company is looking to expand its franchise operation and will 

be welcoming visitors to the show for a chat and a chocolate. 

Thorntons is keen to open franchises across the UK with 

independent retailers looking to incorporate a big brand into their 

store to attract new customers.

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CLERE CONCEPTS 

The Piccolo Range 

New and Exclusive Designs available from July 

Home & Gift - Hall B, Stand 33 

T: 01635 297911 F: 01635 299237 E: info@clere-concepts.co.uk W: www.clere-concepts.co.uk

Daisy Roots 

Hall D, Stand 54A 

Tel: +44 (0)1604 880 066 

Web: www.daisy-roots.com 

Daisy Roots’ stylishly presented shoes are designed and 

handmade in Northamptonshire using chrome free leather. 

The shoes come in an array of eye-catching designs suitable 

for little boys and girls of all ages from babies to toddlers. 

At this year’s show the company will be unveiling a number 

of new additions including a red with green apple design. 

The Heritage Playing Card Company 


Tel: +44 (0)1159 307 075 

Web: www.heritageplayingcards.com 

Piccolori is a compact colouring set containing 

24 pictures to colour, a colour illustration guide, 

12 coloured pencils, one graphite pencil, a pencil 

sharpener, and a leafl et of instructions. 

Each of the 24 images can be coloured using the 

quality pencils supplied with the set. In the Garden is 

one of two new titles this year and also, all Piccolori 

cards can now be mailed as postcards. 

Jarapa 

Hall D, Stand 76A 

Tel: +44 (0)845 519 1982 

Web: www.jarapa.co.uk 

Jarapa will be introducing a brand 

new product at this year’s Home 

& Gift giving customers even more 

choice of eco-friendly items. The 

new range of fair trade funky bags 

are all made from recycled rice 

sacks, with recycled cotton and 

polyester material for the linings. 

They are made by a co-operative 

of disabled people in Cambodia 

set up in 2003 to help with social 

development and employment. 

The company will also be 

showing its recycled glassware and 

recycled cotton rugs. 

Dressed2drink 


Tel: +44 (0)7913 447 091 

Web: www.dressed2drink.co.uk 

The Dressed2drink bottle jacket range is an all-in-one gift wrap and greetings 

card solution to turn a bottle of drink into a special personalised gift. 

With over 75 designs and styles to choose from there is something to suit 

most celebratory occasions and the jackets easily adjust to fi t most shapes and 

sizes. A new rhyming range is also now available. 

home & gift 

giftfocus 99

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HALL Q 

Berserks Glass Works 

Hall Q, Stand 56 

Tel: +44 (0)1626 834 001 

Web: www.berserks.co.uk 

Measuring 290mm by 85mm FusiDude SurfDude clocks are just one 

of the trendy new lines being launched by first time exhibitor Berserks 

Glass Works. Designers and wholesalers of contemporary fused glass 

gifts and interior accessories, the company will be unveiling its debut 

collection at the show. The designs are created in Devon for retailers 

looking for style and quality. 

Bagabook 

Hall Q, Stand 33A 

Tel: + 44 ( 0 )7821 895 381 

Web: www.bagabook.com 

Bagabook is exhibiting at Home & 

Gift, Harrogate for the first time. 

The company is launching new 

designs with discreet zipped 

pocket to keep valuables secure. 

The handy book bag allows you 

to read in style while on the go, 

wherever, however you 

travel. The standard Bagabook 

takes up to A5 size of variable 

thickness and comes with an inside 

pocket for travel card, pen holder 

and attached bookmark. They are 

also ideal for holding notepad/ 

diary or organiser. 

For larger size books there is 

the Bagabook Xtra, as well as a 

junior version for girls.

Southfield 

Hall Q, Stand 49 

Tel: +44 (0)1316 544 300 

Web: www.myphotosinprint.com 

The Artists gift range by 

Southfield is part of the 

company’s new gift collection 

launching at Home & Gift this 

year. The range features 12 

portraits of influential artists 

from original artwork by Scottish 

artist, Ritchie Collins. Southfield 

will be exhibiting the rest of its 

gift collections at the show with 

products ranging from mugs and coasters to canvases and prints. The 

event will also showcase Southfield’s own-branding system, designed to 

boost revenue for retailers, artists and photographers. The system creates 

products using the retailer’s own artwork, allowing them to offer more 

exclusive products to their customers. Even without artwork, Southfield 

can tailor designs. 

GREETINGS & STATIONERY 

Hall F 

Blue Eyed Sun 

Hall F, Stand 50 

Tel: +44 (0)1273 823 003 

Web: www.blueeyedsun.co.uk 

Blue Eyed Sun has launched a new everyday range called Jingles. 

Jingles are foiled in multiple colours, hand finished with jewels and 

include 12 open birthday captions and 20 occasions cards. The cards are 

luxurious and eye catching and all come cello-wrapped with a coloured 

envelope and have an overall size of 170mm square. 

NEW 

NEW 

SMART • SECURE • STYLISH 

FASHIONABLE BAG ACCESSORIES 

Harrogate Home & Gift: DP2 - 115 

Autumn Fair: 4B59 

Top Drawer: H63 

e: carrie.gh@carrieme.co.uk � t: 07801 715707 

www.carrieme.co.uk 

giftfocus 101

dots and spots 


Tel: +44 (0)1749 344 932 

Web: www.dotsandspots.co.uk 

Gift wrap and co-ordinating tags is the new product 

line from dots and spots. 

The range consists of six sheets of quality uncoated 

90gsm, acid-free paper, which is double sided, giving 

12 fantastic designs in all. With lovebirds, camper vans, 

hearts, flowers and ‘celebrate’, there is something in the 

range for every occasion. On the reverse of each sheet 

is a selection of bright spots, stars and stripes in blue 

or pink. 

Jo Stockdale 


Tel: +44 (0)1748 821 172 

Web: www.jostockdale.com 

Jo Stockdale will be 

exhibiting her expanded 

range of beautifully 

painted animal and bird 

images at this year’s show. 

Since last autumn 

when Jo introduced her 

range of smaller square 

cards she says sales have 

increased dramatically. 

Overall the growing range 

is developing into a varied 

mixture of images which 

reflect all ages and tastes. 

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Chris Ceaser Photography 


Tel: +44 (0)7920 044 094 

Web: www.chrisceaser.com 

Chris Ceaser Photography is launching over 40 new designs at Home & Gift 

2011. All cards are made in the UK using environmentally friendly Forest 

Stewardship Council (FSC) managed paper sources. The latest lithographic 

printing presses are used to ensure quality results. The company can provide 

wall racks or slimline spinners to create an eye-catching display. 

Cavania 


Tel: +44 (0)1895 824 899 

Web: www.cavania.co.uk 

The new Diamonte range of hand finished birthday cards by Cavania has been 

designed with the lady who enjoys the finer things in life in mind. 

Each shimmering card depicts a classic illustration and is delicately finished 

with either gold or silver foiling and a scattering of diamantes.

The Art of Eyewear 

Exhibiting at: 

Harrogate Home & Gift: DP1-41 

Pure London: J174 

Fashion Reading Glasses 

www.sightstation.com | customerservices@fgxe.com | 01782 813000

y 

A fun & contemporary new range of 

pewter jewellery 

Hot pinks, cool limes, 

stunning blues..... 

Handmade in the UK 

www.metalplanet.net 

020 8440 2468 

Stand No. DP1 - 47A Home & Gift Harrogate

Claire Louise 


Tel: +44 (0)7715 373 344 

Web: www.clairelouise.eu 

Claire Louise has 

created some more 

fun-loving animal 

additions to the 

Googly Eye range. 

Brightly coloured felt 

animals on watercoloured 

backgrounds 

are finished with triple 

level embossing and 

googly eyes. Once the 

card has been used, 

the inside of the card 

can be coloured in 

and cut out to make 

a bookmark. The 

cards are 120mm x168mm and come wrapped with a 

brightly coloured envelope. 

Openboxdesign 


Tel: +44 (0)1224 867 669 

Web: www.openboxdesign.co.uk 

Have you ever seen a 

word that looks good 

enough to eat? 

That’s the added 

attraction of 

openboxdesign’s new 

2011 range Just Peachy. 

Luscious sentiments, a 

hand-drawn-style font 

and an embossed stock 

combine to make the 

cards too good to resist. 

The Just Peachy range 

includes 20 designs 

on white textured 

stock that cater for 

birthdays and general greetings. The cards are presented 

with a contrasting brown craft envelope and are individually 

wrapped. As with all other openboxdesign products, Just 

Peachy cards are entirely produced in the UK. 

Giftelope 


Tel: +44 (0)5600 471 128 

Web: www.giftelope.com 

Giftelopes are gift envelopes made in Scotland on recycled paper with embossed 

ribbon and tag detailing. Designed to take the stress out of gift wrapping they 

contain no unnecessary plastic and are available in a choice of different designs to 

suit most occasions. 

Rosanna Rossi 

Hal F, Stand 52 

Tel: +44 (0)1386 839 531 

Web: www.rosanna-rossi.co.uk 

Exhibiting at Home & Gift for the first time this year, Rosanna Rossi is 

launching two greeting card collections. The new Sentimenti collection 

comprises eight cards, which highlight sentimental words with decorative 

pattern, colour and pretty 

illustration. The eye-catching 

designs are printed on 

white Forest Stewardship 

Council certified board 

and are highlighted with 

sparkling glitter. 

Rosanna Rossi is also 

due to launch an illustrated 

range of six cards titled 

Sweet Indulgence. The 

collection celebrates 

tasty treats with yummy 

cupcakes, delicious 

chocolates and a tea party 

setting all featuring within 

the collection. 

home & gift 

giftfocus 105

Scottish Fine Soaps Company 

Design Point 1, Stand 63A 

Tel: +44 (0)1324 573 402 

Web: www.scottishfinesoaps.com 

The Scottish Fine Soaps Company offers high quality gift products manufactured 

in the UK. 

With five new gift sets, the introduction of a Christmas gift soap box featuring 

three embossed festive themed soaps and the return of the popular Christmas 

Soaps In A Tin, the company returns to Home & Gift this year with a particularly 

strong product offering. 

IF (That Company Called) 

Design Point 1, Stand 23 

Tel: +44 (0)1751 475 757 

Web: www.thatcompanycalledif.com 

The new side-slotting Gruffalo 

bookmark from IF is decorated with 

characters from the best-selling story 

and has two magnets to hold it tightly 

in place. The die-cut shaped bookmark 

has a matt laminate coating and is 

embellished with shiny gloss varnish. 

106 106 giftfocus giftfocus 

DESIGN LED GIFTS 

Design Point 1, 2, 3, 4 

Linda Macdonald Jewellery 


Tel: +44 (0)1389 841 848 

Web: www.lindamacdonaldjewellery.com 

Linda Macdonald Jewellery is designed and made in the UK. 

The distinctive jewellery is inspired by the delicate detail in 

nature and is recognised for beautiful floral patterns in silver 

with a hint of gold. Romance is also a strong theme and 

recent collections featuring a simple daisy have become a 

trademark design for the company. New for 2011 are her 

Flutter and Love Birds collections. 

The Herdy Company 


Tel: +44 (0)1539 739 201 

Web: www.herdy.co.uk 

Born in the English Lakes and inspired by the area’s lovable 

Herdwick sheep, the Herdy Company’s design-led products 

for home and gift are made to make people smile. 

A new army of terracotta sheep kitchenware will be on 

show at Home and Gift and available to order, including a 

garlic storage pot and herb planter for the kitchen windowsill. 

Herdy won the Small Company of the Year award from 

Business in the Community last year. Their growing range of 

products includes fine bone china mugs, egg cups, aprons, 

100% wool throws and Herdwick wool rugs.

108 giftfocus 

Beauty Connection 

Design Point 1, Stand 52B 

Tel: +44 (0)1829 730 028 

Web: www.beautyconnectionlimited.com 

Following the success of the Abode Aroma® Totem range of aromatic 

diffusers, the idea has been shrunk into a handy 120ml limited edition 

selection of diffuser fragrances with an Art Deco design twist. 

Decci, the smaller sibling to the 200ml Totem range, will launch at 

Home & Gift, offering an eye-catching ‘grab and go’ gift for last minute 

buys. With a lower price point, pocket-sized but big on fragrance, the 

Decci line-up introduces a new bouquet of home scents ranging from 

spring flowers and wild magnolia to grapefruit crush and driftwood sand. 

Bougies la Francaise 


Tel: +44 (0)1234 340 220 

Web: www.bougies-la-francaise.com 

Based near Nantes in France, 

leading candle designer and 

manufacturer, Bougies la 

Francaise will be launching its 

2011 autumn/winter collection 

at the show. 

The company’s four in-house 

designers worked around 

three different styles – classic/ 

chic, modern/contemporary 

and young/trendy to offer five 

stories this winter. Each story 

features scented candles in 

unusual containers, decorative 

hand-moulded candles with 

striking finishes as well as candleholders and accessories to create a 

complete home décor. 

Trendy story Polychrome features colourful, high-glossed Matryoshka 

dolls, streamlined birds and horses staged with scented candles in black 

containers – conical glass, tea tin or tea cup. The scents are a discovery 

tour of different varieties of tea.

Cavendish French 


Tel: +44 (0)1372 459 944 

Web: www.cavendishfrench.com 

New for 2011, Cavendish French has introduced new sterling silver 

jewellery which can be personalised with a handscript engraved message. 

The collection offers a choice of bangles and a range of handcrafted 

silver charms which can be added to bracelets and necklaces. There is 

also a funky selection of sterling silver and leather jewellery for teenage 

boys, which can be personalised with an engraved message and choice 

of charms. 

Other new lines for 2011 include a silver and coloured enamel floral 

collection, delicate new silver and marcasite designs, silver and bright 

resin pieces plus striking plain silver jewellery or pieces set with semi 

precious stones and crystals. 

Hotchpotch Publishing 


Tel: +44 (0)208 941 0126 

Web: www.hotchpotchpublishing.com 

Hotchpotch will 

be exhibiting 

a host of new 

product including 

the new Liberty 

occasion range. 

The cards mix 

eclectic prints and 

patterns reflecting 

current and 

up and coming 

trends with bright 

accents against 

bold shapes. 

Other new lines 

include Bon Bon, a contemporary collection of 12 occasion 

and relation cards and Paisley, a range which combines the modern 

paisley pattern trend with original designs and vibrant colours. 

giftfocus 109

The Puppet Company 


Tel:+44 (0)1462 446 040 

Web: www.thepuppetcompany.com 

The Puppet Company will be introducing its new collection of soft toys 

to complement its Wilberry range. Wilberry is the non-puppet side of 

the company. Each of the nine new Wilberry animals is made from soft 

fabric and they come in two sizes, ideal as stocking fillers or a special gift. 

Moore and Moore 


Tel: +44 (0)1884 860 900 

Web: www.mooreandmooretextiles.com 

Moore and Moore, well known for soft and luxurious faux fur products, 

will be exhibiting its new collection alongside the company’s usual best 

sellers. This year there are two new additions to the range of fashion 

accessories, a fully lined shrug and an asymmetric collar-scarf. The Moore 

and Moore collection includes throws, cushions, hot water bottles 

for adults and children, lavender wheat warmers, buggy blankets, hats, 

scarves, boot toppers and cuffs. 

110 giftfocus 

Rainbow Designs 


Tel: +44 (0)1329 227 300 

Web: www.rainbowdesigns.co.uk 

Snoopy is set to take centre stage at Harrogate thanks to the launch 

of the series two collectable Snoopy characters from Rainbow 

Designs’ best-selling It’s a Comical World range. 

On show for the very first time, series two of the 8cm vinyl 

characters follows hot on the heels of the success of Jack the Lad 

Union Jack Snoopy collectable and features an array of funky and 

quirky characters. 

New and also on show at Harrogate are additions to the Edward 

Monkton, The Gruffalo and Wibbly Pig ranges, and Rainbow’s Great 

British brands - Paddington Bear, Beatrix Potter and Wallace & 

Gromit - will also be in the spotlight. 

Spaceform Design 


Tel: +44 (0)207 622 2227 

Web: www.spaceform.com 

Spaceform is renowned for its ability to express appreciation and 

design in beautiful block glass. The Lovely Girl Doll tokens are a 

perfect display of the company’s passion, they are sandblasted and 

hand painted with delicate designs. The tokens are ideal as gifts, 

collectables or individual design pieces.

HOME AND GIFT 

_____________ 

Tel: 0870 8033 428 


Gifts from the heart 

made with love 

New Customers Show offer: 

Orders placed at the show will be 

50% Proforma and 50% on 30 days. 

See us at: 

17 - 20 July 2011 

Harrogate 

Stand DP1-34

Stone Bags 


Tel: +44 (0)1823 698 898 

Web: www.silver-willow.com 

A touch of bohemian chic 

is what Stone Bags are 

offering for autumn/ 

winter 2011. 

Gorgeous bohostyle 

handbags 

feature pretty 

flower detail, 

shapes are slouchy 

and sac-like, cute 

grab styles and 

quirky clutches. 

Textures reveal a mix 

of weave, line work and embroidery contrasting with soft 

and smooth appliqué design detail. Elements of textured 

metal and intricate stitch work add another dimension to 

the range for that boho-chic look. 

Earthy tones of chocolate, subtle shades of grey and 

magical khaki greens echo hints of nature while deep blues, 

sumptuous reds and a touch of mulberry bring out the 

boho style. 

The Stack Ring Co. 


Tel: +44 (0)1823 698 898 

Web: www.silver-willow.com 

The Stack Ring Co range of 

interchangeable stack rings offers 

all the key trends for 2011/2012. 

The Prima range has been 

enhanced this season by a new 

vintage collection of designs. 

Influenced by the galaxy, the Prima 

stack ring collection adds another 

dimension. Wide textured silver 

bands, hearts, silver flowers and sparkling shooting stars that 

interlock and intertwine are a few of the rings that make up 

the collection. 

The Stack Ring Co has also launched a new collection of 

nine carat gold stack rings. Quirky textures, polished, brushed 

and matt finishes are complemented by diamonds, rubies and 

sparkling sapphires. 

Each ring can be worn individually or stacked together to 

create a personalised piece of jewellery. 

112 giftfocus 

Shared Earth 


Tel: +44 (0)1904 670 321 

Web: www.sharedearth.co.uk 

Coinciding with 25 years in 

fair trade this year, Shared 

Earth has begun a new green 

collaboration to add to its 

range of recycled and ecofriendly 

products. The company 

is working with Bags to Riches, 

founded by an artist who 

was making recycled plastic 

jewellery in the UK. Shared 

Earth introduced her to Asha 

Handicrafts six months ago and the result is that they are launching her first fair 

trade range at Home & Gift, handmade in Mumbai from locally collected plastic. 

The range consists of 21 products, necklaces, bracelets and earrings in both 

bright and monochrome colours, which can be put together in matching sets or 

mixed to create a more varied selection. 

In addition to its recycled products, Shared Earth will also be showing 

handmade jewellery, fashion accessories, home accessories, stationery and 

children’s accessories. 

Jo for Girls 


Tel: +44 (0)1887 820 760 

Web: www.perthshirejewellery.co.uk 

Specialist brand Jo for Girls reports a busy year and has recently set up a 

national sales force to continue the growth. 

Spring saw the launch of the Forever Friends collection, which was shortlisted 

for Gift of the Year 2011. New to the range, for the summer, is a colourful 

strawberry set of pendant, earrings, and charms. 

Hot off the drawing 

board, to be launched at 

Harrogate, is a modern take 

on a traditional jewellery 

line – Jo for Girls Birthstone 

Angels. An angel card is 

supplied with each piece 

which details the personal 

qualities attributed to people 

born that month. 

The Jo for Girls charm 

bead collection also 

continues to grow, with the 

addition of new vivid colours 

for the coming months.

Carrie Elspeth 


Tel: +44 (0)1446 771 271 

Web: www.carrieelspeth.com 

Carrie Elspeth has created an exclusive summer 

collection bursting with colour and texture. From the 

silky smooth glass of Polkadots; to the dazzling splashes 

and dashes of Cosmic Cubes; to the bold and bright 

simplicity of Love Bug, the collection is packed with 

variety and stuffed with best-sellers. To complement 

the ranges for summer, Carrie has launched new pointof-sale 

material and branded packaging including satin 

pouches and gift bags. 

Carrie Elspeth jewellery continues to be beautifully 

handmade in Wales. 

Poltsa 


Tel: +44 (0)208 393 6010 

Web: www.poltsa.co.uk 

Poltsa is showing its new range of winter handbags. 

Heavy beading,bold prints, soft shapes and a striking colour 

palette are just some of the highlights of this feminine and 

stylish collection. Delicate embroidery and appliqués remain 

trademark Poltsa characteristics. 

Retreat Home 


Tel: +44 (0)1628 471 056 

Web: www.retreat-home.com 

Retreat Home’s collection 

of Christmas decorations 

for autumn/winter 2011 is 

traditional, but altogether 

contemporary with a 

Scandinavian fl avour and 

‘home-made’ appeal. 

The range of linen decorations 

features appliqué and 

embroidered birds, trees, 

stockings and crackers, 

with Retreat’s trademark 

lavender-scented linen hearts 

leading the way with festive 

embroidery and folk-art feel. 

Elsewhere in the collection 

are shiny nickel stars, trees and 

snowfl akes, or white wooden stars, hearts 

and geese carefully distressed for 

a vintage feel. 

Morrigan 


Tel: +44 (0)2891 273 302 

Web: www.morriganpress.com 

Introducing the Whimsical World 

of Thomas Joseph. 

As the exclusive publishers 

Morrigan is happy to report 

that the brand enjoys continued 

success due to the innocent 

humour and naive painting style. 

International response and orders have also shown growth in the past two years, 

especially in USA, says the company. 

The desk calendar, published annually, is now available in counter packs of 25 

with the 2012 edition selling steadily from March this year. 

The current product range includes cards with mount, implying a gift which can 

be kept and framed. The range extends to magnets, prints, notebooks, coasters, 

placemats, and mugs which are sold as single items or available as sets. Cross-stitch 

kits and melamine trays are also available. 

home & gift 

giftfocus 115

Lanka Kade 


Tel: +44 (0)1858 463 850 

Web: www.lankakade.co.uk 

Lanka Kade is returning to 

Harrogate after a break 

of five years and will be 

exhibiting its collection of 

handmade natural wood 

products plus some much-loved favourites. 

Their popular soft doll range is available in three skin 

tones. The company reports that the skin fabrics are 

now woven by three 60-year-old artisans enthusiastic 

about setting up in business for the first time with 

support from Lanka Kade. 

Lanka Kade profits fund their Educational Foundation 

in Sri Lanka supporting village schools through 

numerous initiatives including daily milk and feeding 

programmes, book donations, student sponsorship and 

two successful gap year experiences. 

Lanka Kade is a BAFTS recognised fair trade importer 

offering an extensive selection of handmade wooden 

toys, gifts and room accessories designed in the UK and 

exclusive to Lanka Kade. 

Bath House 


Tel: +44 (0)1539 621 992 

Web: www.thebathhouseshop.com 

Harrogate will 

see the release of 

several perfume and 

fragrance collections 

by the Bath House, 

including three 

fabulous fragrances 

- White Cedar and 

Pear, Damask Rose 

and Violet plus 

Patchouli and Black 

Pepper, available as 

50ml perfume, 25ml purse spray and as 50ml hand creams . 

“These are absolutely superb fragrances and they make 

ideal gifts for this Christmas,” says director Nigel Brooks. 

116 giftfocus 

Artscape 


Tel: +44 (0)208 681 8368 

Web: www.artscapeonline.com 

Artscape’s everyday aprons will 

be on show for the first time at 

Home & Gift, Harrogate. With a 

roomy front pocket for storing 

those essentials like bottle opener 

or rolling pin, the one-size aprons 

are adorned with slogans like 

‘King of the Barbecue’, ‘Queen of 

the Kitchen’, ‘No.1 Dad’ and ‘The 

Boss’. Made in the UK, they are 

packaged in a euro-hooked acrylic 

box for maximum impact. 

Also launching for 2012 is a 

new spring season greetings 

card range for Valentine’s Day, 

Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, 

featuring over 50 brand new 

designs alongside imagery from 

the best-selling ranges. 

Boxer 


Tel: +44 (0)1133 955 595 

Web: www.boxergifts.com 

Boxer is launching more new 

products this year than ever 

before in its 29-year history. 

The Wackisnapz range will 

be newly launched at Home & 

Gift. The Australian-designed, 

fashionable wrist straps look set 

to be a popular pick up line. 

The Wackisnapz silicon straps 

wrap around wrists, ankles, 

bags and much more. They are 

available in two styles - text 

speak and funky graphic - six 

patterns, both in assorted till 

point displays. Complementing 

the range are Wackisnapz 

Watches which are available in 

six funky graphics.

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CarrieMe 


Tel: +44 (0)7801 715 707 

Web: www.carrieme.co.uk 

CarrieMe will once again be at Harrogate, showing new styles. Inspired 

by modern women, CarrieMe solves those little everyday frustrations by 

designing practical but stylish accessories. 

Launching at the show is a new versatile mobile accessory, to help find 

mobile phones quickly in any large handbag. New also this season is the 

CarrieMe pearl heart collection, which has a vintage feel with a modern 

twist and is available in five colours. Four new colours are also being 

introduced to the existing Classics range.The new lines complement the 

popular compact bag hooks, which include an integrated mirror, as well 

as the elegant Glamour range which adds sparkle to any occasion. The 

company offers stylish gift boxes and attractive counter display stands in 

different sizes. 

Adornment 


Tel: +44 (0)208 658 2352 

Web: www.adornmentuk.com 

Gilli Reeves of Adornment has been designing and manufacturing her 

range of pillows, albums, keepsake boxes, hearts, hangers and greetings 

cards for over 20 years. 

She has now launched her first ever Christmas range which combines 

traditional seasonal sayings with her own style of design. Products include 

pillows featuring red spotty cotton, ivory shantung silk and gold glitter 

script with fabric flower and button. Hearts of ivory shantung silk, also 

feature gold glitter script with red spotty fabric on the reverse.

Dora Designs 


Tel: +44 (0)1733 305 452 

Web: www.doradesigns.co.uk 

Dora Designs returns to Harrogate to launch some wonderful new 

products. An adorable Dalmatian puppy, a new Union Jack draught 

excluder are new additions to the company’s successful UK range as well 

as a whole brood of traditional chickens and many other new characters. 

Peppertrees 


Tel: +44 (0)1604 234 000 

Web:www.peppertrees.co.uk 

New to the UK is the Wishnest collection which will be launched at 

the show. The collection features beautifully hand finished collectable 

pewter gifts wrapped loosely around the theme of a bird’s nest, such 

as the Wish Branch. 

Other titles are love, family and welcome home. Each of 

the letters on the branch can be removed and photographs added 

if preferred, making an original and versatile gift. Also featured in 

the range are wine bottle collars, free-standing and hanging nest 

ornaments and jewellery. 

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giftfocus 119 

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Takkoda 


Tel: +44 (0)208 740 8887 

Web: www.takkoda.com 

Takkoda is well-known for its Pets Rock range of 

award-winning mugs, gifts and greeting cards, featuring 

designs that combine the love of personified animal 

images with the fascination for celebrities in an 

irreverent and humorous way. 

Now there are 45 characters in the line-up from 

cult film star legends, to a Nobel Prize winner, from 

dictators and pop-stars to a would-be saint. Nobody 

is off limits for a harmless parody! The designs are 

available on birthday and Christmas cards and a variety 

of popular gifts from mugs, coasters, notebooks to 

health and beauty products. 

Deck The Halls 


Tel: +44 (0)1494 814 062 

Web: www.deck-the-halls.co.uk 

Deck The Halls is a family business run by Paula and Chris 

Hall who design and hand make Christmas decorations 

in the UK. The range includes small wooden ornaments 

for the tree as well as larger ornaments to decorate the 

home. Inspiration comes from the traditions of Nordic and 

Shaker styles. New for this year is the Woodland collection, 

including fawns, acorns and other flora and fauna. They have 

expanded their range of wooden animal ornaments to 

include larger versions of old favourites such as the black 

Labrador. New also this year is a limited edition range of 

lavender filled hearts and stockings. 

120 giftfocus 

Wild & Wolf 


Tel: +44 (0)1225 789 909 

Web: www.wildandwolf.com 

Contemporary and innovative designs, bold graphics and bright colours, Trumpette 

baby socks have got it all going on. The tiny socks are hard to resist, packaged in 

super-cute boxes, that are ideal for gift giving. Wild & Wolf will be introducing four 

new designs including Johnny V’s, Cheeritoes, Ballerina Bow and Slingbacks. 

The Herbi4 Pottery Co 


Tel: +44 (0)208 892 9558 

Web: www.herbi4.com 

Pottery company Herbi4 offers a 

collection of stylish, quirky planters to 

brighten up a patio or windowsill. 

Handmade in England, the Herbi4 

range is playful pottery, designed and 

created by sculptor Jon Barrett-Danes, 

whose bespoke garden sculptures are 

commissioned and exhibited across the 

UK and abroad. The Herbi4 planters 

and the Herbi4 hoarders are versatile 

pots, available in terracotta and white earthenware. They currently feature eight 

different animal designs - cow, sheep, pig, chicken, rabbit, cat, puppy and dog – 

with new ones in the pipeline.

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No doubt you are familiar with the famous and iconic 

Zippo windproof lighter, but were you aware they came 

in such an array of designs? 

There is something to suit all tastes and budgets, from 

golfers to rockers, an ideal gift for any occasion. 

For seven decades the Zippo brand has been synonymous with quality 

and dependability and with these same principles in mind Zippo has 

designed a range of other products such an outdoor range which 

includes the best selling Zippo re-useable Hand warmer. The Zippo 

hand-warmer keeps hot for up to 12 hours with just one fill, and 

produces up to 10 times more heat than a conventional disposable 

hand warmer. 

Visit us at The Harrogate Gift show in the men’s gift area stand MH8 

where we will be displaying these products and others such as our 

range of multi - purpose lighters, pens and gift sets. 

Telephone: 0208 964 0666 

Fax: 0208 968 0400 

Email: sales@zippo-uk.co.uk 

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Gaeltag Keltika 


Tel: +44 (0)208 998 1781 

Web:www.lolitadesigns.co.uk 

Known for the Lolita® glassware range, Gaeltag Keltika 

has introduced another new line of hand-painted 

products from the US. 

Lil Tootsies are individually hand-painted baby booties 

offering a whimsical twist on the classic hi-top baseball 

style baby shoe. Each shoe has a special design 

on the bottom plus ribbons and laces to add a little 

extra touch. Individually gift-boxed in a see-through 

mock painter’s can the product is designed to be easily 

merchandised. Available in a one-size fits most up to 

aged six months. 

Additions to the Lolita glassware are also being 

launched at the show. Products include Christmasthemed 

wine, and now cocktail, shot and beer glasses 

plus mini glass tree ornaments in traditional and fun 

designs, all hand-painted. 

Switch Sticks 


Tel: +44 (0)208 994 3011 

Web: www.switchsticks.com 

Award-winning Switch Sticks, revolutionises the traditional image of walking sticks with 

an array of striking, contemporary designs. Products include hiking poles, seat sticks and 

quad canes. 

To be revealed at Home & Gift are three new designer sticks for autumn designed by 

the talented graphic designer Pepa Martin and well known pop artist Simon Lovelace. 

Pepa’s distinctive fresh approach results in a striking sailing and a contemporary floral 

design, Simon’s design is quirky and fun. 

En Gry & Sif 


Tel: +45 7020 3118 

Web: www.engryogsif.dk 

En Gry & Sif specialises in 

Scandinavian handmade 

design, creating felt 

products in Denmark 

which are manufactured in 

Nepal. The range includes 

products for her, the 

children and the home, 

which are all handmade 

using natural material and 

fair trade certified. 

Ragged Rose 


Tel: +44 (0)1622 812 897 

Web: www.raggedrose.com 

New brand Ragged Rose will be presenting its first showcase in the North after launching in 

London this summer. The brand is a vibrant new lifestyle concept conceived by Dawn Rose, 

inspired by her passion for an English country garden on a hot summers day. 

It comprises a signature colour co-ordinated textile range of homewares and gifts in bold 

colours including hot fuchsia pink teamed with black or white and shades of purple mixed with 

lime, for a contemporary look, incorporating floral prints co-ordinating with plain luxury velvet. 

Products include desirable pieces for the bedroom, items for the kitchen and dining plus 

gorgeous yet functional bags. 

home & gift 

giftfocus 123

INTRO NORTH 

Hall E 

Charlotte Macey Textiles 

Hall E, Stand 9 

Tel: +44 (0)7890 642 454 

Web: www.charlottemacey.co.uk 

Charlotte Macey Textiles is a small homewares company 

based in the heart of the Cotswolds. Each item is 

handmade in Charlotte’s small studio, where she finds 

continual inspiration from everyday things. She selects the 

best quality cottons and linens from the UK to use in her 

designs, often sourcing fabrics locally in the Cotswolds. Her 

homewares range includes tea and coffee cosies and tea 

towels, each individually decorated with designs including 

boiled eggs, Union Jacks and tea cups. 

Blue Dot Pottery 


Tel:+44 (0)207 704 2800 

Web: www.bluedotpottery.co.uk 

Blue Dot Pottery supplies award-winning Polish stoneware that is individually 

hand-crafted, made with care and quality. Deeply rooted in local crafts, all 

products are hand decorated with traditional stamp method. High firing 

temperature makes the pieces chip-resistant, oven-proof, microwave and 

dishwasher safe. Next to well-known traditional designs, Blue Dot Pottery will 

be introducing more fresh new patterns. 

124 giftfocus 

HOME ACCESSORIES 

Hall M Gift & Home 

Bronte 

Hall M , Stand 9 

Tel: +44 (0)8707 437 410 

Web: www.brontebydesign.co.uk 

Bronte is launching its new natural 

wool collection at this year’s Home 

& Gift show. 

The collection features seven 

designs including distinctive block 

checks, oversized and diamond 

herringbones and elegant windowpane patterns. 

The throws are made from un-dyed pure new wool. The simple, organic colours 

in shades of cream, greys and browns offer a palette suitable for any room. 

To reflect today’s concern for the environment, the company says, as well as not 

using dyes, no harmful chemicals are used in the manufacture of the throws and 

wherever possible eco-friendly products are used in all processing. This practice 

reinforces the essence of the collection, which is - natural wool, natural colours, 

naturally made. 

Artylicious 


Tel: +44 (0)1274 421 410 

Web: www.artylicious.co.uk 

Artylicious, an established UK 

supplier of canvas art on the 

internet, is now showcasing 

its products at this year’s 

Home & Gift fair. The canvas 

art ranges include quirky 

word art, canvas clocks 

and personalised children’s 

art. The company has also 

branched out into the soft 

furnishings market and will be 

showcasing its new range of 

aprons and tea towels.

Miss Patisserie 


Tel: +44 (0)1446 701 705 

Web: www.miss-patisserie.com 

Miss Patisserie is all about putting 

the fun back into bath time. 

Products are 100% handmade in 

the UK and not tested on animals. 

The range includes cupcake bath 

bakes, fizzy macaroons, cake slices, lollipops and mini doughnuts. 

Delight Rubellery 


Tel: +44 (0)207 682 0848 

Web: www.delightrubellery.co.uk 

Upcycling queen Ros Weaver of Delight Rubellery is a newcomer to 

Home & Gift this year. 

Her idea of making bracelets, necklaces and earrings out of rubber 

bands developed from her twin sons’ passion for collecting the red bands 

dropped by the postman and wearing them round their wrists. The 

smaller eco-friendly bands that she uses for her ‘rubellery’ are carefully 

sourced from Kerala in South India. Ros and her team make Delight 

Rubellery in a variety of colour combinations by hand in East London. 

126 giftfocus 

Handmade by Hayley 


Tel: +44 (0)7749 685 101 

Web: www.handmadebyhayley.co.uk 

Handmade by Hayley is a fun and fresh jewellery label, creating vibrant, 

colourful and contemporary jewellery, which is crafted by hand in 

Corbridge, Northumberland. 

The collection features necklaces and bracelets made from crochet 

knit, twisted paper, wood and wax cord beads mixed with printed 

cottons from Liberty of London to make bow tie ribbon necklaces. 

bedcrumb 


Tel: +44 (0)7810 187 327 

Web: www.bedcrumb.co.uk 

Inspired by vintage glamour and contemporary illustration 

bedcrumb’s product range includes colourful, imaginative greetings 

cards, quirky purses and mugs. All are designed and made/hand 

finished in the UK with love and attention to detail. 

New lines include six super cute baby card designs, all hand 

finished with fun, googly eye detailing. All feature original illustrated 

baby prints on textured card and come complete with a pearlised 

ivory envelope wrapped in a cello bag.

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Tyler & Tyler 

Majestic Hotel, Stand 10 

Tel: +44 (0)208 367 4538 

Web: www.tylerandtyler.co.uk 

Tyler & Tyler offer a collection of stylish high quality cufflinks, collar 

stiffeners, tie pins, knitted ties, socks, business card holders, belts and 

key rings. 

Zippo UK 


Tel: +44 (0)208 964 0666 

Web: www.zippo-uk.co.uk 

Zippo UK is a first time exhibitor at Harrogate. 

As well as its windproof lighters the company will be showing other 

products from its range, including its reusable hand warmer. 

The hand warmer works on lighter fluid and is said to generate up 

to 10 times the amount of heat compared to disposable products. 

The product was launched at the end of 2009 and according to 

the company has proved extremely popular as a gift purchase in the 

UK market. 

MEN’S GIFTS 

Majestic Hotel 

Fludes 


Tel: +44 (0)7771 747 471 

Web: www.thejimbambercollection.com 

Jim Bamber’s earlier Pit Crew and Bambercars ranges established his 

work through motorsport outlets, now his Heroes collection featuring 

named drivers is set to appeal to the general gift sector. New this season 

are tributes to Sir Jackie Stewart O.B.E., Sir Stirling Moss O.B.E. and 

Ayrton Senna. All will be limited edition pieces, numbered on the base 

and with numbered certificates. They will all be on show for the first 

time, at Home & Gift, Harrogate. 

Ventura International 


Tel: + 44 (0)7794 872 968 

Email: josvonarxuk@hotmail.co.uk 

Ventura International offers a 

range of executive and stylish 

gifts for today’s man. 

home & gift 

giftfocus giftfocus 129

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COLLECTABLES & 

TRADITIONAL GIFTS 

Cairn Hotel, Gift & Home 

Marquee, Enesco Marquee, 

Salco Marquee 

Lesser & Pavey 

Cairn Hotel, Stand 3/5 

Tel: +44(0)1322 279 225 

Web: www.leonardo.co.uk 

Lesser & Pavey launch a new range of housewares featuring designs that 

reflect the trend, for prettiness and delicate illustrations. 

Following on from successful ranges of Cavania designs, the range brings 

to life housewares for the table and the kitchen. 

A mixture of fine china, porcelain, melamine and cloth products 

include teapots, cups and saucers, sugar bowl and milk jug, storage jars, 

jugs of various sizes, lap trays, chopping boards, mugs of various shapes 

and sizes and more. Each item is delightfully gift boxed to present the 

perfect gift on retailers’ shelves. 

TS Homeware 

Cairn Marquee, Stand 8A 

Tel: +44 (0)8448 000 766 

Web: www.tshomeware.co.uk 

TS Homeware are importers of 

quality basketware, homeware 

and rattan furniture. At this year’s 

show as well as displaying its 

already successful range of wicker 

and water hyacinth baskets, 

laundry baskets, storage trunks 

and hampers, the company will 

be launching its new line of rattan 

furniture and baskets. 

The company doesn’t use poly 

bags, all its products are boxed 

for protection, and they are happy to split sets.

Enesco 

Enesco/Cairn Marquee, Stand 1 

Tel: +44 (0)1228 404 022 

Web: www.enesco.co.uk 

Enesco is well known for innovative and humorous gifts, stylish 

home décor, and desirable collectables. 

Latest introductions include the Pop Plush collection. World 

renowned for his bold patterns, optimistic design and colourful 

palettes, Brazilian artist Romero Britto’s Pop Art comes to life in 

the huggable plush range. The collection offers three sizes of stuffed 

animals and two sizes of pillows - all in the vibrant colours and 

dynamic patterns for which Britto is famous. 

The inaugural launch consists of eight loveable animals each 

named after famous fellow artists and four pop pillows - Flower, 

Peace Sign, Love and Butterfly. 

From Border Fine Arts comes a new collection by Belgian artist, 

Frank Slabbinck. Concepts and themes from some of his most 

celebrated works feature strongly in the initial launch of the Colours 

of Life collection, which consists of figurines, clocks, mugs, cups and 

saucers, vase, trinket dish, bookends and shopping bag. 

Handmade rustic home decor, soft furnishings and personalised gifts 

Primitive Angel 

info@primitiveangel.com · www.primitiveangel.com 

01642 365682 or 07786 852230 

Jayne Maill 

Primitive Angel Country Store · 64 High Street · Norton · Stockton on Tees · TS20 1DR 

giftfocus 131

Joe Davies’ Equilibrium range of magnetic jewellery is a staple best-seller 

for a good many of its customers. Home & Gift will see the introduction 

of over 200 new pieces to the series which will be boosted by new 

handbags and glamorous scarves with jewelled accessories. 

132 giftfocus 

Joe Davies 

Cairn Hotel, Stand 10 

Tel: +44 (0)1619 756 300 

Web: www.joedavies.co.uk 

Joe Davies use the Home & Gift show as an important launching point for its brand new autumn 

and winter collection. The show is perfectly timed for retailers to get a head start on their buying and 

to review all that’s new for the fast approaching winter season. 

As usual Joe Davies will introduce an extensive selection of latest items with over 2,000 new lines 

from Shudehill Giftware & Leonardo Collection. In total over 7,000 gifts will be on display all clearly 

priced and available little and often 

with free delivery nationwide. 

There will also be over 100 new 

additions to Joe Davies’ best-selling 

Homestyle collection of sentimental 

words and plaques. Debuting at 

Harrogate will be a new black 

and white series of cut out words, 

glittering, girly cut-outs and a new 

black and white motto range. 

Christmas style, a festive design of 

wooden plaques will also premiere at 

the show. 

The company reports that since their introduction earlier 

this year the Silver Glow candle holders have been a great 

success. Sales are set to rocket as the autumn nights draw in 

and Joe Davies has extended the collection in anticipation. 

Three new ranges will be on display at Harrogate, two 

in festive red and silver colours and one new Water Lily 

collection, featuring one to four candle holders in Water Lily 

glass holders. Each collection is joined by new wall mounted 

holders too.

Xystos 

Cairn Marquee, Stand 1-5 

Tel: +44 (0)1914 991 570 

Web: www.xystostrade.co.uk 

Xystos is the new UK distributor of America’s second largest candle brand, 

WoodWick, which will see nearly a hundred mid-year extensions across the range. 

The latest collection, Escape, comes with the added attraction of mottled wax 

and custom glass. Available in 12 new fragrances, there is a large candle featuring two 

wicks, a medium candle and a petite candle in a 12-pack display box. 

Xystos also has a UK distribution agreement for Annaleece, the fashionable 

Crystallised with Swarovski range from America. Each piece in the comprehensive 

range of bracelets, earrings, brooches and necklaces can be purchased in a gift box. 

The company will be introducing a sow and piglet plus various birds into the 

Gleneagles Studio Gallery collection, together with boxing, running and moon-gazing 

hares. There will also be a host of other new pieces. 

The company’s own African Plains sculptures were a success story for 2010 – with 

the meerkats proving particular favourites. Inspired by the tradition of native carvings, 

the range features both traditional and contemporary products. Four new pieces are 

being introduced at Harrogate, - a giraffe, gazelle, African fi sh eagle and cobra. 

Comfort Candles, a sentiment-driven gifting range, will see the addition of a further 

16 products for Harrogate. Distributed in the UK by Xystos, the comprehensive 

Pavilion Gift line is famous for its candle holders featuring sentimental inscriptions. 

Xystos will use ‘old school cool’ packaging to re-launch 45 lines from Royal Warrant 

holder Norfolk Lavender. Manufactured in the UK, the range includes bath and body 

products, a special range for gardeners and scented candles. Collectors of the Myth & 

Magic fantasy range will see the introduction of seven new designs, which include two 

limited editions, plus the seasonal model, Merry Christmas. 

home & gift 

giftfocus 135

Midhaven 

Hall C, Stand 37 

Tel: +44 (0)1299 851 513 

Web: www.midhavensilver.com 

Midhaven say really good margins are to be had on its range 

of quality leather and stainless steel friendship bracelets 

which are new for Harrogate. 

Ladies' and gents' styles are available in black, brown, tan, 

reds, blues and purples, with 15 styles to choose from. 

Sea Gems 


Tel: +44 (0)1736 335 840 

Web: www.seagems.co.uk 

Sea Gems is launching hundreds of new designs for 

summer/autumn 2011, across its silver jewellery and designled 

gift collections. Contemporary brands Pure Origins and 

Silver Symmetry feature a new fun element with mixed 

charm-style jewellery, inspired by botanical and wildlife 

themes, flowers, nature and ocean, with a hand-crafted look. 

There are also many striking new additions to the Celtic 

Lands silver collection, featuring intricate silver pieces rich in 

history and symbolic meaning. 

Gift collections include contemporary, Celtic and Mackintosh 

designs, translated to stunning effect onto pens, bookmarks, 

compacts and pillboxes. New crystal stardust pens and 

Celtic Magic colour change jewellery the company says 

are also proving hot sellers. The jewellery and gifts come 

beautifully boxed with eye-catching point of sale. 

136 giftfocus 

JEWELLERY & FASHION 

ACCESSORIES 

Hall C, Queen’s Suite 

Capiz 

Hall C, Stand 35A 

Tel:+44 (0)1449 775 566 

Web: www.capiz.co.uk 

Capiz will be launching 

its autumn/winter 2011 

collections of jewellery, 

handbags and accessories. 

The colour palette 

sees the return of muted 

earthy tones, and browns 

for autumn, along side 

the ever-popular greys 

and blacks. Injections of 

colour come from red, 

and magenta. There is 

also a collection in silver 

metallic, which the company predicts will sell strongly throughout the season. 

Statement earrings and rings are also set to feature highly in the collection. 

Talbot Fashions 


Tel: +44 (0)1273 776 415 

Web: www.talbotfashions.com 

New must-have accessories form Talbot Fashions include padlock and key multi 

charm long necklaces in burnished gold. 

With birds proving a popular motif this year, the company has also sourced two 

vibrant coloured peacock pendants with enamel and glass crystal embellishments 

also on a long burnished gold chain. 

The latest lines will be showcased with the company’s extensive range of fashion 

jewellery, hair accessories and gift products.

Bedazzled 


Tel: +44 (0)1618 345 992 

Web:www.bedazzledwholesale.co.uk 

Manchester based Bedazzled Wholesale is preparing 

its new autumn/winter collection ready for preview at 

Home & Gift. 

The new collection includes a range of chunky 

silver statement pieces; necklaces, bracelets and eye 

catching cocktail rings studded with sparkling diamanté 

and luxurious glass jewels. Chunky silver is set to be 

big for autumn/winter, complementing the rich fabrics 

and deep jewel colours set to dominate the catwalk 

and the high street. With the seventies trend set to 

continue well into 2012 the company has stocked up 

on layered necklaces, beads and chunky statement cuffs. 

NOA 

Queen’s Suite, Stand 58 

Tel: +44 (0)2920 758 409 

Web:www.noajewelley.com 

NOA’s jewellery is a 

marriage between silver, 

brass and especially designed 

colourful ceramics. 

The company offers 

pendants, necklaces, bracelets 

and earrings that can all 

come as matching sets. 

A wide range of ceramic 

designs is available for each 

item to suit any style or season. Most of NOA’s jewellery is 

packaged in specially designed presentation boxes and it’s all 

hand-crafted in the UK. 

138 giftfocus 

Earth Squared 

Queens Suite, Stand 111 

Tel: +44 (0)1620 824 392 

Web: www.fairtradewholesale.co.uk 

Earth Squared creates fair trade fashion accessories 

with an emphasis on design and quality. The ranges 

comprise stylish handbags, scarves, purses and gloves. 

A number of new ranges and fabrics complement 

existing best-selling lines to make this autumn’s 

collection the best yet, says the company. 

Jewelcity 


Tel:+44 (0)8452 572 668 

Web: www.jewelcity.co.uk 

Jewelcity are wholesalers of contemporary jewellery, scarves and handbags, producing 

both fashion forward and classical pieces. 

This season sees beautiful floral cuffs, rings and brooches as well as vintage inspired 

necklaces and bracelets accented with delicate beading. 

A brand new collection of handbags is being launched at Home & Gift. The range 

includes evening bags and essential day bags in this season’s colours and styles. 

Kate Hamilton-Hunter Studio 

Queen’s Suite, Stand 81A 

Tel: +44 (0)1745 826 500 

Web: www.katehh.co.uk 

For Home & Gift, the Kate Hamilton- 

Hunter Studio will be bringing out new 

colours and samples across all collections 

plus two new additions, the Petite collection 

(pictured) and a collection that includes 

semi-precious stones and ethnic influence. 

Ranges include handmade jewellery from 

reclaimed biscuit, sweet and toffee tins and 

the company also makes silver jewellery 

from 100% recycled British silver.

Established in 1997, 

Linda Macdonald Jewellery 

supplies many beautiful shops 

and galleries throughout 

Britain. Designed and made 

in Scotland this delicate and 

distinctive jewellery has 

become extremely popular 

and is collected by many 

jewellery lovers. Supplied with 

beautiful branded packaging 

and care cards. 

RRP’s £40-£150 

Trade Fair details 

Harrogate Home and Gift 

July 2011 Stand DP1-74 

International Jewellery London 

September 2011 Stand B29 

Spring Fair Birmingham 

February 2012 Stand TBC 

Linda Macdonald Jewellery, 

Laigh Barrs, Main Road, Cardross, 

Argyll and Bute G82 5PX 

Tel. 01389 841 848 

info@lindamacdonaldjewellery.com 

www.lindamacdonaldjewellery.com 

Anna Nova presents the launch of our 

Spring/Summer 2011 Collection. Fresh and individual 

in design this one is not to be missed! 

Phone: 0845 894 1710 • Fax: 0845 894 1711 

info@annanovaaccessories.co.uk 

www.annanovaaccessories.co.uk

140 giftfocus 

New look 

website 

• Back Issues Archive 

If you’re looking for information on a 

particular giftware sector or show, take 

a look at our back issues archive. All 

back issues will be sent out post-free. 

140 giftfocus 

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If you’ve enjoyed reading Gift Focus 

magazine, why not log onto our website 

at www.giftfocus.com? Containing 

up-to-the-minute news, events and 

special offers, the site is updated 

regularly with information to help you 

advance your business. 

Find a Supplier 

The latest feature on www.giftfocus.com, 

the supplier directory, allows you to 

contact advertisers in the magazine for 

more information about their products 

or services. Simple to use and available 

world-wide 24 hours a day, the supplier 

directory is a reader reply service for the 

21 st century. 

Special Features 


• Featured Articles 

Read our regularly updated spotlighted 

features whenever you wish, covering 

legal issues, intellectual property advice, 

the latest EPoS information, tips from 

the Giftware Association and much, 

much more. 

• Media Pack 

Download our comprehensive on-line 

media pack for a 2010 features list, 

advertising rates and specifications.

managing your reputation 

Nick McAleenan, media solicitor at JMW Solicitors LLP, offers his top tips for 

protecting your business reputation online 

The explosion in the 

popularity of social 

media websites such 

as Facebook and 

Twitter has created 

many exciting 

opportunities for 

businesses working 

in the home and gift 

industry. Now, more than ever, a successful 

online strategy can significantly boost your 

business profile, improve client loyalty and 

generate greatly increased revenues. 

However, the social media revolution is not 

without potential dangers. One such danger is 

the risk of damage to your reputation caused 

by negative statements posted on third party 

social media websites. 

Consumers are increasingly using the 

internet as a research tool to find the best 

goods and services available. Negative postings 

about your business can have a dramatic 

impact on your income. 

“They said what?!” 

A cursory Google search may reveal web 

users discussing your business, the goods and 

services you offer and even you personally, 

on all sorts of social media platforms. For 

example, online discussion forums and 

blogs frequently mention businesses. These 

comments are able to reach huge numbers of 

potential customers. 

The majority of online postings are 

inoffensive. However, statements which tend 

to make the reader think less of a person 

or business by exposing them to hatred, 

contempt or ridicule, or disparaging them 

in their business, trade or profession are 

potentially defamatory. 

The problem with online defamation is that 

the offending statements can sit there, like a 

time bomb, waiting to be discovered by your 

potential client base and contacts. Ignoring the 

problem is likely to do more harm than good 

because the statements may be republished by 

others and gain credence. 

Businesses are realistic about the need to 

deal with complaints, but what should you do 

when statements are posted which ‘cross the 

line’ and cause serious damage? 

“Are they allowed to say that?” 

A blogger will have a defence to a defamation 

claim if they can show that the allegation 

complained of is a fact which is true or 

substantially true. 

A blogger could also argue that the 

allegation is a statement of opinion or 

comment, rather than fact. In this case the 

comment must be on a matter of public 

interest, be recognisable as comment (rather 

than fact), be based on facts which are true, 

and explicitly or implicitly indicate what facts 

the comment is based on. The comment 

must be one which could have been made by 

an honest person, however exaggerated or 

prejudiced the opinion. 

If the blogger was malicious because they 

knew that the allegation was false or did not 

care if it was true, then a defence of ‘honest 

comment’ may fail. 

Anonymity: Hiding in the shadows 

The ability to post anonymously using a 

pseudonym emboldens some bloggers to 

make outrageous and extreme allegations. 

In my experience, even when a person 

posts anonymously, the subject may be able 

to identify the culprit because the post forms 

part of an ongoing campaign of bad behaviour. 

It is possible to obtain a court order 

requiring a host website to disclose the 

identity of an anonymous blogger who 

has posted defamatory statements about 

your business. 

Another problem is fake profiles. Fake 

Twitter and Facebook profiles can be set up 

to direct abuse or ridicule at a business, or 

to ‘leak’ confidential information into the 

public domain. 

What to do? 

Depending upon the size of your business, set 

up a team ready to deal with any reputational 

crisis: senior management, in-house legal, 

communications/marketing department, etc. 

Monitor your online reputation. This will 

allow you to identify potential problems early 

and nip them in the bud. 

If you have been defamed online, contact 

the host website and request that the 

offending post be taken down. In addition to 

your normal legal rights, website terms and 

conditions of use usually allow posts to be 

taken down if they contain defamatory or 

offensive statements. 

Consider obtaining professional advice on 

how best to correct any damage and vindicate 

your reputation. You may have a claim against 

the blogger and, in certain circumstances, the 

website. Legal remedies may include obtaining 

an undertaking that the allegations will not be 

repeated (or an injunction), apologies, and/or 

damages and legal costs. You may also consider 

responding to the allegations using social 

media or the press. 

… And be careful what you post! 

In order to avoid reputational problems 

when you use third party social media sites 

for business purposes, it is best practice to 

develop a comprehensive social media policy. 

A policy will help you to regulate content 

posted by your business and control tone. 

A few tips: 

• Do not post comments which could damage 

your relationship with suppliers, sponsors or 

other business associates. 

• Do not post information or photographs 

which could breach the privacy rights of 

third parties or reveal confidential business 

information. 

• Do not rely on privacy settings to avoid 

potential problems. 

• Observe professional conduct rules when 

posting messages. g 


Nick McAleenan, media solicitor 

JMW Solicitors LLP 

+44 (0)161 828 1858 

nick.mcaleenan@jmw.co.uk 

giftfocus 141 

social media

the bookshelf 

Gift books are a great pick up buy for all seasons. In the 

second of our series we showcase latest titles hot off the 

presses as well as some established favourites 

Jan Constantine is launching her second book, Love Stitching, which is due out on 5 th 

July 2011. Published by Jacqui Small it is a follow-up to her successful fi rst book, 

Heirloom Embroidery. 

The new book takes a more modern approach 

and includes Jan's iconic signature designs. Love 

Stitching is a collection of 21 decorative appliqué 

and hand embroidery projects. It features some 

of Jan's best-selling designs on cushions, wall 

hangings, throws and bags, including clear step 

by step instructions and design templates. Love 

Stitching guides the reader through the various 

stitches and sewing methods required for each 

item and will inspire homemakers of all ages 

to get stitching. With beautiful photography by 

Caroline Arber it is priced at £20. For more 

information call +44 (0)207 284 7181 or 

email liz.somers@jacquismallpub.com 

142 giftfocus 

Was Beethoven a Birdwatcher? is a fascinating 

new book by David Turner which looks at birds 

in history and culture. It covers hot topics like the 

re-introduction of species and global warming and 

reveals weird and curious connections between 

human culture and the birds of the world. It 

delves into literature, science, religion, fi ne art and 

popular culture to reveal how a bird can be far 

more than the sum of its feathered, winged and 

webbed parts. 

Published by Summersdale the hardback retails at 

£12.99. Call +44 (0)1243 771 107 or email elly@ 

summersdale.com for further details. 

Reading Notes is a handbag-friendly notebook that allows readers 

to record details of the novels they have read. 

Already in its third print run, Reading Notes celebrated its fi fth 

birthday in May this year. It was created by avid book reader and 

mother of four, Kerstin Olszowska. The 80-page hard back book 

enables readers to jot down their thoughts on books they have 

loved or hated. The RRP is £5.99. 

Visit www.readingnotes.co.uk or call +44 (0)1959 569 950 to 

fi nd out more. 

The Moomin Thoughts books are a kooky collection 

bringing together the most perceptive insights of the 

much-loved Moomin characters including Little My, 

Sniff, Moominpappa and others. With quotations and 

illustrations by Tove Jansson, written by Sami Malila, 

the gift books are priced £5.99. To fi nd out more visit 

the website www.selfmadehero.com 

The latest title in 

the enchanting 

Hari’s World series, 

called Hari at the 

Park, is set for 

publication this July. 

The imaginative 

books follow the 

adventures of Hari 

the elephant and 

friends. They are 

all about having 

fun but with 

subtle safety messages woven into every adventure. 

The new title follows Hari and his friends as they 

enjoy a day at the park, featuring brightly coloured 

illustrations and fun storyline. The book follows on 

from three other Hari’s World titles in the current 

publishing programme that is set to total ten books. 

To fi nd out more about the Hari’s World series 

visit the website www.harisworld.com or call 

+44 (0)1768 482 710.

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for the giftware industry, is available free of 

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Please tick one or more of the boxes below which best describe your business. 

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next issue... 

Hot property 

Spotlight on licensed lines 

Show previews 

• Autumn Fair 

International 

• Top Drawer 

Stamp of approval 

Opening the envelope on 

the latest in greetings 

Greener giving 

Eco-friendly gifts that 

don't cost the earth 

Plus 

• Retailer interview 

• New product showcase 

• Business advice 

Issue 67 

September/October 2011 

Available from: 22 nd August 2011 

Advertising Deadline: 

5 th August 2011 

144 giftfocus 

Table talk 

Great tableware for today's diners 

MAKE International 

Paladone Products

product showcase 

We reveal some of this season’s hottest gifts 

Glugg Water Bottles 

In collaboration with international charity WaterAid, Wild & Wolf 

present the Glugg Thirst Extinguisher water bottles. The two designs 

one in red, one in silver are made from stainless steel and designed 

to resemble a British and American fire extinguisher. Perfect for 

keeping you hydrated this summer and for every water bottle sold, 

Wild & Wolf will donate 50p to 

WaterAid to contribute towards the 

fantastic work they do. Visit Wild & Wolf 

at Home & Gift, Harrogate DP2, Stand 39. 

For more information contact Wild & Wolf. 

Call 01225 789909, Fax 01225 789919, 

email sales@wildandwolf.com 

or visit www.wildandwolf.com 

Blue Poppy Art 

Blue Poppy Art is introducing many exciting new sculptures to its 

Frith Sculpture collection. Aptly named for Harrogate is Heathcliff 

the Yorkshire Hare! Created by Paul Jenkins he joins the other best 

selling Hares in the Frith range. Veronica Ballan has sculpted six new 

designs – they include Scotties, Highland 

Bulls, Alpacas and a Westie. Finally a family 

of Polar Bears and a Jaguar sculpted in 

a different contemporary style by new 

artists Adrian Tinsley will be introduced. 

Visit them at Harrogate Home & Gift Fair 

2011, Hall A, Stand A8. 

Contact David Wilkinson Blue Poppy Art 

Limited, 01793 759000, fax 01793 759012, 

email sales@bluepoppyart.co.uk or visit 

www.frithsculpture.co.uk 

Beauty Connection Limited 

Fans of the Abode Aroma Totem collection will love our new and 

nifty 120ml reed diffusers - Decci - a cute range of unique diffuser 

fragrances with an art deco design twist. Decci introduces a whole 

new bouquet of home scents - from Wild Magnolia to Essential Spa. 

Each Decci variant is as versatile as its size - suitable for every home, 

every room, every season and every mood. Diminutive in size but 

big on fragrance! Visit us at Harrogate Home & Gift Fair 2011, 

Stand DP1-52B. 

For more information call 

01829 730028, email sales@ 

beautyconnectionlimited.com or visit 

www.beautyconnectionlimited.com 

White Rabbit England 

This adorable dog lamp is the latest arrival at White Rabbit England. 

It is sure to be just as popular as its predecessors, the owl and rabbit 

lamp, part of an ever expanding animal collection. Made from white 

fine bone china in England, the dog lamp is perfect as a bedside 

lamp in a child’s room or used as a 

nightlight in a baby’s nursery. To add 

to the lamp collection White Rabbit 

England is launching their children’s 

lifestyle range, which includes 

clocks, crockery sets, cushions 

and bedding. Contact Charlotte 

Thompson, 01625 419622, email 

charlottethompson@mac.com or 

visit www.whiterabbitengland.com 

Heritage mugs 

With the Olympic Games and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee just 

around the corner, there’s definitely a patriotic vibe sweeping the 

nation and we thought this lovely, colourful set of fine china mugs 

would really inspire people! The range includes some great designs 

featuring well-known London icons including a red London bus, black 

taxi cab, a lovely regal-looking lion, modern and traditional Union 

Jacks and a Keep Calm and Drink Tea edition. 

Each mug is made of fine china, dishwasher and 

microwave safe and comes with a printed swing 

tag. So why not wave your flag for everything 

British whilst enjoying your cuppa from these 

fantastic fine china mugs? 

For more information please email 

sales@creative-tops.com or visit 

www.creative-tops.com 

Scrabble Coasters 

Celebrate the world’s best-selling board game with Wild & Wolf’s 

award-winning “Triple Word Score” collection! Originally invented by 

board game fanatic Alfred Butts in 1948, over 100 million 

Scrabble games have sold in more than 121 countries around the 

world. The range includes letter mugs, pencils, water bottle, flask, 

espresso set, tea towel, tile design mug, fridge magnets, letter 

cushions and new for 2011, 

coasters, pencil case and A5 tile 

design notebook. Home & Gift, 

Harrogate DP2, Stand 39. 

For more information contact Wild 

& Wolf. Call 01225 789909, 

Fax 01225 789919, 

email sales@wildandwolf.com 

or visit www.wildandwolf.com

an english 

country garden 

Ragged Rose is a new lifestyle brand conceived by Dawn Rose from 

her garden summer house in the heart of the Kent countryside. 

Read on to find out more 

Ragged Rose is a quintessentially English brand, 

inspired by country garden flowers on a hot 

summer’s day. 

Dawn Rose launched the company last 

year fuelled by a passion for her countryside 

surroundings, hot summer days and a love of 

strong, bold colours. 

The idea germinated from inspiration 

drawn from a packet of flower seeds and has 

blossomed into a collection of original handpainted 

designs all based around a floral story. 

Each design concentrates on a striking 

bloom such as the rose or the anemone, 

complemented by colour co-ordinating plains 

in luxury fabrics like velvet, along with ragged 

stripes and small mini prints featuring leaves or 

petals to unite the concept. 

The signature collection of gifts and 

146 giftfocus 

homewares includes pieces for the bedroom, 

the living room and bathroom, kitchen textiles 

and a selection of statement bags. 

“Ragged Rose is a celebration of the English 

country garden,” enthuses Dawn. 

She decided to launch her own company 

after 26 years experience in retail buying, 

most recently as head of the home sector at 

renowned London store Selfridges. Prior to 

that she was head of buying for home and gift 

at House of Fraser. 

She studied at the London College of 

Fashion completing a four-year clothing 

management course in 1981 spending one 

year in industry working alongside top designer 

Paul Costelloe. 

“After college I trained initially at the Burton 

Group for Burton menswear starting as an 

assistant buyer on boyswear before progressing 

to men’s shirts and knitwear before moving 

onto Hornes menswear and then setting up 

Oakland Menswear a separate retail arm of 

the C&A empire,” she recalls. 

With a wealth of retail experience behind 

her she has an extensive knowledge of 

consumer shopping habits and is confident 

Ragged Rose will hit the spot with people 

hungry for bright, joyful products. 

“The aim is for a bold, colourful and 

contemporary look that says, not yesterday’s 

vintage!” she explains. “We offer glamorous 

and desirable pieces for the bedroom 

and bathroom, fabulous and funky, but still 

functional items for the kitchen and garden as 

well as some gorgeous, flirty bags for fun days 

out to remember. 

“So even on dull, grey days when the sun 

doesn’t shine, Ragged Rose can inject colour 

and energy into everyday life,” she adds. g 


Ragged Rose is exhibiting at Home & Gift, 

Harrogate. Visit them on stand DP4-3, call 

+44 (0)1622 812 897 or visit the website 

www.raggedrose.com to find out more.

Home & Gift, Harrogate - Gift Focus magazine

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