News
New face at Enesco Joanna Castle has joined the Enesco UK sales team as Area Sales Manager, a role that will involve the management of trade accounts in Southwest England and South Wales. Joanna’s most recent sales role was as Area Sales Account Manager for a well-known jewellery and ladies accessories brand.
Rex London turns 40 August 2021 sees Rex London celebrate its 40th anniversary. With humble beginnings on a market stall in Portobello Road in 1981, the giftware company has since gone on to become a hugely successful, international online retailer and wholesaler, creating Gifts of Random Kindness at affordable prices. They began with items that they had simply stumbled upon on their travels around the world. Before long they were on the shelves of high street institutions like Habitat and The Body Shop. For the next two decades, they continued to discover and deliver these Gifts of Random Kindness, until they decided it was time not only to choose products they liked but also to design them. From floral patterns to adorable animals, they have loved creating colourful and playful prints that stand out and bring joy.
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BRC warns of high Sustainability street labour shortages award for Vent The British Retail Consortium warned of high street labour shortages as 20 per cent of shop workers across the UK in the retail and hospitality sectors entered isolation due to Covid19 in July. Both sectors said one in five workers had been called to isolate, exacerbating the issue of labour shortages due to Brexit and other factors. BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson told MPs on the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee: ‘We are seeing some vacancy rates of around 20 per cent, and only some of that is directly people with Covid – a lot is the indirect consequence of having to isolate, irrespective of tests or whether one has had two vaccines.’ Figures show that the number of contact alerts issued by the government’s Test and Trace app rose dramatically since hospitality and leisure businesses began the process of reopening in April, with over 200,000 alerts sent during a single week in June.
Vent for Change, the sustainable stationery company that protects the planet and supports children's education, has been awarded Best Sustainable Stationery Company 2021 in The Business Elite Awards 2021. The award recognises those enterprises that consistently provide the best services and products for their clients, allowing them to stand out within their field. Rewarding those companies that are succeeding in their endeavours, innovating, growing and improving. ‘We are delighted to be recognised for the hard work the team have put in over the last 12 months, to be singled out for what we stand for behind the scenes is truly wonderful,’ says Vent founder Evan Lewis. Vent combine beautiful design with impeccable ecocredentials as well as supporting children's education projects with every item sold.
New CEO for Ryman The heritage stationery and office supplies brand has announced Peter Birks as its new CEO. Peter has held leadership roles in retailers Office Depot, Staples and recently as CEO for Tuffnells. Peter joins Ryman to further grow the brand in key markets and channels, deliver industry leading customer service levels, create a compelling place to work for colleagues and use technology to drive the business further. Theo Paphitis, Chairman and owner of Ryman, says: ‘Peter brings a huge amount of energy, leadership skills and industry intel to Ryman and has a proven track record and digital focus. We are excited to welcome him on board and know he’ll make a big difference in further growing the brand and inspiring the team, from day one.’ 8 Gifts Today
