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Leader
On The Cards As the winners of The Retas greeting card retailer awards testify (revealed in this issue on pages 3343), there are some retailers out there who are head and shoulders above when it comes to their retailing prowess, marketing nous and providing a customer service that is second to none for their customers. This month we turn the spotlight on card publishers as the judging for The Henries product awards takes place. In advance of all the new card ranges being judged by retail buyers, another vital element in a publisher’s armory has been under scrutiny by their customers - the whole issue of service! Depending on your age, the question ‘Are you being served?’ will bring back titters about Mrs Slocombe’s ‘pussy’ and John Inman’s requests for ‘the gentleman’s inside leg measurement’. Joking aside, while a lot has changed in the world since the 1970s sitcom, based in the fictitious department store, Grace Brothers, service remains a key issue for all retailers, and especially independents. And this makes the Best Service to the Independent Retailer award in The Henries all the more important this year, at a time when retailers need all the help they can get. We involved over 1,900 indies in our nationwide poll to find out which card publishers are the tops on the service front. We had a truly fantastic response - thank you to everyone who was part of this, as well as for all the encouraging comments and notes, some of which made me blush with pride!
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Above: Everyone was ‘in the swim’ at The Just to make it clear to Retas last month, which took on an Into The publishers regarding the Blue oceanic theme. The PG team (left-right) Gale Astley, Jakki Brown, Warren Lomax, Ian robustness of the survey, we Hyder and MC for the event Robert Persell. asked independents to highlight Below: One of The Retas winners was Snape Maltings, an extraordinary cultural complex the three publishers who in their in Suffolk. Buyer Jane Hall (right) gave PG’s Brown a tour of this special greeting opinion provided them with the Jakki card retailer. best service. Once we correlated the mountain of forms - attributing ‘3 points’ to all first choices, ‘2 points’ for those in second place and ‘1 point’ for the third choice - a picture emerged. This is that there are clearly a ‘top 20’ of card companies who have put service right at the top of their agendas. What is interesting is that some smaller companies continue to really bat above their weight through their ability to respond on a sixpence to retailer demands. While publishing saleable ranges is obviously crucial, some publishers now really see their service provision very much as an integral part of their brand offer. Turn to page 15 to see the list of the ‘Dynamic Dozen’ card companies in the finals of The Henries Best Service Award, who do the industry proud, as well as which companies fared well too in the 13th-30th positions. For those of a certain age, as ‘young Mr Grace’ would say with a twinkle, as he stood waist-high next to his young blonde, voluptuous ‘nurse’: “You’ve all done very well!”
THE HOME OF MARKET LEADING TRADE AWARDS
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Exposure greeting cards designed by icon order online: www.icon-art.com telephone: 01242 679800 / email: info@icon-art.com
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Contents
What’s Inside? 25
sue:
this is Within RETAS E
TH DS AWARS 2018 R E WINN
44
11-18
33-43
News
The Retas Awards Winners 2018
20-21 Over The Counter
44-45
Mindful Thinking
In Conversation With… Brainbox Candy
Independent card and gift retailer, David Robertson, co-owner of JP Pozzi in Scotland, discusses taking care of your mental health.
22-23
A Brainy Decade Celebrating its 10 birthday this month, Brainbox Candy recounts some of the humour publisher’s highlights and future plans.
Cardsharp
The ‘Division’ Of Spoils
47-51
54-55
Cardsharp muses over topical events happening in the industry.
Innovations
Jeremy’s Journal
52-53
Jeremy Corner of publisher Blue Eyed Sun, discusses overcoming our fears.
25-27
Facing Fear
Retailer In Focus
Viewpoints
Jumpers For Goal Posts Some champion players from the greetings industry score up some of their World Cup 2018 lessons and football memories.
Pride Of Britten PG catches up with Jane Hall, buyer of recent Retas Awards winner Snape Maltings in Suffolk.
57-59
Art Source 60-61
What’s Hot?
29-31
62-74
The Retas 2018
Classified
Sea-ing Is Believing Party pictures from The Retas Awards’ ‘Into The Blue’ ocean-themed event last month.
53
75
Appointments
Progressive Greetings is a monthly business magazine. SUBSCRIPTIONS:
UK subscription: One year £50 Two year £85 Three year £110 Overseas subscription: One year £75 Jakki Brown
Warren Lomax
Gale Astley
Michelle Board
Editor
Advertisement Director
Deputy Editor
News Editor
jw@max-publishing.co.uk
warren@max-publishing.co.uk
galea@max-publishing.co.uk
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Copyright© 2018. While every effort has been made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of publication, the publishers cannot accept legal liability for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility for the standing of advertisers nor any organisation mentioned in the text. Views of contributors do not necessarily reflect those of the publishers.
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PG is the official magazine for the Greeting Card Association GCA: Sharon Little 0203 370 4865 Email: gca@max-publishing.co.uk www.greetingcardassociation.org.uk PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE
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NEWS Just a Card on Air
TOP STORY
The Art File Unwraps For Spring Retailers offered a 4p a card incentive to go naked The Art File is keen to ‘go naked’ for its 2019 Spring Seasons cards and is giving retailers a deduction of 4p a card if they order them unwrapped. The Nottingham-based publisher, which has just launched its largest ever collection of Spring Seasons cards, comprising some 150 brand new designs, is also continuing to offer the cards wrapped as an option for its retail customers. Explaining the rationale to initiate an unwrapped option on its Spring Seasons cards, Ged Mace, managing director of The Art File told PG: “The initiative came about from wanting to do something around packaging that would make us all stop and challenge our status quo - including The Art File.” He suggests that retailers as well as publishers have long adopted a view of ‘We've always taken cards wrapped so…', but this does not have to be the way. “By offering customers the option to take their Spring cards unwrapped, we are simply giving everyone more choice and see this as a positive act on all fronts. Now of course it might not be for everyone but feedback at this early stage is enlightening,” Ged confirmed. One of the first retailers to give The Art File a full thumbs up for this development was Louise Riley,
owner of independent card shop, Sweet Autumn, in Buckingham: “Such a move should be applauded. I hope it encourages many other publishers to follow suit,” said Louise. “It really is a ‘win win win’. Not only will it bring benefits environmentally, but also save costs for retailers and publishers, and what’s more, the cards will look so much better unwrapped.” As she reinforced: “The arguments about wastage or lost envelopes are easily overcome. Plus, Spring Seasons are on display for such a short period the amount of damaged stock will be minimal. I can only see a case for wrapped cards if they have delicate handmade attachments. Good for The Art File for its approach.” For the first time ever, The Art File’s Spring Seasons collection also includes some designs for St Patrick’s Day alongside the other four main events. All cards from The Art File are printed on FSC accredited board.
Just a Card campaign founder and card publisher Sarah Hamilton was invited to talk on Robert Elms’ BBC Radio London show on 17 July about the campaign, along with gallery owner, Snowden Flood. Sarah told Robert all about the background of the campaign and how the awareness is growing not only among retailers, but also the public. “The window stickers and enamel badges have been great at promoting the campaign to the public, with lots of people coming into the shop, or spotting the badge and asking all about the campaign,” Sarah told Robert. Sarah and Snowden also talked about a tweet from Imagined Things Bookshop in Harrogate that went viral in July after the owner Georgia Duffy tweeted that “We only took £12.34 today... today is the worst day ever. A card, a book, anything makes a huge difference to a small business like ours. We'd be very grateful for your support.” Sarah told Robert how Georgia’s post has actually united independents across the UK: “The tweet made it OK for indie shopkeepers to admit that being in business is actually really hard work and it’s really difficult doing business as an independent in the retail landscape today.” Above: The tweet from Imagined Things Books in Harrogate that went viral, with the owner admitting she’d only taken £12.34 in one day.
Above: Ged Mace, md of The Art File is happy to upset the status quo for the greater good. Left: Going green! The Art File is including St Patrick’s Day cards for the first time as part of its Spring Seasons collection.
‘Recycle me’ urges Woodmansterne “The more the greeting card industry shows it is in tune with the times, the better for us all,” believes Paul Woodmansterne, md of Woodmansterne Publications. As part of its drive on the environmental front, the Watfordbased publishing group (which includes Woodmansterne, CardMix and Caltime by Woodmansterne), is introducing new labelling on the backs of its cards, Advent calendars and wrappings to communicate to the public both their recyclability and fountain-pen friendly nature. Above: The backs of The publisher has received official approval from WRAP, the government Woodmansterne and recognised body on recycling matters, to use the publisher’s created phrase of CardMix cards are to ‘recycle me’, alongside the WRAP logo, instead of adopting the more direct include ‘recycle me’ and ‘suitable for fountain ‘recycle’ or ‘recycle now’ commands. pens’ messages. “We believe that for greeting cards, ‘recycle me’ feels more friendly – and what’s more WRAP has also decided to adopt it,” says Paul, who elaborates that the new wording “doesn’t demand that you throw away your card instantly!” He is happy for other publishers and retailers to adopt the phrase. The publisher is also adding On-Pack Recycling Label (OPRL) on its cellobags to inform the public what the wrapping is made of. While Paul accepts that future developments on the environmental score are likely to impact on what Woodmansterne and the industry as a whole adopts, it is prudent to act now and “make it clear to consumers now how they should dispose of waste elements (bags) and products (cards and envelopes).” Also, soon to appear on the backs of all Woodmansterne and CardMix cards is the message ‘suitable for fountain pens’ to give consumers confidence that the fountain pen ink won’t run.
Hannah Dale went back to school Wrendale Designs’ founder and creative director Hannah Dale went back to school recently. Hannah gave an inspiring talk about business to a group of 13-14 year-olds at a school in Lincolnshire. Explains Hannah, who has had her own award winning company since 2012: “The school’s head feels that girls in particular lack confidence in terms of pursuing a creative career, and I was asked to talk to them about how to set up and run a successful business in the creative arts in terms of the challenges I faced when starting out six years ago, and the importance of being resilient.” Above: Hannah Dale, founder and creative supremo of Wrendale Designs, is shown speaking to teenagers at a secondary school in Lincolnshire.
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Christmas Jewels Embossed with gold foil
Christmas Paper & Foil Embossed with gold foil
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Brand New Range
Christmas Kooks
Embossed with gold foil
four kooky characters
Blank inside with white envelopes
All Christmas Designs available as cello-wrapped single cards or a 5-pack
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Bug Art Tel: 0115 929 4776 enquiries@bugart.co.uk www.bugart.co.uk The sales, warehousing and distribution of our products is undertaken by A La Carte Business Services Ltd
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NEWS Indies Unite
TOP STORY
The Retas Winners 2018
Below: All of The Retas 2018 winners on stage.
Emotions run high at greeting card retail awards There may have been tears of sadness as the England football team bowed out of the World Cup to Croatia, but hours earlier there were tears of joy, as the winners of The Retas 2018 greeting card retailer awards were announced at The Dorchester Hotel, in London on July 11. Over 400 members of the greeting card community attended the awards ceremony, which this year took on an Into The Blue oceanic theme. In her welcome speech at the event, PG’s co-owner Jakki Brown said: “This year’s Into The Blue oceanic theme for The Retas embraces the commitment our industry is making to further improve its high environmental credentials and safeguard this wonderful trade and our beautiful planet.” Paying tribute to The Retas winners and finalists, she added that: “Although there are plenty of fish in the retailing sea, it takes courage, determination and fortitude to maintain a steady course given the turbulent waters in retail and life.” Paperchase, in the retailer’s 50th year, was presented with the ultimate accolade of Greeting Card Retailer of the Year. “This is the best feeling ever,” exclaimed Emma Clooney, Paperchase’s greeting card buyer, fresh from coming off the stage with her colleagues to collect the retailer’s second award of the
day. “Winning the Best Greeting Card Multiple was great, but to also receive the top award is fabulous, especially in our 50th anniversary year.” Miles Robinson, co-owner of House of Cards, which won the Best Greeting Card Small Multiple, exclaimed: “We are so thrilled. It was Nigel’s [Williamson, the other co-owner] birthday yesterday [the day before The Retas] - this is a fabulous extra birthday present!” There was rapturous applause from the entire room as Orkney retailer Robert and Caroline Petrie of Kairds jubilantly took to the stage attired in a fish suit with a shark’s hat and mermaid dress to collect the award for Best Independent Greeting Card retailer Scotland. “I can’t believe it,” said a very emotional Robert. “It was well worth the trip down from Orkney!” See pages 29-43 for all the winners and photos from the event.
Julie Donabie, the tenacious owner of Retasfinalist, My Favourite Things in London’s Raynes Park, has set her sights on setting up a network for London independent card stockists to get together and share ideas on how to improve the plight for indies trading in the London area. “It has been quoted many times how small firms and sole traders are the ‘backbone of Britain’. It would be great if this can continue, especially as we all live in uncertain times with many small (and large) shops closing in our high streets,” says Julie, who is now seeking other like-minded greeting card stockists to join the battle who will in turn form a series of hubs throughout the London conurbation Julie has already proved her worth as a true champion for the independent in her own locality, instigating the Raynes Park Independent Business Association five years ago. Her plan now is to take the learnings and achievements from the Raynes Park group and to help other ‘indie champions’ to protect and improve other pockets of the retail landscape in London, safeguarding the future for the important role independent greeting card stockists play in society. Any retailers interested in finding out more should email Julie at Julie@my-favouritethings.co.uk. Below: My Favourite Things in Raynes Park, London.
Harrogate Home & Gift quashes rumours Not only was the weather hot at the recent Harrogate Home & Gift exhibition, so too was the gossip, with rumours escalating about fears that next year’s show was under question as the grounds of the Majestic Hotel, which has recently been sold to the Hilton hotel group would not be available for the Design Points and the Greetings and Stationery marquees. Categorically quashing the rumours, Neil Gaisford, managing director of Clarion Retail, which owns and organises Harrogate Home & Gift confirmed that the show is most definitely staying put. When asked whether the Design Point and Greetings and Stationery marquees will be in the same location at the next year’s show, Neil emphatically replied: “YESSSSS!! And just to be really clear… next year, and the year after that… and the year after that… and the year after that…!” What sparked the rumours is that from 2019 the Majestic Hotel will become a DoubleTree by Hilton, and will undergo a £15 million refurbishment. But it was not just rumours that were flying high at the Home & Gift show last week. The GCA joined with the Clarion Retail team to ‘fly the flag’ for Thinking of You Week (which takes place September 24-30) with its first ever wall of happiness in the buyers’ lounge. GCA members who were exhibiting at the show were invited to submit up to five cards which they thought best embodied the spirit of Thinking of You Week. These were affixed to the wall, labelled with their company name and stand number at the show. Left: Home & Gift’s show director Louise Morris (third left) with members of the GCA Council in front of the Thinking of You Week display at Harrogate Home & Gift.
Scribbler’s Fringe debut Scribbler is sponsoring Just the Tonic’s Big Value Comedy Show at the Edinburgh Fringe this August. Just the Tonic comedy club and Scribbler have worked on a number of promotions this year, including a comedy ticket ‘Yoke hunt’ where Scribbler hid free comedy tickets in its London stores over Easter. Speaking about the sponsorship, John Procter, founder of Scribbler said: “Joining forces with a comedy club is something we have dreamed of for years! The synergy between both brands is indisputable, we both share the same mission: to make our audiences laugh, and we’re delighted to be hitting the biggest comedy stage in the world.” Above: Scribbler has teamed up with Just the Tonic on other promotions this year.
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NEWS Good Morning Britain
TOP STORY
A Matter Of Pride Scribbler, Paperchase and Moonpig get behind Pride With the UK Pride season in full swing with events up and down the UK, LGBTQ+ matters are firmly in the spotlight and the greeting card industry has been doing its bit to promote inclusivity. Paperchase’s collab with designer Philip Normal launched in store on 10 July in time for Pride celebrations. The limited edition gift range features crazy multi-coloured faux fur and glitter crossed with saucy slogans and hyper-colour. As well as the new collection, several Paperchase branches are hosting face and body glitter parties in conjunction with In Your Dreams, giving customers the chance to get into the Pride mood. Moonpig is currently running a design competition, asking the public to design a card for its Proud of You range celebrating inclusivity and any aspect of LGBTQ+ culture that needs a card and doesn’t have one yet. People can upload designs to the Moonpig website, where the public will vote on all the designs. The
competition is supported by Above the Stag Theatre, the UK’s award-winning LGBTQ+ theatre and bar. Moonpig staff joined in the Pride Parade in London on July 7, riding on Above the Stag Theatre’s double decker bus decked out in rainbow balloons, flags and plenty of glitter. As well as featuring it prominently on its website, Scribbler’s Wardour Street store got into the Pride spirit as well on July 7, with a live DJ, drinks, nibbles and discounts for anyone popping in that day. It is also promoting its LGBTQ+ cards online too. Scribbler, a long-time supporter of inclusivity, has received positive consumer PR for introducing a range of LGBTQ+ and interracial cards from Huetribe into some of its stores. Above: Some of the Moonpig team atop the Above the Stag Theatre double decker in the London Pride Parade. Image: Twitter Left: Philip Normal surrounded by some of the new Paperchase range that launched earlier this week.
ITV’s breakfast programme, Good Morning Britain, has got behind a special greeting card range that has been created and published by Hallmark in answer to the sensitive issue of what to send when someone has given birth to a premature or sick baby. Inspired by the personal story of Good Morning Britain’s weather presenter Laura Tobin, whose little girl Charlotte was born three months prematurely, Hallmark has created a collection of greeting cards with families like Laura’s in mind. Hallmark is donating 20p from the sale of each card to the premature and sick baby charity, Bliss. The collaboration received some high profile coverage, being fanfared on the ITV breakfast programme the day of the launch a few weeks ago. Laura highlighted how such sensitive situations calls for a different type of baby card design as sending a ‘traditional’ baby card featuring a baby or cute images “may be upsetting to parents of premature babies as it reminds them of what they are missing out on – a baby at home. Also cards like ‘Thinking of You’ could imply the worst. Quite a few people sent blank cards with personal messages inside as they wanted to let us know they were thinking of us,” she said. Ruth Turner-Blood, manager of the Writing Studio at Hallmark said of the collection, “we hope that families will feel supported by these cards and that they’ll treasure them forever.” Top: Laura Tobin on Good Morning Britain with Charlotte back in February. Image: Twitter. Above: 20p from the sale of each card goes to Bliss, the charity for premature and sick babies.
Hallmark rewards fresh talent at New Designers Thousands of the UK’s finest design graduates were alerted to career possibilities within the greeting card industry, thanks to Hallmark’s 20th year sponsorship at the recent New Designers show. Two talented students - Ailsa Morrant and Maisy Summer Lewin-Sanderson - received extra fame and glory, as the winners of the Hallmark Studio Awards. Each winner received £500 and a four week paid placement with the publisher. Maisy Summer Lewin-Sanderson’s striking illustrations, made her a worthy winner - and a serendipitously one to boot as her father, Geoff Sanderson (now creative director of Moonpig) was in fact one of the leading lights of setting up the partnership with New Designers. Commenting on the wider benefits of the New Designers’ sponsorship, Amy Banks, Hallmark’s marketing manager of trade events and digital said: “It is a great way of reinforcing the importance Hallmark places on maintaining a freshness on the creative front; rewarding outstanding young talent, as well as positioning the greeting card industry as a credible career springboard for the next generation of designers.” Over 50 of Hallmark’s current employees started out at New Designers. Left: Maisy Summer Lewin-Sanderson (centre) and her sister Bibi Lola with their dad Geoff Sanderson at New Designers.
Student Designers Feted The winners of a Student Stationery Competition sponsored by Paper Library and the London Stationery Show - and backed by Paperchase, Caroline Gardner and Portico Design have been announced. Above: The winning entries as judged by Iona Purchas of Portico Designs, Debbie Wigglesworth from The Paper Library, Nicola Breen of Caroline Gardner, Vanessa Fortnam of London Stationery Show and Gemma Parris from Paperchase.
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NEWS TOP STORY
Who’s The Tops On Service? The Henries awards 2018 Best Service finalists are revealed The Henries finalists in the Best Service To The Independent Retailer Award have been revealed. The 12 finalists in this hotly contested award (which forms part of The Henries greeting card awards, the industry’s most prestigious accolades for greeting card publishers) were arrived at following an exhaustive poll involving over 1,900 independent greeting card retail stockists. They were all asked to reveal which publishers, in their experience, had offered the best service over the last year. They were asked to rank their top three card companies in order of merit. “We had an incredible response to the Best Service poll this year,” confirmed Warren Lomax, joint managing director of Max Publishing, which organises The Henries. “With service ever high on the agenda for independent card retailers, knowing that they have card publisher suppliers upon whom they can rely for a swift, efficient and accurate deliveries, as well as a friendly face from their sales teams, and responsive back up staff in case of queries, is paramount.” The Best Service to the Independent Retailer 2018 Finalists The ‘top dozen’ who are all contenders for this awards are listed below in alphabetical order: Above: A scene from l Cherry Orchard the Are You Being l Grass Roots Served? 70s sitcom. l IC&G l Jonny Javelin l Nigel Quiney l Noel Tatt l Paperlink l Pigment l Second Nature l UK Greetings l Woodmansterne Publications l Words ‘n’ Wishes The winners of the Bronze, Silver and Gold trophies for this important award category will not be revealed until The Henries 2018 awards event, the industry’s ‘big night’, which this year takes place on
Thursday 4 October at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London. Many other publishers are clearly pulling out the stops on the service front too and ranked highly in indies’ eyes. The companies who just missed out on making the finals in this award category this year, but are in the Top 30 companies who provide the best service to indies are listed below (in their ranking position).
Caroline Gardner’s Fashionable Week Caroline Gardner showcased two recent graduates’ collections in the window of its Marylebone Street store during July. Both graduates showed their collections at Graduate Fashion Week held in June. Collections from graduates Lucie Sperry (University of East London) and Penny Gibbs (Northumbria University) were on display in the Caroline Gardner shop window. Above: Young designer Lucie Perry outside Caroline Gardner’s Marylebone Street store in which her fashion collection is in the window.
Brainbox Candy adds Juicy Lucy to portfolio Other serious contenders (in 13th to 30th position): 13th Ling Design 14th Tracks Publishing 15th Rosie Made a Thing 16th Belly Button Designs 17th Dandelion Stationery 18th Wendy Jones-Blackett 19th The Art File 20th Paper Rose 21st Hallmark Cards 22nd Abacus Cards 23rd Carte Blanche Greetings Group 24th Rachel Ellen Designs 25th Five Dollar Shake 26th The Great British Card Company 27th Stop the Clock Design 28th Ohh Deer 29th Think Of Me 30th Blue Eyed Sun The finalists of The Henries’ product categories will be revealed in the September edition of Progressive Greetings magazine. To join the industry at The Henries 2018, which this year will be on an 1980s Electric Dreams theme, book your tickets with Clare Davies on 01183 340085 or clare@createvents.co.uk. (www.thehenriesawards.co.uk)
Unknown Ink, the sibling card publisher to Brainbox Candy, is significantly strengthening its portfolio through licensing and distribution agreements with Juicy Lucy, Emily Burningham and Rosehip stationery. The first to be integrated into the Brainbox/Unknown Ink fold is Juicy Lucy, the well-known long established cheeky fairy brand that is the brainchild of Lucy Heavens. As Lucy told PG: “I love Ben and Mark (co-owners of Brainbox Candy) and their vibrant, exciting energy. Not only are they genius card makers, they are clever, hardworking and passionate about getting product out there with their excellent customer service.” Showing that it is their personalities as well as their business acumen that led to the new agreement, she added: “They are also a little bit mucky and generous with beer, which makes us all happy, doesn’t it? I think the fairies will enjoy living with them.” In addition to the Juicy Lucy deal, Brainbox Candy has also recently bought the assets for the Rosehip stationery brand and also the greeting card offering from Emily Burningham, which will both also come under its Unknown Ink division. (See pages 44-45). Above: The Juicy Lucy brand is now being licensed by Brainbox Candy with the cards sold through its Unknown Ink arm.
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Congratulations! To all Excellence in Housewares Awards 2018 finalists from The Autumn & Spring Fair Team
See you in September at Autumn Fair 2018 Get your free ticket today www.autumnfair.com
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NEWS NEWS IN BRIEF
TOP STORY
Full Marks For Teachers Retailers say thank you for end of term card and gift sales With many pupils giving their teacher a card and/or gift at the end of the school year, this is a growing occasion for card and gift retailers around the UK. “Teacher appreciation is a big thing for us, as we have about seven primary schools in Knaresborough and the surrounding villages,” says Rachael Barnes, co-owner of Dragonfly Cards & Gifts in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire. “The choice from publishers is everimproving, although we struggle for cards for head teacher and nursery teacher - both of which we get asked for. Price points need to be quite low for us as children often have one or two teachers, plus teaching assistants.” Paul Carter, co-owner of Zo & Co, with four stores in the North West, agrees that the end of school year is “an occasion growing year on year for both cards and gifts.” Without a doubt ‘Thank You Teacher’ is a new mini season for Wishes of Cudworth, Barnsley, according to owner Julia Keeling. “We had two stands set up this year, one for our cards and one for our gift ranges. We even had to do a restock as sales were so good this year. More and more publishers are offering a larger
selection of Thank You Teacher cards.” For Jane Hall, buyer for Snape Maltings in Suffolk, having a husband as a teacher she sees first-hand how well a card is received and so upped the number of cards she stocked this year. “I know from seeing the cards my husband is given how much a card means - especially at the end of school year when a teacher has seen a student through so much. A lovely card expresses those feelings so well and means so much if the young person writes in it as well as the parents.” Thank you teacher cards and gifts has also grown as a category for The Hollies Farm Shop in Cheshire. “Some of our card suppliers created some really lovely singles for teachers which we sold alongside generic thank you cards that we stock in both packs and singles,” says Sarah Holland, marketing executive for The Hollies. “We created a ‘Thank You Teacher’ display which included some specialist teacher gifts, mixed with lots of other stock we hold all year round.” Top: A display in-store at Zo & Co. Above: Cards and gifts from Wishes of Cudworth. Left: A Louise Mulgrew Designs card at The Hollies.
l As part of upping its service to its retailer customers, Gemma International has launched a brand new online Trade Store to enable customers to place product orders online at their convenience, with the assurance that orders will be processed within 48 hours of receipt. New and existing independent customers, including those that formerly ordered Gemma’s popular licensed character greetings via Is It Art, are invited to sign up via trade.store@gemma-international.co.uk. Above: A Gemma PJ Masks design that will be available from its online trade store.
l TV company, Hungry Gap Productions is looking for heart-warming stories about how people celebrate Christmas and are hoping for a story about Christmas cards and what they mean to us at that time of year. This will form part of a series for the BBC. Anyone with real life examples of how Christmas cards have brought people together, been collected or anything along those lines, should contact hope@hungrygapproductions.co.uk l Buckleys Supervalu in Mullingar, Ireland, won a £500 gift card in Hallmark’s recent licensed shipper promotion. Every customer who order three of the 1 foot shippers - featuring Avengers, Incredibles 2 and Disney Princess - went into the prize draw. Above: Staff at Buckleys Supervalu with their prize from Hallmark.
l Hallmark has created a kit for its independent customers to help them celebrate Thinking of You Week (24 - 30 September 2018). The kit includes special captions such as Thinking of you, With Sympathy, I am Here for You and Hello. Above: Some of the cards that are included in Hallmark’s Thinking of You Week kit.
Jessica Hogarth appears on QVC twice in one day Plucky greeting card publisher and designer, Jessica Hogarth is always up for a challenge – so she pushed herself well outside her comfort zone and presented on QVC, the UK’s top TV shopping channel, twice in one day to promote her brand. Whitby-based Jessica, who has signed a licensing agreement with New York-based bedding company Mytex, embraced the opportunity to promote the range as well as her creative brand as part of the TV channel’s ‘Christmas in July’ launch day activity. “I think it’s really good to challenge yourself, and this was certainly out of my comfort zone, but I do feel very lucky to have been given the chance to appear on air, on a shopping channel that prides itself on offering nothing short of excellent customer service and introducing their audience to new and exciting products,” commented Jess. Left: Jess Hogarth with one of her cushion designs based on the houses of Whitby, where she lives.
l Over in the US, the American Greeting Card Association is ramping up its promotion of Thinking of You Week by sending publishers free postcards that they can send in their orders to retailers explaining what Thinking of You Week is all about. The website www.thinkingofyouweekusa.com provides more suggestions, ideas and tools such as customisable flyers and posters for both publishers and retailers. Above: The American Thinking of You Week livery.
FOR THE LATEST NEWS VISIT PGBUZZ.net PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE
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NEWS PEOPLE
TOP STORY
Make A Date For The Calies 2018 The UK Calendar Awards is open for entries The UK Calendar Awards 2018, now known under their friendlier moniker of The Calies, are now open for entries. Launched last year by Max Publishing (owners of Progressive Greetings and PG Buzz), with huge support from the calendar and diary sector, The Calies are annual awards that recognise excellence in the calendar, Advent calendar and diaries sector, including retail, charity and corporate (B2B) titles.
Calendar and diary producers are being invited to enter their 2019 dated titles, while Advent calendars can be for those available for 2018 season. Entering The Calies is easy and free of charge. The retail entries will be judged by a panel of knowledgeable retail buyers, while the corporate (B2B) categories go under the scrutiny of industry and design experts. The Calies 2018 look set to build on the success of last year’s inaugural awards, with the winners to be announced
at a late afternoon/early evening taking place at Stationers' Hall, in the City of London, on Wednesday 28 November. "The calendar and diaries sector has been close to our hearts for many, many years through Progressive Greetings and Progressive Calendars. We were delighted to be given the opportunity and support from calendar publishers to enable us to launch The Calies last year and celebrate this important product sector even more with this year’s awards," commented Warren Lomax, joint managing director of Max Publishing. The deadline for entering is Monday 1 October. A downloadable an entry form is available from The Calies website (www.theukcalendarawards.co.uk) Headline sponsors for The Calies 2018 include Calendar Club, Carousel Calendars, Danilo, Eight Days A Week, Premier Paper, Renz UK and Rose Calendars. In addition, a number of leading names have already added their endorsement as official supporters. These include Allan + Bertram, Andrews McMeel Publishing, Avonside, BrownTrout, Flame Tree Publishing, Grange, Graphique de France, PG Live, Pomegranate, Pyramid International, Reeve Calendars, Tallon, Tams Packaging and TeNeues. It is estimated that there are over 16 million calendars sold every year in the UK. Above left: It was a full house at The Calies 2017 at Stationers’ Hall.
Vicky Yorke wins Really Good/Soul design competition Designer Vicky Yorke’s Wild at Heart concept has been revealed as the winner of the Really Good/Soul Design competition. David Hicks, founder of Really Good/Soul, who initiated the competition to reward and inspire young talent, summed up Vicky’s creation as “a fresh take on the current trend for animal prints.” The plan is to translate the designs initially into a greeting card range which will launch at the start of next year under Really Good and then hopefully will be extended into gift products. All entries were judged by a panel comprising Alan Harnik of US company Notes & Queries, WHS buyer Claire Castle, Jenny Cummins of Sydney-based McMillan Cards, Postmark’s founder Mark JansonSmith and PG editor Jakki Brown. “It feels amazing to have won the competition,” Vicky told PG, who receives £1,000 as part of her prize. “It was such a lovely surprise! All of the finalists are very strong designers and the other three design collections to make the shortlist were all unique and worthy potential winners, so I feel very lucky to have been chosen.” Left: Vicky Yorke’s Wild at Heart animal print concept has won Really Good’s Design Competition.
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PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE
l Barbara Wale recently celebrated 25 years of service with Nigel Quiney. The loyal sales rep has significantly contributed to the company’s success in the area of sales, winning Salesperson of the Year seven times - a company record! Barbara was presented with a gift at the recent sales launch by managing director Alison Butterworth and thanked for all her hard work and efforts. Above: Managing director, Alison Butterworth (left) makes a presentation to Barbara Wale at the company’s recent sales conference.
l James Fox (right), senior sales manager at Xpressions 4 U, has been crowned Best Salesperson of the Year by the company, for the second year running. James, who has recently been promoted to senior sales manager for Xpressions 4 U, covers from Oxford up to Liverpool and across to mid Wales with everything in between as he is based in the West Midlands. l Ling Design has welcomed Steve Camm (right) into the senior national account manager role. Steve joins the Ling team with a wealth of industry knowledge and experience, having spent 19 years at IG Design Group, and looks forward to driving the growth of Ling Design, Penny Kennedy, Talking Pictures, Saffron and The Curious Inksmith. l Widdop and Co. has welcomed Dave Langdon (right) to its 17-strong sales team. Dave Langdon joins the company as the territory manager for East Anglia, Essex, Hertfordshire and East London. He brings with him a wealth of experience after 12 years of working in a number of sales and retail roles, most recently as territory development manager with Carte Blanche Greetings.
Sad Loss Keith Wheal (left), former MD of Hallmark Cards Europe, passed away on 11 July. Keith first started working at Hallmark in 1958 as one of Hallmark UK’s very first employees. After a spell of being a salesman, he moved to product management, moving to UK managing director in 1970, and later becoming MD of Europe until his retirement in 1990. Steve Wright, international ceo at Hallmark said: “We are sad to hear of the loss of such a well-regarded member of the Hallmark family. Our condolences go out to Keith’s loved ones at this sad time.”
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OVER THE COUNTER
Mindful Thinking Independent card and gift retailer, David Robertson, co-owner of JP Pozzi in Scotland, talks about looking after the wellness of your mental health. 11th July 2013 was the date that popped up next to a picture as one of those Facebook memories on my phone as I boarded the plane to head to London again for what was trip number seven of the year to the capital. This time I was heading to The Retas awards 2018 and I was hoping for a repeat victory to match the one from five years ago. The Facebook photo was actually one of my favourites, taken shortly after I collected my Retas 2013 award. My suit was fitting well as I was around 12.5 stone, a weight that I haven’t seen for a few years, and even the hair was not as thin or as grey as it is now. Outwardly I looked quite well, and this photo has made its way on to various profiles over the years so I must have liked it. Inwardly however, I was feeling awful. A few weeks prior, I had totally fallen apart on a flight to PG Live. I recall every second of it and was literally wringing with sweat and worry. Various things, personally and professionally, had driven me into quite a dark place and I just couldn’t seem to lift my mood. I can recall making small talk at The Retas awards and not really taking any of it in. My mind was racing with all kinds of things. A friend’s business was on the verge of collapse and I felt partly responsible. I had made a mess of things in my relationship and family wise I had caused a lot of hurt. I was fortunate that I had a very good local GP who, while writing the prescription for the obligatory pills, also encouraged me to seek some talking therapy as he felt that this was something that I would benefit from. The tablets still to this day stay in the drawer where I put them and have never touched. Five years on I still go to speak to a therapist about all manner of things - the loss of my dog being the most recent thing to throw me off centre. I see this as a huge strength 20
PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE
Above: David at The Retas Awards five year’s ago. Below: Holly, David’s gorgeous dog, who passed away recently.
and I am pretty open about it as you can see. I have always gone and seen a physio once a month to keep my body loose and supple and I really don’t see anything different with my therapist, except it is to loosen my brain and keep me on the right path. When I wrote about this five years ago my PG editors were exceptionally supportive. My argument was that, according to statistics, 1 in 4 people suffer from a mental health problem in their lives and I reckoned that in that room of 400+ guests at The Retas five years ago that there could have been at least 100 people struggling, maybe even many more. As it turns out I was right, as the email responses to my PG column was the strongest I had ever experienced. Now in 2018 we are awake to mental health. Although this issue has been around forever, it was not always headline news, in fact it took a telethon for mental health charities in 2014 to open the floodgates. A
slew of articles and stories emerged, with hashtag headlines and titles such as ‘Get the inside out’; ‘It’s ok to not be ok’; ‘The elephant in the room’; ‘Time to talk day’ and ‘World Mental Health Day’. These, and so, so many other support groups and campaigns are out there and it is now normal for mental health to be discussed and championed. It is no longer hidden, something to be ashamed of or seen as a weakness. Celeb mag interviews have made discussing mental health problems standard and the campaigns are all very visible. So here we are in what is without doubt the most challenging trading times for many years and I worry about the pressure that is being put on mine and many other retailers’ mental health. Business is all consuming, it swallows you up and draws you in, and if it is yours it is even more compelling. You literally will do anything to make it work. I know personally of many stories where a business has failed, not due to the hard work or commitment of the owner but due to a million other things that they simply could not control. It failed because it did. Lack of money, lack of knowledge, change of bus route, building problems, bank problems, staff issues, internet… take your pick. So what toll are we really putting on our mental health just now and how can we protect ourselves from feeling like in some way we are failing?
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OVER THE COUNTER Left: The wonderful Just A Card campaign helps highlight indies. Bottom: Train your brain. Below right: Really Good’s ‘Zen Dog’ design on chilling is a classic.
The idea for this column had been swilling around in my head for a few months now but it became even more urgent for me to get it down on paper when I read the post from Just A Card post on June 30. Incidently I find Just A Card publishes some really interesting social media content. It is trying to show that small things make a difference buy local always when you can; retweet/share business events; tell people about good service product. All straightforward enough, but we are probably all guilty of not doing it. Anyway this comment was big on Instagram and Twitter when it was posted by the Imagined Things Bookshop in Harrogate: ‘We only took £12.34 today. If anyone was thinking about buying a book, now would be a great time! Things have been tough recently - today is the worst day ever. A card, a book, anything, it makes a huge difference to a small business like ours. We’d be grateful for your support.’ This tweet was retweeted over 5,000 times and liked by nearly 6,000! The owner of the Just A Card concept was moved to tears, but also anger. Anger that people don’t get how tough running an indie business is. She points out tight margins, rates, parking and online competition as just some of the challenges for indies, and that it takes a tweet as desperate as the one above for it to get any real notice taken of it - for people to actually wake up and support local business. Just A Card is a valuable resource to show retailers that they are not alone. That the struggles are felt by many businesses across many sectors. But where do retailers turn for practical help? Amy Morin, author of the book ‘13 things mentally strong people don’t do’, looks at entrepreneurs and some of the issues that they face.
I personally do not like the word ‘entrepreneur’ but I suppose that anyone who has the balls to get out there and create their own living for themselves with no safety net does actually fall into this category. To that end, our industry is packed full of selfmade start-up businesses, whether it is on the retail or publisher/creative side. Amy highlights that entrepreneurs are liable to increases in: Depression - less time to sleep, exercise, relax and all the things that ward off depression. Sometimes we don’t recognise that things like irritability, changes in weight, struggle to get to sleep are all signs, and often what we think is the cure is to simply bury ourselves into more tasks. Self-worth - we live that rollercoaster life when business is good. We are on a high and energised, but when it falls and struggles we do too. Often we tie our feeling of worth to how our business is performing because we love it and nurture it so much. Anxiety - second-guessing each decision, never truly switching off, getting over one hurdle but looking at the next before you have even landed. In some respects it feels like a treadmill and you are running from one thing to the next, never getting over the line. Addiction - to be an entrepreneur you need to be passionate, even a little obsessive, hence we have to watch out as it can be easy to fall into temptations to help ‘support’ the problems. The author obviously goes into more depth on all these points but I am sure you can recognise many of the symptoms. She clearly identifies that being mentally strong enough to carry the burden of your business is without doubt the most difficult thing to do. We really need to treat the brain like any other body part - exercise/rest/nurture - to get the best from it.
Personally I am good at some aspects and poor at others. I work too long, take on too much and care a little too deeply about many things. I am getting better at making sure I go and exercise but I need to sort out my diet. I get too involved in certain things and find it difficult not to get involved or to say no. I am sure you can easily recognise what you do that is detrimental. As the leader of your business though you need to set an example, but in a good way. Firstly, talking about well-being and creating an open environment at work where people can air their feelings and concerns is crucial. I have a saying at work that I can only sort what I know about, so I want my staff to tell me what is good and bad and what they are enjoying and what is challenging. Secondly, the way you organise and work sets the tone for others (perhaps me sending out emails at 1am is not the right example!) Flexibility in work and hours is great if this is something that you can offer. Keep in touch and make sure your staff know what you want and how they can achieve the tasks you set. Share the pressure and let them know the difficulties you face. It will help them understand if things do get tough. Thirdly, create a physical environment that is conducive to good work - good lighting and air flow; proper food and drink breaks; music in the work environment; positive reinforcement of tasks at hand. Mental health doesn’t and isn’t all about your mind being in distress and then trying to fix it. I have learnt over these last five years it means constantly working and maintaining it like a good engine. There are loads of different possible solutions online, and one called WRAP (not giftwrap made by Deva or Glick) caught my attention. Wellness, Recovery, Action, Plan. WRAP gives practical solutions to many mental health problems. Of course what works for one might not work for another. What is key is that we listen to ourselves, and others, and admit when we are struggling. That is without doubt the first positive step to helping you recover and to take care of your mental health. To contact David email: jppozzi@btconnect.com PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE
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CARDSHARP
The ‘Division’ Of Spoils No sooner have we recovered from the excitement of the soccer World Cup and England’s valiant run to the semifinals that the start of the domestic football league season draws near. Cardsharp has always been fascinated by how the soccer season unfolds in all the divisions, from the Premier League right down to the lower regional divisions. He is also a bit of a sad ‘Statto’ and becomes obsessed with all the soccer league tables. The onset of the new domestic season also set Cardsharp thinking about our very own UK greeting card publishing league tables and how they have evolved and grown over the years. Cardsharp recalls back in the early nineties Gradually as the nineties evolved the ‘greeting card league tables’ were very though, Hallmark and American Greetings, straightforward. There was just one quite or the ‘Big Two’ as they became known, large ‘first division’ with Hallmark and started to use their larger financial muscle American Greetings (UK Greetings) in the ‘transfer market’. They acquired a lot normally at the top. Andrew Brownsword of the other teams and players in the top was on the tails of the big two under whom division by aggressive acquisition, eventually there were a fair few secondary players, but forming a global super league of their own, no real lower divisions. Premier League There was a parallel Wholesale Publishers League, which was pretty popular back then. Played by slightly different rules (in that they supplied wholesalers and cash and carries), it was a bit akin to Rugby League and Union, reflected Cardsharp, changing sports and blaming it on the heat. Many of names in that Wholesale Publishing League have long-since disappeared, just like the old defunct soccer team greats of previous eras. For Corinthian Casuals read Beaucards and Giesen and Wolff!
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Below: Designs from Hallmark (left) and UKG still command ‘division one’ of the greeting card league tables.
with a status akin in soccer terms to Real Madrid and Barcelona. The development of the brokerage system further strengthened their new exclusive division. They became the dominant category suppliers in the emerging supermarket sector, as well as in the likes of Clintons and in many department stores and garden centre chains. A position they still command to this day. Below that, a clear second division developed with a number of well-run publisher clubs jostling for the top spot in the second tier. Many have been around for many years and were very good at what they do, each with a clearly defined trade identity and product style. Many also became feeder suppliers to the big two publishers through the brokerage system. Promotion into this division has traditionally been very hard, although in the noughties Noel Tatt achieved it, and more recently, IC&G have achieved a spectacular ‘Leicester City’ type rise. At present, this division is arguably topped by Woodmansterne, but there are some exciting attacking challengers like Pigment and The Art File. And of course the odd ‘Zombie’ team, desperately trying to stave off relegation! Meanwhile, the parallel Wholesale League declined in importance, with just a few players left and with Simon Elvin being crowned divisional champion season after season. The second division was, and still is, hugely varied. It contains humour specialists who do other genres as well, like
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CARDSHARP Emotional Rescue, Pigment and The Championship Paperlink; Traditionalists like Cherry Orchard, Words ‘n’ Wishes, Jonny Javelin and Grass Roots; Licensed card specialists like Danilo and Gemma; and publishers with a mixed creative heritage like the Carte Blanche Group, Ling Design, Nigel Quiney, Paper Rose, Abacus and Second Nature. Cardsharp recalls how in the noughties a very stylish third division developed. This comprised mainly of ‘teams’ that had very talented artists/designers upfront, and then a very solid defence, invariably a partner or other half looking after the business and operational side. The teams in this division produced, and still do, some of the best and most innovative greeting cards in digital printing. Suddenly the market very successfully, but in many a team could enter the fray cases have chosen to eschew the financial with very little cash behind them, design risks that would come with promotion up to some greeting cards, print them the next level, continuing to enjoy inexpensively by the likes of The Imaging successful seasons in the third division. Centre, and then rock up in PG Live’s Examples of these great third tier teams Springboard section with a small stand, that initially spring to Cardsharp’s mind (but and attempt to live the dream. This fourth there are many others) are Five Dollar tier became the largest (in number of Shake, Belly Button Designs, Wendy ‘teams’) of any of the greeting card Jones-Blackett, Paper Salad, Janie Wilson, divisions and the one subject to the most Blue Eyed Sun, Laura Darrington and comings and goings. Cinnamon Aitch. They however, continue to In some cases the star players from do really well in the greeting card equivalent these greeting card minnows were of the ‘Cup Competitions’, namely The snapped up by teams in higher divisions, Henries, often achieving great Giant-Killing and in many other cases these teams hung results against more elevated competition. around the fourth division for a little while Then in the last decade, a fourth tier before falling by the wayside or swapping Below: Teams such as Ohh Deer (left) and East End greeting card ‘division’ has developed. This Prints have risen from the introduction of digital printing was really brought about by the advent of to the field.
Vale of Clwyd & Conwy League Division 1
Left: The Redback Cards (left) and Pigment teams score goals in cup
to another sport. But Cardsharp has noted in the last few years another new division has emerged, pushing the old fourth tier into the fifth tier. These are greeting card teams who came into the leagues on the back of the digital print revolution, but have since survived and gained from experience to pull ahead of the chasing pack. Like the more well-established third division, these teams often ‘Giant Kill’ in cup competitions (The Henries again!) and are establishing an exciting reputation as teams that play with panache and flair. Examples of this new fourth tier ‘Super League’ are Bexy Boo, Tache, Toasted Crumpet, Dandelion, Rosie Made a Thing, Louise Tiler, Megan Claire and Hearts Design, but the teams topping this table and challenging for promotion, if they have not made it already, are Redback Cards and Wrendale, who both emerged from the greeting card nursery feeder league known as PG’s Springboard. So there you have it, reflected Cardsharp. Just as soccer’s increased popularity has led to an increase in the number of football league divisions in the UK, the rise and rise of the UK greeting card industry to a turnover of approximately £1.7 billion has led to a proliferation of different greeting card divisions. Competition in both leagues is intense, but in the greeting card divisions, unlike in the English soccer leagues, there are no ‘parachute payments’ to soften the financial blow of relegation. But just as so many budding Beckhams, Linekers or Vardys have practiced ‘keepy uppy’ in their back gardens, repeatedly thundering balls into their garage doors to score goals in the hope that they one day will hold the World Cup aloft, so there is a huge squad of talented greeting card players looking to breakthrough, scoring the glory with products that are in a league of their own.
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Jumpers For Goal Posts
Above and left: England’s hopes of reaching the finals of the World Cup were dashed the same day that The Retas 2018 took place in the afternoon. Below: Mark Janson-Smith’s football mates created a World Cup-themed card for his recent 40th birthday, placing the Cup in his hand! Below right: Mark Janson-Smith. Bottom: BBC host Gary Lineker appeared as a special guest appearance on Diego Maradona’s show La Zurda recently when they recounted the ‘Hand of God’ goal.
While the nation’s dream of England winning the World Cup was unfortunately dashed, our young team did itself proud, responding to the positive philosophy and sound ethics of manager Gareth Southgate. PG asked some of the ‘players’ from the greeting card field for their scores on what lessons can be taken from the recent World Cup as well as reveal their own team formation (to avoid penalty shootouts!), plus their favourite personal football memory.
Mark Janson-Smith managing director of the Postmark mini-group of card shops: Lessons learned: “The thing that impressed me so much about the England team this year was the unity among them. For the first time in as long as I can remember it felt like we were watching a bunch of lads who wanted to play for their country and for one another. It wasn't about individuals. For far too long now the England team has been full of overblown egos, so it was mighty refreshing to watch them this year. The last time England qualified for a World Cup semi-final you had players who wanted more than anything to play for their country. You had Terry Butcher covered in blood in the qualifying game insisting he played on and Paul Gascoigne in floods of tears at missing the final (should we have made it).”
Team formation: “I'd say we play a 2-4-4 formation at Postmark! Leona and Morgan are at the back, holding things together. The managers are our midfield maestros, feeding information from the back to the front and keeping everything tightly run, and then our super sales assistants put the ball away as they look after all our customers and maintain our standards. We try and make sure our team plays as a unit. We have plenty of star players but no one who is bigger than the team. Communication is key and we encourage plenty of dialogue between the stores, sharing ideas and ways we do things. We hold weekly Skype meetings among the managers so everyone is aware of what everyone else is doing and we also ask them to swap stores every now and then to gain a fresh prospective which can be really eye opening, something that has proved a great success.” Football memory: “I have so many early football memories. As a kid, all I wanted to do was grab a ball and go and play in the park. If it was too late for the park we would play up against the garage outside my house, which looking back must have driven the neighbours mad as the ball repeatedly smashed against the garage door! My earliest memory of watching football was England v Argentina in 1986 and hearing the whole street erupt when Lineker scored for us and then being crushed in dismay as Maradona out jumped Peter Shilton with the famous 'Hand of God' goal in the quarter final.” PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE
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Rob Brown managing director of Grass Roots: Lessons learned: “Gareth Southgate took his English squad to the World Cup finals in Russia, with most supporters not expecting us to reach the semi-final. There were some very talented club players, who were not being recognised as world class players. The manager brought unity, belief and pride into this squad of players, which is just part of many attributes for any successful team, whether in sport or business. Well done Gareth and the squad, you gave your best and made this great football nation stand up and be counted again.” Team formation: “I believe that the overall boss and managerial team have a duty and responsibility to provide originality, design exclusive quality products and provide a first class customer support service to achieve a loyal fan base. In order to achieve this, you have to put in place the right players, in the right positions, with each team member having the right skills, drive and passion to achieve the end goal.” Football memory: “I have passionately been following my favourite two teams for 56 years (Liverpool’s first team and Liverpool’s under 23 team). There have been so many magical moments along the way. To have had the honour to be part of seeing great managers, great teams, great players having so much success and trophies. Combine this with the humour and the roar of the faithful kopites, then you will truly ‘Never Walk Alone’. Of my many memories, the first was my best pal - my Dad - taking me at the age of 8, to my first Liverpool home game. We queued from 11:30am outside the turnstiles to get into the ground for a 3pm kick off. The place was jammed full, with the famous Kopites singing away their anthems and of course displaying their humour. At half-time we had a ritual of a hot Oxo drink, sandwiches and chocolate. Another one, is taking my Son Stephen, to his first away game on his 9th birthday, to watch Liverpool v Everton in the F.A. Cup Final at Wembley stadium with Stephen sat on my shoulders beneath the old famous twin towers. And finally, I was fortunate to have spent a full day with two of Liverpool’s great football legends, Jan Molby and Alan Kennedy. We got on the team coach and travelled to Melwood, the training ground. I then played a football match with them and the young up and coming youth players. At this point you realise what athletes they are, and that I needed a paramedic!” Top: Grass Roots’ md Rob Brown has enjoyed many football memories along the way. Above left: A football related card from Grass Roots’ selection. Above right: Taking his then nine year old son to see Liverpool V Everton in the FA Cup final at Wembley ranks highly in Rob Brown’s memory bank.
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Serge Sumerling owner of Nor, West Norwood: Lessons learned: “To be a winner you need quality all over the pitch, but especially in midfield...where creative flair is very, very important. The same could be said of running our shop Nor. We need to cover ‘the field’, with our choice of cards catering for all the occasions, but especially for birthdays, our ‘midfield’ equivalent.” Team formation: “My team is the backbone of my business. Without good staff the business wouldn’t be half of what it is... we wouldn’t get pass the group stages of the World Cup without them! And, with a planned opening of a second Nor shop at the end of October, in Herne Hill, I will be drawing on expanding our team!” Football memory: “My fave football moment was taking my six year-old son Jack to his first football match at the end of last season, Crystal Palace v Leicester. We won 5–0... so Jack now has high expectations for his team’s next season... EAAAGLES!” Above: Serge Sumerling pointing to Nor’s winning spot in The Retas 2017 ‘World Cup’ on the Wall of Fame at the recent PG Live. Left: The Nor team is to expand with the opening of a second shop slated for the end of October.
Karen Wilson joint owner of Paper Salad: Lessons learned: “Football isn’t coming home but England’s World Cup heroics have started something special. The young, inexperienced team seized the opportunity to unite a nation, instill pride and allowed us briefly to dream! A lesson to be learned from this is to seize opportunities as they come our way Above: Karen’s husband and not be afraid to ‘go for it’!” Mike with the captain of a Jamaican football team. Team formation: “Here at Paper Salad HQ we are certainly trying to capture some of the World Cup passion. Myself and Claire [Williams, co-owner] will continue to use our experience in this industry to help guide our own young team to keep us ahead of the field! There are a lot of new ‘young’ companies springing up in the industry, so it is even more important for us as a more ‘mature’ business to keep pushing our designs to be the best we can be!” Football memory: “I have always loved football, which is just as well with two ‘footie mad’ sons and a husband who works as part of Manchester United’s Academy. It was a special moment when Marcus Rashford smashed home his goal from the penalty spot! I have been fortunate enough to meet some world class players, Christiano Ronaldo being my favourite. However, I have to say taking a full Manchester United squad kit to Jamaica to present to a local team who were struggling with funds has been the highlight.”
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VIEWPOINTS
Rod Brown joint managing director of Words ‘n’ Wishes: Lessons learned: “Following another good Retas event and the swell of optimism from England beating Sweden in the quarter finals the previous Thursday, it was unfortunately a dull ending to the festivities we were enjoying in the heart of London’s West End, but what a journey for the nation. So, what lessons can be drawn from a great team effort? Having moved from playing football professionally myself I was very fortunate to ‘manage’ for over 25 years. What Gareth and the team`s achievements resonated the most with millions of us was how they `managed the expectations`, never getting carried away, keeping the `goals` realistic, focusing on what they were good at, being the best they could be and yet knowing there was room for further development. This style of philosophy I believe certainly runs through our business at Words ‘n’ Wishes, and equally, never underestimate what could be achieved. I love to ‘dare to dream’! Equally a lesson for our industry to take forward is that our trade has a habit of talking up the negatives around the ‘climate’. Just remember, a feeling perpetuated through the media was that Russia was not expected to deliver a good World Cup, but instead it delivered a great one proving the doubters wrong. So, Lesson 2, never pre-judge!” Team formation: “As our team formation, like all successful sides you have to start from a ‘solid’ business foundation not to concede, no silly mistakes, therefore I would set up 3-5-2. The ‘3’ becomes ‘5’ at the back when defending and when you need to consolidate. However, when you want to drive forward, you create ‘5’ in the middle to give you ‘7’ attackers with continued investment in quality product plus good service. Currently business is extremely busy. We’re gearing up for the ‘official` launch of Danilo at our annual sales conference, which coincidently will take place at the home of the England FA, St Georges Park, Burton in readiness for shipping orders from October 1 onwards.” Football memory: “I have so many memorable football moments... my very first full footy strip was given to me by my father when I was seven years-old. The fact that is was my Dad’s favourite team, Hearts [Heart of Midlothian] did not dampen my feelings of total joy. As an adult the full-on experience of highs and lows of Scotland’s campaign in the France 1998 World Cup, the opening game in the Stade de France against Brazil created proud memories for a lifetime, unfortunately this was the last time Scotland appeared in a major finals.” Top: Rod Brown, ‘team captain’ of Words ‘n’ Wishes was a professional footballer before he came into the card trade. Above left: A Words ‘n’ Wishes football-related design. Above right: Last year’s Words ‘n’ Wishes’ sales conference took place at Manchester City’s Ethiad stadium.
Paul Roberts commercial director of Rachel Ellen Designs: Lessons learned: “I see many similarities between how Gareth Southgate and Sir Clive Woodward went about things when the latter managed the team that won the 2003 Rugby World Cup. I think their leadership values have similarities, but a key element for me is how they focused on every detail. That winning drop goal in 2003 wasn’t by chance, it had been practiced a hundred times, as had many other possible scenarios. I see no reason why we can’t win the football World Cup in four years if we continue in the same vein. Our team was young and had limited experience but they all stepped up and played their part - 11 players on the pitch performing at 100%, proving stronger than many teams who relied more on a few global superstars. For us as a business, the recent World Cup reinforced the belief that we should always try to enjoy what we do at the same time as looking out for each other - that way success is much more likely to follow and if we do have setbacks, we’ll face them together and be stronger for them. There were literally hundreds of people in the England team and it’s easy to forget that from physios, nutritionists, coaches and friends/family they all played a part, just in the same way as our suppliers are very important to what we do.” Team formation: “Rachel [Ellen] is obviously our star striker - if she delivers it goes a very long way to ensuring success. The other members of the team each have an integral part to play, but for the health of the business we’ve learnt that we need as many people as possible both capable and willing to play in a different position if required. I think we approach things in a similar way to Gareth Southgate, supporting individuals to be the best they can, to keep things fun and to promote a feeling of unity behind a shared goal. I love my job as ‘team manager’ more than anything, it has everything from analysing our last game to planning for the next big tournament, as well as making sure we have plasters for someone’s poorly toe!” Football memory: “For my 50th birthday we went to Cape Town, what we didn’t realise is that the queue for the Table Mountain cable car was twice as long to come down as it had been to go up! While wives and partners patiently waited around 90 minutes in the queue, I joined an impromptu game of ‘5 a-side’ on an uneven and oddly shaped patch of land, with people from all around the world and surely the most breath-taking view from any pitch. As players got called away, we literally had hundreds of people all desperate to replace them, I’m sure the game would have gone on until dusk!” Top: A football-themed image from Rachel Ellen’s Little Darlings range. Above: Paul Roberts is no stranger to physical personal challenges himself! This shows him at the finish line of what they call the toughest footrace on earth The Marathon des Sables - undertaken in 50 degree heat through the Sahara.
PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE
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The Retas 2018
Sea-ing Is Believing Above: All The Retas 2018 winners took to the stage with their trophies. Left: The PG team in the swim of the Into the Blue oceanic theme of The Retas! (Left-right) Gale Astley, Jakki Brown, Warren Lomax and Ian Hyder with MC Robert Persell in The Dorchester Ballroom.
Taking the Into the Blue oceanic theme to heart, over 400+ shoal of greeting card ‘fishes’ dived straight into The Retas 2018 celebrations on July 11 at The Dorchester Hotel, which recognised and rewarded the UK’s finest greeting card retailers. PG was there fully-equipped with its underwater camera.
Right: Over 400 retailers, publishers and suppliers attended The Retas, which took place at The Dorchester Hotel on July 11. Below: Publishers and retailers united at The Retas! (Left-right) The Card Shop of Norwich, IC&G and Gee Tees in a great team photo.
Above: These three nailed it on the theme! (Left-right) Blue nailed Jacqui Godber (Wendy Jones-Blackett), Linda Bygrave (Celebrations Hallmark) and Penny Bailey (Baileys Cards and Gifts). Right: The Retas was (right) Chris Houfe’s first official outing since becoming joint md of Emotional Rescue. Pictured here with the publisher’s other joint md Martin Nevin and WHSmith card buyer Claire Castle.
Right: Sainsbury’s trio (left-right) Abi Wilson, Carly Pearson and Emma Tanner. Their smiles were even wider later when they were presented with a Retas award.
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The Retas 2018
Far left: Comedian Tania Edwards, a self-confessed “greeting card and stationery obsessive’ hosted the awards event. Left: Klondyke/Strikes’ Kerri Sorbi (left) and colleague Karen Ross with Noel Tatt’s Lee Hartley. Below: (Right-left) The Art File’s md Ged Mace with John Lewis’ Emma Turner, Gaby Anderson and Greg Easton.
Below: The tables looked lovely - and there was even a mermaid pen for everyone (thanks to Joe Davies).
Below: Robert Petrie, his wife Caroline and daughter Lorna of Orkneybased Kairds were well attired for the event - and were delighted to win the Best Independent Retailer - Scotland award!
Below: Adding to the theme, Belly Belly Designs (in conjunction with Windles) produced the menu cards and Hotchpotch put everyone in their ‘plaice’ with a shell necklace placecard.
Right: The winner of the ‘Higher or Lower’ competition was Pete Goodman of SMS Management, who collected his prize, which included a magnum of champagne, glasses, Pulpo cookery book and afternoon tea for two at The Dorchester from Belly Button’s Debbie Heywood. Left: It was menus in the air for a fun ‘higher or lower’ elimination competition, sponsored by Belly Button, with the questions being on an oceanic theme.
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The Retas 2018
Above left: (Left-right) Zo and Co’s co-owners Paul and Zoe Carter with GBCC’s group product director Nick Adsett. Above: There was definitely something fishy about The Retas this year! Left: Acapella trio, The Bellas, provided some wonderful dulcet tones as people arrived and during lunch. Below: The Retas raffle, which was drawn by the GCA ceo Sharon Little and Simon Elvin, founder of the Simon Elvin group, raised well over £4,000 for The Light Fund charity.
Right: Goody goody gumdrops! (Right-left) Waterstones’ Lucy Wilson and Claire Fitzgerald with Woodmansterne’s Keith Gillespie and Claire Behan with their goody bags.
Above: Fenwicks of Newcastle buyers Emma Davies (right) and Abigail Ball with the gorgeous Retas goody bags everyone received. Left: Deva Designs’ tasselled goody bags held some lovely donated treasures for all guests.
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Greeting Card Retailer
Employee of the year 2018 Winner: Jan Dowell manager of three Card Factory stores Initial Reaction: “An amazing experience I will never forget. I tried not to drink too much champagne in case I had to go up on stage, and thankfully I didn’t wear my high heels. I was so nervous but excited at the same time. A fantastic day that I will always cherish.” Jan Dowell, manager of three Card Factory stores, Merry Hill shopping centre, Birmingham
Above: Jan Dowell, manager of three Card Factory stores, Merry Hill shopping centre, Birmingham receives the Greeting Card Retail Employee of the Year Award from Matt Critchlow, customer & category director of category sponsor Hallmark Cards. Also pictured is the Retas awards’ host Tania Edwards.
SPONSORED BY
Left: Jan and her lovely shiny Retas trophy.
Best Independent Greeting Card Retailer
London (inside the M25) 2018 Winner: Northwood Cards & Gifts, Northwood Right: Savita and Steve Marsh receive their trophy from London agent Beth Robson and Alan Williams, co-owner of Museums & Galleries, category sponsor. Below: Steve and Savita hold on tight to their shiny Retas trophy.
Initial Reaction: “I was just so happy and excited and couldn’t stop smiling. I also remember that all I kept saying was thank you to everyone!” Savita and Steve Marsh, owners of Northwood Cards and Gifts, Northwood
SPONSORED BY
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Best Independent Greeting Card Retailer
Home Counties 2018 Winner: Cardies - Stevenage SPONSORED BY Left: Jo Sorrell (and husband Andrew McReynolds), owner of Cardies, accepts her trophy from Jitesh Kaneria, director of Regal Publishing, category sponsor. Right: A very surprised Jo and Andrew with their Retas trophy.
Initial Reaction: “Wow what an amazing day! Fabulous location, people, food and presentation. We thoroughly enjoyed every minute and to win our category was just the icing on the cake!” Jo Sorrell, owner of Cardies, Stevenage
Best Independent Greeting Card Retailer
East Anglia 2018 Winner: Snape Maltings Aldeburgh
SPONSORED BY Above: Jane Hall, buyer of Snape Maltings, accepts The Retas' Best Independent Greeting Card Retailer – East Anglia award from Tony Roberts, sales director of IC&G, sponsor of this category. Right: Jane proudly holds her Retas trophy.
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Initial Reaction: "I was absolutely delighted and completely overwhelmed – it was all a very happy blur! It’s been so lovely for the whole team at Snape Maltings to be recognised in this way, and we have had some lovely feedback from customers and suppliers." Jane Hall, buyer of Snape Maltings, Aldeburgh
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Best Independent Greeting Card Retailer
South West 2018 Winner: Southbourne Cards Bournemouth SPONSORED BY
Right: Southbourne Cards’ director Deborah Tingay, accepts her Retas award from Han Van Reen, franchise development and recruit and manger for Thorntons, category sponsor. Bottom right: Deborah, with South West agent Rose Trow, takes home a lovely shiny Retas trophy and a Golden Ticket to spend at PG Live 2019.
Initial Reaction: "Really over the moon! My mum said when do I have to give the trophy back?! I was terrified at the thought of giving her back! In all seriousness, I felt very honoured to have been nominated and so proud to win the award. It was a fantastic day and I was so pleased to be part of it." Deborah Tingay, director of Southbourne Cards, Bournemouth (All Wrapped Up Ltd)
Best Independent Greeting Card Retailer
Wales and the Midlands 2018 Winner: The Little Card & Gift Company - Newport Far right: Lisa Leadbeater, owner of The Little Card and Gift Company, Newport, accepts her Retas trophy from Chris Bryan, general manager for category sponsor, Second Nature. Right: Big smiles from Lisa.
Initial Reaction: “It was a fabulous day and when I collected the award for our shop I was shocked, excited, overwhelmed and very happy!” Lisa Leadbeater, owner of The Little Card and Gift Company, Newport
SPONSORED BY
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Best Independent Greeting Card Retailer
North and Northern Ireland - Widnes 2018 Winner: Hallmark Widnes
Right: Helen Colley and Claire Lenton, joint owners of Hallmark Widnes, and manager Tracy Wynne, are delighted to accept their Retas award from Darren Cave, director of field sales for category sponsor, UK Greetings. Below: We couldn’t be happier! Big smiles from (left to right) Helen, Claire and Tracy.
Initial Reaction: “We have waited for this day for so long and can't actually quite believe it finally arrived. All I can say is “finally it’s our turn!”” Helen Colley and Claire Lenton, joint owners of Hallmark Widnes, Widnes
Best Independent Greeting Card Retailer
Scotland 2018 Winner: Kairds - Kirkwall Initial Reaction: “I have the moment recorded on video and it is a lot of screaming - with arms thrown in the air and several shouts of thank you, thank you. It is a real honour to have received the award, thank you all very much.” Robert Petrie, owner of Kairds, Kirkwall
SPONSORED BY Above: Robert Petrie, owner of Kairds, Kirkwall (with wife Caroline) is thrilled to receive his Retas trophy from co-owner and designer, Wendy Jones-Blackett, category sponsor. Right: Celebrating a decade in business this year, Robert with wife Caroline (right) and daughter Lorna is very pleased with his Retas trophy.
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Best Independent Greeting Card Retailer
Newcomer or New Branch - South 2018 Winner: Bromley & Co - Ipswich
Initial Reaction: “Absolutely fabulous. we’ feel so, so proud to have won this award!” Maxine Matthews and Sharon Baker, co-owners of Bromley & Co, Ipswich
SPONSORED BY
Above: Maxine Matthews (right) and Sharon Baker, co-owners of Bromley & Co, Ipswich are over the moon to receive their award from Giovanni Musio, head of marketing of Ascential, organisers of Spring and Autumn Fair International, sponsor of the category. Left: The lovely ladies proudly clasps their Retas trophy and a Golden Ticket to splurge at PG Live 2019.
Best Independent Greeting Card Retailer
Newcomer or New Branch - North ifts 2018 Winner: Baileys Cards & G (Hallmark) - Ainsdale Initial Reaction: “I had been really calm, telling myself it was an achievement to reach the finals but when I heard our name announced my feelings really took me by surprise... a true moment of joy!” Penny Bailey, co-owner of Bailey’s Cards & Gifts, Ainsdale
Left: Simon and Penny Bailey, owners of Bailey’s Cards & Gifts, Ainsdale, accept their Retas trophy from Jackie Collins, managing director of Cherry Orchard Publishing, sponsor of this category. Below left: Penny and Simon are incredibly excited to win their award.
SPONSORED BY
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Best Independent Bookstore Retailer of Greeting Cards
Chorleywood 2018 Winner: Gerrards Cross & Bookshops Right: On behalf of Gerrards Cross & Chorleywood Bookshops, Terry Wallace receives The Retas trophy from Seth Woodmansterne, deputy managing director of category sponsor Woodmansterne Publications. Below: It was a triumphant day for Gerrards Cross Bookshop.
Initial Reaction: "We’re delighted to be a recipient of a Retas award for 2018. As an independent bookshop supporting our local community it’s a great thrill and honour to be recognised in this way." Tracey Evans, manager for Gerrards Cross Bookshop
SPONSORED BY
Best Non-Specialist Independent Retailer of Greeting Cards - North 2018 Winner: Blaby Post Office - Blaby Left: Retail store manager of Blaby Post Office, Samantha Williams accepts the Best Non-Specialist Independent Retailer of Greeting Cards – North award from Alister Marchant, chief executive officer for Carte Blanche Group, category sponsor. Below: Samantha is delighted to win a Retas trophy.
SPONSORED BY
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Initial Reaction: “I just felt so happy, especially after what has been such a rollercoaster year. My immediate thoughts went to our lovely owner, Dilesh [Naran]. As soon as he heard the news he messaged me to say that ‘we will dedicate the award to our little angel Dev’, his young son who tragically died recently.” Samantha Williams, retail store manager of Blaby Post Office, Blaby
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Best Non-Specialist Independent Retailer of Greeting Cards - South 2018 Winner: Cadeaux & Co Chipping Sodbury and Wells Left: Cadeaux & Co’s director, Kristan Madigan-Miller, is delighted to accept the Best Non-Specialist Independent Retailer of Greeting Cards - South award from Steve Baker, sales and marketing director of Pigment, sponsor of the category. Below: Kristan is very pleased with her Retas award.
SPONSORED BY
Initial Reaction: "I was so thrilled to win a Retas! (and completely astonished!) but how lovely to be recognised and rewarded." Kristan Madigan-Miller, director of Cadeaux & Co, Chipping Sodbury and Wells
Best Greeting Card Small Multiple (4-20 Stores)
SPONSORED BY
2018 Winner: House of Cards - six stores Right: Nigel Williamson and Miles Robinson, co-owners of House Of Cards, accept the Best Greeting Card Small Multiple award from Michael McGunnigle, national accounts manager for The Great British Card Company, the category sponsor. Below: Nigel, Miles and some of the House of Cards team are over the moon with their award.
Initial Reaction: “We’re absolutely delighted and thrilled to have won, against some amazing competition as well. Both Nigel and I are so proud of the team, their efforts, hard work and commitment, that this award is a fitting reward for them.” Miles Robinson and Nigel Williamson, co-owners of House Of Cards, six stores in the Home Counties PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE
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Best Department Store Retailer of Greeting Cards 2018 Winner: Morley Group - eight stores SPONSORED BY
Left: Group buyer for Morleys Department Stores, Kate Neligan (left) and assistant Amanda Wells, receive The Retas' Best Department Store Retailer of Greeting Cards award from Mark Roberts, national field sales manager for Abacus Cards, the category sponsor. Below left: Kate and Amanda are absolutely thrilled with their award.
Initial Reaction: “We were shocked and delighted to hear our name. We are so pleased to have received the award, especially as it’s the first time we’ve made the finals of The Retas!” Kate Neligan, group buyer for Morleys Department Stores
Best Supermarket Retailer of Greeting Cards Left: Carly Pearson, senior buyer for Sainsbury’s, is very happy to accept her Retas award from Simon Boyd, operations director for category sponsor, Progressive Greetings Live. Below: A smiling Carly with her Retas trophy.
2018 Winner: Sainsbury’s
SPONSORED BY
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Initial Reaction: “We were so excited by our win! It’s a lovely way to show the team and our suppliers that all the hard work they put in is recognised." Carly Pearson, senior buyer for Sainsbury’s
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Best Non-Specialist Multiple Retailer of Greeting Cards (4+ Stores) 2018 Winner: Gee Tee’s - five stores in the North Left: Gee Tee’s greeting card buyer Yasmin Twist is delighted to accept the Retas award for the Best Non-Specialist Multiple Retailer of Greeting Cards from Laurence Field, managing director of Tracks Publishing, category sponsor. Below: A shiny Retas Award and a Retas Gold Ticket worth £150 to spend at next year’s PG Live for Gee Tee’s (left to right) Yasmin and George Twist and Norma Tomkinson, supervisor of the company’s The Card Room.
Initial Reaction: “I felt shocked, but over the moon. I didn’t think we had a chance up against such strong contenders. I only wish I had time to put some lipstick on!" Yasmin Twist, greeting card buyer for Gee Tee's
SPONSORED BY
Best Specialist Multiple Retailer of Greeting Cards (20+ Stores)
SPONSORED BY
2018 Winner: Paperchase - 130+ stores Right: Paperchase’s senior buyer Hazel Walker (centre) with buyers (third left to right) Lucy Sumner and Emma Clooney and (left) brand director Scott Corbett, receive the Best Specialist Multiple Retailer of Greeting Cards Retas trophy from Bill Greeno, sales director of category sponsor, Paperlink. Below: The Paperchase team beam with delight.
Initial Reaction: “Thrilled and so happy for the team!” Hazel Walker, senior buyer for Paperchase
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Best Garden Centre Retailer of Greeting Cards Titchfield d an r he Es ns so ar G r: ne in W 2018 Right: Ian Richardson, managing director, and Sarah Crees, head gift buyer, for Garsons Garden Centre, accept the Best Garden Centre Retailer of Greeting Cards award from Lee Hartley, business development manager of category sponsor Noel Tatt. Below: Ian and Sarah proudly clasps their Retas trophy.
Initial Reaction: “We were just delighted! After so much hardwork re-building our department and developing the range – the team really deserve this. Wonderful.” Ben Thompson, director for Garsons Garden Centre, Esher and Titchfield
SPONSORED BY
Best Greeting Cards Retailer Initiative 2018 Winner: Blue Rose Gifts & Balloons, Heywood - for its 1940s celebration and Armed Forces Day initiative Initial Reaction: “When I heard our name I was shocked, ecstatic and jumped out of my chair all at the same time! I couldn't believe I had heard it right.” Beverley Heyworth, co-owner of Blue Rose Gifts & Balloons, Heywood
Above: John and Beverley Heyworth, co-owners of Blue Rose Gifts & Balloons, Heywood accept the Best Greeting Card Retailer Initiative award from Brett Smith, sales director of category sponsor Danilo. Left: Beverley and John after over the moon with their Retas trophy. All Retas winners receive a Golden Ticket worth £150 to spend at PG Live next year.
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SPONSORED BY
RETAS Winners pages 2018_muk.qxp_Layout 1 25/07/2018 16:10 Page 43
Best Greeting Card Service Based Wholesaler d 2018 Winner: Jackson's, Sheffiel
Initial Reaction: “Absolutely fantastic!” Gary Jackson, managing director of Jackson's, Sheffield
SPONSORED BY
Sensations THE PERFECT CHOICE
TM
Above: Gary Jackson, managing director of Jackson's, is pleased to accept the Best Greeting Card Wholesaler award from Ade Longe, managing director for Sensations/Xpress Yourself, sponsor of this category. Left: A delighted Gary with his Retas trophy.
TM
www.sensationscards.co.uk
Greeting Card Retailer of the Year 2018 Winner: Paperchase Initial Reaction: “When we won the Greeting Card Retailer of the Year award as well I couldn’t believe it – what a great way to celebrate our 50th year!” Hazel Walker, senior buyer for Paperchase
Top right: (Third left to right) Paperchase buyers Emma Clooney and Lucy Sumner, with senior buyer Hazel Walker and brand director Scott Corbett, win The Retas double and accept the Greeting Card Retailer of the Year award from Ged Mace, managing director of category sponsor, The Art File. Right: A double Retas win for the Paperchase team in the retailer’s 50th anniversary year.
SPONSORED BY
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In Conversation With... Brainbox Candy
A
Brainy
Decade
Picture the scene: two brothers-in-law sitting round a swimming pool in Austria, drinking beer, throwing ideas around as to what business they could start together… A decade on and their pink fluffy brainchild, Brainbox Candy this month celebrates its 10th anniversary. PG makes no attempt to keep with the fast-paced wit of ‘the Brainbox Boys’, Mark Williams and Ben Hickman as they recount the highlights of the last ten years and their plans for the future. It’s a bonus when you get on with your in-laws, it’s a double bonus with a chocolate flake in the top when you get on with them so well that you decide to start a business together. It was during a holiday in Austria with their respective wives (who are sisters), that Ben Hickman and Mark Williams clinched the idea for humorous card publisher Brainbox Candy. “We were sitting round the pool, beer in hand, naturally, trying to come up with a business that we would like to set up that would use our skills and that we would enjoy,” recalls Mark, who was working as an analyst in the City at the time, while Ben was running a design and print company. “It was terribly scientific,” joked Ben. “I said, “We both really liked funny cards, why don’t we start a funny card company.” Mark
Inset: A ‘furry good’ Brainbox Candy stand at PG Live.
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Top: The first ever Well Cool design with a junior member of the Brainbox family putting the finishing touches to it, in Ben’s garden. Above: It was a proud moment when Brainbox founders Ben Hickman (left) and Mark Williams won a Henries award in 2016 for its Facemat Funimals range embracing the Bollywood theme of the event.
said yes, so we had a swim, had another beer and went to tell our wives.” The reaction from their respective better-halves to their business proposition was something Mark and Ben had experienced many times before and since: “They both rolled their eyes and shook their heads at us,” says Ben with a chuckle. “Ten years on, they often just roll their eyes and shake their heads at us - at least they are consistent, unlike us,” he adds. Certainly, you never quite know what you are going to get from Brainbox Candy or its coowners, but you can bet your bottom dollar that it will be original and make you go “Ooh” quite a lot. After all, who else would think of covering a trade stand in bright pink fur, launch wearable face mats on cards, sign an agreement with world leading artist David Shrigley or dress up in period women’s costumes or as Gene Simmonds of KISS, to go to The Henries? “We have had so many amazing times (and nights out) over the last 10 years of Brainbox Candy, we could write a book. We could write the book, but could never publish it!” quips Mark. While Mark and Ben’s comedic double act at trade shows or industry events is off the cuff, the approach to their business is measured, well-planned, carefully executed. “For all our larking about, we have always been deadly serious about Brainbox; we’re bonkers about business,” sums Ben. Indeed, the company, which is based in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, has grown every single year since it started.
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In Conversation With... Brainbox Candy
“Which is something we do feel very proud of,” says Mark. “But you cannot take sustained growth for granted, especially given the challenges of the everchanging retail landscape, which means you constantly need to evolve your product range and come up with ideas to help retailers,” says Mark, who is a member of GCA Council as part of his commitment to the sector. The recent launch of its Cheeky Box is a case in point, a wonderfully screenprinted wooden box which retailers can use for their more risqué Brainbox Designs so as to avoid offending customers. Indeed, while the founders’ infectious bonhomie, natural comedic skills and willingness to embrace opportunities in the industry (socially and businesswise) helped to put Brainbox Candy on the greeting card map very quickly, what has kept it there has been its drive on the product front, as well as its inventive marketing support.
Left: Launching the David Shrigley range at the start of this year was a milestone moment for Brainbox. Below: The Quotish range broadens Brainbox’s feminine appeal. Below left: The Paperchase team were happy to don a Face Mat at PG Live a few years ago! Below right: The Brainbox Boys have branding down to a ‘tea’!
The launch of its sibling division last year, Unknown Ink and the recent distribution/licensing agreements with Juicy Lucy, Emily Burningham and Rosehip (see News) as part of this provides another arm to the business without diluting what Brainbox Candy is about. “We launched Unknown Ink as there were ranges and ideas that we wanted to pursue, but which would not fit in to Brainbox Candy. It is our belief that it is important that having built up a brand image that you do not sully it by adding products that just do not fit,” explains Mark. Picking out one of his faves along the way, Ben says, “Our Well Cool range, based on rude phrases made by fridge magnets, will always have a special place in my heart - I remember taking the fridge out into the garden and coming up with the designs, helped by our young children, who thankfully couldn’t read at the time!”. For Mark, its Face Mats range added another dimension to the company.
“This has proved a sensational card range for us. We were immediately sold on the idea as soon as the designer approached us with the concept. A highlight has to be seeing the entire Paperchase buying team wearing them at PG Live. Those women really suited a beard!” says Mark smiling at the recollection. And while on the subject of women, Ben and Mark admit to getting in touch with their feminine side to develop its recent range, Quotish. “We had dabbled with the addition of finishes on our Grin & Tonic range, but with Quotish we took it a stage further and the addition of bespoke envelopes has enhanced the appeal - of the cards, not us - to women,” explains Mark. A real milestone moment for Ben was when Brainbox was approached by artist David Shrigley’s agent to see if they would be interested in publishing his artwork on cards. “Mark and I are huge fans of Shrigley’s work. We took it as such an honour to be asked to publish his work, and jumped at the chance. We felt it was important to remain as
Up close and personal l What lessons would you give to your younger selves?: “Don’t drink too much; learn to say no; breath; don't nudge your granny while she’s shaving (that one ended badly); beware swans will break your arm given the chance, so don’t mock them (that also ended badly) and remember to pack nail varnish remover for the morning after The Henries.” l What is it like working with your in-law?: “Brainbox Candy is very much a family business and blood is thicker than water or “Wortaa" as we say in Essex,” says Mark. “Both of our wives are involved in the business and from time to time one of my daughters. Our office can best be described as an amusing and somewhat surreal pressure cooker environment!”
Ben Hickman l Three words (selected by Mark) that best describe you: “Talented, funny, stupid.” l Favourite comedian: “Milton Jones.” l Favourite animal: “Cygnet (aka trainee arm breakers).” l Who would you want to play you in a film of your life?: “Meryl Streep.” l Where do you want the flying carpet to take you?: “To Japan to go snowboarding.” Mark Williams l Three words (selected by Ben) that best describe you: “Focused, stupid, gorgeous.” l Least favourite comedian: “Donald Trump.” l Favourite measure of weight: “10 minutes.” l Favourite animal: “Eric Burdon.” l Who would you want to play you in a film of your life?: “Jimmy Krankie.”
true to the originals as possible so have steered clear of ‘greeting card-ifying them’, just leaving them in their bonkers glory,” explained Ben. As to their own ‘bonkers glory’ moment of Brainbox’s first decade, Mark picks out winning a Henries award two years ago for its Facemat Funimals range. “It was a very memorable walk up to the stage - especially as Ben and I were dressed as turban-wearing teddy bear riders. Thankfully no one else had the same outfit!” Brainbox Candy is very much a distinct ‘outfit’ and with lots of product launches in the pipeline, growth on export in its sights, as well as further development opportunities as a distributor for other publishers through Unknown Ink, the company’s next decade looks set to be bonkersly buoyant too. PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE
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PG showcases a selection of new product launches
Blocking Out An Escape Using her distinctive colour block style, digital artist Belinda Morris has augmented 1790 Cards’ bestselling Escapes range with more designs. This means there are now a total of 36 landscape designs in the range, all of which are 150mm square, printed on a matt FSC 300gsm board and presented cellowrapped with a grey FSC envelope. 1790 Cards 01904 448130 www.1790cards.co.uk
Summer Lovin’
Animal Antics
This month marks the launch of Simon Elvin’s 2018 Summer collection, which comprises three contemporary themed ranges that are available from local specialist wholesale distributors. There are 36 designs in a Code 50 size, as well as eight Code 75 designs. The new collection is printed on a matt high-white board and features coloured flitter as well as textured and fluted foil finishes.
Designed by Bristol-based illustrator Emily Nash, U Studio Design’s newest birthday range is full of colourful animals that are ready to party! The collage designs sees hand-cut and digital layers of texture and colour all pieced together to create the playful birthday designs. The cards are accompanied by matching envelopes wrapped in fully recyclable cello. U Studio Design 0117 944 5050 www.ustudio.design
Simon Elvin Available from local specialist wholesale distributors
Kook-ing For Christmas Bug Art has released a new Christmas range featuring bright and quirky seasonal characters. Following on from Bug Art’s successful Kooks range, Jane Crowther has continued the bold and colourful collage style of the range to create Christmas Kooks. Embossed with gold foil, these blank cards are available as either singles or in 5-packs. Measuring 167mm x 118mm, the cards come cellowrapped with a white envelope. Bug Art 0115 929 4776 www.bugart.co.uk
Blossoming Luxury Jaab Cards’ new Rose Boxes range is full of sparkly love. There are 18 designs in this handmade collection, each of which is embellished with precious diamanté. The ‘roses’ sit in a box that sparkles with silver glitter and an oversized metallic silver bow. Created by designer Judith Ong, the cards are 15cm x 15cm in size, use FSC-certified art-board and come with a metallic silver envelope.
Small Is Beautiful
Jaab Cards UK 07921 460286 www.jaabcards.co.uk
Tracks Publishing 01480 435562 www.tracksltd.com
Tracks Publishing has big plans, but these include expanding its Small Cards collection! The 23 new designs are from a number of highly talented artists, such as Alex T. Smith, Faye Buckingham, Veronica Montoya and The Pope Twins. These 125mm square cards, printed on a luxury Old Mill Stucco board, are available blank and for birthdays.
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PG showcases a selection of new product launches
All Kinds OfWonderful With a range name of Unicorns, Wings and Llama Things, Cardigan Cards’ new range is rather magical. There are 12 quirky designs in this collection, which combines on trend subjects injected with a lot of colour, a few choice words and phrases, a lot of fun and a little sparkle. Printed full colour both sides on a 400gm board, the cards are finished with encapsulated glitter and come with a violet envelope. Cardigan Cards 01785 250 511 www.cardigancards.co.uk
Owl Good This End
It’s Go, Go, Go Pokémon continues to be the top-grossing app for 2018, and supported by a huge marketing campaign its popularity in the greetings market is being perpetuated by a range of 10 new card designs (as well as wrap) from Gemma International. The new cards feature the highly-recognised, well-loved Pokémon characters depicted in a fun, stylish cartoon design treatment and each comes with a red envelope.
Having made its official debut at PG Live, newbie publisher Ginger Betty is keeping up the pace. Its new Owl’s Nest range features beautiful illustrations of cute wildlife (by experienced artist Tracey Colliston) and warm captions capture the essence of woodland. The square cards, which come with a brown kraft envelope, are enhanced by each featuring a delicate debossed leaf.
Gemma International 01264 388400 www.gemma-international.co.uk
Ginger Betty 01706 557285 www.gingerbetty.co.uk
Marking Milestones Crumble & Core’s new Anniversaries range celebrates special and milestone anniversaries, including 1 year, 10 years, 25 years, 40 years, 50 years and 60 years. All designs are all taken from beautiful original watercolour paintings by Crumble & Core’s artist, Jilly Mercer. Each card, all of which are hand-finished in-house with embellishments, measures 12cm x 12cm and are printed on board that has the look and feel of watercolour paper. They are accompanied by a ribbed craft brown envelope. Crumble & Core 07767 778446 or 07887 850491 www.crumbleandcore.com
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Mirror Image Pushing the Envelope’s latest range will have you puckering up! The stunning mirrored card designs are overprinted with a 'lipstick' font in sexy, sassy red to give the effect of ‘lippy’ scrawled across a steamy mirror. The range spans occasions and relations, such as sister, bestie, gorgeous, flirty thirty, naughty forty and I 'heart' you. Each card measures 145mm x 145mm and comes with a poppy red envelope. Pushing the Envelope 01932 917495 www.pushingtheenvelope.co.uk
Looking East Lanternfish Publishing has taken inspiration from the lovely counties of Norfolk 'and Suffolk for its latest range of art cards. Taken from paintings by artist Michael Sanders, they illustrate beautiful views of these two stunning counties. The 42 designs cover scenes of Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter, featuring dog walkers, family days out, beachscapes, towns and colourful hedgerows. The square 15cm x 15cm individually wrapped cards come with a quality white envelope. Lanternfish Publishing 01263 825280 www.lanternfishpublishing.co.uk
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PG showcases a selection of new product launches
Rabbiting On Oli and Evie have joined the gang at Riverside Cards! These adorable rabbit characters debut on a range of cute open birthday designs. The colourful cards are embossed and flittered. The launch of Oil and Evie is a continuation of the publisher’s investment in its Premium Innovation Programme, which has involved four new premium ranges and a refreshment of three others so far this year. Riverside Cards 01924 840500 www. riversidecards.com
A Fantas-taco Feeling
Top Billing As its name suggests, Typecast Gallery’s latest range, Topping the Bill, takes its inspiration from the stage. The range comprises 18 male designs, which feature the main attraction ‘Bill’, a performance artist in various guises in the spotlight, from being an acrobat to being the doorman! The cards are 122mm x 167mm in size, are spot gold foiled and come with a rich crimson envelope. The Typecast Gallery 01202 849566 www.thetypecastgallery.co.uk/
Rumble Cards has added a series of delicious food pun designs to its ongoing Mixed Emotions collection, taking it to a total of 26 designs. The range taps into the various emotional levels we experience… from the flush of love, to a sense we are getting old, or feeling blue. Each card is A6 in size, printed on Tintoretto textured card and paired with a brown recycled envelope. Rumble Cards 07739 082695 www.rumblecards.co.uk
Don’ t Be Foxed Foxy Lady is one of 14 designs in this anthropomorphised collection from Rebecca Christian. The Foxy collection includes Foxy Husband, Foxy Wife, Foxy Girlfriend, and Silver Fox to name a few. All the designs have been digitally edited from original watercolour illustrations Fox & the Hound to create this collection. Produced on 300gsm, using FSC-certified card stock, all the cards come cellowrapped with a kraft brown envelope. Rebecca Christian 0775 1983 682 www.rebeccachristian.co.uk.
All Eyes Peeled Stripey Cats has had its eyes peeled for new design ideas. Fresh off the shelves is a new googly-eyed collection, Fruit & Friends, which comprises 14 new designs that range from Wanda Watermelon to Danielle Doughnut. The publisher has also added to its award-winning Wobbly Eyed animal range with the likes of Proud Peacock Pru and Derek Dragonfly, plus a range of nine quality notebooks, and with more to follow. Stripey Cats 07866 713 826 www.stripeycats.co.uk.
Birds Of A Feather Combining ornithology with wit, artist Trish Williams has launched a brand new collection of cards in her signature humorous style. There beautifully printed bird-themed designs which are sized 150mm square, printed on textured board and come wrapped with a white envelope. Trish Williams Portraits 01258 858037 www.trishwilliamsportraits.co.uk.
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PADDINGTON BEAR™ © Paddington and Company Limited 2018 From the Paddington Bear Books by Michael Bond Illustrated by Peggy Fortnum Paddington Bear™, Paddington™ and PB™ are trademarks of Paddington and Company Limited Licensed by Copyrights Group
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Based on the best-selling Classic Paddington greetings cards and gift wrap illustrated by Peggy Fortnum, don’t miss NEW Everyday Gift Bags, Tissue Paper and Christmas Roll Wrap from the Museums & Galleries Collection.
Contact your local agent, register online or call our sales team for more information about the Collection.
Home of the finest arts brands E: sales@mgml.co.uk
museumsgalleries.co.uk
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Springing A Peak Molly Mae unveiled its new Spring 2019 cards at Home & Gift Harrogate, the designs of which are all extensions to existing ranges. Mother’s Day designs have been launched into its Botanical Garden and luxurious ‘…All that Jazz’ ranges, both featuring floral designs and beautiful metallic foiling and embossing. Plus, for the first time in quite a while Molly Mae has launched Easter cards covering Son, Daughter, Grandson and Granddaughter, Niece and Nephew.
Some Spring Pizazz
Molly Mae 01455 557115 www.mollymaetrade.co.uk
Nigel Quiney’s Spring portfolio is a great opportunity to show its ‘Pizazz’ with its floral Pizazz Gallery forming a wonderful Mother’s Day collection of beautiful floral artwork which has traditional feel with a contemporary edge. Meanwhile the Pizazz Father’s Day range also blends the traditional with the contemporary, with the latter being a combination of graphic text and fun photographs.
Natural Inclinations Kirra is a brand new collection from Rosanna Rossi which features beautiful enchanted flora and fauna designs highlighted with gold satin foil and emboss details. The 16 designs cover thank you, get well soon, sympathy, thinking of you and birthday captions. Measuring 120mm x 170mm, the cards are complemented by bespoke pattered envelopes. Rosanna Rossi 07900 698522 www.rosanna-rossi.co.uk
Nigel Quiney Publications 01799 520200 www.nigelquiney.com.
Fashionista Faves Lost In Translation
Country Life
Damn you Autocorrect is a brand new range of adult greeting cards from Pack a Punch Designs with super rude autocorrect failings at their heart. The range comprises nine designs, which are suitable for a variety of occasions. The cards are 125mm x 175mm in size and are supplied with a vibrant yellow envelope.
Tony Fernandes’ latest range, Welcome to the Shires, celebrates the country life and the often weird folks in the rural community. The 36 designs cover rogue builders, mad birds of prey displays, unsuitable doctors, whippet owners and odd vegetable growers - the good life it ain’t! All created by Tony himself in pen, ink, watercolour and a splosh of ale, the 5”x7” cards are blank inside and come cellowrapped with a white envelope.
Pack a Punch Designs 07903571104 www.packapunchdesigns.co.uk.
Tony Fernandes Design 01142 620899 www.tonyfernandesdesign.com
Bexy Boo’s Summer collection of the Trendy Wendys comprises 12 new bright and colourful designs that aim to spread a little sunshine among the fashionistas. These additions takes the Trendy Wendys everyday range up to 26 designs, all of which are foiled and hand-finished with large sparkly crystals and accompanied by a soft peach envelope. Bexy Boo 01565 830546 www.bexyboo.co.uk
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Retailer In Focus
Snape Maltings hits the high notes in different octaves. While arguably best known for its concert hall and musical events, the legacy of composer Benjamin Britten and singer Peter Pears, its reputation as a cultural centre and retailing emporium continues to soar. With its triumph at The Retas, being crowned Best Independent Greeting Card Retailer - East Anglia, PG travelled to this very special Suffolk landmark to meet Jane Hall, its greeting card ‘virtuoso’ buyer. “I was absolutely thrilled for the whole team when it was announced that we had won The Retas award. It is so great that all the efforts that have been put into improving our card selection at Snape have been recognised by the whole industry at a national level,” commented Jane Hall, buyer of Snape Maltings, responsible for all the greeting card buying across the whole site. There are many retailers who lay claim to being ‘unique’, but Snape Maltings nails it on location, history, retailing approach as well as how the profits generated are put to good use. Top: Jane Hall (centre) with Snape Maltings’ head of buying Heather Fortmann (left) and assistant buyer/designer Louise Richardson in the grounds, which features a large Barbara Hepworth sculpture. Above right: The quirky humour of local artist Iain Hamilton of Bewilder Beasts goes down well with Snape Maltings’ customers. Right: A Wooden Postcard design which features Snape Maltings, culturally rich and aesthetically delightful, attracting the public for all sorts of reasons. Inset: The Books & Cards store in located in a former Malt House.
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As its name indicates, the original purpose of The Maltings was to store and then malt the barley that was grown in the vicinity, which was then shipped up to London down the River Aide to be used in the brewing of beer, both in the UK as well as exported to Europe. However in the1960s, when the maltings business on the seven-acre site ceased, leaving a number of industrial buildings vacant, thankfully a local farming entrepreneur as well as composer Benjamin Britten worked together to give Snape Maltings a new lease of life. While the now world leading concert hall opened in 1967 (and its acclaim as home to the Aldeburgh Festival, as well as many other concerts, has continued ever since), the retailing side of the complex had to wait in the wings for its turn to shine, but shine it most definitely does now.
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Retailer In Focus
“In 1971, the only retailing on the site was a little craft shop that was opened to support local art,” explains Jane. “Now, we have six of our own shops here as well as a few tenant retailers,” she adds. The shops Books and Cards (which was feted in The Retas), The Concert Shop (housed within the Concert Hall building), Little Rascals (a children’s shop), The Gallery (an art gallery), Samphire (a womenswear shop) and House and Garden - cater for a broad range of customers, from concert goers to regular dog walkers who use the adjacent routes on the boardwalks through the reeds; from tourists visiting this picturesque part of coastal Suffolk to those who are staying in the delectablyappointed accommodation on site. Having been a big fan of the place for years and years (she went there on her ‘hen do’ many years ago), Jane joined the buying team 18 months ago and has really got into her stride in the last year.
Top: Assistant buyer/designer Louise Richardson designed this notecard that is on sale in all the shops on site. Above: The Books and Cards’ manager Tom Vale was among those who were delighted when Jane Hall returned from The Retas awards event with a trophy! Right: Beauty and practicality combine at Snape Maltings’ House & Garden shop, where even the household essentials are merchandised to delight and surprise customers.
Although Jane joined with no direct buying experience - she was previously a magazine editor and business consultant - she saw some immediate similarities in the roles. “Retail buying is about editing your selection, presenting ‘stories’ instore that deliver the vision, working to targets, being aware of deadlines and catering for consumer needs. I am delighted that the team here was willing to give me a chance. I am not sure I could be a buyer anywhere else though, as I love the place and its ethos as much as I love the job,” says Jane with a passion that is replicated in the care and attention she expends in the product selection. Jane’s buying responsibilities span all of the shops, (and all product areas), with the exception of the massive House & Garden store. “Greeting cards are important to us here and their sales continue to grow for us, which is great, as our profits contribute to funding some great charity efforts. My feeling is that if a customer buys a card they are off, as cards get them shopping,” says Jane, demonstrating her successful career step-change. “We were up 15% year on year last month, and June is a generally a very good month for us as we have the Festival,” reveals
Jane. While there is a dedicated card shop at Snape, cards are also stocked in its other shops too, “but I am very careful to differentiate the selection, not just by design, but often by company too,” says Jane. For example, The Gallery stocks cards featuring artists whose work is on sale there; its Concert Shop, as one might guess, offers a selection of musicrelated cards, but as price sensitivity is less of an issue for its customers, there are also higher priced designs such as those from The Wooden Postcard Company. In addition to a few “core publishers”, which include Woodmansterne, Green Pebble, Cambridge Imprint and Fitzwilliam Museum, at any one time, Jane also buys from 30 other card publishers, many of whom create designs specifically for the Snape Maltings’ shops. “I make a point of supporting our local publishers and artists as it works well with our customers,” says Jane, citing Diss-based Maurice and Maud and Porch Fairies as two of the many examples. She also has a soft spot for Stowmarket-based Bewilder Beasts, which features the quirky humour of artist Iain Hamilton, who participated in Snape Maltings’ three day Meet the Maker event last August. Ironically it is technological connections, rather than human ones that Jane, (herself
Hall and quotes
Jane Hall is put on the spot for some personal revelations… l What three words would your friends use to describe you?: “Loyal, free-thinking, un-techie.” l Guilty pleasure?: “Watching ‘Four in a Bed’ TV programme (about bed-andbreakfast owners) or ‘Homes under the Hammer’ with my kids. I do fear I have corrupted them with naff TV series!” l What do you like best about the greeting card trade?: “That a greeting card is a feelgood product that provides a special way of one individual to connect with another to lasting effect. This is a ‘connected industry’, you get a great sense of that at PG Live and at The Retas. It is full of people who are aware and embrace the positive power of what they are doing in society.” l What would you do if you could not work at Snape Maltings?: “Something to do with home interiors, or on the Homes under the Hammer team!” l The magic carpet awaits, where do you want to go?: “To India, to stay in a little hill fort boutique hotel.” l What would be your ideal meal?: “Smoked fish in a café on the Norfolk coast with my besties.” l What is one business mantra have you learned over the years that has stood you in good stead?: “Trust your instincts and listen to your conscience.”
a self-confessed techie-Luddite), anticipates driving the business further forward in the coming year. “We have survived without EPOS, but the data it will provide when installed this Autumn will mean we will have a much clearer picture of what our customers are buying, to which I will be able to respond so much quicker.” Not sure what Benjamin Britten would think of this technological development, but it is ‘Snape, rattle and roll’ for Jane Hall and her quest to improve the complex’s greeting card ‘symphony’. PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE
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JEREMY’S JOURNAL Business blogging by publisher Jeremy Corner of Blue Eyed Sun.
Facing Fear Jeremy Corner, owner of greeting card publisher Blue Eyed Sun, looks at facing our fears.
Last month I wrote about the importance of taking on new challenges to help us to grow. Life always feels more exciting when we are doing things that scare us a little and that stretch our comfort zone. We can blossom inside and thrive externally as a result of overcoming our fears. Now that’s all great and can be true, but what if your fears just feel too big? How do you even begin to start? How do you deal with negative self-talk? How do you manage to take that first step? This month I want to deal with the ‘F’ word in more detail because, for some of us, it can feel more complicated than the adage that we just “feel the fear and do it anyway.”
Emotion rules We like to think that our decisions are ruled by considered judgement, but in truth our entire lives are ruled by emotions. Emotions are lower level responses in our brains that create biochemical reactions that affect our physical state. The amygdala, part of our reptilian brain, plays a key part in our emotional arousal, most famously being the centre of our ‘fight or flight’ responses. Emotions are physical and can be objectively measured. They also precede our feelings. Feelings are the interpretations of our emotional states. They are influenced by our beliefs, experiences and memories. They are the result of your 54
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brain perceiving and assigning meaning to the emotion. Not only can feelings be triggered by emotional reactions to things around us, we can trigger them by just thinking about something threatening which in turn can trigger an emotional response.
Triggers We’ve all experienced situations where the thought of something sets off an emotional reaction and affects our physiology. For instance, the thought of speaking before a group of people might make our palms sweaty and clammy. The idea of riding a motorbike might make our heart beat race with fear and anxiety. Imagining our business failing can also lead to sleepless nights. Understanding the difference between emotions and feelings and becoming aware of them in our lives can help us to cope with our fears. It means that we can acknowledge the physiological response and identify the root cause before adding in our own conscious thought to alter how we feel about the state we are in. Top: Fear is a natural response, but it can be controlled. Above: Fear and excitement both make the heart’s pulse get faster. Part of a Valentine’s design from The Art Group. Left: A new design from The Pattern Book’s and Wellcome Collection’s co-branded range.
Exciting times Did you know that fear and excitement have the exact same set of emotional signifiers (faster heart rate, rapid and shallow breathing, sweating)? The primary difference is the meaning we assign to the emotion. With fear we start to feel anxious, worried and dread what is about to come. With excitement we feel nervous, energised and look forward to what is going to happen. We all have instinctual emotional responses to things we experience or conceive of in our minds. The trick is to learn to adapt the feelings that we associate with them over time.
Making the change At first your body will still have the instinctual emotional responses. When you start to add new thoughts to replace the old ones, your feelings will start to change. Before going on stage you can acknowledge your state and tell yourself you feel excited about speaking to a crowd. You can focus on the value that you are about to share instead of your own fears. Instead of fearing for the future of your business, you can consider the opportunities that your business might have ahead and feel the excitement of trying them out. We all need to take a second to keep our minds on track when we sense our emotional responses. When I was learning to ride a dirt bike this year there were countless moments when the bike shifted unexpectedly beneath me as the tyres tried
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JEREMY’S JOURNAL Left: Public speaking can bring many out in a cold sweat. Below right: Keep your ‘eye on the prize’ to overcome your fears. Bottom right: Take a deep breath and face your fear. Bottom left: Jeremy before his Gobi Desert motorbike ride (and dislocated shoulder) to raise money for the street children in Mongolia.
to find traction in different terrain. Often, my heart would jump and I would gasp for breath. At first this felt terrifying. I was afraid of falling and hurting myself, or worse. Over time I learned to tell myself that this was the nature of riding this vehicle and to get used to it. Just as a ship bobbing up and down in the sea is part of sailing, so it is with dirt biking on land. Over time I stopped feeling fearful as I reminded myself how thrilling it was to ride a motorbike and to feel free out in the open air.
Living from fear So many of us often react to life from a place of fear. We do it in our businesses when we are scared of losing ground commercially or are afraid of what others might think. We do it in our relationships when we don’t let go and trust one another. We do it with our kids when we don’t give them the space they need to make mistakes and grow. Our fears hold us back from really connecting with one another, from growing our businesses to new heights and from developing personally. Perhaps it’s because we are afraid of what we might become if we confront our fears. It certainly feels safer staying put, even when it’s bad. Because it’s something you know, you think your risks are lower. You think you know who you are and where you are, but in truth these are just ideas in your mind.
Our thoughts We think that our thoughts are ourselves and that we cannot control them, but this just isn’t true. We can choose which thoughts to pay attention to and we can feed our minds with thoughts that help us rather than hinder us.
Who we are right now is as much of an idea in our heads as who we want to be. So why not overcome your fears and be who you are meant to be? You can stop holding yourself back in your business, your relationships and your own life.
Eye the prize When learning to turn corners on a motorbike my instructor taught me to focus on where I wanted to go rather than looking at something I was afraid of crashing into. The bike would always respond accordingly as my body naturally adjusted towards the direction I was looking. This is a great lesson for life in general and for overcoming your fears. Keep your eye on the prize rather than your fears. You are far less likely to reach your goals this way.
Pushing through How do you get started? First, rate yourself out of 10 - 1 being very afraid and 10 being super confident. Then figure out how to move yourself up the scale. I was afraid of getting back on a motorbike after crashing a moped that I’d never ridden before as a teenager in Greece. As a 1 out of 10, I booked myself onto a one day Certificate of Basic Training (CBT) course and got some proper motorcycle training. This got me to a 3. Passing my motorbike licence got me to a 5 and more practice got me to a 7. You get the idea. If you are afraid for your business buy a business book or enroll on a course. Afraid of public speaking? Then practice in front of a mirror and join a local speaking group for support.
Setbacks What happens if you can’t handle something you try? It was a personal goal to complete my recent trip - a 1,500km endurance motorbike ride across the Gobi Desert for charity - injury free, and I managed to dislocate my shoulder on my actual trip. It was a tough set back to swallow. So what do you do if you have a set back? You dust yourself off and try again. Get a new instructor, learn more, practice. Don’t let it stop you. On the other side of my fear I’ve found something I love to do. My heart sings with joy on a motorbike and I feel so blessed to be alive. There is no feeling quite like blasting across the Gobi Desert on dirt bikes at 60mph with friends. Pushing through your fear is actually less frightening than staying where you are. Life is not a dress rehearsal. Taking on your fears is the only way to slay your dragons and grow into everything you are capable of being. Take a breath and go for it. Contribute to Jeremy’s fundraising at www.justgiving.com/gobidesertenduro Read more on Jeremy’s blog at www.blueeyedsun.co.uk/blog PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE
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ART SOURCE
TO APPEAR REGULARLY IN THE
ARTSOURCE SECTION OF PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS CONTACT TRACEY ARNAUD ON 01234 740 051
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Art Source PG helps to paint a pretty picture of freelance artists, designers, verse writers and photographers’ worlds in order to promote their talents to publishers and, conversely, make it easier for publishers seeking artists.
ARTIST IN FOCUS
Robert McPhillips From a young age, and as long as I can remember, I’ve had a pencil or paintbrush in my hand; scribbling on every available scrap of paper (or wall). And at the age of nine I discovered that it was possible to do it as a profession, and my mind was set… I wanted nothing else other than to be an illustrator. Since that day (and despite the advice of my career counsellors at school to do something else) I did what I could to make it happen… and I’ve now been a published illustrator for well over 23 years. I’ve been lucky to have worked on two animated films, illustrated over 45 children’s books and created countless greeting cards and other paper products since the early 90’s. All of this has made me quite diverse and able to adapt my skills to many different projects. If I do have a specialism though, I would say it was character work, having been trained in books and licensing art by Disney and Warner Bros to name a few. Despite being a seasoned artist I am still as excited as the day I got my first published job back in 1994 and soon after being exhibited at The Royal College of Art for ‘The Macmillan Prize’. I realised talent would only get me so far, and that my passion and adaptability were just as important, all in equal measure.
WANT TO BE FEATURED?
I now live by the coast in North Devon with my wife (she too is a long-standing illustrator) and we constantly offer a creative ear and help critique each other’s work and ideas, which definitely keeps me on my toes! To see more of my work you can view my online portfolio at www.image-source.co.uk. l Tel: 01442834464 l Email: enquiry@image-source.co.uk
If you are an artist, photographer or verse writer and would like to be considered to appear in Art Source, please contact PG’s Emma Cain on emmac@max-publishing.co.uk. This is an editorial feature and as such is free of charge. PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE
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TO APPEAR REGULARLY IN THE
ARTSOURCE SECTION OF PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS CONTACT TRACEY ARNAUD ON 01234 740 051
Unit 8, Archers Park, Branbridges Road East Peckham, Kent TN12 5HP Email: info@theimagingcentre.co.uk Tel: 01622 871449
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Art Source
Christopher Williams I am a retired civil engineer, having spent most of my working life overseas engaged on large scale projects. Now that I am retired and have more time on my hands I can devote myself to my hobbies and the more important things in life, namely - art, brewing the odd pint of real ale, rebuilding my vintage car and renovating my Victorian cottage in Somerset - a task which seems never ending. I have always been interested in art and nothing gives me more pleasure than to pick up a paint brush, mix the buttery oil paint on my palette and to settle down for the day composing a scene. The challenge of transforming a blank canvas into what I hope, when complete, is a meaningful composition is not only rewarding but can transport one into another world. I am sure that many painters will agree with me when I say that the experience can 'take one out of oneself ' as it were, and although exhausting, the final feeling is exhilarating and rejuvenating to the spirit. I love the invigorating bright colours of nature on a sunny day and try to infuse a ray of sunshine into my work with contrasting strong tones that invoke an uplifting and happy atmosphere. I think this can be borne out by the visitors to my home who comment that the images are lively and refreshing. The compositions are not based on anything in particular, simply ideas from my imagination, which may be inspired by a country kitchen, a cafe scene or perhaps an everyday event from life which I try to replicate on canvas by introducing vibrant colours. I hope my efforts are of interest as I would love to develop my painting into a more full-time occupation. l Tel: 01984 631561 l Email: clwaway@yahoo.co.uk
Catherine Rowe I’m an artist living in the beautiful town of Arundel, West Sussex, in the UK. I work with scraperboard, creating detailed black and white designs (such is the nature of the medium) which I then colour digitally. I originally trained as an illustrator at The Cambridge School of Art in 2010, but now work mainly producing my designs onto products, ranging from greeting cards to furniture! I am hugely influenced by late 19th to early 20th century decorative arts, including works by the likes of William Morris, Josef Frank and Walter Crane - I love working my designs into interiors and base most of my designs today for use as wallpaper, textiles and furnishings. My work tends to have a baseline of a traditional and almost formal Victorian style, but has a bit of a playful, vibrant and contemporary edge! Although I love exploring new trends and styles, it’s important to me for my work to maintain a sense of timelessness - I enjoy the idea of my work being difficult to place in time! My subject matter mostly consists of wildlife - I have always enjoyed studying natural forms and am a total country bumpkin. I’m always on the lookout for plants and wildlife that might make an interesting design. My images have been licensed onto cards, clients include Woodmansterne, Museums & Galleries and Pigment, puzzles, ceramics for Roy Kirkham, prints, cross-stitch kits and most recently onto mobile phone covers for Stringberry. The most exciting project to date was designing the Christmas stamps for the Isle of Man. I am represented by Yellow House Art Licensing. If you are interested in licensing one of my images or would like to talk about a commission please contact them. l Tel: 07879278100 l Email: hello@yellowhouseartlicensing.com l Web: www.yellowhouseartlicensing PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE
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PG asked a selection of card retailers for their ‘hot’ card sellers. John Barratt, owner of The Card Centre, Felixstowe, Suffolk A small shop, in a seaside town, with a loyal locals and destination shoppers customer base. Category
Name of Publisher
Product/Name Range
Comments
Photographic
Museums & Galleries
BBC Planet Earth II and Blue Planet II
Abacus
Gardeners’ World
Colcards
Rennie Mackintosh and William Morris
Sarah Cemmick
General
Above: Musical magic, a piano design from Erlenmeyer. Right: A panda linocut design from Sarah Cemmick.
ArtPress
Royal Academy
Contemporary
Erlenmeyer
General
Paper Bird
Fauna
Such beautiful images on cards and notelets from the BBC’s documentaries, and environmentally friendly too as they are plastic free. Really colourful, beautiful photos of lovely gardens. Rennie Mackintosh has always had a cult following but at the moment he’s very popular. The cards are also relevant due to the recent fire; a terrible tragedy in Glasgow. The William Morris cards are very good too. Found at PG Live, this artist creates very attractive linocut designs that are stunning as cards. Stunning pieces of art from the Royal Academy on cards and lovely notelets too. A lovely series of designs featuring musical instruments, such as a piano, clarinet or drums by artist Stephanie Gray, some with animals playing them, others without. These are brilliant and quirky, particularly the designs of knitting sheep and birds wearing shoes.
Art
Diane Chambers, owner of Card Galleries, Gillingham, Kent A small shop, in a market town, with a mature loyal locals customer base. Category
Name of Publisher
Product/Name Range
Comments
Humour
Rainbow Cards (Ling)
General
Country Cards
General
Art
Rothbury Publishing
Across The Board
Contemporary
Nigel Quiney
Pizazz
Traditional
Jonny Javelin
Across The Board
Handmade/ Hand-Finished Children’s
Simon Elvin
Isabel’s Garden
Jonny Javelin
Twingles
Ancillary
Joe Davies
Equilibrium Jewellery
Gentle humour on relatable topics that Hope you feel bring a smile. Better Again, gentle humour, and the ‘Get Well’ designs, especially for men, are unusual and sell particularly well. A lovely artistic offering of vintage trains, boats and planes that appeal to men. A very good price point and the designs cover a broad spectrum of female ages. Much thought goes into the design of these cards, as well as strong attractive colours that are supported by the sentiments. Very good value designs for the design and finishes, as are all Simon Elvin’s cards. Children’s age relations and open birthday cards for 1 to 14 year-olds, with appropriate themes for the ages. Great quality extremely good jewellery that I’ve stocked for quite a few years without any faults.
Right: Great for a male card send, a Get Well design from Country Cards.
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Suzanne Heasman, co-owner of Gemini Greetings, Heathfield, Sussex A small shop, in a small market town, with a loyal locals and destination shoppers customer base. Category
Name of Publisher
Product/Name Range
Comments
Humour
Paper House (GBCC)
Fit For A King
Paper House (GBCC)
Bob On
Cherry Orchard
Wot A Mug
Carte Blanche
Up Close
Gibson (UKG)
Into The Meadow
Traditional
IC&G
Across The Board
Giftwrappings
Hotchpotch (CBG)
Summer Daze rollwrap, folded wrap, bags and tissue paper
Designs with quirky plays on words that are not naughty so can’t be interpreted the wrong way. Customers tell me that they can relate to the funny situations, or they remind them of someone they know! New instore, the humour isn’t rude or crude, and the wedding and anniversary designs are selling particularly well as there are not many humour cards in this area of the market. The definition of the 3D holographic images are amazing! There are new black and white designs featuring children and new additions to the animal collection. We always receive compliments about this range. The flowers are photographed and embossed so look raised and the design continues though the whole card. People travel to our store for this publisher’s age relations and occasions designs; it has such unusual card titles. The bright neon flamingo design is going really well, and all the tropical designs are summery and a bit different.
Right: Beautiful sentiments on a lovely Into The Meadow card from UKG. Below: Bright and tropical, flamingo wrap from Hotchpotch’s Summer Daze collection.
Photographic
Carol Monteverde, owner of Greetings Haslingden, Lancashire A medium shop, in a small town, with a loyal locals customer base. Category
Name of Publisher
Product/Name Range
Comments
Everyday
Hallmark
Across The Board
Cute
Gibson (UKG)
Nutmeg
Right: Sunny By Sue creates many beautiful hand-painted designs on gin and prosecco glasses.
IC&G
Barley
Quitting Hollywood (Distributed by Words ‘n’ Wishes) IC&G
Paw Play, Game On
Second Nature
Across The Board
History & Heraldry
Top Lass Personalised Tote Bags Hand-painted gin and prosecco glasses A Little
Being a Hallmark Gold Crown indie store, much of our stock is controlled by the publisher - its wide selection of designs have always sold very well. Quite new to us, Nutmeg is a teddy bear character with a fresh and simple look. Another cute bear but this range covers relations and occasions titles, and even those ‘just because…’ sends for relations, such as sister. Cherrypicking the designs across all of the publisher’s ranges, we select the tamer designs for the racks and a few naughtier ones for the under the counter selection. Really wordy designs that just fly out. The sentiments and decorative design elements run right through the whole card, not just on the front. All of the publisher’s ranges have sold well, but we’ve stocked the Champagne range for 10 years and it’s still a strong seller. A really strong fold-away bag that can be personalised. It's a nice inexpensive gift - they sell year in year out. Every time we get these instore they just sell out! And now we are receiving the prosecco flutes. They are beautifully hand-painted. Sentiment is strong in the North, and these little bracelets packaged with sentimental words and a giftbag are a perfect little present. Popular all year round, recently the personalised products was a favourite for gifts for teachers at the end of term.
Humour
Traditional Handmade/HandFinished Ancillary
Sunny By Sue Joma Jewellery Creation Express
Eternal
Personalised mugs, plaques, keyrings
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PRODUCT DIRECTORY
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To appear in the Product Directories contact
Warren Lomax
020 7700 6740 or email warren@max-publishing.co.uk or contact
Tracey Arnaud
07957 212 062
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or email traceya@max-publishing.co.uk
01565 830 546 | bexyboo.co.uk @BexyBooLtd
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To appear in the Product Directories simply contact
Warren Lomax on:
020 7700 6740
or email on warren@max-publishing.co.uk or contact
Tracey Arnaud on:
07957 212 062
or email on traceya@max-publishing.co.uk
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BexyBooLtd
@BexyBooLtd
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Publishers of quality blank greeting cards
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Caspari Ltd Linden House, John Dane Player Court
Order Online
East Street, Safffrron W Waalden Essex, CB10 1LR Teel: 01799 513010 T Faax: 01799 513101 F Email: inffoo@caspari.co.uk ww ww w.CaspariOnline.com
www.bugart.co.uk
Products: Everyday cards - birthday,
Tel: 0115 929 4776 enquiries@bugart.co.uk
blank & occasions, charity Christmas cards, gifftt wrap, bags, tissue, ribbon, hankies, napkins, paper plate, candles, placemats, crackers,invitations, placecards, notecards,diaries, address books, journals, advent calendars and bridge gifftts.
Method of Sale: Direct to Retail
made with great imagination
@thecuriousinksmith
01892 838 574
sales@thecuriousinksmith.co.uk
www.cathtatecards.com
To appear in the Product Directories contact
Witty, gritty, switched on humour. Cards and gifts with a real difference. Unit 1, 45 Morrish Road London SW2 4EE Tel: 0208 671 2166 Fax: 0208 678 1119 info@cathtatecards.com
Warren Lomax
020 7700 6740 or email warren@max-publishing.co.uk or contact
Tracey Arnaud
07957 212 062
or email traceya@max-publishing.co.uk
PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE
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PRODUCT DIRECTORY
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To appear in the Product Directories simply contact
Warren Lomax on:
020 7700 6740
or email on warren@max-publishing.co.uk or contact
Tracey Arnaud
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The UK No. 1 in etings Licensed Greetings Overr 30 licenses nses including: including D Disney, y, Peppa Peppa Pig Pig, He Kitty Hello Kitty,, Mr Men a d Angry and A Birdss t: +44 +44 (0)1264 388400 e: enquiries@gemma-international.co.uk nati ona w: gemma-international.co.uk
on:
07957 212 062
CARDS â&#x20AC;˘ WRAP â&#x20AC;˘ PARTY â&#x20AC;˘ GIFTS
or email on traceya@max-publishing.co.uk
Eye catching, luxurious Gift Wraps, Gift Tags, Gift Bags, Roll Wrap, Tissue Papers & Ribbons for all occasions Glick, Unit 1 Allenby House, European Industrial Park, Knowles Lane, Bradford BD4 9AB Tel: 01274 655980 email: sales@glick.co.uk www.glick.co.uk
TM
GRASS ROOTS
INTERNATIONAL
G RASS R OOTS INTERNATIONAL
Welsh and English cards
A U.K owned Greeting Cards Publisher. Our everyday ranges for all occasions and relations include traditional, contemporary, cute, humour and photographic designs. We also have a full range of Christmas and Spring Seasons. All products are designed and printed in the U.K on the finest quality board.
BRANDS â&#x20AC;&#x153;Write from the Heartâ&#x20AC;? brand includes; Corsage, Sentiments, Champagne, Celebrations and Jelly Beans.
To appear in the Product Directories simply contact
M ETHOD OF SALE Direct to Retail
G RASS R OOTS INTERNATIONAL
Warren Lomax
Units 4 - 4A Valentines Buildin g Ra cec our se Bus in ess Par k Aintr ee, Liver poo l, L9 5 AL Tel: 0151 52 3 9600 Fax : 015 1 523 494 9 e-m ail: s ales@ writefr om th ehear t.co.uk
on:
020 7700 6740
or email on warren@max-publishing.co.uk or contact
from the
â&#x20AC;˘ 2Î?HULQJ D IXOO SODQQLQJ VHUYLFH with merchandising and retail development opportunities.
Tracey Arnaud on:
07957 212 062
or email on traceya@max-publishing.co.uk
â&#x20AC;˘ UK Market leaders with humour, art, photographic, contemporary and traditional occasions & relations cards, plus seasonal.
www.draenog.com Ç&#x2C6; 07815 153582
â&#x20AC;˘ Specialists in garden centres and the independent trade.
agents wanted
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High Quality Greeting Cards, Gift Bags, Gift Wrap & Ta Tags for every occasion.
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*GCF 1HĆ&#x201A;EG +353 (0)404 20528 Email info@garlanna.com www.garlanna.com
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Find The Great British Card Company on:
Beautiful greeting cards from contemporary British artwork
SUPPLIER
www.dryredpress.com
www.greatbritishcards.co.uk Waterwells Drive, Gloucester GL2 2PH Tel: 01452 888970
T +44 (0) 1273 241210 E info@dryredpress.com
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AR RT TISTS CARDS glebecottage.co.uk 01626 369269 Esta ab blished 1993
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CHARITY GREETING CARDS One of the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading publishers of Charity Greeting Cards. Impress offers a wide collection of images, including fine art, graphic, photographic and cute. We also offer a bespoke design service for bulk orders and/or mail order fulfilment. Impress Publishing Appledown House Barton Business Park New Dover Road Canterbury, Kent CT1 3TE Tel: 01227 811 611 Fax: 01227 811 618 email: info@impresspublishing.co.uk
PHOTOGRAPHY glebecottage.co.uk 01626 369269
60 years
Your Number One Supplier of Numerals, Name, Relation & Age Labels for Greetings Cards. Huge selection with immediate deliveryy.. Buy direct or from your wholesalerr.. Listan Labels 3 Isis Court, Wyndyke Furlong, Abingdon Business Park, Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX1 5JN Te T el 01235 465489 Fax 01235 532118 www.listanpublications.co.uk sales@listanpublications.co.uk
www.lottie-murphy.com lottie@lottie-murphy.com 07716 304741
AGENTS WANTED
Estaab blished 1993 PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE
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LING DESIGN
www.lingdesign.co.uk
01892 838 574
information@lingdesign.co.uk
Silk Screened Retro, Pop & Classic Cards Inspired by Music and 1960â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s American Advertising.For all Vinyl & Rock nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Roll lovers
L E T U S TA K E YOU BAC K
For further details please get in touch.
info@vincentmcevoy.com
+44 (0)7779 578340
AG E N T S WA N T E D : Æ« Æ«Ä&#x2018;Æ« Æ« Æ«Ä&#x2018;Æ« Æ« Æ«Ä&#x2018;Æ« Æ«Ä&#x2018;Æ«
LING DESIGN The UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading privately owned publisher of Greetings Cards and Stationery. ...The home for and
Products: Greetings cards for all occasions, Christmas and Spring Seasons cards, gift wrap and bags, charity cards, social stationery. Bespoke service for charities and other fundraisers. Ling Design Ltd 14-20 Eldon Way, Paddock Wood, Kent TN12 6BE Tel: 01892 838574 enquiries@lingdesign.co.uk www.lingdesign.co.uk
Products An exciting and innovative range of quality Birthday, Relations, Special Occasions, Art and Humorous greeting cards. Full range of Christmas and Spring Seasons merchandise. Comprehensive collection of handmade cards. Pizazz Gifts.
Brand Names Pizazz, Pizazz Gallery, Pizazz Jewell, Pizazz for Men, What a Picture, Time Out, Bon Bon, Marshmallow Cloudesley House â&#x20AC;¢ Shire Hill â&#x20AC;¢ Saffron Walden â&#x20AC;¢ CB11 3FB T: 01799 520200 F: 01799 520100 www.nigelquiney.com
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TRADE WEBSITE: Ä&#x2039; Ä® Ä&#x2039; 01780 763 368
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p p paperlink... the home of fabulous cards!
originalposter.com
All our cards are supplied on consignment, so you only pay for what you sell. We also supply card fixtures and spinners free-on-loan.
356 Kennington Rd London SE11 4LD T 020 7582 8244 info@paperlink.co.uk k www.paperlink.co.uk Paperlinkcards
@ @paperlinkcards
We replace slow sellers and damaged stock free of charge. We merchandise regularly, so you don’t have to. THAT’S WHY WE’RE ORIGINAL!
01932 267 300 Exquisite Design, Beautiful Cardss Key brands include Marzipan, Portobello, Mosaic, Daisy Patch, Aquarupella and Designers Guild, plus many more.
Uk publisher of Greetings Cards with an extensive range of quality Birthday, Relations, Occasions and Seasonal product... available from
LING DESIGN
Tel: +44 (0)115 986 0115 Email: info@paperrose.co.uk www.paperrose.co.uk www.artgroupcards.co.uk PaperRoseCards TheArtGroupCards The_Art_Group Our Brands: Laughter with Animals, Sporting Fun The Funny Side of Life.
Method of sale: Direct to Retail 14-20 Eldon Way, Paddock Wood, Kent TN12 6BE Tel: 01892 838574 enquiries@lingdesign.co.uk www.lingdesign.co.uk
NEW COLLECTION
LUXURY GIFT PACKAGING Design-led Stationery, Gifts, Calendars, Diaries and Cards Brands Laura Ashley, Roald Dahl, Lily & Val, Vintage Ladybird, Caroline Gardner, Monsoon, Born to Shop, Flash Gordon, Boofle and many more.
ICONIC LICENCED BRANDS
01892 838 574 www.pennykennedy.co.uk
Our In-house design studio and established supply chain enables us to offer bespoke services. tel: +44 (0) 1225 329494 email: sales@porticodesigns.com website: www.porticodesigns.com
raspberr yblossom.com hello@raspberryblossom.com 020 3723 5405
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the e-taste e-buds.co.uk Products: Greetings Cards, Gift Wrap, Gift Bags, Social Stationery, Mugs and Glasses, Partyware
The UK’s leading publisher of highest quality handmade Greetings Cards.
Brands: Card Essentials Designer Collection Greetings Impressions Inspirations In Touch ,VDEHO·V *DUGHQ Planet Happy With You In Mind
Method of sale: Wholesale Distributors
Simon Elvin Limited Wooburn Industrial Park, Wooburn Green, Bucks HP10 0PE Tel: 01628 526711 Fax: 01628 531483 www.simonelvin.com mail@simonelvin.com
Products: Greetings cards for all occasions, Christmas and Spring Seasons. Spinners and other retail displays available.
Sensations International Ltd Unit 6, Quad Road,East Lane Business Park,East lane, Wembley,MIDDLESEX HA9 7NE Tel. 0208 3854470 Fax: 0208 385 4471 Email: sales@sensationsinternational.com PRODUCTS: World’s leading publisher of high quality plastic greeting cards. Also an extensive range of quality greeting cards covering Everyday, Occasions, Christmas and Spring seasons. BRANDS: Cherished Thoughts, Sweet Sentiments, Buddies Always, Symphony, Thinking of You, Style, Special Wishes, Special Times, Young Editions, Groove Sensations, Forever Blessed, Grey Skies, Classics. METHOD OF SALE: Direct to retail.
To appear in the Product Directories simply contact
Talking Pictures Cards Ltd 14-20 Eldon Way, Paddock Wood, Kent, TN12 6BE
Tel: 01892 838574 enquiries@talkingpics.co.uk www.talking-pictures.co.uk
&DUGV &DOHHQQGDUV &R & RDVWHUV 1RWHEER RRNV
Warren Lomax on:
020 7700 6740
or email on warren@max-publishing.co.uk or contact greeting cards & contempoRary gifts www.redbackcards.com e: info@redbackcards.com t: 01803 712793
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Tracey Arnaud on:
07957 212 062
or email on traceya@max-publishing.co.uk
w: www.tomcatcards.co.uk e: tomcat@tomcatcards.co.uk t: 01243 837300
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PRODUCT DIRECTORY
l PRODUCT DIRECTORY
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We offffer a COMPREHE
range of hig Greeting Ca ALL Occasions, AS
and easons.
Sale: Direct to R
il: inffo o@words-n eb: www w..words-n
DIRECT TO RETAIL & EXPORT
view by rufus designed in thames ditton
sniff out our wide range of greetings card
Market Leaders in
Verse
& entimen
an extensive range of superior quality,
jimm my y chews
TEL: 01480 435562 FAX: 01480 450599 www.tracksltd.com UNIT 2, 12 BLACKSTONE RD, STUKELEY MEADOWS IND EST, HUNTINGDON, CAMBS, PE29 6EF
topdog@view by rufus.com 020 8972 9706
viewbyrufus.com
design-led Greeting Cards for all occasions, Spring Seasons & Christmas.
Art Cards eA Botanical Fine
Tel: 01942 233201
Vibrant and nd elegant gree greeting cards A freshly fr modern perspective on nature
Call Now 075 7700 1145 www.zaquarella.co.uk info@ zaquarella.com
register fo for a trade account: www w..viewrufus i f .com/b2b /b2b
Method of Sale: Direct to Retail Orders can be placed on our trader site
www.cbgtrader.co.uk or call our customer services team on
+44(0)1243 792600
To appear in the Product Directories simply contact
Warren Lomax on:
020 7700 6740
or email on warren@max-publishing.co.uk or contact
Tracey Arnaud on:
Top-notch British Greeting Cards for Thoughts that Count
01923 200600 | www.woodmansterne.co.uk
07957 212 062
or email on traceya@max-publishing.co.uk PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE
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magnus RUPERT
TRADING
EUROPEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LEADING GREETINGS CARDS, PARTY PRODUCTS, GIFTS, CANDLES, TOYS, STATIONERY AND FLORIST SUNDRIES DISTRIBUTION CENTRE 75000 SQ FT BESCOT CRESCENT, WALSALL, WEST MIDLANDS. WS1 4NG 01922-646666 www.greetingshouse.co.uk info@greetingshouse.co.uk MON,WED,FRI 8.00am-4.45pm TUES,THURS 8.00am-7.45pm SAT,SUN 8.00am-1.45pm
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Polypropylene & biodegradable bag specialists
GREETING CARD
Over 40 years quality service to the trade Hotfoiling also available
T 01206 396209 E sales@badgerconverters.co.uk www.badgerconverters.co.uk
GIVE E YOUR
BAGS
Manuffacturers of high quality fllexible packaging 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE - QUA UALITTY Y SERVICE EXTENSIVE STOCK RANGE - QUICK DE ELIVERY ASSURED
- HEADER BAGS - WA WALLET BAGS - ZIPPER BAGS - FLEXOGRAPHIC, HOTFOIL & THEERMAL PRINTING www.transrappackagin ng.co.uk sales@transrap.co o.uk
V VIP
CALL US TODA AY
TREA AT A TMENT
01773 5378 810
HIGH CLARITY L TY Y BA AGS FOR R GREETING G ET T NG CARD DS, CALEND EN N ARS ARS AND AND D ARTW TWORK WORK
ENVELOPES
ŏ ŏđŏ ŏ FOIL LB BLOCKING NG G EXTE XTENSIVE NSIV VE R V RANG RA ANGE OF ST STOCK S SIZES IZ ZES AND B AND BES E ESPO OKE KE MANUF KE MANU UF FACTU TUR TURE T U E AT TED D WRAPPING SERVICE NEW AUTOMA
CALL CA CAL C LL US ST TO ODAY OD
0122 1228 228 2 28 8 56 5605 60 052 26 6 www.fful ulcrumfilms. ulcrrum mfillm ms s co.uk uk
FOR ALL YOUR ENVELOPE NEEDS! Largest range of in-stock colours Over 400 Bespoke Envelope Sizes 8 Sizes Permanently in Stock RECYCLED
100% Recycled Paper Av Available
PAPER A
Stock & Bespoke Cello Bags Peel & Stick Envelopes p Bespoke Service on Request
ORDER ON LINE AT: www.regentenvelopes.com 01274 583000 sales@regentenvelopes.com
We’ve been producing p bags of high clarity and high quality q for over 30 years. 01274 220 220 www w.wrapid.co.uk sales@wrapid.co.uk
PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE
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Quality Bespoke Envelopes! From 5,000 quantity to many millions we can produce excellent quality envelopes for you. Plain, printed, coloured & textured finish. 100% recycled & FSC available. Please call us on 0843 5066684 with your enquiry or visit our website
www.ukenvelopecentre.co.uk We will be delighted to help!
FLITTERING FOR ALL YOUR FLITTER REQUIREMENTS
ABL Foil Ltd Unit 1, Industrial Estate East Hanningfield Chelmsford Essex, CM3 8AB
Contact DAVID JIGGINS Tel: 01245 400104 Email: david@abl-ltd.co.uk
PRINTERS
PJ Print
(London)
The Capitals only specialist Greetings card printer
HOME OF THE LASER CUT GREETING CARD We are proud to be recognised as the specialist UK and global manufacturer for the greeting card industry for over 40 years
PJ Print (London) The Capitals only Greetings card printer
PJ-PRINT E-mail: sales@pj-print.co.uk The Print Works Colville Road, Acton London W3 8BL tel 020 8993 5160 www.pj-print.co.uk
E-mail: sales@pj-print.co.uk The Print Works
To discuss how we could To d work with you, contact Simon King 0115 928 77 7 66 sales@sherwoodgroupuk.com www w..sherwoodgroupuk.com
Colville Road, Acton, London W38BL tel 020 8993 5160 www.pj-print.co.uk Hadden Court, Glaisdale Parkw Parkway, way, Glaisdale Drive West, Nottingham, NG8 4GP
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Introducing a joint venture from
Following new investments in our digital printing facility we can help you with shortt run prints, rapid stock replenishmeent, market testing, design sampling and promotional produccts. Our expert digital printing, finishing and packing facilities allow us to provide • high quality • fast turnaround • competitive pricing
Our specialist services includ de: Digital and personalised greeting caards Short-run print Flitter, foil, emboss, die-cut finishess Bespoke gifts including mugs, coasters, notepads and much moree Promotional items Marketing literature Exhibition graphics /stands Stationery Brochures... and many more Pick, pack and distribution
If you would like to discover how we could help you, please contact our saless team:
0114 250 1150 •
YOUR MANUFACTURING PARTNER FOR VALUE ADDED PRODUCTS English speaking production team, prices quoted in sterling... and only 3 days delivery to THE UK...
Really... and there s no VAT to pay or customs procedures either...that's a great deal!
• Hand made and hand finished greeting cards • Boxed sets and acetate packs of cards / envelopes • Giftwrap and tag packs • Individually open and closed wrapped cards • 'Pop up' and cardboard engineered products • Notelets and social stationery • Specialised printing on plastics & lenticular
07974 133735 • sales@digitalhubukk.com
DISPLAY AND SPINNERS Tel: 01929 550085 Email: sales@westminsterwire.com Web: www.westminsterwire.com
Home of the Wire Spinner Stand
The Wire Spinner is proven to be the most cost effective method to display and enhance products. We also offer sheet metal, wood, acrylic and cardboard solutions or a combination of materials.
For production enquiries, estimates etc., please contact our UK Agent:
Rob Pearson 07710 132 232 rob@solutions-polska.com FSC accredited (BV-COC-002485). Audited member of SMETA. Printing to ISO12674-2 standard.
To appear in the Classified pages simply contact
Warren Lomax 020 7700 6740 or email on warren@max-publishing.co.uk PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE
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WAREHOUSING & DISTRIBUTION
SPECIALISTS IN SHORT RUN MULTI IMAGE PRINT s Foiling Services without the need for dies s Wiro bound notebooks, no minimum quantity s In House Fulfilmment Services
T 01274 305832 E info@hellocards.co.uk www.hellocards.co.uk
Same day order turna around Accurate fulfilment Value added only as you sell the product
THE SPECIALIST GREE ETINGS CARD PRINTE ER
Exclusively Greeting Cards Dedicated Account Managers
Litho Print
Die-cutting
Digital Print
Flittering
Foiling
Packing
Embossing
Distribution
With an excellent reputation we work as an integral part of yourr team bringing QYGL QSVI XLER JYPǻPQIRX 4YV GSWXMRK WXVYGXYVI MW WMQTPI ERH XVERWTEVIRX ;I ; I GEVV] SYX EPP EWTIGXW SJ LERH ǻRMWLMRK ERH EWWIQFP] ERH TVSZMHI [LEXIZIV EHHMXMSREP WIVZMGIW ]SY RIIH 4YV WIPIGX XIEQ SJ SYX[SVOIVW GEVIJYPP] LERH [VET ER] WM^I SV JSVQEX SJ GEVHW YVKIRXP] 4ZIVRMKLX ;I GEVI EFSYX ]SYV TVSHYGX EW QYGL EW ]SY HS &XXIRXMSR XS HIXEMP 6( .WWYIW ;I ERH .8 WYTTSVXIH F] E GSQTVILIRWMZI TETIV XVEMP JS T JSV EPP WXSGO QSZIQIRXW EVI SYV
Tel:0127 e 4 4531828 Email: info@herbertw o alkers.co.uk
www.herbertwalkers.co.u uk
LEPPQEVOW 4YV GER HS ETTVSEGL QIERWW [I EVI LETT] XS WSPZI ]SYV TVSFPIQW 4YXWSYVGMRK ]SYV [EVILSYWMRK STIVEXMSR VIPIEWIW ]SYV XMQI XS CREA AT TE/MARKET/SELL/ MANAGE/ /GROW THE BUSINESS =SYV FYWMRIWW MW SYV FYWMRIWW T =S TPIEWI ZMWMX Z SYV [IF WMXI ERH WII [LEX SYV GYWXSQIVW WE] XLIR XS ǻRH SYX S QSVI GEPP Ly Lynda Raymond ERH TIVLETW [I GER EVVERKI XS QIIX ERH HMWGYWW ]SYV RIIHW . EQ WYVI XLEX [I GER G LIPT
LB Warehousing 9RMXW Ȧ ȶ ȴ ;E]WMHI ;EVILSYWIW 8 8S S W I P E R H 3IEV X 3ISXW (EQFVMHKIWLMVI 5*Ȧȟ Ȱ7< Tel ȉȦȏȁȉ ȁȁȉȁȉȉ Fax ȉȦȏȁȉ ȁȁȉȟȉȉ Mobile ȉȮȁȁȟ ȴȟȟȴȏȦ P]RHE%PF [EVILSYWMRK GS YO
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APPOINTMENTS
+Something Classy + EXCLUSIVE GIFTWRAP
Established sales agents required, nationwide Something Classy imports exclusive giftwrap, guaranteeing that we can offer our customers something different. Our collection includes high quality paper, metallic, and holographic designs, with complementary gift dressings. Extensive stock holdings, and UK & European suppliers, enable us to offer next working day delivery on the majority of our collection. Successful candidates will be introducing an exciting collection of gift wrap and accessories to the market. Candidates with contacts in the stationery and gift trades, not currently carrying giftwrap, may be offered the unique opportunity to join us. Early application is advised to secure your established territory. We offer competitive rates of commission, always paid promptly, and offer full commission for repeat and direct orders.
Interested? Email your CV to sales@somethingclassy.co.uk, or call Ian Raybould on 01543 480914
www.somethingclassy.co.uk We look forward to impressing you
Card works
CONVERT Y EXCESS ST OUR OCKS TO CASH TODA Y!
EXCESS GREETING CARD STOCKS? WE OFFER A PROFESSIONAL CLEARANCE SERVICE FOR EXCESS & REDUNDANT STOCKS OF GREETING CARDS, WRAPPING PAPER, GIFTS & ALLIED PRODUCTS O GUARANTEED OFFER WITHIN 24 HOURS O WE COLLECT O PROMPT PAYMENT O UNFINISHED PRODUCTION CONSIDERED O MOST TRANSACTIONS COMPLETED WITHIN 7 DAYS O FULLY CONFIDENTIAL O 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE
SEND SAM PLES AND STOC K QUANTITIE S TODAY!
CARDWORKS CLEARANCE SERVICES 92 Station Road, Willingham, Cambridge CB24 5HG
Email: cardworkstrading@btconnect.com Tel: 01954 260728
Account Manager Trade: www.trade.cathtatecards.com | Retail: www.cathtatecards.com
:H DUH ORRNLQJ IRU D SURDFWLYH $FFRXQW 0DQDJHU WR MRLQ RXU /RQGRQ RIĂ&#x20AC;FH full time, Monday- Friday 9am-5pm. Established over 35 years ago and run by mother and daughter team Cath and Rosie Tate, Cath Tate Cards specialises in humour cards and gifts. As a small business what each member of the team does can be quite Ă XLG :H VXSSO\ D ZLGH UDQJH RI 8. DQG LQWHUQDWLRQDO VWRFNLVWV DQG WKH $FFRXQW 0DQDJHU LV DW WKH KHDUW RI RXU VPDOO VRXWK /RQGRQ RIĂ&#x20AC;FH WHDP The Account Manager will be the main point of contact for key customer accounts, involved in dealing with new product submissions to shops and dealing with key accounts across all aspects of our business with them. You will also be involved in other aspects of the business, including product development, stock management, social media, and website maintenance and development. :H DUH ORRNLQJ IRU VRPHRQH G\QDPLF SHUVRQDEOH DQG D Ă H[LEOH WHDP player. We are looking for someone who appreciates our product. The LGHDO FDQGLGDWH ZLOO KDYH H[SHULHQFH RI ZRUNLQJ ZLWK SURGXFW HLWKHU IRU wholesale or retail. An interest in design and knowledge of design programs DV ZHOO DV H[SHULHQFH RI WUDGH VKRZV ZRXOG EH D ERQXV
6DODU\ GHSHQGHQW RQ H[SHULHQFH The ideal start date would be late Aug 2018 Please email your CV to rosie@cathtatecards.com PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE
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