Classic Canes launches Crowning coronationGlorycane

Walking stick specialist Classic Canes has launched an exclusive new design to celebrate the coronation of HRH King Charles III on Saturday May 6.

Managing director and designer Charlotte Gillan has created a cheerful and striking pattern featuring the St Edward’s Crown, which will be used to crown the new king, interspersed with red, white and blue hearts and flowers.

The Crowning Glory cane, which is suitable for ladies and gentlemen, will make an ideal accessory for watching the parades and attending street parties. It is height adjustable from 76 to 101cm so is easily altered to fit the user. The cane is available for Classic Canes stockists to pre-order now.

Charlotte said: “This cane is very upbeat and modern and was great fun to design. More and more people are buying canes for special occasions and to accessorise their outfits, so we had to do something special for this momentous occasion. Most of the population have never seen a coronation, so it will be very special for us all.

“This cane will also be perfect for other national occasions such as The Last Night of the Proms, The Eurovision Song Contest and national sporting events. It will look fabulous in window displays and we are expecting it to be very popular.”

New CEO for Paladone

Paladone Group Holdings has announced the appointment of Jim Downey as chief executive officer (CEO).

He joined the company as chief financial officer in April 2022, and was promoted to the chief operating officer role in January 2023, before being appointed as CEO on March 24.

With more than 25 years of experience, Jim has an extensive background in a variety of executive and leadership roles. He has worked internationally throughout his career, including leading expansion projects, and has extensive experience in M&A (mergers and acquisitions) and successfully transitioning companies through growth.

Jim succeeds Graeme Carr, who announced his intention to retire in December 2022 after an 18-year tenure as CEO, during which he transformed the business from a small domestic gift firm into what it is today: a fast-growing consumer products company with sales in over 70 countries. Graeme will remain with Paladone until June 30 in an advisory role to support a smooth transition.

Paladone chairman George Jones said: “I’m delighted that Jim is taking the position as our new CEO. The board believes Jim is a great fit for Paladone, with the combination of skills and experience to lead the business through its next strategic phase. On behalf of the board, I thank Graeme for his many years of service to the company and wish him all the best in his retirement.”

Incoming CEO Jim commented: “I’m delighted to be stepping into the CEO role at Paladone. Since joining as chief financial officer in April 2022, I’ve been extremely impressed with the passion, drive and creativity of our fantastic global team, and I’m thrilled to be leading the business on this next exciting chapter.”

Joe Davies appoints sales director

Manchester-based importer and giftware distributor Joe Davies has announced that David Cree, former national sales manager, has been appointed as sales director of the company.

David has been with Joe Davies since 2004 and will be responsible for all sales operations across the business. Managing director Paul Hooker commented: “David has effectively been carrying out the sales director role for some time, and his appointment is in recognition of all his hard work. David’s customers will be delighted; it’s a very well-deserved promotion and a natural progression for Joe Davies.”

Ivyline relocates to new warehouse

Garden, home and giftware supplier Ivyline has relocated its warehousing, in a move that is designed to support the brand’s ongoing growth plans.

The new premises - part of a 65,000sq ft warehouse development operated by Amethyst Group - is located just 25 minutes from Ivyline’s Warwickshire headquarters at Stoneleigh Park in Kenilworth, and provides the perfect backdrop for the next chapter of Ivyline’s story.

Having witnessed significant growth over the past two years, this much larger warehouse space not only facilitates rapid future expansion, but also ensures peace of mind for retailers, with quicker despatch times and the introduction of improved systems to reduce mis-picks and stock shortages, including access to Amethyst Group’s Wellesbourne site’s robotoperated shuttle racking, which is billed as the largest in Europe.

To celebrate this new phase of growth, the Ivyline team is inviting customers to visit the new facilities in conjunction with a trip to Ivyline’s showroom, where S/S23 and Christmas ranges are available to view and order. To visit, email sales@ivylinegb.co.uk or call 024 7633 9180.