Progressive Greetings July 2019 by Max Publishing: Print, Digital Media + Events (London)

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July

2019

CMY

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Leader

On The Cards I have listened, read and tried hard to practice mindfulness; to live in the present, enjoy the moment and not get distracted with thoughts about the past or be overly concerned about the future, but I have to confess I am not very good at it. The thing is, I like memories, especially the really good ones. I love sharing recollections of events with people that were there too. Which is one reason why I personally felt really sad when I learned that Gemma International was to cease trading as that company, and the founders/owners, have been part of my life. I remember the excitement when sales of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cards were growing (for the company and the retailers that stocked them) faster than any pizza-eating amphibian could ever run, and I was lucky enough to sail across the channel in Gemma’s ‘turtle boat’, bought largely on the proceeds. Gemma International was a true trailblazer. It brought licensed children’s cards to the market and for many years was riding on the crest of a wave. But that tide has sadly turned on the Andover business, but we should remember what they really did bring to the market. Celebrating a pivotal victory of the past, namely the 75th anniversary of VE Day next May is causing some unexpected chaos in the market as the government in its wisdom decided to shift next May’s first Bank Holiday from Monday 4 May to Friday 8 May, the actual date when the WW11 was declared over. No one is decrying the merit in marking the milestone, far from it, but just that more notice was needed as so many of the 2020 calendars and diaries have now be printed. Good for Daniel Prince, md of Danilo, for pressing business secretary

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Above: Second Nature’s general managers Nicole Schragger (right) and Chris Bryan (left) on the publisher’s stand at PG Live as PG’s Jakki Brown picks the winning ‘egg’ which contained Expressions’ name for a £10,000 holiday prize. Left: PG Live saw Tache and Louise Tiler Designs celebrate their companies’ 5th year anniversaries by sponsoring the lunchroom and opening night party. Tache’s Pennie Bryant (right) and Louise Tiler (left) ‘cheers-ed the crowd at the party with PG’s Jakki Brown and Warren Lomax. Below: Dame Zandra Rhodes (middle) upped the celeb status at PG Live! PG&H’s Sue Marks (right) and PG’s Jakki Brown were in awe of the The Princess of Punk.

Greg Clark for some compensation on behalf of calendar and diary suppliers, though I am not sure he will be victorious. Even closer to home, a notable milestone is to be celebrated within the industry - that of the GCA’s 100th anniversary - and I can’t wait to really get stuck into working with Amanda (Fergusson, ceo of the GCA), the fellow Council Members and Geoff Sanderson (formerly of Moonpig) on creating a wonderful exhibition that tracks the association’s glorious past, as well as the present and the future. With the joys of PG Live behind us (and it was lovely to see so many of you there enjoying the moment), this edition will land very close to The Retas Awards 2019 event (set to be another special afternoon) and then of course there’s lovely Harrogate Home & Gift to enjoy (July 14-17). Past, present and future all have a place. Enjoy your memories and making new ones.

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Contents

Issue:

This Within US ON C

What’s Inside? 33

FO ARDS ART C

43-47

PG Live In Pictures

Good Vibrations PG shares the festive feel in pictures at PG Live 2019.

48-49 In Profile

A Grass Roots Movement Stuart McKay, chairman of Paper Rose, talks about the decision to add Grass Roots’ Write from the Heart ranges to the publisher’s portfolio.

51-59

Innovations

8-23 News

Some lovely new product launches at the Harrogate Home & Gift show.

24-25

60-61

Over The Counter

Retailer Face To Face

Retail Heroics

Fenwick Group’s card buyer Abigail Ball, and assistant merchandiser Lizzie Tillmanns, reveal the new greeting card thrust across the department store's estate.

26-27 Cardsharp

63-65

Cowabunga!

Spring Seasons Trends 2020

Cardsharp muses over topical events happening in the industry.

A Spring Awakening

29-31

Focus On Art Cards: News

Brush Strokes PG paints a picture of the current news from the art cards market.

Playing Ball

David Robertson, co-owner of JP Pozzi in Scotland, releases his ‘sequel’ on indies’ superhero battle inspired by Marvel’s recent movie, Avengers: The Endgame.

69-71 Spotlight On Art Cards

Art Movements A gallery of publishers reveal some artistic trends on art cards shaped by recent art, design, fashion, garden or photographic exhibitions.

72-73

Spotlighting some of the trends and influencers on 2020 Spring Seasons designs.

What’s Hot?

Art Source

Viewpoints

Closely Carded Secrets

66-67

A number of cardies share their special greeting card memories as part of the GCA’s #cardtokeep Instagram campaign.

In Conversation With… Wrendale Designs

76-77

Living The Wild Life

Plastic Free July

Jeremy’s Journal

PG catches up with Wrendale’s coowner Hannah Dale soon after the publisher received a Queen’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade.

33-41 Retailer Viewpoints

Show Stoppers A selection of retailers divulge which publishers’ collections stood out at PG Live last month.

Jeremy Corner of publisher Blue Eyed Sun takes the Plastic Free July pledge.

78-91

Classified

Subscribe to Progressive Greetings from £60 (UK) to £90 (International). You can organise this quickly and easily online at our secure site: Max-Subscriptions.net For assistance, please email maxsubscriptions@marketingreinforc ements.co.uk or call 0207 700 6740.

Tracey Arnaud

Jakki Brown

Warren Lomax

Gale Astley

Ian Hyder

Editor/Joint Owner

Joint Owner

Deputy Editor

Joint Owner

Sales Manager

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Copyright© 2019. 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.

PG is the official magazine for the Greeting Card Association GCA: Amanda Fergusson 020 7619 9266 Email: gca@max-publishing.co.uk www.greetingcardassociation.org.uk PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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NEWS Views on the news

TOP STORY

Top Of The Pops? Sales dampened by late Easter and brutal weather The incredibly rainy weather, late timing of Easter and gravitation to supermarkets for last minute purchasing are just some of the reasons given for Father’s Day sales being somewhat ‘Daddy cool’ for many greeting card specialists this year. “Father’s Day sales were a little flat,” summed up Mark Janson-Smith, md of the award-winning Londonbased Postmark group, revealing that sales in its four stores were down about 5% compared to last year. “The weather the week running up to Father's Day was particularly brutal, which did not help as it impacted on footfall being down about 20%.” John Lewis & Partners’ card buyer, Lisa Rutherford revealed that the Father’s Day card sales for the department store group were “adrift” this year, attributing the drop in sales partly down to the card displays for the occasion being put out two weeks later than in 2018 due to how Easter fell this year. Scribbler’s Father’s Day like-for-like sales were flat, which John Procter, coowner of the specialist group sees as “disappointing” given that its Valentine’s and Mother’s Day like-for-like sales were both up 10%. “Without question the bad weather, especially in our northern stores, impacted sales,” John commented, adding that purchasing was “very late”. A very late purchasing pattern worked in Sainsbury’s favour, with the supermarket sharing that its Father’s Day sales of greeting cards and wrap/bags were up, both in value and volume. Carly Pearson, buyer of cards and wrap for the grocer admitted that there was a final frenzy of buying. “Sales were

very back-ended, with 50% of purchases for the whole event coming in the last three days.” On the indie front, Knaresborough’s Dragonfly Cards & Gifts’ Father’s Day sales pattern was even more extreme. As Rachael Barnes, co-owner of the beacon indie revealed: “Some 60% of all our Father's Day sales came in the last two days, which really meant we had to hold our nerve. At the beginning of the week it looked like I'd over bought, but by the end of Saturday it was definitely a different story. Anyone that says the high street is dead just needed to look in our shop on Saturday we couldn't fit another person in!” After a frantic finish Dragonfly ended up on a par with the previous year’s Father’s Day takings. In what was her first Father’s Day as senior card buyer for Paperchase, Natalie Alexander summed it up as “a good season overall.” Contrary to the buying patterns experienced at Sainsbury’s and Dragonfly, Paperchase saw more of a steady climb. “Unlike Valentine’s Day, for Father’s Day we saw the sales build gradually rather than Top: Paperchase was pleased with all in the last week -although this the way Father’s Day panned out. Above: Humorous cards sold well was potentially affected by the for John Lewis, such as this weather,” suggests Natalie. Woodmansterne design.

Thortful’s thoughtful initiative Online card retailer, Thortful, answered the pleas to create a range of cards that could be sent to bereaved dads this Father’s Day. The Forgotten Fathers collection followed on from the reaction Thortful received to its range of bereaved Mother’s Day cards that it offered earlier this year and sold in aid of the Kicks Count charity. Left: A Dandelion Stationery card from Thortful in the Forgotten Fathers collection.

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PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

A trio of indies share their Father’s Day sales experiences. l Michelle Ellingham, owner Box of Delights in Flitwick was among those to cite the weather as having played a part in its customers’ Father’s Day purchasing. “Our Father’s Day sales were definitely showing signs of improvement at the beginning of June. Unfortunately due to a deluge of rain for the whole week leading up to Father’s Day this did affect footfall, so overall our sales were approximately the same as last year,” reveals Michelle. l Andrea Pinder, co-owner of Unit 7 and Presentation (in Manchester and Barrowford), summing up the performance in her two stores, revealed: “Father’s Day for us was up on cards and down on gifting.” l Meanwhile down in the South-West, Tabi Marsh, of Papilio at Heritage in Thornbury was pleased that her Father’s Day sales were up both on cards and gifts. Tabi experienced an increase in the number of people buying a card that just said ‘Dad’ rather than a specific Father’s Day design. “Following the trend from other Spring occasions, Father’s Day buying was late. The rain meant sales in the week running up to it were definitely focused on the end of the week, but it came good,” Tabi told PG. Below: The GCA’s freely downloadable Father’s Day PoS (developed by UKG) was widely used.

Multi-tasking Dads Clintons adopted a fun slant to its Father’s Day PR this year, issuing findings of research (based on texts) which highlight how the role of our dads have changed and how the greeting cards for their special day reflect this. The survey, based on texts sent from offspring to their fathers, show how being a ‘taxi driver’ is the most common request from their kids, followed by loaning them money, then shopping related tasks and food-linked wishes. The top ten tasks as highlighted by Clintons’ research were: 1. Lifts 28% 2. ‘Loans’ of money 17% 3. Shopping 12% 4. Food-related requests 11% 5. Requests to borrow something valuable, eg car 8% 6. Requests to have friends over 7% 7. Requests for help with DIY or tech 6% 8. Tip-offs about damage caused to something at home 3% 9. Alternative to Google 3% 10. Advice on style and fashion 2% Above: A card design from Emotional Rescue that reflects one of the many roles dads have.

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NEWS TOP STORY

Card-aholics United At PG Live Business met pleasure and £millions worth of orders were placed They came, they saw, they placed orders and importantly had a great time doing it, was the general consensus of Progressive Greetings Live 2019, the dedicated greeting card trade show that took place at the start of June. “Another cracker, well done!! Everyone was so upbeat about things, as well as life in general… remarkable and inspiring in this market!” exclaimed Timothy Melgund, deputy chairman of Paperchase about the show. “There was tons of great product too! New brands, new designs, new concepts… loads to look at. Isn’t it a great industry?” he added. Paperchase, WHSmith, Sainsbury’s, John Lewis, Clintons, Cards Galore, Oliver Bonas, Cardzone, Waterstones, Anthropologie, Fenwick, Dobbies,

Waitrose, Scribbler, Urban Outfitters, Harrods, Tesco, TKMaxx, Fortnum & Mason, Blue Diamond Group, Card Factory, Between the Lines, House of Cards, Thortful, Mayther, Moonpig, Temptations, ASOS and Urban Outfitters were among the many top retail names who came to the show and received a warm welcome from the 230+ exhibiting card publishers. “I loved it on every level!” summed up Sydney-based Jenny Cummins, managing director of McMillan Cards of PG Live. “It was such a happy show, exuding extraordinary

positivity. A tremendous amount of creativity had clearly been put into an abundance of new products, great to see it being so well received.” At the end of the show, having just cashed in a clutch of Golden, Silver and Sunshine tickets that had been spent on the Wendy Jones-Blackett stand (by retailers who were winners and finalists in The Retas card retailing awards), the company’s co-owner Steve JonesBlackett exclaimed: “I am absolutely exhausted, but incredibly uplifted. It has been a hectic two days of concentrated selling and talking in equal measure. PG Live is a shot in the arm, it should be available on the NHS!” Next year’s Progressive Greetings Live will take place on Tuesday 2 June and Wednesday 3 June 2020, again at London’s Business Design Centre. (See pages 33-41 for retailers’ comments on their top product picks and pages 43-47 for photographic evidence of the show) Top: It was a two day greeting card ‘hooray’ for many at PG Live 2019 at which the meeters and greeters were attired in exhibitors’ cards and wrap, and saxophonist Graeme Airth played them in. Above left: McMillan Cards’ Jenny Cummins (left) jetted in from Sydney and enjoyed catching up with Bexy Boo’s Bexy Hassett (centre) and Rosie Harrison, from Rosie Made A Thing. Left: A queue of exhibiting publishers redeeming their Golden, Silver and Sunshine Tickets.

Adding to the Portfolio The names of all retailers registered for Portfolio’s new trade website were put into a rather impressive hat. The first prize of a carriage free order was won by Wickwire of Sheffield, while 36 free Father’s Day cards made their way to the two runners-up - The Scandinavian Shop in Helensburgh and Unique Creations in Oxford. Left: Portfolio’s Jayne Diggory (left) and Natalie Morphet (right) invited PG’s Jakki Brown to delve deep and pick out the winning names.

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PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

£10,000 holiday for Expressions It was “a normal Tuesday morning” for Teresa Sear, owner of Expressions card and gift shop in Haddington, Scotland and then the phone rang. Tim West, Second Nature’s sales manager started the call by asking Teresa how her day was going, to which she replied: “It’s been fairly quiet so far.” There was certainly some noise made when Tim shared the good news that Teresa had won a £10,000 dream holiday of her choice anywhere in the world. The names of all indies who placed an order for Second Nature’s new products by the end of January (and paid to terms) were entered into the holiday prize draw, with the lucky winner being picked by PG’s Jakki Brown on the Second Nature stand on the first morning of Progressive Greetings Live. Above: Teresa Sear outside Expressions saying a big thank you to Second Nature.

Soul Collaborates With Wendy Jones-Blackett Two well-respected greeting card brands, Wendy Jones-Blackett and Soul have collaborated to produce a beautiful stationery collection. Having debuted at PG Live, Soul has gone into production on a range of 13 stationery items based on four designs the Abingdon-based company has licensed from Wendy Jones-Blackett. The products, based on designs from Wendy Jones-Blackett’s Hey Fresco card collection, will be available to retailers from July from Soul, but includes Wendy JonesBlackett branding too. As to how it all came about, Wendy Jones-Blackett, co-owner of the business with her husband Steve, told PG: “Soul has such beautiful stationery and I had been wanting to produce top notch notebooks for some time so I asked David [Hicks, owner of Really Good and Soul] if he’d like to collaborate on a project as he has a great eye for product. Luckily for us he said yes!” While the new stationery products will only be offered through Soul’s salesforce, Wendy acknowledges that the collaboration offers great “dual marketing opportunities” for both companies. Above: David Hicks with Wendy Jones-Blackett on the Soul stand at PG Live.

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NEWS TOP STORY

Gemma Goes Into Liquidation Licensed publisher closes after 34 years After trading for 34 years as a leading licensed greeting card company, Gemma International, the Andover-based licensed greeting card, giftwrap and partyware company has gone into liquidation. Confirming the rumours that were circulating for a while, Amanda Parkin, managing director of Gemma International wrote to the company’s agents at the end of May to inform them of the business’ demise. ‘It is with great regret that I am writing to inform you that Gemma International has announced that it will cease trading. The directors have resolved to put the company into an insolvency process known as a Creditors Voluntary Liquidation,’ Amanda wrote. Rachael Wilkinson and Zelf Hussain of PwC were appointed as joint liquidators. Gemma was founded by Amanda and Tim’s parents Lindesay and Margaret Rudd-Clarke, who as independent toy retailers spotted a gap in the market to produce greeting cards based on the brands that were popular on the toy front.

Zandra was in the pink

Over the years the company has evolved to include licensed giftwrap and partyware, supplying a wide spectrum of retailers, from the major grocers to independent card shops. In addition, it supplied greeting cards into The Entertainer toyshop chain under a brokerage model, including other publishers’ designs. Last year saw the launch of the Studio by Gemma sibling brand that was devised to appeal to independent boutiques. This too has ceased trading. (See Cardsharp pages 26-27 for a historical perspective).

Arriving early on the second day of PG Live was Dame Zandra Rhodes, who this year is celebrating her 50th year in the fashion world. The bright pinked haired legend attracted a great crowd to the Museums & Galleries stand where a collection of Zandra Rhodes cards, stationery, wrap and travel mugs was debuted. Revered in the fashion world for years, Dame Zandra did not hold back in saying how much she loved the new paper products range. “It is lovely to be able to make my mark on the world in this way. I am so thrilled by the marvelous job the Museums & Galleries team has done in interpreting my designs onto the products,” she commented about the new collection, which went down a storm with retailers. Above: Dame Zandra Rhodes with Museums & Galleries’ co-owners Debbie and Alan Williams.

Above: Gemma International’s headquarters and warehouse in Andover.

Ling serves up a Prue Leith card collection Ling Design has cooked up a special greeting card collection with culinary celebrity, Prue Leith, that was served up on the card publisher’s stand by the culinary guru herself at PG Live, thereby adding her unique colourful flavouring to the show. The new licensed card range has been produced in collaboration with Prue and her friend, the artist David Hawson. The greeting cards feature David’s vibrant watercolour art of favourite foodie ingredients to illustrate their shared passion for food and colour. For each design Prue has created a unique corresponding recipe which features on the back of the card. Commenting on the new card collection from Ling’s perspective, Amelia Strawson, marketing manager told PG: “This is significant launch from our point of view. Although we work with some high profile designers on Penny Kennedy, this is quite a different licensing step for Ling, particularly with the addition of the recipes from Prue.” The launch was given a high profile boost in an article that appeared in The Times on the Saturday before the show in which Prue shared her love of business as well as all things culinary. “The thing is, I’m very commercial. I do love business and I can’t resist it,” she said. “So now we’re going to do cards… and calendars and diaries.” Above: Prue Leith (far left) with Ling Design’s (right-left) David Byk, Clare Twigger and Amelia Strawson.

Tache signs with EastWest Greeting card publisher Tache has signed an extensive licensing agreement with EastWest for gifts, homewares and stationery products as a result of both companies getting to know one another through PG Live 2019. “I admit I had not heard of Tache until I saw them co-sponsoring the lunchroom and opening night party at PG Live,” Terry Taylor, director of EastWest told PG. “During the show, at which we were exhibiting too, I went to see the Tache stand and was very impressed with the breadth and original look of the ranges it offers and immediately saw the potential of taking its greeting card artwork and translating it onto gifts and stationery, providing EastWest with something different for our customers,” he added. Right: Tache’s co-owners Pennie Bryant and Frank Nicholls at the entrance to the PG Live lunchroom that was cosponsored by Tache and Louise Tiler Design.

Hallmark’s cup runneth over on the eco front “PG Live saw Hallmark launch its Cup Cycling collection that is being produced using board made by Cumbrian papermakers James Cropper from recycled coffee cups and responsibly sourced paper pulp. Reinforcing its commitment to the 44 design strong range and the environmental message it demonstrates, Hallmark dedicated almost an entire stand at PG Live to the new Cup Cycling collection. “PG Live was the perfect platform for us to launch the collection, appealing to a wide spectrum of retailers both with its strong environmental credentials as well as the diverse mix of design styles and editorial tones,” said Esther Key, Hallmark’s head of marketing. The range, which will be launched into retail in October, spans five distinct capsule collections. Above: (Left-right) Hallmark’s Amanda Del Prete, Laura Brunton, Lucy Hethington and Matt Critchlow on Hallmark’s ‘Cup Cycling’ stand at PG Live.

FOR THE LATEST NEWS VISIT PGBUZZ.net PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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NEWS TOP STORY

Scribbler Trials Print-On-Demand Cards go straight to store via The Imaging Centre’s Simplicity system A potential game-changer in the way publishers supply their cards to Scribbler, the specialist card retailer is trialling a new process whereby publishers’ cards are being printed on demand by The Imaging Centre, using the printer’s Simplicity system, and delivered straight to store. The trial, which got underway in four Scottish Scribbler stores a few weeks ago, involved 48 card designs from eight different card publishers. This was the first time The Imaging Centre’s Simplicity system is being activated by a retailer (through Scribbler’s own portal), albeit with the total agreement of the participating publishers. This supply arrangement has now been extended to Scribbler’s top eight stores, involving 147 designs from a diversity of publishers. “By the end of the year we expect that 20% of the cards we stock will be supplied this way,” John Procter, co-founder of Scribbler told PG. “It makes so much sense on lots of fronts importantly it is environmentallyfriendly as there is no waste, and no full warehouses full of stock for us or for the publishers; it means we need never be out of stock of best sellers as well as being able to offer very regional designs that drill down in to the local pride of an area,” John added. Andrew Webb, Scribbler buyer who has been very involved in the technological logistics of this new development said: “The response we have had from publishers has been incredibly positive. We already have 20 publishers (involving some

BGC Nottingham opens

400 designs) loaded onto the site so are ready to roll and more will follow.” Under this new supply model, publishers are paid a royalty for each card printed and sent to a Scribbler store using the Simplicity system. This whole new arrangement was sparked by a talk that John Procter gave at The Ladder Club in November 2017 to newbie and emerging publishers in which he vocalised how he believed there had to be ways of improving the supply chain in the card industry. As a longtime sponsor of The Ladder Club, The Imaging Centre’s directors Bob and Adam Short were in the audience. “Recognising that John shared our vision for the future and the improvements to efficiency print on demand offers we immediately made contact,” said Adam Short, md of The Imaging Centre. Scribbler joins 320 card publishers (as well as Irish card distributor MEG) now using the Simplicity system, which works whereby the publisher can set to print cards for a specific retailer order and the cards are then sent straight to the customer. Top: One of Scribbler’s Glasgow stores. Above: A Claire Buckley designs (top) and (above) a Gie It Laldy Scottish design that featured in the Scottish store trial.

A Simple Simplicity draw The Imaging Centre launched Simplicity three years ago at PG Live and “at this year’s show one in four of all the exhibitors are using it,” confirmed Adam Short, md of the print company. The Imaging Centre ran a prize draw at PG Live. Publishers going on the stand were entered into the draw to win some printed stock. Louise Mulgrew won the first prize of £200 worth free print. The second prize of £100 worth of free print went to Aardvark Press, while the third prize of £50 of free print went to Huetribe. Right: (Right-left) Julie Brightley (The Imaging Centre), Amanda Fergusson (GCA), Giannina Antola (Aardvark Press), Louise Mulgrew (Louise Mulgrew Designs), Adam Short (The Imaging Centre) and Tineka Smith (Huetribe).

As part of its ambitious expansion plan, Budget Greeting Cards has opened a Nottingham branch, meaning the greeting card, partyware, stationery and gift wholesaler is now trading from nine branches in the UK and Eire. As revealed by PG, the opening in Nottingham is the first of five new branches that BGC has set its sights on, though the other locations have yet to be announced. Commenting on the new Nottingham branch, Paul, who remains very much at the helm of the business, states that the launch of the Nottingham site is the first step in its plans to establish a ‘bricks and mortar’ presence in geographic areas that have not had a BGC branch local to them in the past. “Nottingham was an obvious choice for this first additional branch as we are aware of the size of the existing market from the number of our customers who already travel to our other branches. This location will offer greater reach into the East Midlands and beyond, enabling customers who haven’t had access to the quality of our exclusive product offering before,” said Paul. BGC is running a special promotion in the Nottingham branch from until September 1 offering a generous 50% discount off ‘current’ greeting cards on its shelves. Above: The new Nottingham branch opened in mid June.

Cath Tate’s collab with Wot Ma Like Cath Tate Cards has collaborated with publisher Wot Ma Like on Modern Icons, a range of greeting cards based on the striking artwork of Geordie illustrator Jo Burrow, founder of Wot Ma Like card and gift company. The new range, which was a major focus of Cath Tate Cards’ stand at PG Live, features modern celebrities - from pop stars (such as Freddie Mercury and Bowie) to artists (such as Frida Kahlo and Grayson Perry) and even Liverpool FC’s Jürgen Klopp - each with a quirky caption. “We heard about Jo/Wot Ma Like through our North West agent Jill Knopov as Jill was selling Jo’s cards and gifts in her area (a fellow Northern lass!). I could tell Jo had a great sense of humour from her regional product so I spoke to her about adding captions and making them into a card range, and voilà, the Modern Icons range was born!” said Rosie Tate, director of Cath Tate Cards. Above: Celebrities are among the library of Wot Ma Like characters that feature in the Modern Icons collection from Cath Tate.

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NEW DESIGNS AVAILABLE JULY 2019

Award Winning Best Sellers

Made in Great Britain

Made in Britain to ensure continuity of supply Premium quality Stunning new designs with personalised heartfelt verses Direct to Retail product available from leading Wholesalers

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NEWS Views on the news

TOP STORY

l Jack Straw, md of

Bank Holiday date causes havoc Govt’s date change triggers mayhem on calendars and diaries The Government’s late call on the date change for next May’s Bank Holiday, to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day, is causing havoc for suppliers and retailers of calendars and diaries. Publishers and retailers are considering the best course of action to minimise consumer confusion following the government’s decision to switch next year’s early May Bank Holiday from Monday 4 May to Friday 8 May with less than 11 month’s notice as many of the 2020 dated products have already been produced. While in no way decrying the merit in marking the VE Day milestone, as soon as Danilo’s managing director, Daniel Prince realised the far reaching implications of the date change to publishers and retailers he wrote to the Business Secretary, Greg Clark, demanding for the government to recompense calendar and diary publishers and retailers who are affected by the very late call on changing the date of next May’s first Bank Holiday. Having received a derisory response, Daniel is now pushing for a more considered response. Environmental waste and cost preclude the products being reprinted, with publishers and retailers now working together to agree on how best to ensure the consumer is alerted as to the correct date. Remedies include additional point of sale, over stickering or inserting a notification leaflet into the affected products. Covering both the retailing and publishing aspects, David Pike, managing director of Calendar Club and ceo of Carousel Calendars, commented to PG: “We were shocked to read of the change of the Bank Holiday at such short notice. Of course we understand the thinking behind the change and it is great to highlight VE Day, but to announce the change with only 11

Above: The VE Day anniversary is worthy of a Bank Holiday, but more notice would have been good! Below: Business Secretary Greg Clarke is being pressed for a better response by Danilo’s Daniel Prince. Bottom: David Pike addresses the audience at last year’s Calies calendar awards.

months’ notice has a significant impact on our industry. The Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy claims to have considered the practical implications for moving the Bank Holiday, but they do not appear to have considered the impact on the calendar and diary publishers and retailers. Our publishing business Carousel Calendars has printed the vast majority of its calendars, and Calendar Club has found the same to be true of all of its key suppliers. It would be prohibitively expensive for publishers to consider reprinting these calendars to include the change in the Bank Holiday. Our understanding is that a number of retailers are dealing with this change by highlighting it in their point of sale material, and Calendar Club is still considering whether it does this, or goes further to make sure that the change is highlighted on each calendar. Our concern is that most calendars are purchased as a gift and our concern is for the ultimate recipient and user of the calendar they will not necessarily have seen the point of sale notification of the change in the Bank Holiday. Whichever route we take, there can be no doubt that there will be costs involved and an impact on customer service. We believe the government should acknowledge the impact of this decision on businesses like ours, offering some form of compensation, or at least an apology for the lack of thought for our industry that appears to have gone into this decision.”

BrownTrout: “This very late announcement is very annoying, but we now have 90% of all calendars and diaries already printed and on ships from the Far East. Two of our largest customers receive the BrownTrout calendars direct from our factories in Korea. There is no opportunity to intervene to somehow adjust these products. It presents a logistical nightmare that, in my view, is not worth contemplating. Since the announcement we have adjusted the date grid for titles still in production. Any reprints will also be altered to reflect the change in the bank holiday date. I personally believe that the publicity surrounding this change already, allied to the inevitable build-up to the actual day, will overcome any 'problems' caused by an incorrect date in the calendar. While BrownTrout as a company hates to publish a product that we know is incorrect, we believe that the cost and disruption that trying to alter over 1,000 individual titles involves is just not a viable option in the circumstances.” Above: Most of BrownTrout’s 2020 regional calendars have already been printed.

l Daniel Prince, managing director of Danilo: “It goes without saying that it would have been so much easier for the entire industry if we’d known earlier to accommodate our print runs. While most of our pop, football and entertainment calendars are yet to be printed, the diaries are a different issue as they are all printed and bound, which proves more of a problem as they’re due to be delivered to retailers.” Above: Daniel Prince is pushing for recompense from the government, or at least an apology.

Sainsbury’s shows Pride As part of its commitment to inclusivity, Sainsbury’s has rolled out a specially commissioned collection of greeting cards which celebrates Pride. The collection, developed in conjunction with greeting card publisher Lucilla Lavender as part of its Shiny Happy range, is now on sale in 207 Sainsbury’s stores, notably those located in towns and cities, which hold their own Pride parades and events. This greeting card collection is believed to be the first of its kind to specifically fanfare Pride (the programme of activities which celebrate and acknowledge lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) social and self-acceptance and achievements. Above: One the Pride cards that have been produced by Lucilla Lavender for Sainsbury’s.

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Launched at Harrogate Home & Gift, 14th â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 17th July 2019

Stand DP1 C36 GREETINGS CARDS AND CANDLES EMAIL: enquiries@janiewilson.co.uk I www.janiewilson.co.uk I TEL:0113 256 6331

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Composting breakthrough Loxleysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; home compostable plastic-free â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;cellobagsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Breaking new ground on the eco front, continuing its campaign to help reduce the industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s environmental impact, greeting card printer Loxleys has collaborated with Clarifoil film manufacturer Celanese Corporation to launch what is claimed to be the greeting card industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;cello bagâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; made of home compostable material. This biodegradable and home compostable Clarifoil film, which has been found to be suitable for wrapping greeting cards, were officially launched on Loxleysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; stand at PG Live. While â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;compostableâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; film for greeting cards has been available in the market for some time it was not suitable for home composting and required an industrial composting facility, something that is not easily accessible to the UK consumer. Explaining, Tony Lorriman, managing director of the Sheffield-based Loxleys, which prints for many UK greeting card publishers, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Working with Celanese we have succeeded in developing the application of the Clarifoil film for the greeting card market. Formulated with a

special grade of wood pulp, the bio-film guarantees exceptional transparency and gloss. Importantly, the main raw material is renewable and sustainably sourced from PEFC certified forestry. It guarantees 100% GMO free and doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t exhaust fossil oil resources.â&#x20AC;? As the film is certified by Home Compost OK, publishers adopting the substrate will have the option of featuring the official accreditation logo on a label or on the bag itself to inform the card purchaser.

l Former UKG exec, Mark Goshawk (right), has rejoined the industry with consultancy roles that include working with Cardzone on the buying side. Mark is a well known face in the trade, after 37 years with UK Greetings and latterly as business unit director with special responsibility for the Clintons account. l Print specialist Rob Pearson (right) has joined Sheffield-based greeting card printer Loxleys as a sales agent. Rob knows greeting card print requirements inside out and upside down as he has spent many decades in the trade, including sales and marketing director of the Loudwater Group and most recently spent eight years as agent for European manufacturer, Solutions Polska. Rob joins the team to promote Loxleys and The Sherwood Groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s offering to the greeting card industry across both their UK and Far East manufacturing sites and will predominantly look after publishers based in London and the South of England.

Top: The new Clarifoil option from Loxleys means that publishers can have their cards wrapped in bags that can be home-composted. Above: Tony Lorriman, md of Loxleys at his home composting bin!

Nakedness for GBCC GBCC is among the publishers to have announced that it is to supply all its greeting cards unwrapped. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve actually been unwrapping our cards for a while, specifically to meet the needs of some of our customers, but as a business we felt we had to grasp the nettle and show our support for the hugely beneficial effects that a worldwide reduction in plastic would have,â&#x20AC;? said Chris Wilcox, managing director of GBCC. The publisher is transitioning to unwrapping all its stock, the only exceptions will be some handmade designs or cards with delicate die or laser-cut finishes. GBCC is supplying Point of Sale for retailers to place in their shops to explain to the consumer what is happening on the card displays. However, for retail customers who still require wrapped cards For a the publisher is able to offer this service. safer As part of our commitment to remove the plastic ZUDSSLQJ RÎ? JUHHWLQJV FDUGV ZH KDYH DVNHG DOO SXEOLVKHUV ZKHUH SUDFWLFDO WR GHOLYHU VWRFN LQWR XV XQZUDSSHG DV VRRQ DV SRVVLEOH

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Eco action from NQP

Above: Some of the designs from GBCCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new fluorescent range, Glow. Left: Some PoS that GBCC has devised for retailers to help in the transition period. Right: A Nigel Quiney design with biodegradable glitter.

Nigel Quiney Publications is instigating a whole series of improvements on the environmental front. For the last 20 years the vast majority of Nigel Quiney Publicationsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; greeting cards have been supplied unwrapped (unless requested by retail customers), however it is now going the full hog. The current two ranges that are supplied wrapped, notably What a Picture and Designers Corner, are to transition to being supplied unwrapped as existing stocks are used up. Another notable change is that the publisher is shifting to using a biodegradable eco-glitter on its award winning Pizazz cards, as well as on other ranges.â&#x20AC;&#x153;This means the glitter is made from eucalyptus tree cellulose, will biodegrade in soil, fresh water, waste water or marine environments where microorganisms are present. It is also compostable,â&#x20AC;? assured Melanie Pollitt, export coordinator. The company is also moving to using single paper bands instead of transportation bags.This measure alone is estimated to save approximately 5,000 plastic bags per month.

The Art File goes topless PG Live saw the launch of The Art Fileâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest ever mid-year launch of new designs, and two of the significant range launches, Snap to Grid (by designer Heather Flynn) and an Emily Brooks collection (above) (produced in collaboration with the namesake artist) also fanfared a major change for the publisher - they are being sold naked. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Eliminating excess packaging is the responsibility of every business globally and at The Art File we are constantly researching how best to achieve this,â&#x20AC;? said James Mace, The Art Fileâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sales and marketing manager. The Nottingham-based publisher has pledged, that from the start of 2020, all its new cards will be supplied unwrapped to retailers. The only exceptions will include its collections printed on uncoated boards and those cards which have added finishes such as gems. These collections will be available â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;toplessâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; - the publisherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s term for an open-topped cello bag.

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Thinking of You At Home & Gift Full ShopTalk seminar programme revealed The weather is improving, so it must be nearly ‘Harrogate time’. Greeting card exhibitors are putting the final touches to their launches that will debut at Home & Gift, which takes place July 14-17. (See pages 51-53 for a taster of who will be there). The GCA will also have a presence, with a specially created display to promote Thinking of You Week, fanfaring loads of lovely designs from exhibiting GCA member publishers. But there will be lots of great stuff to listen and learn from as well as look at, due to the show's inspiring ShopTalk seminar programme of leading keynote speakers, masterclasses, hands-on clinics and panel discussions. The line-up includes entrepreneur, Secret Millionaire and former Dragon, Piers Linney, who will be sharing his ecommerce hacks for future proofing a business on Sunday July 14. Also speaking on Sunday will be Matthew Galvin of The Galvin Brothers, Claire Yuille of the Indie Retail Academy and Louise Daniel of And So To Shop, who will be sharing their secrets to turning a creative passion into a successful business.

Cardgains’ walk raises £12K

Speaking on Monday July 15 will be jewellery designer, socialite and reality star Rosie Fortescue, along with author and interior designer Pearl Lowe, who will be taking part in an insightful Q&A with ESTILA magazine's Karolina Barnes. In addition, on Tuesday July 16, designer Sophie Conran will be helping delegates to develop a confident approach to colour and design. "This year, we've definitely upped the inspiration factor in our ShopTalk line-up, so I'd implore all visitors to make some time to sit in on a session or two, after all, the show is as much about enhancing the retail industry through shared learnings as it is about great buying opportunities," states show director Louise Morris. "Whether you're an independent store or a seasoned department store buyer, everyone can learn something from our programme." Debuting at the show are new sectors Design Now, Craft and Taste. Visit: www.homeandgift.co.uk Above: The GCA’s Thinking of You Week website has gone live with updated downloadable assets. Left: Among the ShopTalk speakers is reality star Rosie Fortescue.

Celebs galore promote Just A Card “It’s the most monstrously significant thing that could ever happen to Just a Card”, was how Sarah Hamilton, founder of the Just A Card pro-indie grassroots campaign summed up the celeb-backed Just a Book activity that launched on June 17, Just A Card Day. Coinciding with a major burst of activity, some 15 celebs from the world of film, TV, art and literature, including Richard E Grant, Michael Palin, Natalie Dormer, Dominic Cooper, Twiggy and Hanif Kureishi, featured on posters on London Underground stations wearing a Just a Card badge that are being seen by millions, thanks to the marketing support from Funding Circle. The underlining message, in common with Just A Card’s mission, is to remind people that all retail sales, however small - just a card, just a book, just a gift - makes all the difference to safeguarding a vibrant high street from turning into one full of boarded-up shops. “Having the marketing support from Funding Circle is immense, as well as all those who have volunteered and spread the love and got involved. But really I have so much to thank the GCA and PG too - who came on board in my time of need!” Above: Sarah Hamilton and supporters in jubilant mood at the launch of the Just A Book activity. Left: Michael Palin has lent his support to Just A Card.

Some 30 hardy cardies strode out for 30 miles for charity recently with all completing the Cardgains Almscliffe Anniversary Amble – and their collective efforts has seen them raise approaching £12,000 for Sue Ryder, Cardgains’ chosen charity for this year. Among those who put their best feet forward was House of Cards’ Miles Robinson, representatives from GBCC, Cherry Orchard, Spring Fair/Autumn Fair, Eco-Chic, Pioneer as well as members of the Cardgains team. While never one to shy from the challenge of business, Miles Robinson, co-owner of House of Cards, the Home Counties-based specialist card group, went outside his comfort zone somewhat in undertaking the challenge. “I’m pleased to say that yes I did complete the epic Cardgains 30 mile Almscliffe Anniversary Amble,” exclaimed Miles, justifiably proud that he completed it in his target time of 10 hours, although confessed that he “ended up walking 32 miles as we went the wrong way…twice!!” Summing up, Miles said: “It was a fantastic day, enjoying beautiful scenery along with a truly inspiring gang of walkers.” Top: The hardy walkers at the start of the Cardgains Almscliffe Anniversary Amble. Above right: House of Cards’ Miles Robinson at the start of the walk.

This Week airs Really Wild Cards The US President’s supposed card sending habits resulted in some unexpected PR for Really Wild Cards. A recent episode of the BBC’s popular political review programme, This Week, saw host Andrew Neil produce a birthday card that he had ‘received’ from President Trump that week which he showed to political commentators Michael Portillo and Alan Johnson. Clearly amused by the Really Wild Cards’ sound-alike element, which features a caricature of ‘the Don’, Andrew Neil opened the card and played the whole message - "It's going to be huge folks. You have aged so well! Fake news!". Following this, Alan Johnson quipped: “I can only imagine what Nigel Farage gets.” Above: Really Wild Cards’ Trump design made an appearance on This Week.

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The industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favourite show just got better! 4 7

For more information and to register today visit homeandgift.co.uk/PG

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Pleas Against 25% Tariffs Up With Paper and Hallmark delivers testimonies The US Greeting Card Association went right to top to make its pleas heard for greeting cards (produced in China and imported into the US) to be removed from the proposed tariff list, which if not successful will see them be subject to an additional 25% tariff shortly. Following hard-hitting written testimonies to the US International Trade Commission for greeting cards to be excluded from the imminent round of tariffs, US GCA president George White, president of 3D card company Up With Paper’s and Hallmark’s federal affairs manager Sarah Moe Meyers were granted the opportunity to speak at the US Trade Commission in Washington DC recently, in an effort to protect, not just the American greeting card market but those publishers who also export to the States. George and Sarah were granted a five minute slot at the hearing to make the case why greeting cards should not be subject to such tariffs, stressing the negative impact they would have on such a creative industry, retailers, consumers as well as damaging the US postal service. The industry is already being affected by the tariffs that are already in place for giftbags, tissue paper and boxed Christmas cards. The hearing gave the opportunity to highlight the key points made in a detailed

written testimony George submitted to US Trade Representative Robert E Lighthizer. In this document he stated: “The GCA appreciates the goal of the Administration to restore balance in the trading relationship with China. We urge that the following factors be considered, however: l Tariffs would pose particular challenges for greeting card publishers, many of whom fall into the category of small and mid-size businesses for whom negative impacts are magnified. l For those publishers able to withstand the immediate and highly significant, negative impact on profit margins, tariffs would be passed along to consumers in the form of higher prices, as neither publishers nor retailers could afford to absorb them. l The potential negative consequences to a financially struggling Postal Service and broader mailing industry. For these reasons, we believe greeting cards (4909.00.40) should be excluded from the list of new products subject to tariffs.” The US GCA has now done all it can. Fingers crossed that the whole industry is spared these additional cost barriers. Top: The US GCA sent its lengthy testimony to US Trade Representative, Robert E Lighthizer, based in Washington. Above: US GCA president George White and president of 3D card company, Up With Paper in the US International Trade Commission building in Washington where the

Happily ever after Ryan and Chris Jenkins of The Celebration Store in Hampshire’s Waterlooville saw their dreams come true as the shop’s name was ‘pulled out of the hat’ in UKG’s Toy Story 4 competition which saw the retailer winning £250 of Disney store vouchers. The names of all retailers ordering UKG’s Toy Story 4 FSDU were put into a prize draw. Sharing why he believes it is crucial to stay on trend with popular culture, Ryan Jenkins said, “In the current retail environment it is important we continue to offer our customers the latest up to date product to remain the destination card shop. The Toy Story 4 main characters are iconic and will appeal to a wider range of age groups this time round.’’ Celebration’s good news coincided with UKG announcing it has signed an agreement with Disney for 3D products (giftbags, rollwrap and packaged wrap) to be produced under its Collage brand. Collage is now offering a collection that includes products from Avengers, Toy Story 4, Spider-Man, Star Wars, Disney Princess, Winnie The Pooh and from October, Frozen 2.

Louie wins for UK greeting card publishers Brits are clearly doing a great job in helping the American public to say thank you as it was UK publishers Laura Sherratt Designs and Lagom Design who won both the Thank You categories in the Louie Awards, the US greeting card awards (organised by the US GCA) which were unveiled in Brooklyn, New York recently. Other UK publishers feted with a Louie trophy in this year’s awards were Ohh Deer (winning the Christmas Humorous $4 and below category) and Sally Scaffardi (distributed by Calypso, won the Romantic Occasions category $4 and below for a ‘deer’ wedding card). Additionally, Think of Me, owned by Brits Dan and Freya Kane, who still run their business in the UK but now live in California, won the Christmas, Seasonal General $4 and below. “It is lovely to be able to help fly the flag for British design,” commented Freya. “We are enjoying our life living in California, but our business is still very much based in the UK. We have the best of both worlds!” The Louie awards took place during the first ever Noted: Greeting Card Expo, a greeting card trade show organised and owned by the US Greeting Card Association. The plan is that Noted will be staged in a different city each year. Next year it will take place in San Francisco, colocated with the surface pattern show Blue Print at the start of May and in 2021 it is possibly moving to Chicago before returning to New York in 2022. Above: Dan and Freya Kane, co-owners of Think of Me Designs with their Louie award at the Speak Easy Soirée. Below: (Left-right) Avanti’s Rick Ruffner, PG’s Warren Lomax and Up With Paper’s George White at the recent Noted show in Brooklyn.

Above: (Left-right) Ryan and Chris Jenkins with UKG sales exec Tracey Markham outside the store with the Toy Story display unit and prize voucher. Above right: A Disney Faces collection offers a contemporary option from Collage.

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OVER THE COUNTER

Retail Heroics

Below: What’s your retailing Endgame? (Some of the superheroes from Avengers: Endgame). Below left: The Lipstick Effect an affordable treat to keep your spirits up in tough times. Bottom: The appearhere.co.uk website matches clients with business premises.

Independent card and gift retailer, David Robertson, co-owner of JP Pozzi in Scotland, continues the second part of his retailing heroes’ high street battle article (in last month’s PG), inspired by Marvel’s recent movie, Avengers: The Endgame. Heroes never take the easy way out. They never give in. Even when the odds are seemingly against them they find a way to win the day. So guess what? As the business decision makers and drivers of our own destiny it is up to us to find that way. I have written before about the Lipstick Effect, the theory that woman used to buy an affordable treat in tough times to keep them going. They would come browse in store and buy a little something. As retailers we need to be the ones that have that little something to buy, such as a greeting card. Thankfully, cards still are not waning in popularity. The whole shopping experience and the day out in the town centre though does not seem to be the occasion it once was. Now, for whatever reason, people buy what they need as opposed to being tempted into impulse purchases. Perhaps it is a photo on Facebook or a heart on Instagram that lifts our spirits now, but whatever it is it is different from before. Being your own boss and working in the retail sector is simply not much fun anymore. I described it as such to a 30 year veteran agent of this industry recently, who has a client list to die for and is regarded as one of the best. But even he begrudgingly agreed that he has never seen the retail market so random and difficult. Places with destination visitors, tourists, 24

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

family play centres and free car parks he said were still thriving, and I have to agree. Garden centres are perhaps the new shopping mall but what do we do as indies? We can’t suddenly put a bouncy castle in the corner. We have already lobbied and spoken to our councillors but the truth of it is that local government has no money either and some of the strange decisions that it is making are killing the high streets. It is allowing more and more out of town developments, and actually as each new one opens it affects not only the high street but the earlier versions, so now we have shopping centres and out of town places that look really run down as well. Also with major retailers exiting many high street buildings there is no one coming along to fill these big sites. This is where we have to be able to change and move commercial property forward, whether it is

breaking larger buildings down into smaller units with affordable rents or whether it is turning these back into residential accommodation that we drastically need. What we can’t do is allow them to sit and become gaping wounds on our high streets’ already battered body. I have read with interest the development of Ross Bailey and his appearhere.co.uk website. From a simple pop-up shop for the Queen’s Jubilee he has worked with blue chip clients, such as Nike and Coca Cola and is now the largest property broker in London and New York. His model of matching clients with buildings from anything between leases of three months to a year and more has proven very successful and he continues to add new cities to his portfolio. He has also worked on projects such as Old Street Station in London, which was one of the worst in the capital, but since his team’s input has hosted over 500 stores. These retailers are succeeding where others are failing due to location and the need for brands to still physically connect with customers. They are also skilled at getting straightforward deals with landlords, something many of us still struggle with. This does give you some hope, but what it also shows is that a lot of these retail openings are short-term successes that MAY build into something more. It is also interesting that with my other job as a director of Cardzone, I have visited

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OVER THE COUNTER many towns and high streets that I would previously not have experienced. There seems to be some broad categories: The small quaint local town centre with lots of different indie stores that has a local, almost a comforting, vibe to it. There are the big city centres where lots of people still flock to. But it is in the other cities where the lights don’t shine quite so brightly and there are lots of empty stores and the car parking is expensive that problems can arise. However, each situation, in fact your situation, will be different from mine and other people’s. If I do focus on my own situation then I can see we have moved our buildings on, both physically and in what we offer. We try to give excellent customer service with the focus always in giving the customer a good shopping experience, ultimately resulting in them leaving with what they came in for and a smile on their face. I am proud to work with many card suppliers, from tiny one person start-ups to the behemoths of UKG and Hallmark. However, the diversity of what we stock is possibly too much for us in terms of the cash implications of stocking and maintaining so many products. Yet you feel that this is needed. I think I am pretty switched on in many ways, and our shops, I think, present the products we sell to a very high standard. In fact I believe I could put my Pozzi store (completed two years ago) anywhere - high street or shopping mall - and it would hold its own. In fact when I look at all my stores I don’t feel that there is anything major that we could spend that would improve the experience and add value to my bottom line. There are of course little things we could/should/will improve on, but on the whole the lighting/display/product are all good and we benefit from having many brands exclusive to us. What we have not embraced is online retail. We flirted dangerously close a few years ago, and I had a deal to get a proper website built, but after speaking to many indies who said that it quite simply did not work for them, I decided not to go ahead. Their websites cost a lot of money to build. They struggled to maintain them and keep everything working and up to date. Yet ultimately what we sell is very similar to many other shops, so how can we stand out? This said, a customer pointed out only on Saturday that one of our best selling lines is a lot more expensive on Amazon than the price we sell it for, but how do we get that message across to the masses?

Right: Retail is a battle that’s not easily won. Below: Another villain will rise again just when you think you’ve got things sorted (Thanos is a supervillan from Avengers: Endgame).

Also we must face the reality that even more businesses than before are looking at greeting cards as a way to strengthen their own turnover. You see it all the time, from florists to fashion shops, displays of cards, and not just a spinner but major offerings, are becoming common. Attracted by the margin and the regularity of sale, and the fact that you can give people a choice for not a lot of money, it’s not just the usual suspects of garden centres, supermarkets and Card Factory that are our competition now, but practically everyone on the high street as they try to survive. Change, and being able to change, is never a bad thing. I personally have changed enormously over my life and I feel it is for the better, but that has been done at a pace that I dictated and felt comfortable with, whereas with this current retailing situation it feels I have little, if any, control over it.

Every day my inbox is full of motivational speakers telling me to focus on my goal, to not accept less than X or Y. That if we do this or change that I will be a success. ‘You manifest your success’ is the catchphrase. Well I don’t think I have ever met anyone that opened a store that didn’t really want it. Self belief and hard work might not quite cut it when your cashflow is tight or when your daily target is not met most days, but it is something that is always there among those that start a business. The superheroes in movies always face adversity but usually triumph in the end, but the bottom line is you and I probably can’t work much harder at this. We are invested mentally, physically and financially, and the simple truth is it is not getting any easier. I am searching for answers every day to try and see what we can and can’t do. I am looking to see if I have missed something

obvious. The problem is when you do turn one part around there is another problem coming right on the back of it. Generating your own income from scratch and being able to pay all the bills, and everything that comes with a business, is one of the biggest achievements that anyone can make. You really are a hero. It used to be that they would say it must be a great to be your own boss, to control your own destiny, and in some ways that is correct. In other ways it can be a lonely difficult place to find yourself, with constantly changing rules and conditions. You become emotionally invested in your business/project, and like many relationships you may be try too hard or holding on too long to something before making what was the right decision. So what is the future? This sounds like our hero has no hope! Well in some regards it is simple: buy little and often; don’t over commit; go with your feeling; look honestly at what you are doing; ask for help; don’t bottle things up and believe that it will change; take risks but calculated ones; work smart and hard. Retail won’t be disappearing over night, it will just continue to change. And just when you think you have got things sorted another villain will rise again to challenge you. This is a battle that is not easily won, and I envisage things getting harder, but I do think retail will always be there in some shape or form, it is then up to us to tap into whatever we can. I started the first part of this two part article in last month’s PG asking what your ‘ENDGAME’ was, and in some ways I don’t know the answer myself. But I know I don’t want to sell my business, and I know I still have ambitions to expand one part particularly. You see, despite everything, despite the struggle and the worry… to tweak a now loved phrase from the latest Avengers film: ‘Retail I love you, 3000’. To contact David email: jppozzi@btconnect.com PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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CARDSHARP

Cowabunga! The business failure and liquidation of longestablished iconic publisher Gemma International last month sent shockwaves through the greeting card industry. True, reflected Cardsharp, many in the trade recognised that the publisher of mainly licensed greeting cards and giftwrap had seen better days, but few were prepared for both the sudden collapse of the company and the subsequent scale of outstanding debt left behind. The empty stand at the front of last month’s PG Live with the Gemma signage at the front was a giveaway. Gemma only announced it was to cease trading and pursue a CVL the day before the opening of the show, obviously catching even the show organisers on the hop. Details later emerged of the suppliers who had lost money. One Far Eastern printer was in for over £400,000, while a major licensor was in over nearly £200k. It was by any standards quite a spectacular collapse. Coming so soon after the liquidation of Grass Roots International, another wellloved long-established trade supplier, although not on the same size or scale as Gemma, Cardsharp reflects that halfway through 2019 the sector has lost two sizeable publishers. Was Gemma’s demise a symptom of troubles afoot in the industry?

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

And will there be other casualties in the months to come? Or was Gemma’s failure unrelated to the health and strength of the greeting card industry generally? Cardsharp recalls from his ‘A’ Level Economics, Schumpeter’s theory of Creative Destruction. That is for an economy to remain robust and healthy you need business failures for newer, more dynamic companies to find their space in the market. Within every company lies the seeds of its own destruction. That may well be true but that does not mean that you cannot have real sadness at the disappearance of a well-loved and indeed historic ground-breaking publisher like Gemma.

Top: Gemma made lucrative card sales from featuring the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on its designs. Above: When it was founded 34 years ago Gemma was a trail-blazer for licensed children’s cards. Left: Barbie was one of the first toy characters licenced on Gemma's cards.

Because, indeed, Gemma did trail blaze. It was founded 34 years ago (five years before even Progressive Greetings was first published!) by Lindesay Rudd-Clarke and his wife Margaret, who had been running toy shops in the Hampshire area. Lindesay was also a leading light in Toymaster (a kind of Cardgains for independent toy shops) and so the couple had obviously seen the huge strength of character licensed toys and merchandise through the tills of their stores. At that time children’s cards were dominated by cheap wholesale generic cute designs, perhaps with ages on and not much else. After selling his retail stores, Lindesay and Margaret managed to persuade the owners of the big toy licence owners at the time, such as My Little Pony, Action Man, Barbie and Thomas the Tank Engine, to let them use some of the images on children’s cards.

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CARDSHARP Sounds so obvious now in our ‘licensing savvy’ world, but in those days it was pretty ground breaking. The RuddClarke’s retail toy contacts provided their new card company (named after the family dog) Gemma with a hungry customer market, but soon the likes of WHSmith and Clintons were knocking at Gemma’s door. In most cases in those days the cards required no great creative genius. You simply just took a stock image, added the age and attached a badge or such like. Other big licences such as Disney followed, but it was three key properties back then that pushed Gemma into the big time in the early nineties. The first was the original Jurassic Park film. Cardsharp thinks many younger readers will find it hard to understand how big (no pun intended!) dinosaurs were in the early 1990s. Jurassic Park, although a short-lived phenomenon when it first hit the big screen, opened hundreds of new accounts for Gemma, preparing the company for the next huge craze, the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. So

lucrative were the card sales from this brand alone that Lindesay and Margaret were able to buy a fancy yacht from the profits, which the family mischievously dubbed the ‘Turtle Boat’. It was a ‘cowabunga’ (the cry of the TMNJs) period that paid for a lot of pizzas. Then, another huge hit followed in the mid-nineties with The Teletubbies. The nineties were really the golden age for Gemma, recalls Cardsharp. It was a time when many of the late eighties direct to retail publishing start-ups hit the big time as greeting card retailing and the high street generally was booming, and the profit margins were still massive. As well as Gemma, there was Carte Blanche, Emotional Rescue, Paper House, Paperlink, Paper Rose, Ling and Danilo, among others, who also grew at an astonishing

rate. But as with many family businesses there is always the question of succession. Do you cash in your chips and sell? Does the next generation of the family push on to develop the business? Or do you bring in a professional management team to take on the running of the business to benefit the family owners. Sadly, Gemma seems to have flirted with all three ideas since the millennium, without really finding an answer. As the twentieth century drew to a close, it became harder and harder for Gemma to maintain its preeminent position. The ‘Big Two’, namely Hallmark and UKG, belatedly realised the potential of the children’s licensed card market and used their respective financial muscles to sign the licensing agreements for the really big properties like Disney and Star Wars. Also into the midst came a shrewd, fast moving competitor in Danilo (ironically another family business) who grasped the opportunity to expand from its strong licensed calendar base into licensed greeting cards. This competition for licences pushed up the minimum guarantees required and hardened the royalty rates, and for the plethora of new properties that came on to the market it became harder and harder to pick a surefire winner. Nevertheless, Gemma’s long-standing relationships, such as with eOne for Peppa Pig, had stood the company in decent stead and for a few years its successful expansion into the growing supermarket sector meant that Gemma kept its head above water. And while, as with most businesses, not all its diversification

Above: The closure of Toys R Us in 2017 left Gemma with a large debt and a loss of turnover. Left: My Little Pony was a winning license for Gemma’s children’s cards and partyware. Below left: The Teletubbies were a bit hit for Gemma. Below: The initial Jurassic Park movie helped push Gemma into the big time.

worked, its move into party products broadened its base. But in recent times the going was obviously getting much harder. Retail was becoming tougher and the loss of a major customer like Toys R Us in 2017 not only left a nasty debt but a severe ongoing loss of turnover. Although Peppa Pig continued to perform strongly, (Cardsharp reckons this licence alone must have generated nearly £2 million worth of turnover in the last year) on its own it was not enough to continue to support a business overhead structure that was obviously too large for its diminishing turnover. Cardsharp reckons by the end the turnover must have more than halved since the glory days of the late nineties. There were rumours of a trade sale, but potential suitors may well have been put off by the fact that in buying the company, they were not necessarily guaranteed to keep the best licences. In the end, Cardsharp assumes, the would-be suitors concluded that by acquiring Gemma at this late stage all you were really acquiring was the liabilities. So in the end, the directors were left with little option and so opted for a CVL. To Cardsharp’s mind liquidation seemed a tragic end for such an historic greeting card publishing institution. Whatever the sad outcome, Gemma will always have a proud place in the UK greeting card industry’s history. Gemma was in its time both an innovator and a ground-breaker. It created a new distinct market in the greeting card industry which exists to this day, and Cardsharp feels it deserved a better send off than this sorry demise. But as Cardsharp, and indeed Schumpeter, acknowledged, ‘Creative Destruction’ is never pretty! Cowabunga!

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VIEWPOINTS

Closely

Carded

Secrets “What better way to mark the GCA’s centenary than by celebrating special greeting card memories that have added meaning to our own lives,” explains Amanda Fergusson, ceo of the GCA, who is spearheading the #cardtokeep initiative that is to run for the duration of 2019. “While the campaign has kicked-off with those within the industry, our hope is that it spreads and becomes something of a movement with members of the general public, celebrities and those overseas,” Amanda adds. Getting the campaign off to a good start, Amanda shared some of her own greeting card memories. One is a card she received from her best friend back in the 1980s with even a diary entry to prove how it was a spot-on choice. “In the 1980s, I worked as a Saturday girl in a card shop that was owned by Andrew Brownsword’s mum. My diary entry explains that my favourite card at the time was the panda design from the Andrew Brownsword Dino range. I could not believe it when my best friend sent it to me without realising how much I loved it. Discovering that I had kept it safe in my diary for over 30 years is a lovely reminder of the time when I first fell in love with greeting cards and appreciated the connection they bring.” Little did Amanda know then that after university she would, in fact, work for the Andrew Brownsword publishing company for many years and, following that, for Hallmark and Caroline Gardner, before heading up the GCA. Another greeting card Amanda has shared on the site is one that is very close to her heart: “It is the last card my lovely grandma sent me. Her message ended ‘...this card is not just for today, but your whole life through’. It means a lot to me,” says Amanda. Above: This was Amanda Fergusson’s fave card when she was a teenager. It was sent to her by her best friend. Right: Poignant words were inside this card, the last one Amanda’s grandma ever sent her.

As part of its 100th anniversary celebrations, the GCA recently launched the #cardtokeep campaign which urges people to share their special greeting card memories through featuring images of their treasured cards on the dedicated Instagram site as well as the stories behind them. As the #cardtokeep initiative gathers steam, PG dips into some of the posts which reinforce the important role greeting cards play in our lives.

Left: Being driven by Amanda Fergusson, ceo of the GCA, the #cardtokeep Instagram initiative is part of the Association’s 100th Anniversary activities. Below: Dean Morris with his historic Hanson White card.

Dean Morris, founder of Dean Morris Cards: “I’ve got lots of cards I’ve kept over the years. I’ve been having a look through my memory boxes (there’s a lot of memories) for the first of my cards for the @gca_uk#cardtokeep campaign. Cards that, for whatever reason, deserve to be kept and cherished. This birthday card from Mum and Dad was from 1994. It was my first year at Wolverhampton University and I’d only been living away from home for a few weeks, and it’s fair to say I was probably a little homesick. It was such a great adventure for me, both socially and academically, but the boy from Droitwich was still missing those home comforts you could never get at student digs. The card (which is by Hanson White) is special to me as it was a paper hug from my parents who were probably missing me too. (I know Mum made my Dad’s and brother’s life hell for the first few weeks I was away). The card is even more special now as both my parents are no longer here. I know they were always a bit bemused by my choice of Fine Art for a degree but I’d like to think they’re proud looking down on me now.”

How to get involved While everyone is encouraged to post an image of their respective #cardtokeep and share the story behind it on Instagram - tagging in the GCA on @GCA_UK for re-post submissions - those who are not on Instagram can email their card images and story behind it to Amanda on Amandagca@max-publishing.co.uk PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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VIEWPOINTS Rebecca McCulloch, former creative director of Ling and Paperclip, who has gone back to her roots as an illustrator, licensing her work through This Is Iris: “Over the years I have kept many cards, lots of them hand-drawn by my children. I cherish these and when I look at them it takes me back to times gone by. These cards are still just as special, if not more special today, than the day I received them. Each card is a keepsake that's just as important in its own way as a photograph. I love being reminded how my children's handwriting has changed with each passing year and am always amazed at how, seeing the familiar handwriting of my grandfather, it makes me catch my breath and takes me right back to my childhood. One of my most special cards is an anniversary card my Grampy sent to my Gran. My Gran kept all her anniversary cards and when she passed away they were given to me. The design of many of these cards have a vintage feel, and some of the imagery is really different to the cards we send today. The back page is bare except for a small company logo at the bottom saying it was printed by A.M. Davis & Co. London. Not a barcode in sight. However, the biggest difference for me is that it was printed on thin paper and has a 'French fold' (folded in half and then in half again). I think that there is something really charming about it and maybe something that deserves a comeback.” Top: Rebecca McCulloch is now working with publishers through her own Rebecca McCulloch Studio. Above: One of the beautiful French fold anniversary cards that her grandparents sent to each other that Rebecca now treasures.

Chris Bryan, joint general manager of Second Nature:

Retailer Jo Sorrell, owner of Cardies, Stevenage:

“I’ve received many cards from my two sons over the years (both handmade and purchased) but this is the first one that they chose in a shop for me so it has a special place in my heart. Thankfully, their handwriting has improved a little over the years but the scrawly writing reminds me of them being very young, so it’s very special to me.”

“This is my favourite card to keep that was sent to me back in the early 80’s by my dear old Nan and Gramps. It means the world to me and always helps me through tough times and good times.”

Left: One of Chris Bryan’s special cards that he has received from his sons. Above: Chris Bryan is a card keeper.

Helen Strutt, founder of Lellibelle Cards: “My sister and I are identical twins. We went to Northumbria University together to study a degree in Fashion Marketing. During the four year degree we always lived together, and even worked at the same company in our 'year out in industry' in London. After graduating in 2000, we both went to work in New York on an internship for the same textile design company, and after four months moved to work in its London studio. We lived together, sat next to each other at work, and worked on the same collections. We were there for just over a year until the big move apart aged 25 in 2003! This particular card, with 'Friends' on the front featuring two cats, was sent about a year after we moved apart to say thank you for having her to stay for the weekend. We both love cats, so many of the cards are cat related! Neither of us had a mobile telephone at the Top: This box is full of cards time, and although we spoke quite a lot on the landline that Helen Strutt’s sister sent her from 2003 to 2005. telephone, we must have sent each other a card at least Above: Helen Strutt with one of the cards her sister sent her in once a week as a form of keeping in touch; there were June 2004. lots of 'saw this and thought of you' cards. We had gone from living and working together every day, to seeing each other once a month, so we desperately missed each other, we still do, now living nearly 200 miles apart. During the first few years apart we sent each other cards every week. I've just found a box of cards dated 2003, 2004 and 2005 of the lovely cards. Lovely to look through them; messages from over 15 years ago! I can't see me ever getting rid of them!”

Top: Indie retailer Jo Sorrell’s special card. She remains a Snoopy fan to this day. Above: Jo Sorrell outside Cardies with some of her doggies.

A Legacy Continues Greeting card publisher Lucy Ledger is ensuring that her very special collection of cards make memories for others. “When my Nan (who’s now 96) passed Great Great Aunt Marrie’s scrapbook of cards onto me in 2010 I thought it was so beautiful that it inspired me to start my own business in greeting card design. Aunt Marrie started creating the scrapbook when she was young. The first entry is around 1870 and she collected all the family’s cards over the years, right up to the 1890’s. It’s so lovely to know I’m related to the recipients of these cards! When I started my business, my signature style formed when I scanned the cards and reworked pieces of them into my contemporary ranges. All the artwork in my designs is made up of several elements from different vintage cards. It’s nice know the story continues through my designs!” Left: Lucy Ledger with her treasured scrapbook of cards on her stand at PG Live.

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Retailer Viewpoints

S h ow

Stoppers With hundreds and hundreds of inspiring new ranges launching at PG Live a few weeks ago, buyers were spoilt for choice. PG asked a selection of retailers to share what publishers’ collections really stood out for them. Mark Janson-Smith, managing director of Postmark, four stores in London:

Lisa Rutherford, buyer of stationery and seasonal events for John Lewis & Partners: “What another great PG Live! As always there was a super vibe, making it a real pleasure to chat to publishers old and new. The timing of the show and being able to compare and contrast cards all under one roof without other distractions is why this show is so beneficial. Springboard is also a big part of the draw for us because we love working with up and coming publishers as well as the established ones.” Lisa’s top picks: “We were looking for some specific categories this year. I was delighted to meet Wendy Bell whose photographic florals were stunning - a real highlight of the show. Also great to see Raj [Arora] at Davora with a new contemporary look across his multi-faith assortment. We were also really pleased to see the amount of publishers who have quickly embraced ‘plastic free’ into their offer, making those discussions very straightforward.”

“The show was fabulous. We have been to every single PG Live and it is an essential part of our trade show calendar. The lunch and after show party are a great touch too and the teams at Tache and Louise Tiler did themselves proud with the lunch hall decorations this year.” Mark’s top picks: “There were so many product highlights this year it is impossible to mention them all. We spent our Retas Silver and Sunshine tickets on the Hello Geronimo and Rosanna Rossi stands. They both had some really fresh looking designs and styles we don't currently stock. The Art File as always had some cracking new ranges, and we loved the new styles from Tache, including its new Lashes’ range, Modern Missy. Another favourite was the Highly Sprung range from Paperlink, which was really fun.” Above: Mark Janson-Smith and his wife Leona (left) were delighted to spend Postmark’s Silver Ticket with Hello Geronimo. Left: A design from Paperlink’s Highly Sprung collection.

Top: John Lewis’ Lisa Rutherford helped to officially open the show. Pictured here far right (in a black top) next to the GCA’s ceo Amanda Fergusson (in a red jacket). Above: One of the designs from Wendy Bell’s new Enchanted Garden range.

Natalie Alexander, senior buyer of cards for Paperchase: “I loved the energy of PG Live, everyone was really enthusiastic about their newness and it was great to meet existing and new suppliers.” Natalie’s top picks: “So many of our existing suppliers had some fab new ranges, but we also spied some real potential in the Springboard area. A particular highlight was giving our Retas Golden ticket to Type and Story. It was lovely that Niccy [Iseman, founder of the company] was so excited when we produced the ticket!” Left: Paperchase’s Natalie Alexander (right) with Niccy Iseman, founder of Type & Story. Right: One of the Type and Story designs from its Planet Earth range.

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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Retailer Viewpoints

Carl Dunne, owner of Cards and Gifts, Sheffield: “OMG where do I begin!? PG Live is by far our favourite trade event. Its size, dedication to the industry and having literally every good quality supplier under one roof trumps - and that’s before you add on lunch, free tea and coffee, and the icing on the cake are the fabulous ladies in the amazing dresses. Last year was our first visit and we felt slightly nervous and like outsiders on arrival, though immediately we felt at home. This year we felt like old hands and as though we really belonged!” Carl’s top picks: “Supplier and product wise, we really were spoilt for choice. First stop for us was Cherry Orchard where we spent our Retas Sunshine Ticket on its Razzle Dazzle and new giant cards. Then onto UKG where we placed a new order for its revamped Boofle and Watermark. We were delighted to spend our Cardgains’ £30 anniversary voucher with IC&G on its new Just A Laugh open humour and new Barley the Bear designs. We also placed an order with Portfolio as a result of talking to another finalist at The Retas’ reception who mentioned the publisher. On the train home I looked at the Tache/Louise Tiler booklet from the dining table that Oliver [Carl’s partner] had picked up and I loved their cards, so I'll be following up on that!” Top: Carl Dunne (second left) with his partner Oliver Guise-Smith on the Cherry Orchard stand with md Jackie Collins (left) and sales director Fi Douglass. Above: A design from IC&G’s new Just A Laugh humour range.

Rachael Barnes and Rita Knibbs, co-owners of Dragonfly Cards and Gifts, Knaresborough: “PG Live 2019 was a first class show! We had a fabulous time at the show as always, ordering lots of new ranges and catching up with old friends. The industry really is like one big happy family and PG Live demonstrates this wonderfully!” Rachael and Rita’s top picks: “Companies that caught our eye were Sweet Design - an entirely new company to us, and so on trend. We fell in love with its Endangered Collection, which evidenced by the popularity of the BBC’s Blue Planet series are sure will be a success. The detail in the artwork is amazing. Paper Salad’s collections with the neon colours it uses really jumped out at us too. The designs have changed so much and are more gorgeous than ever. Lilliput and Opal were my personal favourite ranges.” Above: Dragonfly’s Rachael Barnes (centre) and Rita Knibbs (left) with Sweet Design’s Sally Anson. Right: One of the designs from Paper Salad’s new Opal collection.

Hazel Walker, senior buyer of cards and wrap for Waterstones: “What a great show! Having been away, it was my first show of 2019 and what a feast for the eyes - so much newness!“ Hazel’s top picks: “Ling’s range collaboration with Prue Leith really caught our eye and it was a real bonus to meet Prue herself! We also really liked Archivist’s new range of small foiled cards - the strong colours really set off the foiling on these and we loved the coordinating matches. As ever, ArtPress had some really lovely new ranges too, we especially liked Myrtle’s Garden, based on vintage floral and seed packet designs it has added to its portfolio.” Above: Waterstones’ Hazel Walker in full flow! Left: A Myrtle’s Garden design from ArtPress.

Angie Goosen, category manager for books, cards, gifting and giftwrap at Blue Diamond Group of garden centres: “It was my first PG Live and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The show had such a good energy about it. I really liked that the stands were smaller as this meant the suppliers were showing their best lines. I saw a lot of individuality from the suppliers, whether it was popups, laser-cut wooden accessories, flowers and embellishments everyone seemed to make a real effort to stand out and be unique.” Angie’s top picks: “There were loads! I really liked Middle Mouse, specifically its Cardlets and also the ‘grow your own pot’ lines. The company seemed to go back to the roots of what giving a card to someone means - sentiment. The talent of some of the artists, notably Sophie Brabbins, Deckled Edge and Dollyhotdogs, blew me away. Lucy Ledger and Catherine Lewis also stood out for me, predominantly because they epitomise the garden centre customer, with a contemporary edge.” Above: It was Angie Goosen’s first PG Live and she loved it. Right: One of the Cardlets designs from Middle Mouse. PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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Retailer Viewpoints

Andrew Webb, buyer of Scribbler: “PG Live is the premier event for greeting cards as it pulls together the best in the industry, and with Springboard it introduces you to new and upcoming designers. As well as the amazing ranges of cards, it also is a perfect venue to network with other suppliers, artists, retailers and other international partners.” Andrew’s top picks: “Among the highlights for me, were... Emily McDowell (from Abrams and Chronicle): Strong portfolio with amazing cards and gifts that we look forward to bringing instore soon. It was great to meet Emily; Angela Chick: Unique colour palette that stands out, with amazing lines; Objectables: A great range of cards and we always love the sense of humour; Cardinky: All the team loved the range; Bold & Bright: The Jeffrey & Janice characters are amazing and Thea [Musselwhite, the company founder] has a great sense of humour so I always love seeing what is new with J&J and Dean Morris: A legend in the card industry and always has some fun and new designs that make us laugh. I could go on and on as this year’s PG Live had some amazing ranges across the board.” Top: Scribbler’s Andrew Webb with colleague Sarah Bertram (left) with Angela Chick on her stand at PG Live. Above: One of the new designs from Bold & Bright’s Jeffrey & Janice range.

Angelina Sullivan, director of Sullivan’s Cards & Gifts: “As an independent retailer, I really value being able to visit a world class exhibition for all my card buying needs, from major brands to small designers, with an amazingly friendly atmosphere. Buying made easy and fun, what more could you ask for?” Angelina’s top picks: “Ranges and companies that stood for me at PG Live include: IC&G - the 16 new hand-finished cards completed with heartfelt verses; Jonny Javelin - Velvet Moments available in open birthday and female captions: Very pretty to suit all tastes; Second Nature, especially its All For One range. Beautiful artwork, large handcrafted cards designed featuring the latest trends and fashions, as well as Just to Say ages. These are a great price for cards with lovely modern artwork fitting the caption.” Above: Angelina Sullivan (right) with Sullivan’s manager Sharon Winship. Right: A design from Second Nature’s Beaded collection.

Penny Bailey, co-owner of Bailey’s in Ainsdale and Crosby: “Simon [Bailey, co-owner] and I had a great day at PG Live. It doesn't feel like work, more like a good day out with a bit of shopping, a nice lunch and a couple of drinks to round off the day! A great show. Thank you to Louise Tiler and Tache for their hospitality and, of course, to PG for organising another successful event.” Penny’s top picks: “We spent our Golden Ticket with Stripey Cats. The cards’ bright colours, striking yet simple designs and wobbly eyes caught our attention as soon as we arrived at PG Live. We walked the whole of the rest of the show but ended up back there with the ticket still burning a hole in our pocket. Our Sunshine Ticket was spent with Meraki on its Nixie alphabet range. Our customers are loving initialled gifts so we thought we'd add some cards to the mix. They come on their own counter-top stand so I don't have to think too hard how to display them or displace any other ranges from my card racks. Despite our much bigger second shop, that is always a problem... so many fabulous cards, never enough space! We also ordered Hallmark's new 'I used to be a coffee cup' range; refreshed our range of the gorgeous Toasted Crumpet cards; and have got our eye on Lucy Driver Illustrations (from the Springboard area) for when I can find her some pockets.” Top: Penny Bailey (second left) and husband Simon (far left) with Stripey Cats’ Jonathan Crosby and Danielle McCarthy. Above: The Nixie range from Meraki.

Nikki Weir, manager of Cilla and Camilla, Beaminster, Sherborne and Bridport: “Huge thanks for another fabulous show! We really enjoyed our day and came away with lots of ideas. Seeing everything together is tremendously helpful, and as always it was brilliant to see upcoming ranges. Lots to add to our list of amazing suppliers!” Nikki’s top picks: “I was particularly impressed with The Art File and Lagom’s new cards and wrap. Redback Cards continue to add more to its wonderful Shine and Piñata ranges, plus a fantastic range of humour: we’re loving Holy Flaps! So far as companies new to us go: Catherine Lewis Design was the stand out range for me. These are beautiful, stunning botanical collections, which will fit in very well with what we offer in our shop. I was also very impressed with The Passenger Press with its very stylish letterpress designs.” Above: Nikki Weir (centre) on the KissMeKwik stand. Right: One of the latest designs in Redback’s Shine collection.

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Retailer Viewpoints

Lynette Douglas, owner of Garrion Bridges Garden Centre, Wishaw: “I have been attending trade shows since 2001, but only discovered Progressive Greetings Live three years ago, and I am very glad I did. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that we were supplied with free tea and coffee with an absolutely wonderful buffet lunch. PG Live makes you feel that your attendance and participation is appreciated. The organisers’ hard work and attention to detail to ensure customers are fully looked after must be commended. We have a large card section in our garden centre and buy from many established card companies (such as Jonny Javelin, IC&G, Five Dollar Shake, Second Nature, UK Greetings, Ling Design, White Cotton) and it is so nice to meet all the suppliers in person in one place at PG Live.” Lynette’s top picks: “When we arrive we always go to the Springboard area to pick out a start-up company or two that we can give business to and help them along. This year we were particularly impressed with Crumble and Core and loved its cards with earrings incorporated into the design, and so gave them a good order. Other ‘new to us’ companies we bought from were Lucy Ledger, Toasted Crumpet and Beverston Press. We were looking for something new and different and these three companies filled the bill.” Above: Garrion Bridges Garden Centre’s Lynnette Douglas (left) and Allison Douglas Left: The Crumble and Core range of boxed cards with jewellery were a top pick for Lynette.

Jo Sorrell, owner of Cardies in Stevenage: “PG really does have it all for me, with fabulous cards, friendly fellow cardies and feeding my face with delicious free food - what more could you ask for!? We really had a wonderful day that was made extra special by being part of the opening ceremony. Not only that but we had both a Sunshine Ticket and ‘Willy Wonka’ Golden Ticket to spend - so thoughtful to be made to feel special. As soon as Mum and I arrived at PG I noticed straight away that our visitor passes were presented in a GF Smith paper card holder rather than a plastic one and we could choose which colour we wanted, and the lovely tote bags from Lagom were totally reusable - brilliant! Having feasted my eyes all morning on the wonderful products it was then my favourite part of the day, being fed and watered with lots of lovely food and admiring the wonderful decorations in the dining area, thanks to Tache and Louise Tiler Designs.” Jo’s top picks: “The standard of product choice was amazing. Where to start? Well my precious Retas Sunshine Ticket went to the very beautiful Deckled Edge and my Golden Ticket went to the consistently fabulous Wendy Jones-Blackett. Then I also placed orders with Lorna Syson and Special Delivery Cards. Other themes that caught my attention were environmental awareness with the CupCycling from Hallmark (although I tend to shy away from the larger companies as a rule, due to their presence in the supermarkets etc). - good for them in encouraging awareness and being so proactive. “‘Fugly’ IS a real word actually Victoria, Several small publishers were also showing awareness and that’s what this fella is...” of the environmental issues too and I particularly liked 1 Tree Cards with its tree planting and seed token initiative. Two other companies that also had so much exciting choice were Whale & Bird and Ohh Deer - we found plenty that we loved on both of these stands. My list of loves is endless - I came home saying that I need a bigger shop!” Above: Cardies’ Jo Sorrell (right) and her mum Jackie. Left: A design from Whale & Bird’s Forest_Fr1ends range.

Marion and Mark Flaherty, co-owners of Best Wishes, Garstang: “We had a great time. It was a good size show - we were able to see everything without the worry of missing anything. It was so great just to be able to concentrate mainly on cards. It was interesting to meet not only the sales staff of the publishers but also the designers, owners and those involved in the production of the fabulous products. We met old friends and made new ones - special mention to two lovely, crazy ladies Lucy and Bryn, who we were a delight to meet from Poet and Painter. We so enjoyed our glasses of fizz ‘after' the after show party. Cheers!” Marion’s and Mark’s top picks: “We spent our Retas voucher with Lucilla Lavender and our first order arrived a few days after the show and is selling well already! We were impressed by the great designs from Richard Partis, which will suit our countryside location. Crumble and Core’s boxed cards adorned with earrings and pendants we hope will be a new best seller, along with two new looks for us from Erlenmeyer and Poet and Painter. Another beautiful range, again new for us, is Louise Tiler Designs, which we are looking forward to stocking in our shop. We loved the new ranges from Paperlink, whose designs are always a winner with our customers, and were more than happy to do a top up order with IC&G, including its new range of humour and large relation cards. We are aiming to tap into our locals’ sense of humour with a selected range of Oliver Preston cards and we are very excited about Playpress and its model packs.” Top: (second left) Marion and Mark Flaherty with Lucilla Lavender (right) and Anneke Driscoll. Above: A lovely Louise Tiler Design card.

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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Retailer Viewpoints

Anne Barber, owner of In Heaven at Home, Market Harborough: “What an amazing day I had at PG Live - from the moment the ribbon was cut to open the show the atmosphere was buzzing. For me there was the happiest feeling about the show. In a tough retail climate our card business is booming, driven by newness, fun, humour, glitter and kindness and it was all at PG Live in abundance. It was lovely to meet suppliers old and new and network with other friendly retailers to exchange and share ideas. It was just the loveliest day out the highlight of my buying calendar!” Anne’s top picks: “Some of the new companies and ranges which really caught eye and which I placed orders with were: Bloodshot Press (where I spent my Sunshine Ticket) - black and white photography cards featuring ladies having fun. I know our customers will love these; Counting Stars (where I spent my Silver Ticket) - glitter and fashion, how wonderful; Bold and Bright - cheeky and a bit naughty. I re-connected and raised orders with: Sooshichacha - unique and original; Objectables - what can I say?! I love these guys; Laura Sherratt - love the adornments of the birdies; Jo Clark - the cutest animals ever, especially the new bees and hedgehogs; Heather Alstead - adorable animal families on cards and prints, which we sell in our gallery upstairs. Plus I took the opportunity to catch up with some of our best selling suppliers and see their new designs, including The Proper Mail Company - lovely cards for all occasions.” Top: Anne Barber (left) loved all the glitter and fashion-led designs from Counting Stars. Above: Objectables’ Tim Gould was full of fun as usual.

Steph Lloyd, retail buyer for Utility, four stores in Liverpool and Manchester: “My colleague Paul and I had a great day at the show and have already placed some new orders. What I really liked about the show was that it felt very relaxed but well organised. The layout was easy to follow and all the staff were friendly and helpful. Complimentary tea and coffee was much appreciated (and needed for a long day on your feet!) and the lunch was delicious. As cards is our number one department in terms of sales it's great to spend a whole day focusing on this. It's brilliant that so many suppliers exhibit and we love seeing them all face to face.” Steph’s top picks: “There were many stand out ranges from firm Utility favourites - Sooshichacha's extension to its Fuzz range, Rosie Made A Thing's new Mini Mischief cards and Noi Publishing's new Men's range, all of which we placed orders for! Other potentials that we're going to look at feeding in later in the year were Natalie Alex's fun party cats, llamas and dogs designs and Modern Icon's from Cath Tate Cards as we have had great success with some of these designs on keyrings and coasters already from gift company Wotmalike.” Above right: The free tea and coffee was a hit for Utility’s Steph Lloyd and Cath Tate (pictured). Left: Sooshichacha was revered by many buyers.

Jon May, co-owner of Mooch Gifts and Home, Northampton: “We loved the show this year the Business Design Centre is a beautiful light airy venue; the show is the perfect place to find all the leading and up and coming card designers in the UK; the free lunch is a very welcome and unique offer (and really refuels you to carry on for the afternoon ahead!) We had a great time at the show and would definitely recommend attending to anyone serious about selling cards within their business, but with so many great designers it really is a tough job deciding what to buy.” Jon’s top picks: “It is always great to catch up with existing suppliers and see what new designs are on offer and were particularly impressed by Wendy Jones-Blackett, Paper Salad, Rosie Made A Thing, Louise Tiler, Louise Mulgrew and Dean Morris. We are really proud to be working with these talented folk. We were really excited to see the fabulous new Jumbo Jamboree card range by Paper Salad, a sparkling new spinner will feature in our stores soon. The new designs for men and children from Stop the Clock Design really caught our eye and again will be landing in our stores soon. Kate of Kensington was a designer we met at another show but seeing her range of fabulous nonoccasion based cards caught our eye and finalised the deal to launch her products in our stores.” Top: Mooch’s Jon May (left) and Luke Johns with Paper Salad’s Karen Wilson. Above: A Stop the Clock design.

Sarah Crees, buyer of Garsons Garden Centre: “It’s a fantastic show with such a great friendly atmosphere where it is so easy for us to catch up with existing suppliers and find exciting new ones. Thanks so much for having us, it was a great day and we found some lovely new products.” Sarah’s top picks: “We were really spoilt for choice this year with so many lovely new ranges and suppliers… highlights for me were Woodmansterne, Cinnamon Aitch, Toasted Crumpet, Paper Plane and Lucy Alice Designs. Particular ranges which stood out were Louise Tiler’s Tiny Sparkles, Heather Alstead’s Whale Wisdom and Bexy Boo’s Forkies.” Above: Garsons was one of the retailers to spend their special tickets with Toasted Crumpet. Left: A new design from Cinnamon Aitch’s Cobalt collection. PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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PG Live In Pictures

Good

Vibrations

Last month’s PG Live was a two-day ‘festival’ for the global greeting card community, where plenty of business was done in a super convivial atmosphere. PG shares just a flavour of the good vibrations of the recent show.

Above: The meeters and greeters were wonderfully attired in dresses made from exhibitors’ greeting cards and wrap. Below: Culinary guru Prue Leith (second right) on the Ling stand which was launching her new licensed card collection with (left-right) WHSmith’s Chrissi Bee and Claire Castle and Ling’s Clare Twigger. Above: Fashion icon Zandra Rhodes (right) literally brought the Museums & Galleries range (based on her designs) to life at PG Live. Sheryl Shurville, owner of The Chorleywood Bookshop was delighted to spend her Golden Ticket with the Princess of Punk!

Below left: The ‘I’m a card-aholic’ PG Live keepsake tote bags that everyone received were a winner with visitors. The Lagom Design team (who sponsored and produced the bags) was only too happy to show them off. Below: The global greeting card community converged at London’s Business Design Centre at the start of last month for PG Live 2019.

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Sample_431_doc 17/04/2019 11:02 Page 1

BROOKLANDS BROOKLANDS ROADRACING RACING ROAD

The 1926 British Grand Prix

The Brooklands Clubhouse

The 1926 British Grand Prix

The Brooklands Concorde

The 1926 British Grand Prix

BROOKLANDS CIRCUIT – THE EARLY YEARS The Brooklands Concorde

The Brooklands Clubhouse

Brooklands was the world’s first purpose built motor racing circuit and opened on the 17th June 1907. It was funded In order for cars to achieve the highest possible speeds the 2¾ mile circuit was built with two huge banked sections nearly 30 ft. high. Some early motor

The Brooklands Clubhouse

The Brooklands Concorde

BROOKLANDS CIRCUIT – The THEBrooklands EARLY YEARS The Brooklands Clubhouse Concorde

SATURDAY SATURDAY TH JULY 10 TH

JULY 10

times and Malcolm Campbell built his record breaking Blue Bird cars here. The exciting motor racing attracted huge crowds and it became an important centre of the ‘social scene’ alongside Ascot and Henley. Visitors included HRH crowds and it became an important centre of the ‘social scene’ alongside Ascot and Henley. Visitors included HRH George VI andHEYDAY Queen Elizabeth. The outbreak of WW2 in 1939 had a major impact at Brooklands. Large sections of BROOKLANDS’ IN THE 1920s AND 1930s VIAND and Queen Elizabeth. The outbreak of WW2 in 1939 had a major impact at Brooklands. Large sections of BROOKLANDS’ HEYDAY IN THEGeorge 1920s 1930s the circuit were removed to make way for the extension of the runway and the building of the most prolific aircraft the circuit were removed to make way for the extension of the runway and the building of the most prolific aircraft The first British Grand Prix was held at Brooklandsfactory in 1926. The legendary raced Brooklands The first British Grand Prix was held at Brooklands in 1926. The legendary ‘Bentley Boys’ racedwhich at Brooklands many in Europe which made‘Bentley WellingtonBoys’ Bombers andat Hurricanes for themany RAF. factory in Europe made Wellington Bombers and Hurricanes for the RAF.

times and Malcolm Campbell built his record breaking Blue Bird cars here. The exciting motor racing attracted huge times and Malcolm Campbell built his record breaking Blue Bird cars here. The exciting motor racing attracted huge BROOKLANDS MUSEUM BROOKLANDS MUSEUM TODAY crowds and it became an important centre of the ‘social scene’ alongside Ascot and Henley.TODAY Visitors included HRH crowds and it became an important centre of the ‘social scene’ alongside Ascot and Henley. Visitors included HRH Brooklands Museum opened 1991 toimpact keep the motor racing aviationof histories alive and Thea Brooklands Museum was opened inLarge 1991 to keep theof unique motor racing and aviation George histories VI aliveand andQueen Elizabeth. TheThe outbreak of WW2 in was 1939 had ainmajor atunique Brooklands. Largeand sections George VI and Queen Elizabeth. The outbreak of WW2 in 1939 had major impact at Brooklands. sections preserve theextension inventiveness, and spirit adventure whichofarethe Brooklands’ real legacy. Significant attractions preserve the inventiveness, expertise and spirit of adventure which are Brooklands’ real legacy. Significant attractions the circuit were removed to make way for the ofexpertise the runway andofthe building most prolific aircraft the circuit were removed to make way for the extension of the runway and the building of the most prolific aircraft include the motor racing village featuring the collections of classic racing cars and motorcycles, the aircraft factory include the motor racing village featuring the collections of classic racing cars and motorcycles, the aircraft factory Bombersa Wellington and Hurricanes RAF. factory in Europe which made Wellington Bombers andmany Hurricanes forincluding the RAF.a Wellington Bomber, the aircraft park including the Brooklands Concorde factory in Europe which housingmade many Wellington WW2 planes including Bomber, for the the aircraft park including the Brooklands Concorde housing WW2 planes and the London Bus Museum. Many special events are organised at Brooklands throughout the year and you can

and the London Bus Museum. Many special events are organised at Brooklands throughout the year and you can

hire the venue for business and social TODAY events. You can even get married on board Concorde! We look forward to hireTODAY the venue for business and social events. You can even get married on board Concorde! We look forward to BROOKLANDS MUSEUM BROOKLANDS MUSEUM seeing you at Brooklands. seeing you at Brooklands. The Brooklands Museum was opened in 1991 to keep the unique motor racing and aviation histories alive and The Brooklands Museum was opened in 1991 to keep the unique motor racing and aviation histories alive and all the latest news,are events and visitor details you can call, email or visit the website: preserve the inventiveness, expertise and spirit ofFor adventure which Brooklands’ real legacy. Significant attractions For allreal the latest news, events and visitor details you can call, email or visit the website: preserve the inventiveness, expertise and spirit of adventure which are Brooklands’ legacy. Significant attractions Telephone 01932 857381cars Email Telephone 01932the 857381 Email bookings@brooklandsmuseum.com include the motor racing village featuring the collections of classic racing andbookings@brooklandsmuseum.com motorcycles, the aircraft factory include the motor racing village featuring the collections of classic racing cars and motorcycles, aircraft factory www.brooklandsmuseum.com www.brooklandsmuseum.com housing many WW2 planes including a Wellington Bomber, the aircraft park including the Brooklands Concorde housing many WW2 planes including a Wellington Bomber, the aircraft park including the Brooklands Concorde and the London Bus Museum. Many special events are organised at Brooklands throughout the year and you can and the London Bus Museum. Many special events are organised at Brooklands throughout the year and you can hire the venue for business and social events. You can even get married on board Concorde! We look forward to hire the venue for business and social events. You can even get married on board Concorde! We look forward to seeing you at Brooklands. seeing you at Brooklands.

CLANNA CARDS

CLANNA CARDS CLANNA CARDS

For all the latest news, events and visitor details you can call, email or visit the website: Telephone 01932 857381 Email bookings@brooklandsmuseum.com © Brooklands Ltd ©MMXV PRICE CODE FF TEL 01242 575 574 www.clannacards.co.uk www.brooklandsmuseum.com

For all the latest news, events and visitor details you can call, email or visit the website: Telephone 01932 857381 Email bookings@brooklandsmuseum.com500 © Brooklands Ltd RACE ©MMXV 1000 MILES ©BROOKLANDS LTD ©MMXV TEL 01242 01242 575 575 574 574 www.clannacards.co.uk TEL www.clannacards.co.uk PRICE CODE PRICE CODE FF FF www.brooklandsmuseum.com

CLANNA CARDS

www.clannacards.co.uk

Sample_431_doc 17/04/2019 11:02 Page 1

ROAD RACING

The 1926 British Grand Prix

The Brooklands Clubhouse

The 1926 British Grand Prix

The Brooklands Concorde

BROOKLANDS’ HEYDAY IN THE 1920s AND 1930s The first British Grand Prix was held at Brooklands in 1926. The legendary ‘Bentley Boys’ raced at Brooklands many times and Malcolm Campbell built his record breaking Blue Bird cars here. The exciting motor racing attracted huge crowds and it became an important centre of the ‘social scene’ alongside Ascot and Henley. Visitors included HRH George VI and Queen Elizabeth. The outbreak of WW2 in 1939 had a major impact at Brooklands. Large sections of the circuit were removed to make way for the extension of the runway and the building of the most prolific aircraft factory in Europe which made Wellington Bombers and Hurricanes for the RAF. BROOKLANDS MUSEUM TODAY The Brooklands Museum was opened in 1991 to keep the unique motor racing and aviation histories alive and preserve the inventiveness, expertise and spirit of adventure which are Brooklands’ real legacy. Significant attractions include the motor racing village featuring the collections of classic racing cars and motorcycles, the aircraft factory housing many WW2 planes including a Wellington Bomber, the aircraft park including the Brooklands Concorde and the London Bus Museum. Many special events are organised at Brooklands throughout the year and you can hire the venue for business and social events. You can even get married on board Concorde! We look forward to seeing you at Brooklands.

For all the latest news, events and visitor details you can call, email or visit the website: Telephone 01932 857381 Email bookings@brooklandsmuseum.com www.brooklandsmuseum.com

The Brooklands Concorde

The 1926 British Grand Prix

The Brooklands Clubhouse

The Brooklands Concorde

SATURDAY JULY 10TH

The 1926 British Grand Prix

AUTOMOBILE RACING CLUB PRICE 3'6

For all the latest news, events and visitor details you can call, email or visit the website: Telephone 01932 857381 Email bookings@brooklandsmuseum.com www.brooklandsmuseum.com

www.clannacards.co.uk

GRAND

‘NATIONAL’ RACE

START For all the latest news, events and visitor details you can call, email or visit the website:

3 P.M.

www.clannacards.co.uk

The Brooklands Clubhouse

The Brooklands Concorde

www.clannacards.co.uk

The 1926 British Grand Prix

The Brooklands Clubhouse

The 1926 British Grand Prix

The Brooklands Clubhouse

BROOKLANDS CIRCUIT – THE EARLY YEARS Brooklands was the world’s first purpose built motor racing circuit and opened on the 17th June 1907. It was funded by Hugh Locke King and was built on his estate near Weybridge in Surrey. In order for cars to achieve the highest possible speeds the 2¾ mile circuit was built with two huge banked sections nearly 30 ft. high. Some early motor racing rules were brought from horse racing including the terms ‘paddock’, cars being ‘shod’ with tyres, the ‘finishing straight’, the ‘Clerk of the Scales’ organising handicaps and drivers wearing coloured ‘silks’ similar to jockeys. BROOKLANDS’ HEYDAY IN THE 1920s AND 1930s The first British Grand Prix was held at Brooklands in 1926. The legendary ‘Bentley Boys’ raced at Brooklands many times and Malcolm Campbell built his record breaking Blue Bird cars here. The exciting motor racing attracted huge crowds and it became an important centre of the ‘social scene’ alongside Ascot and Henley. Visitors included HRH George VI and Queen Elizabeth. The outbreak of WW2 in 1939 had a major impact at Brooklands. Large sections of the circuit were removed to make way for the extension of the runway and the building of the most prolific aircraft factory in Europe which made Wellington Bombers and Hurricanes for the RAF.

BROOKLANDS MUSEUM TODAY

The Brooklands Museum was opened in 1991 to keep the unique motor racing and aviation histories alive and preserve the inventiveness, expertise and spirit of adventure which are Brooklands’ real legacy. Significant attractions include the motor racing village featuring the collections of classic racing cars and motorcycles, the aircraft factory housing many WW2 planes including a Wellington Bomber, the aircraft park including the Brooklands Concorde and the London Bus Museum. Many special events are organised at Brooklands throughout the year and you can hire the venue for business and social events. You can even get married on board Concorde! We look forward to seeing you at Brooklands.

For all the latest news, events and visitor details you can call, email or visit the website: Telephone 01932 857381 Email bookings@brooklandsmuseum.com www.brooklandsmuseum.com

©MMXV PRICE CODE FF

MAY 28th 1932

CLANNA CARDS ADMISSION 2/6 & 5/-. CARS 2/6 www.clannacards.co.uk

©MMXV PRICE CODE FF

www.clannacards.co.uk

©MMXV PRICE CODE FF

P.M.

Long & Short Handicaps

Telephone 01932 857381 Email bookings@brooklandsmuseum.com © Brooklands Ltd ©MMXV PRICE CODE FF TEL 01242 575 574 www.clannacards.co.uk www.brooklandsmuseum.com

for Prizes value £350 Also Long & Short Handicaps

11:02 Page 1

CLANNA CARDS No Race longer than 6 laps © Brooklands Ltd TEL 01242 575 574

www.clannacards.co.uk

©MMXV PRICE CODE FF

BROOKLANDS

508 MOTOR CYCLE RACING ©BROOKLANDS LTD MMXX TEL 01242 575 574 www.clannacards.co.uk PRICE CODE FF

Aero Club 1930

CLANNA CARDS 508 MOTOR CYCLE RACING ©BROOKLANDS LTD MMXX TEL 01242 575 574 www.clannacards.co.uk PRICE CODE FF

WWW.CHEEKYCHOPSTRADE.CO.UK

The 1926 British Grand Prix

The Brooklands Clubhouse

The Brooklands Concorde

BROOKLANDS CIRCUIT – THE EARLY YEARS

Brooklands was the world’s first purpose built motor racing circuit and opened on the 17th June 1907. It was funded by Hugh Locke King and was built on his estate near Weybridge in Surrey. In order for cars to achieve the highest possible speeds the 2¾ mile circuit was built with two huge banked sections nearly 30 ft. high. Some early motor racing rules were brought from horse racing including the terms ‘paddock’, cars being ‘shod’ with tyres, the ‘finishing straight’, the ‘Clerk of the Scales’ organising handicaps and drivers wearing coloured ‘silks’ similar to jockeys.

The first British Grand Prix was held at Brooklands in 1926. The legendary ‘Bentley Boys’ raced at Brooklands many times and Malcolm Campbell built his record breaking Blue Bird cars here. The exciting motor racing attracted huge crowds and it became an important centre of the ‘social scene’ alongside Ascot and Henley. Visitors included HRH George VI and Queen Elizabeth. The outbreak of WW2 in 1939 had a major impact at Brooklands. Large sections of the circuit were removed to make way for the extension of the runway and the building of the most prolific aircraft factory in Europe which made Wellington Bombers and Hurricanes for the RAF.

Telephone 01932 857381

Email bookings@brooklandsmuseum.com

www.brooklandsmuseum.com BROOKLANDS’ HEYDAY IN THE 1920s AND 1930s

CLANNA CARDS TEL 01242 575 574

www.clannacards.co.uk

PRICE CODE FF

BROOKLANDS

PRICE 3'6

WHIT MONDAY JUNE 9th 1930

‘NATIONAL’ RACE

5/-

BROOKLANDS’ HEYDAY IN THE 1920s AND 1930s

Brooklands was the world’s first purpose built motor opened on the 17th June park 1907. It was the funded housing many WW2racing planes circuit includingand a Wellington Bomber, the aircraft including Brooklands Concorde by Hugh Locke King and was built on near inspecial Surrey. In are order for cars to achieve the highest andhis theestate London Bus Weybridge Museum. Many events organised at Brooklands throughout the year and you can hire the venue fortwo business andbanked social events. You can even 30 get ft. married board early Concorde! We look forward to possible speeds the 2¾ mile circuit was built with huge sections nearly high.onSome motor seeing you at Brooklands. racing rules were brought from horse racing including the terms ‘paddock’ , cars being ‘shod’ with tyres, the ‘finishing straight’, the ‘Clerk of the Scales’ organising handicaps andnews, drivers wearing coloured ‘silks’ similar For all the latest events and visitor details you can call, emailto or jockeys. visit the website:

Aero Club 1930

CLANNA CARDS

www.brooklandsmuseum.com

44_PG_Ju y 2019 ndd 1

The Brooklands Concorde

include the motor racing village featuring the collections of classic racing cars and motorcycles, the aircraft factory

For all the latest news, events and visitor details you can call, email or visit the website: Telephone 01932 857381 Email bookings@brooklandsmuseum.com www.brooklandsmuseum.com

©MMXV PRICE CODE FF

The Brooklands Clubhouse

The Brooklands Museum was opened in 1991 to keep the unique motor racing and aviation histories alive and

CIVIL AIR DISPLAY

CLANNA CARDS ADMISSION 2/6 & 5/-. CARS 2/6

GRAND

––

BROOKLANDS’ HEYDAY IN THE 1920s AND 1930s

preserve the inventiveness, expertise spirit of adventure BROOKLANDS CIRCUIT – THEand EARLY YEARS which are Brooklands’ real legacy. Significant attractions

BROOKLANDS MUSEUM TODAY

MAY 28th 1932

www.clannacards.co.uk

The 1926 British Grand Prix

The Brooklands Concorde

BROOKLANDS CIRCUIT – THE EARLY YEARS

BROOKLANDS

The Brooklands Concorde

©MMXV PRICE CODE FF

CLANNA CARDS

©MMXV PRICE CODE FF

www.brooklandsmuseum.com

CLANNA CARDS No Race longer than 6 laps

Sample_431_doc 17/04/2019 11:02 Page 1

BROOKLANDS The 1926 British Grand Prix

for Prizes value £350 Also Long & Short Handicaps

–– 5/Enclosure Cars to Car Park 2/6 Cars to

©MMXV PRICE CODE FF

www.clannacards.co.uk

Telephone 01932 857381 Email bookings@brooklandsmuseum.com www.brooklandsmuseum.com

- 3ˊ6 Admission- - 2ˊChildren

CLANNA CARDS

WHIT MONDAY JUNE 9th 1930 CLANNA CARDS

For all the latest news, events and visitor details you can call, email or visit the website: Telephone 01932 857381 Email bookings@brooklandsmuseum.com www.brooklandsmuseum.com

BROOKLANDS MUSEUM TODAY

Sample_431_doc 17/04/2019 11:02 Page 1

for Prizes value £350 Also Long & Short Handicaps

OFFICIAL RACE CARD

PRICE 3'6

CLANNA CARDS No Race longer than 6 laps

BROOKLANDS MUSEUM TODAY

‘NATIONAL’ RACE

PRICE 3'6

OFFICIAL RACE CARD

sure ARtoTEnclo CLANNA CARDS 2/6 news, For all the latest events and visitor details you can call, email or visit the website: STCars Park No Race longer than 6 laps to Car

BROOKLANDS

OFFICIAL RACE CARD

WHIT MONDAY JUNE 9th 1930

BROOKLANDS CIRCUIT – THE EARLY YEARS

BROOKLANDS’ HEYDAY IN THE 1920s AND 1930s

The Brooklands Concorde

straight’, the ‘Clerk of the Scales’ organising handicaps and drivers wearing coloured ‘silks’ similar to jockeys.

The Brooklands Museum was opened in 1991 to keep the unique motor racing and aviation histories alive and

The first British Grand Prix was held at Brooklands in 1926. The legendary ‘Bentley Boys’ racedpreserve at Brooklands many the inventiveness, expertise and spirit of adventure which are Brooklands’ real legacy. Significant attractions times and Malcolm Campbell built his record breaking Blue Bird cars here. The exciting motor racing hugevillage featuring the collections of classic racing cars and motorcycles, the aircraft factory include attracted the motor racing housingincluded many WW2 planes including a Wellington Bomber, the aircraft park including the Brooklands Concorde crowds and it became an important centre of the ‘social scene’ alongside Ascot and Henley. Visitors HRH and the London Bus Museum. Many special events are organised at Brooklands throughout the year and you can George VI and Queen Elizabeth. The outbreak of WW2 in 1939 had a major impact at Brooklands. Large sections of hire the venue for business and social events. You can even get married on board Concorde! We look forward to the circuit were removed to make way for the extension of the runway and the building of the most prolific aircraft seeing you at Brooklands. factory in Europe which made Wellington Bombers and Hurricanes for the RAF.

BROOKLANDS MUSEUM TODAY

CLANNA CARDS CLANNA CARDS

The Brooklands Clubhouse

racing rules were brought from horse racing including the terms ‘paddock’, cars being ‘shod’ with tyres, the ‘finishing The Brooklands Concorde

The Brooklands Clubhouse

BROOKLANDS CIRCUIT – THE EARLY YEARS

BROOKLANDS’ HEYDAY IN THE 1920s AND 1930s

GRAND

and the London Bus Museum. Many special events are organised at Brooklands throughout the year and you can hire the venue for business and social BROOKLANDS events. You can even MUSEUM get married onTODAY board Concorde! We look forward to seeing you at Brooklands.

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Brooklands was the world’s first purpose built motor racing circuit and opened on the 17th JuneThe 1907. It wasGrand funded first British Prix was held at Brooklands in 1926. The legendary ‘Bentley Boys’ raced at Brooklands many by Hugh Locke King and was built on his estate near Weybridge in Surrey. In order for cars totimes achieve the highest and Malcolm Campbell built his record breaking Blue Bird cars here. The exciting motor racing attracted huge crowds andearly it became an important centre of the ‘social scene’ alongside Ascot and Henley. Visitors included HRH possible speeds the 2¾ mile circuit was built with two huge banked sections nearly 30 ft. high. Some motor and Queen Elizabeth. The outbreak of WW2 in 1939 had a major impact at Brooklands. Large sections of racing rules were brought from horse racing including the terms ‘paddock’, cars being ‘shod’ withGeorge tyres,VIthe ‘finishing the circuit were removed to make way for the extension of the runway and the building of the most prolific aircraft straight’, the ‘Clerk of the Scales’ organising handicaps and drivers wearing coloured ‘silks’ similar to jockeys. factory in Europe which made Wellington Bombers and Hurricanes for the RAF.

3 P.M.

–– 5/Enclosure Cars to Car Park 2/6 Cars to

©MMXV PRICE CODE FF

BROOKLANDS CIRCUIT – THE EARLY YEARS

The 1926 British Grand Prix

RACING CLUB OFFICIAL RACE CARD

WHIT MONDAY JUNE 9th 1930

Sample_431_doc 17/04/2019 11:02 Page 1

The 1926 British Grand Prix

The Brooklands Concorde

GRAND

‘NATIONAL’ RACE

Telephone 01932 857381 Email bookings@brooklandsmuseum.com www.brooklandsmuseum.com

BROOKLANDS BROOKLANDS

ROAD RACING

The Brooklands Clubhouse

BROOKLANDS CIRCUIT – THE EARLY YEARS

BROOKLANDS’ HEYDAY IN THE 1920s AND 1930s

www.clannacards.co.uk

The Brooklands Clubhouse

BROOKLANDS CIRCUIT – THE EARLY YEARS

START For all the latest news, events and visitor details you can call, email or visit the website: - 3ˊ6 Admission- - 2ˊChildren

CLANNA CARDS

BROOKLANDS The 1926 British Grand Prix

The 1926 British Grand Prix

Sample_431_doc 17/04/2019 11:02 Page 1

AUTOMOBILE RACING CLUB AUTOMOBILE

times and Malcolm Campbell built his record breaking Blue Bird cars here. The exciting motor racing attracted huge BROOKLANDS MUSEUM crowds and it became an important centre of the ‘social scene’TODAY alongside Ascot and Henley. Visitors included HRH Brooklands was opened in 1991 to the in unique and aviationathistories alive and George The VI and QueenMuseum Elizabeth. The outbreak ofkeep WW2 1939motor had aracing major impact Brooklands. Large sections of preserve the inventiveness, expertise and spirit of adventure which are Brooklands’ real legacy. Significant attractions the circuit were removed to make way for the extension of the runway and the building of the most prolific aircraft include the motor racing village featuring the collections of classic racing cars and motorcycles, the aircraft factory factory Europe which made Wellington Hurricanes for theConcorde RAF. housing many WW2 in planes including a Wellington Bomber, the Bombers aircraft parkand including the Brooklands

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BROOKLANDS’ HEYDAY IN THE 1920s AND 1930s

BROOKLANDS MUSEUM TODAY The Brooklands Museum was opened in 1991 to keep the unique motor racing and aviation histories alive and preserve the inventiveness, expertise and spirit of adventure which are Brooklands’ real legacy. Significant attractions include the motor racing village featuring the collections of classic racing cars and motorcycles, the aircraft factory housing many WW2 planes including a Wellington Bomber, the aircraft park including the Brooklands Concorde and the London Bus Museum. Many special events are organised at Brooklands throughout the year and you can hire the venue for business and social events. You can even get married on board Concorde! We look forward to seeing you at Brooklands.

The Brooklands Concorde

CLANNA CARDS CLANNA CARDS Sample_431_doc 17/04/2019 11:02 Page 1

Sample_431_doc 17/04/2019 11:02 Page 1

The Brooklands Clubhouse

BROOKLANDS CIRCUIT – THE EARLY YEARS

The Brooklands Concorde

Sample_431_doc 17/04/2019 11:02 Page 1

BROOKLANDS Brooklands was the world’s first purpose built motor racing circuit and opened on the 17th June 1907. It was funded by Hugh Locke King and was built on his estate near Weybridge in Surrey. In order for cars to achieve the highest possible speeds the 2¾ mile circuit was built with two huge banked sections nearly 30 ft. high. Some early motor racing rules were brought from horse racing including the terms ‘paddock’, cars being ‘shod’ with tyres, the ‘finishing straight’, the ‘Clerk of the Scales’ organising handicaps and drivers wearing coloured ‘silks’ similar to jockeys.

The Brooklands Concorde

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Sample_431_doc 17/04/2019 11:02 Page 1 Sample_431_doc 17/04/2019 11:02 Page 1

The Brooklands Clubhouse

BROOKLANDS CIRCUIT – THE EARLY YEARS The Brooklands Clubhouse

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by Hugh Locke CIRCUIT King and was–built on EARLY his estate near Weybridge in Surrey. BROOKLANDS THE YEARS

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The 1926 British Grand Prix

BROOKLANDS MUSEUM The Brooklands C TODAY

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CIVIL AIR DISPLAY

Telephone 01932 857381 Email bookings@brooklandsmuseum.com www.brooklandsmuseum.com BROOKLANDS’ HEYDAY IN THE 1920s AND 1930s

The first British Grand Prix was held at Brooklands in 1926. The legendary ‘Bentley Boys’ raced at Brooklands many times and Malcolm Campbell built his record breaking Blue Bird cars here. The exciting motor racing attracted huge crowds and it became an important centre of the ‘social scene’ alongside Ascot and Henley. Visitors included HRH George VI and Queen Elizabeth. The outbreak of WW2 in 1939 had a major impact at Brooklands. Large sections of 2/6 5/-. CARS 2/6 theADMISSION circuit were removed to make way& for the extension of the runway and the building of the most prolific aircraft factory in Europe©which made Wellington Bombers and Hurricanes for the RAF. Brooklands Ltd ©MMXV

MAY 28th 1932

CLANNA CARDS TEL 01242 575 574

www.clannacards.co.uk

PRICE CODE FF

Aero Club 1930

BROOKLANDS MUSEUM TODAY

For all the latest news, events and visitor details you can call, email or visit the website: Telephone 01932 857381 Email bookings@brooklandsmuseum.com www.brooklandsmuseum.com

CIVIL DISPLAY cards available! Probably the bestAIRmen’s MAY 28th 1932

Aero Club 1930 Office: 01242 575574 Sa es: 07860 831131 c annacards@hotmai .com www.c annacards.co.uk CLANNA CARDS © Brooklands Ltd TEL 01242 575 574

www.clannacards.co.uk

©MMXV PRICE CODE FF

CLANNA CARDS ADMISSION 2/6 & 5/-. CARS 2/6 © Brooklands Ltd TEL 01242 575 574

www.clannacards.co.uk

©MMXV PRICE CODE FF

ADMIS

27 06 2019 13 04

43_45_47_muk.qxp_Grid 26/06/2019 11:35 Page 45

PG Live In Pictures

Above and above right: Marking their companies shared 5th anniversaries, the Tache and Louise Tiler Design teams did a fabulous job in decorating the Gallery Hall for lunch and the Opening Night Party. Tache’s Pennie Bryant (right) and Louise Tiler Design’s namesake with an Instagram ‘prop’ in the entrance to the Hall.

Right: The Fedrigonisponsored tea trollies and coffee/tea hot spots provided welcome refreshment for buyers and exhibitors. Left: Visitors enjoyed selecting a GF Smith’s paper badge holder to co-ordinate with their outfits. Below left: The Retas and Greats Champagne Reception was a great opportunity for retailers to meet up. (Left-right) Love It’s Will and Amanda Oscroft with Planet Sal’s Sally Wilde.

Below: Everyone was im’pressed’ with the letterpress action on the Archivist stand.

Left: Talented saxophonist Graeme Airth (formerly of Curiosity Killed the Cat) added to the vibe of the show, playing at the opening as well as while lunch was served.

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17/06/2019 09:54 25/06/2019 11:48

43_45_47_muk.qxp_Grid 26/06/2019 11:35 Page 47

PG Live In Pictures

Above: Lizzie Parker of Art Matters was in full artistic mode at the show. Below: Among the many competitions and prizes at the show, was the chance to win a beautiful race horse framed painting by Deckled Edge’s founder Janna Cossettini (right). The winner of this prize draw, whose name was picked out of the hat by PG’s deputy editor Gale Astley (left), was Pig Finca in Kingsbridge, Devon.

Above: Jackie Collins, managing director of Cherry Orchard was ready with ‘the readies’. To add some extra razzle dazzle to the launch of its Razzle Dazzle range, there was a prize draw at the show with £250 of holiday vouchers up for grabs.

Above: As second day of PG Live was also Global Exhibition Day, the Business Design Centre’s Hayley Constable presented a cake to the international exhibitors and visitors, including (pictured) Artige’s Robert Robert Aaftink and Ton & Dorothea Hollander from Holland; Putinki’s Kirsi Ala-Kurikka from Finland; MGP’s Miguel Pinto and Joana Ribeiro from Portugal; Paperworld’s Suzanna Mizzi from Malta and Christoph Stucki from ABC Greeting Cards from Switzerland.

Right: Veronica Dearsley added an extra element of fun on her stand with a wheel of fortune!

Above: The Opening Night party (sponsored by Tache and Louise Tiler Design) was a great opportunity to network. (Left-right) Mark Janson-Smith (Postmark), James Mace (The Art File), Anna Nelson (Rosanna Rossi), Georgie Francis (White Cotton Cards), Troy Nelson (Rosanna Rossi) and Leona Janson-Smith (Postmark) enjoying a catch up.

Left: The Grumble & Co chaps’ ‘sweet touch’ had them flocking for a sugar rush.

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

48-49.qxp_Grid 27/06/2019 11:46 Page 48

In Profile

A Grass Roots Movement “It is an illogical, yet totally logical decision,” said Stuart McKay, chairman of Paper Rose and non-executive director of Simon Elvin a few weeks ago when it was announced that Grass Roots’ Write from the Heart ranges was to be re-introduced to the market as part of Paper Rose, thereby broadening the publisher’s portfolio with the addition of these respected traditional brands. PG met up with Stuart to find out more about how this break from tradition at Paper Rose is bedding in. For many retailers seeing a selection of Grass Roots’ Write from the Heart designs on the Paper Rose stand at PG Live a few weeks ago was the first time they had really thought how the traditional greeting card brand does in fact slot unhindered into the Nottingham-based publisher’s portfolio. With orders now being shipped thick and fast from Paper Rose’s Nottingham warehouse and the company’s sales team fully conversant on the ‘chapter and verse’ about the new traditional card strand, it seems that the Write from the Heart’s ‘roots’ are taking hold in their new home. The Grass Roots/Write from the Heart launch at PG Live came two and a half months after the news broke that the longestablished Liverpool-based publisher Grass Roots International had ceased trading and was to be liquidated. Just previous to this, having been alerted to an opportunity, the Simon Elvin Group (which comprises Nigel Quiney, Glick, Simon Elvin, Polytint and Paper Rose) had acquired the vast design and verse bank of Grass Roots International as well as the publisher’s brand names, Grass Roots and Write from the Heart. “As this is not something we had anticipated, we are still debating how best to use the designs, verses and brand names

from the

GRASS ROOTS

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PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

and which of our companies are best suited to be their ‘home’,” Simon Elvin, founder of the eponymous company admitted just after the acquisition was finalised. In keeping with the horticultural names of both businesses, it wasn’t long before it was revealed that Grass Roots/Write from the Heart was to be grafted onto Paper Rose, to sit alongside Avocado Designs and The Art Group as a standalone brand.

As Stuart McKay, chairman of Paper Rose highlighted: “The most important thing was to get up and running as quickly as possible to be able to serve Grass Roots’ existing customers so as to ensure continuity of supply, but we had to first work out what products we could offer them straightaway from the stock we had bought.” Having acquired 90% of the Grass Roots’ stock from the receivers, as well as thousands of cards from three of the

Above: Design and editorial combine in the Write from the Heart range. Below left: (Right) Reggie Pugh, creative director, in the Paper Rose warehouse checking in the latest batch of Grass Roots cards to have arrived. Inset: Stuart McKay, chairman of Paper Rose has enjoyed bringing Grass Roots/Write from the Heart into the fold. Bottom left: The Simon Elvin Group now owns the brand names of Grass Roots and Write from the Heart.

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In Profile

company’s printers, there has been something of a ‘sorting frenzy’ in Paper Rose’s warehouse of late. “I reckon we have 450,000 Write from the Heart cards across 650 designs that we can now offer retailers. From sales of these we will quickly see where the demand is and be able to respond to this with subsequent launches,” said Stuart. Although Paper Rose as a publisher is not known for traditional cards, there is considerable expertise in the group in the area. Stuart McKay was ceo of UKG for many years, while the founder of the group, Simon Elvin, has been responsible for thousands and thousands of traditional designs. Reggie Pugh, creative director of Paper Rose is relishing the challenge. “We dabbled in traditional cards with our Penny Farthing range a couple of years ago. It is less of a problem to find the right artists, but marrying them with the right words is the crucial part. Having acquired the vast Grass Roots verse bank is hugely helpful while having been able to draw on the expertise of Julie Hammond, who was part of the Grass Roots studio

team; she has been invaluable,” said Reggie. Considering the important interrelationship between the design and editorial on a traditional card, Stuart was reminded of a mantra that greeting card legend Irving Stone (son of the founder of American Greetings) told him back in 1991 when Stuart was running UKG. “He told me never to forget that in greeting cards “design attracts, words sell” - we will now put that to the test!” While initially Paper Rose will be offering the Grass Roots cards that it has in stock

(bought from the receiver and printers), new collections will be developed by the Paper Rose studio over the summer with a Christmas range being factored in for next year. And something that is bound to go down well with existing Grass Roots’ customers, the former trade price list (which is lower than that of Paper Rose) will still be adhered to. “What has come over loud and clear to us is the affection that so many retailers have for the Write from the Heart brand,” says Reggie, referring to conversations she had with retailers on the stand at PG Live. “When Grass Roots ceased trading they told me that it felt like they had lost a friend,” she added. “It is up to us now to reinforce that friendship - and make new ones - by maintaining the essence of the brand through the cards we publish and the service we offer.” It sounds like Reggie has already passed her masterclass in being well versed in traditional values!

Above: The Paper Rose team are planning the Write from the Heart range.

The extended family Ever since Paper Rose became part of the Simon Elvin Group (acquired many moons ago from founder Alan Hawkes) it has grown, according to Stuart McKay, through a combination of planned expansion and grasping opportunities, both acquisitive and collaborations, when they present themselves. In fact even Stuart coming on board as chairman falls into the latter. “Do you know I have now been working for 13 years since I retired!” he joked, making reference to his joining Simon Elvin having decided to retire from Clintons, where he was latterly managing director of its Birthdays chain, and previous to which spent 13 years heading up UKG. “We are constantly notified of companies that are up for sale, but it is a case of recognising what they would add to the business,” explained Stuart. The acquisition of The Art Group has been

successful in that it strengthened the company’s pedigree on the photographic and art sides, while Avocado Designs, which has recently been revamped, brought a strong illustrative brand to the portfolio. Added to these have been savvy collaborations, the ongoing relationship with Lucy Ledger being a case in point. “Not only has it been delightful to work with Lucy on a collection of hand-finished card designs for Avocado, but she has also helped us on our website and stand design,” added Reggie. With Grass Roots/Write from the Heart now ticking the box on the traditional front, what else is on Paper Rose’s wishlist? “In an ideal world I would like to add a good humorous brand to the portfolio, but in my opinion humour is the most difficult subject matter to get right and the easiest to get wrong not just on cards, but in life too!” admits Stuart. Above left: The Art Group collection includes a diversity of art and photographic designs. Above right: Paper Rose’s Marzipan brand, including the Toybox collection, is a strong part of the main portfolio. Left: The Avocado Designs brand was revamped at the start of the year and was revealed at Spring Fair. Far left: One of the Lucy Ledger hand-finished designs based on her vintage collection that is available as part of the Avocado Designs range.

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There are lots of lovely products showcased at Harrogate Home and Gift (14 - 17 July), here are some of them…

Even More Flapping Redback’s bold Holy Flaps humour range, which won the Best Humour Range award at The Henries 2018, has been augmented with 12 brand spanking new designs. The collection, which now spans over 70 designs feature thermography and are accompanied with a hot neon envelope. Redback Cards 01752 830482 www.redbackcards.com Stand GS-16

Cause For Celebration (Not So) Heavy Metal Featuring metallic silver foil finish, Dandelion Stationery’s new Elton Collection encompasses both open birthday designs as well as a mix of occasions titles. The 114mm x 162mm cards are printed on luxury matt FSC board and supplied with grey patterned envelopes and individually cellowrapped. Dandelion Stationery 01332 695359 www.dandelionstationery.co.uk DP5 stand GS3

Wrendale Designs’ new Party Animals celebrations range includes 18 fun occasion cards featuring Hannah Dale’s distinctive watercolour artwork, pastel coloured backgrounds and humorous captions. The text on the front of the cards has been painted in watercolour for a contemporary look. The cards (which measure 170mm x 138mm) are all printed on sustainably sourced textured board, supplie d wrapped with a kraft envelope. Wrendale Designs 01652 680253 www.wrendaledesigns.co.uk DP1 stand B6

Blooming Lovely Some 20 new designs are being added to Two Little Monkeys’ Rosie's Garden range, bringing the design-led collection to 60 designs spanning birthdays, ages and occasions. The 155mm square cards are printed on beautiful white textured board, individually cellowrapped and come with a high quality brown kraft envelope. Two Little Monkeys 0191 488 3333 www.twolittlemonkeysltd.co.uk DP5 stand GS24

What’s It All About? The Meme-ing of Life is an extensive new collection of open humour cards from JellynBean, which spans some 72 designs. The cards (A6 in size) are offered nude, (ie cellobag free), being the publisher’s first steps towards going naked across all its products. Each cards is supplied with a 100gsm white envelopes, attached to the card using a ‘card clasp’, and printed on a high quality textured board. A counter display unit is also available. JellynBean 01423 871881 www.jellynbean.com DP5 stand GS34

Be Seen In Neon It is hard to miss LS20 Letterpress Studios’ latest range as its zings with neon colours. The 12 new occasion card designs by the artisan card producer are as boldly designed as they are bright. Printed on 300gsm textured board and supplied with a recycled envelope, the 111mm x 153mm cards are wrapped in a biodegradable cellobag. LS20 Letterpress Studios 07850 539568 www.ls20letterpressstudio.com DP5 stand GS9 PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS GREETINGS WORLDWIDE PROGRESSIVE WORLDWIDE

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There are lots of lovely products showcased at Harrogate Home and Gift (14 - 17 July), here are some of them…

Eureka Moments From a cute fluff-ball of a kitty playing with her balloons to a cupcake devouring dinosaur, Deckled Edge has expanded its Eureka blank art card collection, all created by the publisher’s founder Janna Cossettini. Suitable for all ages, the cards, printed on lovely thick tactile FSC 350gsm board which measure 124mm x 178mm and finished with sparkling metallic gold and copper envelopes. Deckle d Edge 0800 771 0771 www.decklededge.co.uk DP5 stand GS4

Dream On

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Roger la Borde’s new Dreamland stationery collection is based on illustrations by Oregon-based Kendra Binney. The pastel dreamscapes filled with lush textures and otherworldly scenery spans eight greeting cards, A5 Hardback Journal, a luxe illustrated journal, pocket notebook, magnetic todo pad, luxe letter writing set, gift bags and double-sided giftwrap. Roger la Borde 0207 328 0491 www.rogerlaborde.com DP1 stand B5

As Lanther Black sees it, each year brings with it an opportunity for personal growth; a chance to better oneself and learn something new. Lanther Black’s Stickman birthday collection encourages these efforts by promoting culture and learning. There are nine initial cards in the collection, which is the square root of 81! Lanther Black 01277 549040 www.lantherblack.com DP5 stand GS6

Breezing Through Molly Mae has extended its popular Carried on the Breeze range of small cards, including more four-legged friends appearing in the new designs that have proved the most popular. The 16 new designs cover birthdays and also female relations, the latter featuring for the first time. The cards, 130mm square in size, are supplied cellowrapped with a matching envelope. Molly Mae 01455 557115 www.mollymae.co.uk Stand DP1–D80

Double Artistry Natural Partners is launching new ranges from two talented artists, namely Kate Lycett from Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire and Jenny Ulyatt from Durham City, both of whom produce wonderful landscape paintings, but in very different styles. Kate’s work is inspired by her local area’s landscape and beautiful old buildings, while Jenny’s contemporary watercolours are created from a cocktai l of sketches, photographs, memory and imagination, producing images that are full of movement, colour and life. Natural Partners 07714 768956 www.naturalpartnersart.co.uk DP5 stand GS25

Those Were The Days Mixing vintage Illustrations with today’s humour, Really Good’s new range The Good Olde Days ticks both boxes. Debuting with 14 strong designs, the cards, sized 137mm x 169mm, are printed on recycled board. Really Good 01235 537888 www.reallygood.uk.com DP1 stand C28

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS GREETINGS WORLDWIDE PROGRESSIVE WORLDWIDE

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What’s Kooks-ing? Bug Art has just added some new ‘crackers’ to its Christmas Kooks range. These colourful and quirky festive animal designs have been released alongside additions to both the Christmas Jewels and Paper & Foil ranges. All of these ranges are embossed with gold foil and are blank inside. They measure 167mm x 118mm and are available individually wrapped or as five packs. Bug Art 0115 929 4776 www.bugart.co.uk

Pin Back Your Ears

Stepping Out

Old English Company has recently launched a new Enamel Pin card collection. There are currently 14 different designs in the range, each of which comes with a stylish enamel pin for the receiver to enjoy as a keepsake. Using signature colours, the cards all feature black and gold icons with messages to suit a range of occasions and ages. Old English Company 01780 763 368 www.oldenglishprints.com

The DecaDance range from 2Fs Design offers a different twist (and shout!) on age-specific birthday cards (which are 125mm square). Evoking happy memories of childhood, each DecaDance card captures the feel of an era rather than celebrating just a single day. The inaugural designs, featuring bold coloured patterns and light-hearted greetings, cover the 1930s to the 1980s. The cards come with ivory envelopes. 2Fs Design 07770 918592 www.2fsdesign.com

Life’s A Peach Rachel Ellen Designs’ brand new Hello Peachy range features a mix of quirky florals and bold patterns in an eyecatching colour palette for a modern, zingy feel. The contemporary general birthday cards are tastefully finished with a pop of neon pink ink, a burst of gold flitter and a hand-embellished felt flower attachment. The cards are accompanied by either a neon pink or black and white spotty envelope. Rachel Ellen Designs 0115 970 0321 www.rachelellen.co.uk

Tweet Tweet Twice As Nice Cherry Orchard has launched two new ranges, Lily Rose and Aztec. The former comprises 14 beautiful floral and flittered female open birthday designs and 15 female relations and occasions designs. Meanwhile, Aztec spans 14 relations text-based designs finished with colourful fluted foil. Cherry Orchard 01684 295500 www.cherryorchardpublishing.co.uk

A Little Bird Told Me is a new range of 12 humour cards from Go La La featuring our feathered friends. Whatever their size these winged wonders have wise words that they want to tweet about. Measuring 150mm square on a gorgeous textured board, each card comes complete with a canary (coloured not made from) envelope and is individually wrapped in a cello bag or not if preferred. Go La La 01458 835415 www.golala.co.uk PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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PG showcases a selection of new product launches

Barking Up The Right Tree As its range name suggests, the Dashing Dogs greetings card collection from Amelia Illustration comprises a selection of charming dog designs. Each design is based on hand-drawn pen, ink and watercolour artwork, printed onto premium 350gsm FSC eco-friendly board and left blank inside. Each card is accompanied by a kraft brown envelope. Amelia Illustration 07891783453 www.ameliaillustration.co.uk

Animal Instincts As the range name suggests, Sirocco Design’s brand new collection is themed around the vibrant Savannah. The new range comprises birthday age cards for children (ages 1-6), a new baby congratulations card, general happy birthday card, elephant, giraffe and zebra card, wrapping paper and a pack of 12 party invitations. There are also matching nursery/children's room prints and baby-wear. Sirocco Design 07590 384501 www.sciroccodesign.co.uk

To Die For Debuted to great acclaim at the recent PG Live, Veronica Dearly’s innovative Lovely Flaps range comprises 15 cards with die-cut apertures. Adopting an Advent calendar format, each card covers a different topic including birthday, anniversary, new baby, new home, engagement, marriage and Christmas, as well as a few fun ones, such as 'What Your Choice of Pet Says About You', with the recipient invited to open the ‘door’ for an extra greeting. Veronica Dearly 01628600594 www.veronicadearly.com

Local Calls Babble is the bright new range from Pink Pig that taps into the demand for local cards. The collection of 56 inaugural designs includes dialect from all over the country, and, as the range is constantly being updated, the publisher is happy to include sayings from different areas. The cards, which are 150mm square, come cellowrapped with a textured kraft envelope Pink Pig 0779 5574548 www.pinkpigcards.co.uk

Badge-ring For More Lucy Maggie Designs has just launched a brand new range of badge cards. The collection comprises 16 bold and colourful designs which draw on popular trends in today’s society, whether you are an advocate of veganism, cat lover, plant enthusiast or proud feminist! Lucy Maggie Designs 07763 239731 www.lucymaggiedesigns.co.uk

Extending Christmas Coulson Macleod is extending its festive celebrations with its new concertina Christmas card collection, Simply Christmas. The cards, which come with a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays or Season’s Greetings wording, are 148mm by 609mm when opened out. Each card comes with a grey envelope. Coulson Macleod 01536 419944 www.coulsonmacleod.com PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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Birds Of A Feature In keeping with the trend for all things Japanese, Kali Stileman Publishing has spread its wings into lots of new ‘Storky’ stuff. The new collection includes new wraps, including a turquoise blue and warm peachy pink as well as matching cards, printed on linen weave board. Kali Stileman Publishing 01305 848899 www.kalistileman.co.uk

Rising To The Occasion

Bearing Up

Tracks Publishing has revamped its occasions cards portfolio to incorporate new designs and a new size of cards. The collection draws from Tracks’ popular collections, including its FLUFF range and features many cards in a new size of 152mm x 183mm. The cards come with either a neon pink or white envelope in keeping with the design. Tracks Publishing 01480 435562 www.tracksltd.com

Having recently launched adult milestone ages into its Barley collection, IC&G has now introduced 20 brand new juvenile ages. The new additions feature a brand new colour palette, holographic foil finishes and watercolour elements. The cards are accompanied by a bespoke kraft envelope that is unique to the Barley range. International Cards & Gifts 01202 897494 www.icgcards.com

Naturally Inclined The Eco-friendly Card Co’s Christmas collection in support of The Wildlife Trusts is now available for order. Packs of 10 Charity Christmas are available in two sizes (120mm and 153mm square) with a 40p/50p donation from the sale of each pack going to The Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts. The cards are printed on 100% recycled board, with 100% recycled envelopes and packed in a compostable bag. The Christmas cards coordinate with a 2020 calendar, an everyday greeting card range and notecard sets. The Eco-friendly Card Co 01626 369269 www.ecofriendly.cards

Light Up Your Day Cinnamon Aitch’s new Aurora collection comprises 12 uplifting, affirming designs. Positive sentiments such as ‘You’re blooming marvellous’ and ‘You are my sunshine’ are teamed with simple handdrawn imagery, depicted in a warm gold foil against a parchment background. These simple yet luxurious small cards, sized 95mm x 125mm, come with a recycled fleck envelope. Cinnamon Aitch 0121 773 6833 www.cinnamonaitch.co.uk

Drink Up You can enjoy your morning cuppas and lunches with a clear conscience with Xpressions new matching bento boxes and travel mugs. Made from eco-friendly bamboo, the range is designed for everyday use and on the go. Offering a durable alternative to plastic and single use cups, the various trend-led designs include unicorns, birds and hot air balloons. Xpressions 07976 512138 www.xpressionsgifts.co.uk PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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Retailer Face To Face

Playing

Ball Last September saw the Fenwick department store group centralise all its functions across its estate, including its greeting card buying. However, as PG discovered from talking to Abigail Ball, who heads up the card buying for all nine stores, and Lizzie Tillmanns, who provides the sales analysis and forecasting, curating for local tastes is very much part of the new thrust at Fenwick. As to be expected, when it was announced that after years of buying its greeting cards (and all manner of products) on an individual store basis the Fenwick group of department stores was to make the switch to centralised buying, there were groans of disappointment from many card suppliers. They were fearful the new approach would result in a homogenous offer on the card racks, a drop in sales and a step back from the enjoyable working relationships with the store buyers the previous set-up had brought. Making a very approachable and engaging double act, Abigail Ball (who now heads up buying for the card and stationery buying for the group) and Lizzie Tillmanns (whose role as assistant merchandiser sees her working closely alongside Abigail on the sales analysis and forecasting) greatly enjoyed their ‘lap of honour’ at PG Live last

month, putting to rest any fears, both through their words and their order placing, that there is to be no ‘one size fits all’. Abigail and Lizzie have set to in earnest to give the card selection “a fresh look”, but one that is very much tailored to each of the stores’ demographics and customers’ buying tastes. In addition, they are tidying up the inconsistencies in retail pricing remedying a situation whereby the same card design could be on sale at a number of different prices within the group. There are nine department stores in the group now, located in Newcastle, London’s Bond Street, Bracknell, Brent Cross, Canterbury, Kingston, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Colchester and York. Colchester and York

Above: Fenwick’s (right) Abigail Ball, assistant buyer for cards and stationery, and assistant merchandiser Lizzie Tillmanns, were very happy to spend their Silver Ticket with Paper Salad’s Jack Wilson at PG Live. Left and middle: The tribal calling is loud in the Newcastle store - Fenwick reordered huge quantities of the Lines Behind designs, while Bug Designs’ range of celebs wearing Newcastle FC shirts also sell very well in the store. Below: The cards are all shown full facing in the Newcastle store. Bottom: Fenwick’s Newcastle store achieves the highest sales in the group on greeting cards.

operate through brokerage (though with input from Abigail), with GBCC responsible for Colchester and Woodmansterne for York. Each of the branches has a sizeable greeting card department, their importance underlined by the departments’ prominent positions instore. “There is no doubt about it, greeting cards help to drive traffic as well as additional impulse sales,” says Abigail. “The card

departments tend either to be prominently positioned on the ground floor - as is the case in our Newcastle and Colchester stores, for example - or in a hot spot close to the café, as we have in Brent Cross, Tunbridge Wells and Bentalls in Kingston,” she adds. While Newcastle is seen as the flagship on the card front, taking the most revenue wise, due to the store configuration, Bentalls in Kingston actually gives over the largest amount of space to cards and wrap. 60

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Retailer Face To Face

“Local is at the heart of our business and this needs to be reflected on our card displays too,” explains Abigail. “Some 30% of the cards in each store will cater for local tastes,” whether that is in the words used on a design, specific type of cards or from a local designer. “So, we need to offer a selection of ‘Mam’ cards in Newcastle, while in our Brent Cross store, to cater for its customer demographics, we need to ensure there is a dedicated display of Jewish cards.” As Abigail was previously assistant buyer of everyday and Christmas cards for the group’s flagship Newcastle store as well as its York branch before taking on the group-wide buying role, she has first hand knowledge of two stores and is used to cross-referencing her experiences with those of buyers of the other stores in the group. “There is a big difference in the buying habits of our customers in Newcastle, where humorous cards have always been very strong, and say our Canterbury store, which scores well on more serious designs,” says Abigail.

And it is not just in the types of cards, but the caption mix too. Being able to track the store-by-store sales, Lizzie highlights how there is a balance to be made in the occasions section too. “We sell a far greater proportion of ‘new job’ cards in say our Bond Street store, while our Tunbridge Wells store does a great trade in anniversary cards. It is our job to ensure that we acknowledge these needs,” adds Lizzie, who took on the newly created role last November, joining from Oliver Bonas. Although Abigail and Lizzie work very closely together, they are in fact based at opposite ends of the country - with Abigail up in the Newcastle store and Lizzie at the Brent Cross branch. “It actually works well as it means that between the two of us we are able to get to all the stores pretty easily,” explains Abigail. “For the past few months I have done a lot of travelling down to Brent Cross to meet up with Lizzie - I even have a regular carriage on

Secrets and pies PG cajoled some little known facts and views from Abigail and Lizzie… l What is one thing that few people know about you?: Abigail: “That my ‘big love’ is dancing. I still do it all - ballet, tap, modern, aqua – and have appeared on TV shows, such as Got To Dance, on Sky One.” Lizzie: “That my middle name is Hendrix, after Jimi.” l What lessons have you learned in business?: Abigail: “That it is all about building relationships.” Lizzie: “Simply be nice - it’s the best way.” Above: PG Live provided a good opportunity to l What would be your guilty pleasure?: network with friends in the trade. (Right-left) Abigail: “I am a hot chocolate addict.” Fenwick’s Lizzie Tillmanns and Abigail Ball with Lizzie: “Chocolate biscuits – ashamed to admit that I Oliver Bonas’ Natalia Kostereska and Siobhain Watkins at The Retas Drinks Reception. have been known to eat a whole packet in one go.” l What three words or phrases would best describe you?: Abigail about Lizzie: “Honest, ‘on it’ and caring.” Lizzie about Abigail: “Bubbly, ‘get on with it’ and passionate.” l What would your dream job be (if the card trade didn’t exist)?: Abigail: “I’ve always wanted to run a dance school or, failing that, be in Wicked in the West End.” Lizzie: “A travel reviewer as I love travelling.”

the early morning train! - as it was important to firm up on our strategy, but in the future we will probably alternate. It helps that we get on so well together and speak every day.” While 30% of the cards in Fenwick’s store will have a local flavour - the remaining 70% will be core across the estate. “We currently buy from over 100 different card suppliers. That number is likely to condense slightly, but what we want to do is ensure that we are getting the best from each and every supplier, for their sakes as well as ours,” says Lizzie. Abigail is full of praise for so many publishers’ creativity, with “Belly Button, Five

Above: The Colchester store is supplied by GBCC on a brokerage basis. Above left: Customers of Fenwick’s store in London’s Bond Street are keen on contemporary cards. Left: Table displays that flank the cards offer the flexibility for seasonal products, attracting customers’ attentions.

Dollar Shake, The Art File, Rosie Made A Thing, Sooshichacha and Ohh Deer” being among those that immediately spring to mind, feeling that the wealth of choice on offer will sustain the UK’s love of cards. Abigail explains that the aim now is to properly review each supplier’s portfolio “to ensure that we have the best designs from them. With the number of stores we have it gives us the opportunity to order in sizeable quantities while also being agile so as to get them into stores quickly.” With the refresh underway Abigail and Lizzie are on a mission: “We are determined to offer a fresh and different card selection for our customers that they will not find anywhere else. It is a ‘work in progress’ but we will get there!” PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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Spring Seasons Trends 2020

A Spring

Awakening PG highlights some of the trends and influencers on 2020 Spring Seasons designs, and (spring) watches the mainstay motifs and colourways that encompass and embody each of these four special card sending occasions.

Spelling bee Valentine’s Day - 14 February 2020 Taking the pulsing heartbeat of the first of the Spring Seasons, it’s all about the cute birds and the bees on Valentine’s design for 2020. Gorgeous rotund and fluffy honey makers, which have come to symbolise love, peace and environmental caring, are ‘a-hive’ and busy buzzing with messages of endearment, while on the wings of love are necking swans and cooing doves (who often mate for life) nesting on designs. Contemporary heart motifs and tiny red roses embrace romantic love, but a plethora of designs don't mention Valentine’s Day at all, instead feature open caring phrases with cake, seashell or rainbow imagery that could be expressed to a ‘Galentine’, relation or a much loved furry member of the family, such as a cat or dog. All the sentiments, however, are warm and honest, mainly in a simple font, speaking from the heart, and shine on the paired back designs with gorgeous foiling.

Clockwise top to bottom: l Blue Eyed Sun’s Doodle Girl licensed Valentine’s range is hand-finished with jewels and biodegradable glitter. l Talking Pictures showcases paper innovation with a honeycomb pop-out on this beautiful design for Valentine's Day. l Singing its heart out, a seashell on a Paperlink design. l A beautiful bee on a Cinnamon Aitch design full of romance, red roses and sparkly gems galore. l ‘You make my heart happy’, lovely sentiments on a Carte Blanche Me To You design. l Shhh, its a card from Dandelion Stationery. l The Greatest Showman movie inspired this UKG Valentine’s design. l A ‘Word For Word’ Valentine’s design from Paper Rose.

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Spring Seasons Trends 2020

Super mums Mother’s Day - Sunday 22 March 2020 Warm and nurturing, mums are a safe place called home on illustrations and sentiments on next year’s Mother’s Day designs, which share messages of adoration and gratitude to mums (and nanas) for their comfort, cuddles and care. In response to the female empowerment movement there are also elements of celebrating superhero mums, who juggle the kids’ needs, a job and relationships, with figurative female illustrations on designs showcasing real women and real mums, not caricatures of femininity, some in a cape surrounded by lightening bolt spark motifs on cards. Painterly florals, birds and botanicals in watercolour washes or bold brushstrokes, and burgeoning bright bouquets in delicious pastel lemon, tangerine, blush and contrasting blues, are always an expressive motif on cards in appreciation for mums, and they are offered up by huggable bear and bunny characters. And cream teas, fizzing tipples and pampering treats encourage Mum to put up her feet and relax on her special day. Above left: The Handcrafted Card Company portrays a nurturing new mum on one of its Mother’s Day designs. Far left: ‘Hey Fresco’ Spring Seasons from Wendy JonesBlackett are 155mm square, hot foiled and hand-finished with diamantes. Left: Intricate, beautiful and full of wonder, Hallmark’s 3D paper engineered cards give mums a truly unique card to make her feel super special. Right: A bouquet for Mum from IC&G’s lovable Hun Bun cute character.

Top: Roger la Borde’s fabulous new Quintet Cards have fold-out scenes with five beautifully illustrated lasercut panels. Above: Watercolour florals for Mum on a Claire Maddicott Velvet Ink design. Below: Super-mums are celebrated at Redback Cards.

Born to bounce

Easter - Sunday 12 April 2020 Bunnies are big and bouncing all around on Easter card designs for 2020. Floppy eared, whiskered and with a penchant for carrots, the Easter rabbit motif has won the race (this time) but close behind its fluffy tail are newborn chick, bounding lamb and delicious and dainty multi-coloured and patterned chocolate eggs nestling on illustrations on next year’s Easter cards. The natural world comes back to life after the dark, cold winter, awakening with bright green shoots, budding blush coloured blossom, sunshine yellow daffodils and pale lemon primroses. These bursts of colour and optimism signal spring and new life, and Easter 2020 designs capture this essence with their elevating pastel hues and loose painterly style. As an important Christian occasion, Easter iconography remains significant on cards, with floral adorned crosses and village steepled churches being gentle reminders of this religious event.

Top: An adorable bunny on an Abacus relations design. Top right: Carrots, one of the favourite lunches of rabbits, created by Amy Bradley at the Art of Brilliance from Dandelion Stationery. Above: Easter cake with chocolate bunnies on a Laura Sherratt card. Right: Paper Salad’s gorgeous Jamboree Spring range is super embossed, bursting with neon colours and lovely foil. Middle right: Soft pastels and a warm metallic finish, Paper Rose Easter range explores next year’s must have tonal colours.

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

Top: Talking Pictures’ (Ling) designs have some spectacular finishes to really celebrate this religious occasion. Above: Woodmansterne are delighted to be working with Emma Bridgewater, the well-loved British pottery maker, to offer a range of beautifully embossed cards.

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Spring Seasons Trends 2020

Home striker Father’s Day - Sunday 21 June 2020 In a league of his own, Father’s Day designs for 2020 are awarding Dad sporting medals for service to the family, along with a number of shiny ribbon-covered trophies for number one in the field of dads. As well as championing pater, chilled frothy pints and artisan craft beer motifs encourage him to treat himself and take it easy on this dedicated day. And if a pint is not his penchant, then illustrations of relaxing pastimes remind him to unwind and put the ‘cab of dad’ car keys away and his wallet back in his pocket on Father’s Day. Revered dads are the king of cool to their off-spring, and next year’s card designs show the closer relationship modern fathers have with their kids, taking on a bigger role in the cuddles and play department. Of course poor old Dad is a prime target for some gentle ribbing and teasing, and chucklesome Father’s Day designs make a joke at his expense, but under all that banter Dad remains held in high esteem and deserves his ‘man of the match’ accolade from his family. Above left: Ling Design’s range King Street offers ‘striking’ designs for Father's Day. Above right: Cuddles and play for Dad on a design from Abacus. Left: Quirky Bird Spring, striking Father’s Day cards from Cinnamon Aitch featuring beautifully hand-painted birds with bold, contemporary text. Right: Relax on Father’s Day, a Cherry Orchard design. Below left: Medals for service to the family from Nigel Quiney. Below right: Teasing dads, a design from Paperlink. Bottom left: For ice cool dads, a design from UKG. Bottom right: Crowned ‘King of Dads’ from Sabivo Designs.

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In Conversation With... Wrendale

Living The

Hannah and Jack Dale, the co-owners of Wrendale Design, had a very good reason last month to leave the rural Lincolnshire idyll where they are based. They were invited to Buckingham Palace to receive a Royal welcome as a recipient of a 2019 Queen’s Award, in recognition of the company’s extraordinary international success. PG caught up with Hannah, the creative maestro of Wrendale, to talk about the birds and the bees. While Harrogate Home & Gift will see Wrendale Designs launch its new range of reusable water bottles, it will be popping the corks on a few bottles of fizz too with retail customers in celebration of the company receiving a Queen’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade. As Hannah Dale, cofounder of the business points out, “We were so delighted to receive the Queen’s Award in recognition of our export growth, but this would not have been possible without the continued support of our UK retail customers and of course our team. This award is very much shared with them.” The Harrogate show will see the launch of 50 new products from Wrendale, from satchels to stationery, water bottles to a hedgehog house, and all this in little over a month after it launched 60 brand new greeting card designs at PG Live. And these will feed through into Wrendale’s overseas business, which has grown 400% over the last three years, both through its own set-ups in several countries as well as working with its loyal distributors in other territories. 66

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

Top left: The Wrendale brand is now revered around the world. Above: Wrendale Designs has the right to use the Queen’s Award accreditation for the next five years. Right: Hannah and Jack Dale outside Buckingham Palace. Left: Wrendale is launching a range of water bottles at the Harrogate Home & Gift show. Below: One of the latest designs in The Country Set collection from Wrendale.

In addition to this, the brand’s global awareness continues to build through selective licensing relationships. The most notable of these being with Royal Worcester (part of the Portmeirion Group), whose recent launch of Wrendale dinnerware went down a storm.

Hard to believe that it was not that long ago that Hannah Dale was a stockbroker working in the City, before she upped sticks and returned to her Lincolnshire roots and literally ‘drew’ on her love and learnings of zoology to set up Wrendale. “Looking back, we really never expected Wrendale to be where it is now. I can’t tell you how lucky I feel,” said the ever self-deprecating Hannah Dale, who, together with her husband Jack, co-owns Wrendale Designs. It was at PG Live eight years ago that Wrendale Designs made its debut, with Hannah recalling how tentative she felt about setting up her small stand in the Springboard area of the show to showcase the first incarnation of The Country Set, a greeting card range based on her zoologically correct depictions of animals, with a touch of quirky cuteness. “I remember wandering around just before the show opened feeling rather despondent at the sheer choice and quality on offer, unable to believe that anyone new could possibly establish themselves in such a competitive market,” admits Hannah. Hannah need not have worried as right from the off retailers gravitated to the stand, recognising the appeal the designs offered.

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In Conversation With... Wrendale

“What is lovely is that so many of our very first customers remain very supportive stockists to this day,” said Hannah, highlighting Home Countries group, House of Cards, as one of these. “I have a very clear memory of Miles [Robinson, co-owner] negotiating a deal with me at the end of the second day of the show, using his Retas Golden Ticket, the terms of which remain in place to this day!” laughs Hannah. However, it is to Annika Keelan, owner of Annika’s, a gift shop in Louth, that Hannah pays a special tribute. “Just before I started Wrendale I sold some of my paintings to Annika’s. Annika said to me “why don’t you do cards, I think you should.” I am so glad I listened to her!” said Hannah. There is no denying that Wrendale’s success is way above the norm, and not

surprisingly has resulted in others looking to emulate that success in its wake. It has taken passion, artistic integrity, investment and, by Hannah and Jack’s own admission, a dose of optimistic naivety, to anchor Wrendale in the UK as well as firmly on the global map. “Naivety, I have learned, can be a good thing for business,” said Hannah, citing its expansion into the US as a case in point. Unaware of the horror stories of how major brands have failed to establish themselves in the States, Jack and Hannah took the view: “There will be some differences, but let’s give it a go.” So, around three years ago they set up a Wrendale warehouse in Texas, shipped over a container of stock and started meeting with rep forces in various US states to talk about the brand. “It’s worked. And we have not had to do special designs - whether a rabbit is still a rabbit in America or whether the products’ appeal is their Britishness, they are selling. We now have a US sales manager, two people in the UK who look after our American side - and I am pleased to say we have a retail stockist in every state in America, including Alaska and Canada!” This same approach of setting up its own base has been replicated in Germany, France, Netherlands, Spain and Portugal, while the company also enjoys longstanding relationships with distributors in Australia (McMillan) and New Zealand (The Image Gallery). The addition of Lisa Marcuccio joining the Wrendale team as its first sales manager at the start of last year, Hannah says has

Up close and personal l Having just received your Queen’s award, if you were Queen for the day what law would you pass?: “To be serious, I think it would have to be related to the climate crisis - the whole situation is so bleak and the only way we are going to repair some of the damage is by making some radical changes to the way we all behave, and I think this has to start at the top with big business and it has to be through legislation. I’d also slash rates for independent retailers on the high street.” l You have painted countless different animals, what is your favourite?: “I love foxes and I love painting them because of the beautiful colours and expressive faces. We have a family of foxes living at the bottom of our garden and we all get really excited if we spot one of them.” l If you could invite three famous people round for dinner (who would they be?: “Freddie Mercury, David Attenborough and Phoebe Waller-Bridge.” l When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?: “I remember at one point wanting either to

Above: The licensing agreement with Royal Worcester (part of the Portmeirion Group) has extended into dinnerware. Left: A range of satchels and shopping bags will launch at Harrogate Home & Gift.

“made a massive difference to the business” as her remit also includes international sales. “We now produce brochures in seven different languages, have native German and French speakers in our team and our phone lines are manned until 9.30pm to take account of time differences,” explains Lisa. “It is all about building a brand in each country rather than just getting some sales,” believes Hannah, who in a few months will be really bringing the brand to life by travelling to Japan to participate in a leading department store’s British Week activities. But before then, and with the taste of the high life of Buckingham Palace still on Hannah’s palate, it is the wildlife and her painting palette that beckons!

present the weather on television or be a tree surgeon.” l What have been the top three highlights of the last eight years of Wrendale?: “1. Winning our first Henries awards in 2012. 2. Launching the brand in Tokyo and meeting our first Wrendale customers in Japan. 3. All of the lovely feedback we get from retailers.” l Have there been any low points?: “Plenty running a business is a rollercoaster.” l What are your guilty pleasures?: “I love the Dixie Chicks and pretty much all country music. I realised I was probably getting a bit obsessed when our son Oliver could barely string a sentence together, but had a Barbie doll he called Dolly Parton.” l What three words would those close to you use to describe you?: “I asked Jack, he said: “Compassionate, focused and tenacious”… it makes me sound like a terrier.” l If you had a magic wand, what one thing would you change about the greeting card industry?: “I can’t think of anything - it’s a lovely, supportive, creative and dynamic industry.” Left: Hannah’s fave animals to paint, on a Country Set design. Above: Hannah painting in Tokyo’s Mitsukoshi department store as part of its British Week activities in 2017. PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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Focus On Art Cards: News

Brush Strokes This year the large art galleries have curated a number of spectacular shows. From Dutch post-impressionist Van Gogh and fashion designer Dior to filmmaker Stanley Kubrick and photojournalist Don McCullin, there are multifarious genres of art to enjoy, just as there are in the art cards ‘gallery’. PG’s Focus on Art Cards paints a picture of some of the news, views and artistic inspiration from the current art cards market.

Off the wall Acclaimed British painter Jock McFadyen RA will coordinate the Royal Academy’s 251st Summer Exhibition this year, which opens its doors from 10 June to 12 August 2019. And just within two weeks from submission to print ArtPress chose and published a mini range of six art cards from the 1,500 entries to the show to celebrate; the collection making its debut at PG Live last month. ArtPress’ director Linzi Russell-Watson reveals, “It is always a hectic time with less than two weeks from selection to print. Colour corrections are finalised by comparing the proof to the original artwork on the wall and some of them are placed very high! The cards came quite literally from the walls of the RA to the walls of PG Live!” l ArtPress held a prize draw at PG Live 2019, for those who placed an order at the show, to win two Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2019 tickets with accompanying cream teas. And the lucky winner out of the hat is John Barrett (and guest), owner of The Card Centre in Felixstowe. Above: Leviathan IV by Marion MacPhee, an entry into this year’s RA Summer Exhibition and published by ArtPress on cards.

Colourful washes This summer, Eco-friendly Card Company artist, Rachel Toll, will be hosting a series of watercolour master classes at Michael Caine’s Lympstone Manor. Rachel played an exceptionally special part in the process of realising Michael’s vision for the interiors at Lympstone Manor. She captured the beauty of the surrounding landscape and brought to life the birds that inhabit the area, with each room adorned with a unique watercolour of its namesake. Left: Rachel Toll artwork on cards from the Eco-friendly Card Co.

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Elephants on parade

Shortlisted from over 300 design entries, North-East artist and greeting card publisher Joanne Wishart has been chosen to paint two Elmer’s for Elmer’s Great North Parade. The public art trail across Tyne and Wear, which runs for 11 weeks from 21 August, has been organised by St Oswald’s Hospice in conjunction with Wild in Art, and will be made up of a herd of 50 large and 115 little Elmer sculptures based on the much loved children’s book character ‘Elmer the patchwork Elephant’. When the trail finishes the sculptures will be auctioned off to raise funds for St Oswald’s Children’s Hospice. l Joanne Wishart and her husband Ross have recently opened their first gallery in the harbour town of Cullercoats, nr Whitley Bay. Above: Joanne with her two soon-to-be decorated Elmers outside her new gallery in Cullercoats.

Social media savvy Art cards publisher Dry Red Press discovered artist Jenni Murphy through her social media and it has resulted in a new collection of cards. Jenni uploads videos asking her Facebook followers for suggestions for her paintings and they then get to feature in them! She uses these real people (and their pets) in her work, as well as stories told by her social media followers. Her prints have been exhibited in galleries and art fairs and are now available in a new card range by Dry Red Press. “We came across Jenni on social media and immediately loved the humorous storytelling in her images. We also love that she uses her social media followers to find real stories to paint; it is a really unique way of working”, explains Laura MacDonald, co-owner for Dry Red Press. (www.facebook.com/jennimurphyart/) Above: Laura MacDonald with one of her paintings.

Lend us your ear The Medici Gallery in London’s South Kensington’s latest window display is on a Van Gogh theme, inspired by the Tate Britain’s current blockbuster show ‘Van Gogh and Britain’. “The window display shows our own handmade papiermâché sunflower vase and a painted wicker chair (originally blue from home) with pipe and tobacco and not forgetting the bottle of Absinth!” says Medici Gallery’s Tim Reynolds and Charlie Wheatley. Left: The Medici Gallery’s Van Gogh inspired window display.

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Spotlight On Art Cards

Art Movements

With a leader of the Russian avant-garde Natalia Goncharova following the large artistic footsteps of surrealist Dorothea Tanning’s exhibition at the Tate Modern this year, as well as Nan Goldin showing her photographic work alongside, this year is very much about showcasing some of the big female talent in the Weston world’s art canon. Then there are the celebrations this year of 150 years of Henri Matisse and 500 years since the death of Italian Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci (whose work is currently being shown at The Queen’s Gallery in London), with the spotlight on Raphael’s 500th anniversary in 2020. With such a wealth of art influencers to inspire, PG asks some art card publishers if they have noted any artistic trends on art cards shaped by recent art, design, fashion, garden or photographic exhibitions around the country. Last May pop artist Jeff Koons’ ‘Rabbit’ sculpture sold for £71 million, breaking the record for artwork by a living artist. In his lifetime Van Gogh is known to have sold only one painting, The Red Vineyard, for 400 francs, although these days his art can hit the £40 million mark. The current ‘Van Gogh and Britain’ exhibition at London’s Tate Britain has been hugely popular with Van Gogh’s starry skies, deep purple irises and bright sunflowers continuing to appeal to a vast audience. Jane Crowther, creative director and artist for card publisher Bug Art admits art trends tend to sneak up on her without her noticing. That said however, one of her Jane’s new floral designs she’s just completed is ‘very Van Gogh’. “I tend to notice gardening trends more than artistic ones, with the UK flower shows being my inspirational venues of choice. Trends in colour combinations are very evident at these events, with purple, orange and lime green being popular in recent years. One of my new floral designs, Black Irises, felt like a personal expression of ‘edgy natural’ beauty. Not the pretty pinks or soft blues of ye olde card designs, but the very dark hues of purples, maroons and blues. Very me I thought… until I read recently that the number one ‘It’ plant for Chelsea Flower Show 2018 was the Black Iris. Alas, so last year.” However, appreciating the natural world and environmental issues are increasingly front of mind. Artists are protecting and raising awareness of our beautiful planet earth and the wildlife that

Above left: Artwork by Natalia Goncharova, currently showing at the Tate Modern. Left: New to Natural Partners, artist Jenny Ulyatt. Far left: Chelsea Flower Show inspired ‘Black Irises’ by Bug Art. Below: The Panda ‘Meet The Babies design from Catherine Kleeli Cards.

resides within it in their work, and this is something artist and card publisher Catherine Kleeli, director of Catherine Kleeli Cards has noticed. “With both David Attenborough and his impactful Blue Planet TV series and the conservation work being carried out by the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) we are finally coming to understand the environmental and ecological catastrophe we are facing if we don’t change how we as humans live and coexist in the natural world,” states Catherine. “DSWF has been staging the David Shepherd Wildlife Artist Of The Year competition since 2008, raising £1.2m towards conservation work. This year’s exhibition of the finalists was held at London’s Mall Galleries.” It’s also this strong ecological trend that has inspired Catherine’s imagination for a new range of cards. She says, “Catherine Kleeli Cards started as an art card range featuring mainly indigenous wildlife, domestic and farm breeds, but I’ve recently developed a ‘sub-range’ called ‘Meet The Babies’, the newest designs being of critically endangered babies such as rhino, panda and giraffes having drawn inspiration from these current concerns.” PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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Spotlight On Art Cards

A forerunner of ecoconscious greeting cards, Sue Morrish, managing director for Glebe Cottage/Ecofriendly Card Company feels that “the interest seen in plastic pollution in 2018 has evolved into a wider awareness of global warming and our individual carbon footprints. We have seen a growing interest in themes around nature and wildlife, which has always been popular for us. One of our best selling images is ‘Hare’ by Manda Beeching. It’s printed in earthy greens on an uncoated natural feeling board and both the subject matter, and the environmental credentials of how we make our cards, fit well with the growing trend for ‘eco-consciousness’”. As a small independent company in the east end of London, Eastend Prints has noticed a real shift in conversation around the environment and artists’ response to recent ecological events. Lauren Pennycott, marketing and press for Eastend Prints, explains: “In broader arts culture, and particularly with the artists we publish, there are some really strong animal themed art prints and latterly cards coming through to echo the value and emphasis that is rightly being placed on our natural world. Eastend Prints shares a studio with hat designing duo Bernstock Speirs and undoubtedly the influence of design in fashion and environmental issues have filtered into our conversations.”

And Lauren believes that environmental awareness is being reflected in art card designs: “We have Amber Davenport and Wacka in our new range who are both heavily inspired by wildlife, as is our bestselling card range from Jay Fleck.” Then, taking colour to a new place is another newcomer to the Eastend Prints card range, the Rosi Fiest collection. “Designed by Thomas Mueller the colours in play are bright and summery tones that could easily have been lifted from the impressionistic paintings of Pierre Bonnard, an artist whose work was shown at the Tate Modern earlier this year,” adds Lauren. 70

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Far left: ‘Hare’ by Manda Beeching from Eco-friendly Card Company. Left: Sue Gardner uses bold and bright colours in her art - on products from Wraptious. Below: Surrealist Dorothea Tanning’s recent exhibition at the Tate Modern was incredibly popular. Below middle: Beautiful and blue, a Kingfisher created by Megan Hawkins Art.

Of course the Frida Kahlo affect continues to influence fashion, homewares and greeting cards, with big bold florals, bird and monkey motifs. Simon Wadsworth, director of Wraptious, has seen a surge in brands and consumers in the gift industry being more confident with the colours they use and the positivity they inspire, thanks in part to Frida Kahlo exhibitions at the V&A and also the Brooklyn Museum. “This can be seen within our animal range by Sue Gardner which has grown quickly to become our fastest growing range of 2019. Bright colours and emboldened designs that make people smile and stand out on card spinners and shelves,” believes Simon. But of course, the Mexican surrealist wasn't the only artist painterly representing the unconscious mind. Currently, across London, in exhibitions both big and small, we are seeing a preoccupation with the surreal. “At the Tate Modern, Dorothea Tanning’s works was recently on show. Her work, which feels simultaneously uncanny and familiar, is an exploration of a world that exists beyond what meets the eye. Recently, on a smaller scale was the fantastic ‘A Tale of Mother’s Bones’ at the Camden Arts Centre. The exhibition combined art, writing and psychoanalysis in works by Dr. Grace Pailthorpe, a trained surgeon, and Reuben Mednikoff, an artist and designer. The result was a body of wildly experimental work presented alongside the creators’ psychoanalysis of the paintings,” shares Helena Maratheftis, social media & digital marketing coordinator for Roger la Borde. This surrealist trend is reflected in Dreamland, Roger la Borde’s new greeting card range illustrated by its most recent collaborator, artist Kendra Binney. “Kendra layers lush patterns and hand-made 2D Above left: Eastend Print’s cards featuring Amber Davenport, Wacka and Rosi Fiest designs (left to right). Above right: Dreamlike imagery from Kendra Binney can be discovered on Roger la Borde card designs. Left: Some Ink Nice’s gorgeous owl design.

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Spotlight On Art Cards

textures, creating ethereal dreamscapes filled with stars and flowers, pink skies and narwhals, oceans and forests and beyond. Kendra’s brand of surrealism is a very gentle one: her otherworldly scenes are delicate, pastel-hued and peaceful,” says Helena. And from dream worlds of the mind to Japanese graphic story telling, Sarah Tanser, senior designer for Paper Rose has recently seen a rise in Japanese influences coming through, heavily influenced by fabric, technology innovations and the current Manga exhibition at The British Museum, part of the Japan-UK Season of Culture 2019-20. Additionally, this East-Asian stimulus is being echoed on art

Top: The Manga exhibition is presently on show at The British Museum in London. Above: A Spirit design from Paper Rose with Japanese influences. Right: One of Dior’s fashion designs currently exhibited at the V&A. Above far right: Twiggy wearing Mary Quant 1966 (Photographer: Terence Donavan) available on cards from ArtPress. Bottom far right: Full of nature’s textures, a card from Joanne Wishart.

An artistic makeover

In spite of all the new technology on offer there continues to be a vibrant market for people buying a little piece of art from painters, both past and present. Like all artists, Jane Faires, artist of card publisher Jane Fairies Art, is influenced by her surroundings; her home is in Devon and the woods, beaches and peaceful countryside all play a part in her artwork, along with her love of animals. However, she is also interested in both the move towards computer design in art, “and how some artists from previous centuries can continue to look modern in the context of what is happening today in the art world. This is reflected in art greeting cards; there is no particular decade defining ‘style’ at the moment but a rich diversity, and with the importance of individuality, there is room for everyone in the market today," says Jane. Right: Raising awareness of its endangered listing, a Puffin from Jane Fairies Art.

cards: “Our last release of Spirit has a strong Asian influence, featuring Koi carp and cranes and Japanese inspired patterns. We’ve heavily considered the finishes on these designs to reflect the current trends, featuring textured gold foil and delicate embossing,” explains Sarah. And now for a touch of glamour. This year, London’s Victoria and Albert Museum has curated two major Exhibitions featuring the designs of fashion titans Christian Dior and Mary Quant, both trail blazers of their time. With ‘Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams’ (on until Sunday 1 September 2019) running alongside its Mary Quant exhibition (on until Sunday 16 February 2020), ArtPress have supplied cards to both of the V&A shows, from both its extensive Norman Parkinson collection and from the recently launched Terence Donovan range featuring black and white iconic 60’s images featuring beehive hair do’s, eyeliner, sharp suits, chandelier earrings and Twiggy resplendent in a Mary Quant outfit. Linzi Russell-Watson, director for ArtPress points out that, “Fashion photography has come back into the collective memory as we are in a time when we yearn for the glamour of the 50’s and the hedonistic days of the 60’s. Christian Dior’s incredible ‘nipped in’ silhouettes are just as current today at formal events as they have ever been. Whilst our more casual fashions owe so much to Mary Quant, from miniskirts, jersey dresses, skinny-rib jumpers, to coloured tights and even moving trousers for women out of the workplace and into the fashionable mainstream.” Of course, with such a plethora of art, fashion and design influencers available to peruse at show and exhibitions all over the UK, as Bug Art’s Jane Crowther points out: “As artists and designers, some might be tempted to think their designs are born of original creativity, re-interpreting nature’s aesthetic beauty. This of course is not quite the case, as there is always a zeitgeist effect and we are all magpies in differing degrees.” But magpies or not, there is an amazing creative landscape of art and design, modern and traditional, for art card publishers and artists to tap into, to inspire, and to showcase and share as mini pieces of art on cards. PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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PG asked a selection of card retailers for their ‘hot’ card sellers. Angelina Sullivan, owner of Sullivan’s Fine Cards & Gifts, Thorpe Bay, Essex A card and gift shop in a seaside town, with a loyal locals and destination shoppers customer base. Category

Name of Publisher

Product/Name Range

Comments

Everyday

IC&G

Essence

Cute

Carte Blanche

Me To You

Humour

Pigment

Fleet Street

Photographic Art

Abacus Abacus

Paw Prints Countryfile

Contemporary Handmade/HandFinished Children's Giftwrap

Pigment Second Nature

Happy Jackson Champagne

IC&G Unique Paper

Ancillary

Pairfum Scottish Soaps Somerset Toiletries Wild Things

Age birthday designs Glitterati Pink / Glitterati Champagne Diffusers Men’s toiletries Women’s toiletries Crystal gifts

Great coverage for a wide age range of open cards. A unique, readily recognisable cute bear brand. Hilarious cards featuring vintage photographs. So very popular with animal lovers. Beautiful rural scenes and wildlife from the UK. Bright, bold colours and modern. Beautiful handmade cards marking special sends. Bright and colourful, and a great price point for children’s cards. Stunning classy designs that are so on trend. Above: A milestone age We love buying great gifts that appeal to a wide range of people and occasions and so do our customers!

design from Carte Blanche’s Me To You collection.

Sally Wilde, owner of Planet Sal Card and Gift Shop in Honiton, East Devon A modern, slightly bonkers shop in a lovely courtyard, with a locals and tourists customer base. Category

Name of Publisher

Product/Name Range

Comments

Cute

Citrus Bunn

General

Humour

Rosie Made A Thing

Across The Board

Dean Morris Brainbox Candy Frankie Whistle

General General General

Contemporary

Sooshichacha

Across The Board

Art

Sally Scaffardi

Animal Cards

Reliefprint Press

General

Children’s

Rachel Ellen

General

Ancillary

Cinnamon Aitch

Cherry Blossom

Norse

Male grooming products

A new publisher for me and they are doing really well. Nice quality cards with gentle humour. The cards are a staple for me. One minute the spinner is full, the next it is empty! Lots of giggling involved too. These three brilliant publishers make up the majority of my ‘naughty corner’! It started with just two rows and now it is a whole wall. Customers love them and buy handfuls at a time. I call the area my ‘man creche’. Great that Brainbox now has Modern Toss in its collection too. I am a big fan of Sooshi cards. I was an agent for them years ago. Just looking at them makes me smile and very little of the artwork is done by computer. They are a top seller In Planet Sal. The ‘play on words’ humour used is brilliant. I have a lot of rural areas around me and customers from there love these cards. Another new one for me, and going very well. Customers always say ‘what lovely cards’ when they are in that section. I mainly stock the children’s cards and some gifts. They are so bright and cheerful, with all the latest trends covered. I have always sold this publisher’s cards, and was really pleased to see the new gift range launch this year. Soaps with no palm oil are a huge hit, along with the coasters. Beards are big, bushy business and this is a great range - all made in the UK.

Right: Animal word play on a Citrus Bunn design. Below right: Rainbows stationery from Rachel Ellen.

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Elizabeth Wilson, ecommerce manager at Nickery Nook, Bedale, North Yorkshire A medium card and gift shop with a rural customer base instore/nationwide customer base online. Category

Name of Publisher

Product/Name Range

Comments

Everyday

Alex Clark

Cute

IC&G

Sparkle/Little Sparkles Barley Bear

Humour

Woodmansterne Cardmix

Hysterical Heritage Irene and Gladys

Photographic

Noel Tatt

Cube

Traditional

Jonny Javelin

Secret Garden

Children’s

IC&G

Across The Board

Handmade/HandFinished Giftwrap

Words ‘n’ Wishes

Handcrafted With Love Across The Board

Some of our biggest sellers, in the shop and online, come from this range. An absolutely adorable range that feels special thanks to the use of diecutting, metallic foil and a very cute bear! Both ranges have been big sellers for us thanks to their irreverent spin on art and history. The Cube range features a Border Collie in a flat cap that has really struck a chord in our farming community! One of our local suppliers, these cards have a devoted following because of their delicate artwork and heartfelt verses. IC&G are our go-to for the rarer cards that combine age and relations. Their Magical Wonders collection has some great choices for grandchildren at each age. Fantastic cards that provide luxury at a very affordable price.

Right: Barley bear from IC&G is winning hearts.

Glick

Glick has worked with some great card publishers to create wrap that coordinates with our existing greeting card ranges.

Jo Barber, owner of No.14, Ampthill, Bedfordshire A medium size shop in a growing market town with a loyal customer base. Category

Name of Publisher

Product/Name Range

Comments

Everyday

Molly Mae

Across The Board

Redback Cards

Holy Flaps

Dandelion Stationery

Words Of Wisdom

Contemporary

Janie Wilson

Copper Leaf

Photographic

U Studio

1000 Words

Children’s

James Ellis Redback Cards

Shakies Shine

Handmade/ HandFinished

Laura Sherratt Designs

Spot The Birdie

Giftwrap

Artebene

Across The Board

Ancillary

Compton & Clarke

Pewter Carded Charms

Joma Jewellery

A Littles Range

Chilly’s Bottles

Across The Board

I love the cards’ quality and finish and they cater for pretty much every occasion. The super fast turnaround on orders helps enormously when you’re running low and there’s a low carriage paid level for top ups. It takes a lot for a card to make me laugh but these do! Refreshingly different humour our customers love. We started stocking Dandelion about six years ago and they still make me smile. A good price point and cheeky, without crossing the line. I just adore this range! Beautifully foiled, thick card, fabulous designs; it’s a winner. Who wouldn’t want to receive a card with a moody gorilla giving the finger, or dogs dressed as Batman and Robin? They’re cute, different, interesting and fun. These reversible sequin patches are great for kids, fun to play with and the added benefit that they can be removed and stuck on a bag or book. Delicate, different and beautifully finished. We bumped into Laura at our hotel during Spring Fair. I’d forgotten just how great her cards are, so it’s lovely having them back in the shop. Some 95% of our wrap is Artebene as the range is just so vast and the quality and prices are great. The perfect till point pick-up! Lovely pewter charms with matching silver envelopes and a great price. A beautifully designed bracelet in gorgeous packaging and retailing around £16. Our best selling item in the shop. Every school kid wants a Chilly’s bottle, it’s the latest cool accessory (no pun intended!)

Right: Time for a birthday ‘pawty’, a design from Molly Mae. Below right: A Spot The Birdie new home design from Laura Sherratt.

Humour

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

ART SOURCE

TO APPEAR REGULARLY IN THE

ARTSOURCE SECTION OF PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS CONTACT TRACEY ARNAUD ON 01234 740 051

74_PG_July 2019.indd 1

27/06/2019 13:56

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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

David Haladane At nine years old I had my first bit of luck. I contracted scarlet fever and was confined to bed for several weeks and it was then that I discovered cartoons. A family friend was a merchant seaman and he provided me with piles of ‘Funnies’. These were the comic sections of American newspapers he brought from overseas and they introduced me to the cartoon characters Popeye, Krazy Kat and Nancy. As I grew older, the cartoon bug never left me. I was inspired by the great cartoonists in newspapers and magazines including Punch, which was the most celebrated at the time. It soon became a goal of mine to have one of my own cartoons accepted for publication. After much rejection my first cartoon was published in Punch in January 1978. Thus began a long and fruitful association with the magazine, which lasted until its closure in 1992. In a career spanning over thirty years my work has appeared in books, satirical publications (Private Eye and The Spectator), advertising campaigns and on television in Spitting Image. I have been a regular pocket and strip cartoonist for several of

WANT TO BE FEATURED?

the national newspapers and most recently, I was the daily cartoonist for the Times, featuring throughout the newspaper and on the front page. As well as continuing with my topical work, I have embarked on a new venture. I am now producing several ranges of greeting cards, which I’m keen to have published and take to market. The subjects include reindeer in a hot tub, elephants in heels, a man in a space suit, a hippo dancing with a monkey and cats… there’s always cats. My recovery from scarlet fever all those years ago was down to penicillin. Without antibiotics I wouldn’t have survived so you could say Sir Alexander Fleming was instrumental in kick-starting my career. I hope history remembers him. l Tel: 01670 510700 l Email: davidhaldane05@btinternet.com l Web: www.haldanecartoons.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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JEREMY’S JOURNAL Business blogging by publisher Jeremy Corner of Blue Eyed Sun.

Plastic Free July Jeremy Corner, owner of greeting card publisher Blue Eyed Sun and distributor of BambooCup, takes the Plastic Free July pledge. As part of the #PowerOfOne campaign at Spring Fair this year I committed to taking part in Plastic Free July this year. I’d covered the spread of this grassroots movement for change in my talk on the main stage on the 'Rise of the Ethical Consumer and the Growth in the Green Economy’ and was curious to try it.

What a waste For those of you that aren’t already aware, retail manufacturing (and by implication… retail itself) is the second most polluting industry on the planet. The first being the oil trade (the base product for plastic). The Story of Stuff website has calculated that for every rubbish bin of stuff we throw out, up to 70 equivalent sized bins of waste have been used to produce the stuff that ultimately winds up in that bin. Worse still, 99% of the total material flow feeding our consumer habits is trashed within six months, this is aside from all of the toxic chemicals used to produce the goods and the toxins released in their destruction at end of life. Waste is one thing, but single-use plastic waste is a particularly problematic issue as it takes so long for plastic to break down; hundreds of years in most cases. In fact, it doesn’t really ever properly break down, it just ends up as smaller pieces of micro-plastic, which when ingested by living creatures like us or those that we eat can lead to a range of health issues which stretch from cancer to genital deformities. 76

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

The majority of us have seen the terrible images of huge amounts of plastic in the ocean. Viewing sea creatures strangled or disabled by plastic on Blue Planet II has had a huge impact on our behaviour, with the majority of us taking action to reduce the plastic waste we put out into the world.

Change is happening If you are not convinced this is happening yet, take a look at a few indicators: First there’s the 90% reduction in consumption of single-use plastic bags at supermarket and recent changes in government legislation on straws, cotton buds and stirrers; with more laws inevitably still to come on coffee cups and ultimately plastic bottles. Humans currently waste 100 billion single-use plastic lined coffee cups and 500 billion plastic bottles every year with over 90% not being recycled.

Left: Join the Plastic Free July challenge and cut back on your single use plastics. Below left: Not only does it kill our wildlife but eventually we ingest the single use plastics that we use. Bottom: David Nicholas, founder of Punk Cards ‘going naked’ at PG Live 2019.

Secondly, there’s the steep rise in numbers taking part in Veganuary each year, when people choose to go vegan for the month of January. Some 40% of plastic in the oceans comes from fishing nets and lines, which as you can imagine causes all sorts of horrors for the sea-life that get tangled up in them and die. The documentary ‘Cowspiracy’ calculates that for every pound of fish caught, up to 5lbs of unintended marine species are caught and discarded as by-kill. If you eat fish caught in the wild then you are part of this story I’m afraid. If you don’t, there are a host of other health issues with farmed fish, but that’s a discussion for another time. Another indicator for me is the growth in numbers of people taking up the Plastic Free July challenge. Now in its eighth year, it boasts a take up of millions of people in over 192 countries around the world.

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JEREMY’S JOURNAL Left: Hallmark’s new range turns coffee cups into beautiful card designs. Amanda Del Prete, md of Hallmark, supported the range’s launch at PG Live last month. Below left: The fight continues against single use plastic such as straws, takeaway coffee cups and milk and juice cartons. Bottom: Two Savannah cards from Sweet Design, a publisher who’s cards come cellowrap free.

What is Plastic Free July? The movement started in 2011 by a small group of Australians who were horrified at the impact humans were having on the oceans surrounding them. The goal of the campaign is to cut single-use plastic waste and to encourage a recycling infrastructure. People make their pledge on the website at www.plasticfreejuly.org to reduce their plastic consumption in July.

How to join in There are three main ways of getting involved in Plastic Free July. For the entire month you can commit to: 1. Avoid single-use plastic packaging 2. Target takeaway items (the Top 4: bags, bottles, straws and coffee cups) 3. Go completely plastic free You are able to use reusable products made from plastic. Technically, eating out at restaurants is not covered.

The challenges For those of you who read my column, you’ll know that I do enjoy taking on new challenges, whether it’s running marathons or learning to ride a motorbike and riding across the Gobi desert. I have to be honest, I’m slightly concerned about this one. Using a reusable bag, bottle and coffee cup is easy and has had a big effect on the number of bags, bottles and cups I used to bin each year. Despite already making a conscious effort to cut plastic from my life, I still buy certain items each month that are wrapped in single-use plastic. Food and drink is the area I am most concerned about. There is plastic in so many things, even canned drinks are often lined with plastic inside them to prevent them tasting of metal. Something I only recently discovered and never would have thought of. Most bottle tops are also lined with plastic. Tetra pack juice and milk cartons are all lined with plastic and aluminium.

I don’t tend to buy much processed food, but a lot of what I eat and drink has some single-use plastic. Rice, cucumber, porridge oats, strawberries, raspberries, salad, hummous, rice milk, sandwiches and juice cartons all come bagged in plastic. We eat every day, so tackling this area individually and together will give us our biggest wins. Next there’s toiletries: shaving gel, shampoo, shower gel, toothpaste, cotton buds, toilet paper and the majority of bathroom products come in plastic. Fortunately the micro-beads that used to be in them have now been banned. There’s more in the kitchen too: washing-up liquid, washing powder, sponge, cleaning products, cling film and so on… all plastic. New stores have been opening across the country serving the needs that arrive from ditching plastic where products are bought in bulk and consumers can bring their own cartons to stock up on rice, cereals and so on.

More plastic changes Even some of our clothes are made from plastic. Polyester and Nylon are plastics. When we wash a fleece it can shed top to 250,000 pieces of micro-plastic, which

goes straight down our drains and into the sea. Glitter in make-up is similarly problematic, as is any other micro-plastic being washed down our drains, like parts of washing up sponges for example. Cutting back on these products will also help. There are also infrastructural changes that need to happen in the UK with regards to recycling and collection of waste. A lot of our waste used to be shipped abroad for other countries to deal with. Recently some of them have even been sending it back to where it came from. We need efficient systems for processing and dealing with our waste. Pushing government on these issues and banning certain products is key for this. I also run a business that has sold millions of items wrapped in single-use plastic. Perhaps you do too. Each of our businesses support the income of many people and making drastic change within it is not something we take lightly. Something must be done though. I haven’t taken the pledge on my team’s behalf, although I have decided to take action on drastically reducing our plastic usage this year. How this will happen, I have yet to figure out, but it will.

Expectations I plan to video my experience of taking part in #PlasticFreeJuly and share my experience on my Instagram account @JeremyCorner. What about you? Would you like to change the world? If yes, then take the pledge and give it a go. I’d love to hear from anyone else that is taking part in the challenge so that we can support one another. Even if you don’t do it, I’d love for you to follow my journey so you can see what it’s like. We only have one life, we only have one planet for ourselves and our children. Our oceans are the foundation for all life on Earth. We’re poisoning our planet with plastic, livestock farming, toxic chemicals and pollution. We must all take action. If not us, then who? Read more on Jeremy’s blog at www.blueeyedsun.co.uk/blog PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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PRODUCT DIRECTORY

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Warren Lomax

020 7700 6740 or email warren@max-publishing.co.uk or contact

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07957 212 062

or email traceya@max-publishing.co.uk

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Warren Lomax

020 7700 6740 Abacus Cards Limited t: 01638 569050 e: info@abacuscards.co.uk w: www.abacuscards.co.uk

or email warren@max-publishing.co.uk or contact

Tracey Arnaud

07957 212 062

or email traceya@max-publishing.co.uk

01565 830 546 | bexyboo.co.uk @BexyBooLtd

BexyBooLtd

@BexyBooLtd

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078-086_Product Directory_2019.qxp 27/06/2019 12:24 Page 79

PRODUCT DIRECTORY

l PRODUCT DIRECTORY

To appear in the Product Directories contact

Warren Lomax 020 7700 6740 or email

warren@max-publishing.co.uk or contact

One of the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading suppliers of Greeting Cards since 19995

Tracey Arnaud 07957 212 062 or email

traceya@max-publishing.co.uk

Products: High quality greetin ng cards with superb finishes. All maajjor and minor titles, covering traditio onaall to the latest in innovative design, n both Everydaayy and Seasonal. Providing an all NEW selection of Muggs and Notebooks. k

Publishers of quality blank greeting cards

Brands Include: Down Memory Lane, W Wo ot A Mug and T Tw wist & Shout

Tel: 0115 929 4776 enquiries@bugart.co.uk

Methods of Sale: Direct to retail

Order Online

Desiggners welcome contact beverley@cherryorchardpublishing.co.uk

www.bugart.co.uk

Unit 10 Duddage Business Park Brockeridge Rd Twyning Tewkesbury GL20 6BY 01684 295500 info@cherryorchardpublishing.co.uk www.cherryorchardpublishing.co.uk

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 or email

traceya@max-publishing.co.uk

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WISHES

www.cathtatecards.com

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Caspari Ltd

HE IS

THE

Linden House, John Dane Player Court

Unit 1, 45 Morrish Road London SW2 4EE Tel: 0208 671 2166 Fax: 0208 678 1119 info@cathtatecards.com

Products: Everyday cards - birthday, 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

WAY

THE AND TRUTH THE

made with great imagination

LIFE

Witty, gritty, switched on humour. Cards and gifts with a real difference.

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

@thecuriousinksmith

01892 838 574

sales@thecuriousinksmith.co.uk Polissh Po h

Te T el: 0161 16 64 41 06 0655 Email: m sales@da sales@d avora.co.uk av 135 Hea 13 135 eaton Moorr Rd | Stockp ock kpo port ort SK4 4H 4 4HY HY PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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PRODUCT DIRECTORY

l PRODUCT DIRECTORY

l PRODUCT DIRECTORY THE GREATEST COLLECTION OF GREETING CARDS IN THE WORLD

Welsh and English cards

www.progressivegreetingslive.com

High Quality Greeting Cards, Gift Bags, Gift Wrap & Ta Tags for every occasion.

*GCF 1HƂEG +353 (0)404 20528 Email info@garlanna.com www.garlanna.com

www.draenog.com

07815 153 582

agents wanted

• UK Market leaders with humour, art, photographic, contemporary and traditional occasions & relations cards, plus seasonal. • 2΍HULQJ D IXOO SODQQLQJ VHUYLFH with merchandising and retail development opportunities.

THE GREATEST COLLECTION OF GREETING CARDS IN THE WORLD

• Specialists in garden centres and the independent trade.

Innovative high quality gift wrap, gift bags, tissue paper and accesssories galore for all seasons and occasions.

www.progressivegreetingslive.com

GRASS ROOTS

INTERNATIONAL

G RASS R OOTS INTERNATIONAL 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

0127 74 4 655980 sales@glick.co.uk www.glick.co.uk Glick, Unit 1 Allenby House, European Ind. Park, Knowles Lane, Bradford BD4 9AB

@glickgiftwrap SUPPLIER

“Write from the Heart” brand includes; Corsage, Sentiments, Champagne, Celebrations and Jelly Beans.

M ETHOD OF SALE

Find The Great British Card Company on:

THE GREATEST COLLECTION OF GREETING CARDS IN THE WORLD

Direct to Retail

G RASS R OOTS INTERNATIONAL

www.greatbritishcards.co.uk Waterwells Drive, Gloucester GL2 2PH Tel: 01452 888970

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

from the

To appear in the Product Directories email

Warren Lomax

warren@max-publishing.co.uk or

Tracey Arnaud

tarnaud@btinternet.com www.progressivegreetingslive.com

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PRODUCT DIRECTORY

l PRODUCT DIRECTORY

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60 years

CHARITY GREETING CARDS

Your Number One Supplier of Numerals, Name, Relation & Age Labels for Greetings 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.

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

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

Te T el 01235 465489 Fax 01235 532118 www.listanpublications.co.uk sales@listanpublications.co.uk

New designs at

www.idrewthis.co.uk

LOTTIE COLE .6-5*3"$*"- and -(#5 (3&&5*/( $"3%4

Beautiful, Soulful Cards Hue tribe

www.huetribe.com t: +44(0) 7943416562 e: info@huetribe.com facebook: www.facebook.com/huetribedesign

CPNF TFF PVS OFX JMMVTUSBUJPOT PO 45"/% 41 BU 1( -*7& % OFF ALL SHOW ORDERS

www.lottiecole.com info@lottiecole.com lottiecoledesigns

AGENTS WANTED

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PRODUCT DIRECTORY

l PRODUCT DIRECTORY

WIDE RANGE OF PRODUCTS

l PRODUCT DIRECTORY

Marina B Designs from me to you with love

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Art that tells a storyâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;?

Love Country by Sarah Reilly

LING DESIGN

Tel: 07735 918118

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not a Birthday without bubbles

Great brands, Great service Bespoke planning

www.marinab.co.uk marina@marinab.co.uk Agents wanted

We can help with all your bespoke planning requirements. From smaller displays to redeveloping complete card departments

sarah@lovecountryuk.co.uk www.lovecountryuk.co.uk

www.lingdesign.co.uk

Silk Screened Retro, Pop & Classic Cards

01892 838 574 information@lingdesign.co.uk

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

@NoelTattGroup 01227 811 600 sales@noeltatt.co.uk www.noeltatt.co.uk

For further details please get in touch.

info@vincentmcevoy.com

+44 (0)7779 578340

AG E N T S WA N T E D :

LING DESIGN

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The UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading privately owned publisher of Greetings Cards and Stationery. ...The home for and

THE GREATEST COLLECTION OF GREETING CARDS IN THE WORLD

An exciting and innovative range of quality Birthday, Relations, Special Occasions, Handmade, Art and Humorous greeting cards. Full range of Christmas and Spring Seasons merchandise.

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

B rand N ames a Pizazz, Pizazz Gallery, G Pizazz Limited Edition, E Pizazz for Men, Doodle, D A of Nature, Whatt a Picture, Art Designers Corner Cloudesley House, Shire Hill, Saffron Walden,, CB11 3FB

www.progressivegreetingslive.com

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T: 01799 520200 F: F: 01799 520100 www.nigelquiney.c w ww ww.nigelquiney.com om

TRADE WEBSITE: Ä&#x2039; ÄŽ Ä&#x2039; 01780 763 368

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PRODUCT DIRECTORY

l PRODUCT DIRECTORY

l PRODUCT DIRECTORY THE GREATEST COLLECTION OF GREETING CARDS IN THE WORLD

Design-led Stationery, Gifts, Calendars, Diaries and Cards

originalposter.com

Brands Laura Ashley, Roald Dahl, Lily & Val, Vintage Ladybird, Caroline Gardner, Monsoon, Born to Shop, Flash Gordon, Boofle and many more.

All our cards are supplied on consignment, so you only pay for what you sell.

www.progressivegreetingslive.com

Our In-house design studio and established supply chain enables us to offer bespoke services.

We also supply card fixtures and spinners free-on-loan.

tel: +44 (0) 1225 329494 email: sales@porticodesigns.com website: www.porticodesigns.com

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. Tel: +44 (0)115 986 0115 Email: info@paperrose.co.uk www.paperrose.co.uk www.artgroupcards.co.uk PaperRoseCards TheArtGroupCards The_Art_Group

Greeting cards & gifts designed with awesomeness in mind

p p paperlink... the home of fabulous cards!

LUXURY GIFT PACKAGING

To appear in the Product Directories contact

Warren Lomax

020 7700 6740 356 Kennington Rd London SE11 4LD T 020 7582 8244 info@paperlink.co.uk k www.paperlink.co.uk Paperlinkcards

@ @paperlinkcards

or email warren@max-publishing.co.uk or contact

Tracey Arnaud

ICONIC LICENCED BRANDS

01892 838 574 www.pennykennedy.co.uk

07957 212 062

or email traceya@max-publishing.co.uk

purpletreedesigns.co.uk info@purpletreedesigns.co.uk

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PRODUCT DIRECTORY

l PRODUCT DIRECTORY

Uk publisher of Greetings Cards with an extensive range of quality Birthday, Relations, Occasions and Seasonal product... available from

l PRODUCT DIRECTORY

6 Heron Trading Estate Alliance Road, Park Royal, London W3 0RA T: 0208 385 4474 F: 0208 385 4471 E: info@Xpressyourselfcards.co.uk

LING DESIGN

WWW.XXPRESSYOURSELFCARDS.CO.UK

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.

Our Brands: Laughter with Animals, Sporting Fun The Funny Side of Life.

METHOD OF SALE: SENSATIONS – Direct to retail XPRESS YOURSELF – Now one of the leading wholesale publisher suppliers in the UK

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

To appear in the Product Directories contact

Warren Lomax

020 7700 6740 t. 07779 654 694 e. info@ruby-tuesday.co.uk www.ruby-tuesday.co.uk

or email warren@max-publishing.co.uk or contact

Tracey Arnaud

07957 212 062

raspber r yblossom.com

or email traceya@max-publishing.co.uk

hello@raspberryblossom.com 020 3723 5405

Products: Greetings Cards, Gift Wrap, Gift Bags, Social Stationery, Mugs and Glasses, Partyware

Brands: Card Essentials Designer Collection Greetings Impressions Inspirations In Touch ,VDEHO·V *DUGHQ Planet Happy With You In Mind

AGENTS WANTED

PG LIVE STAND 146

Method of sale: Wholesale Distributors

Simon Elvin Limited greeting cards & contempoRary gifts www.redbackcards.com e: info@redbackcards.com t: 01752 830482

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Wooburn Industrial Park, Wooburn Green, Bucks HP10 0PE Tel: 01628 526711 Fax: 01628 531483 www.simonelvin.com mail@simonelvin.com

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PRODUCT DIRECTORY

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7RPFDW &DUGV 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 or email

traceya@max-publishing.co.uk

The UK’s leading publisher of highest quality handmade Greetings Cards.

www.tomcat.cards info@tomcat.cards

Products: Greetings cards for all occasions, Christmas and Spring Seasons. Spinners and other retail displays available. Talking Pictures Cards Ltd 14-20 Eldon Way, Paddock Wood, Kent, TN12 6BE

DIRECT TO RETAIL & EXPORT

Tel: 01892 838574 enquiries@talkingpics.co.uk www.talking-pictures.co.uk

2@= 29KL= M<K Just food and their friends....

view by rufus designed in thames ditton

how’s your weekend bean?

THE GREATEST COLLECTION OF GREETING CARDS IN THE WORLD

TEL: 01480 435562 FAX: 01480 450599

5= N= ?GF= ?J==F All greeting cards printed with vegetable inks on recycled boards/envelopes, including biodegradable packaging...

www.tracksltd.com

topdog@view by rufus.com 020 8972 9706

UNIT 2, 12 BLACKSTONE RD,

viewbyrufus.com

STUKELEY MEADOWS IND EST, HUNTINGDON, CAMBS, PE29 6EF

www.the-taste-buds.co.uk info@the-taste-buds.co.uk 07906 367 663

excellent thanks basil

www.progressivegreetingslive.com

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

078-086_Product Directory_2019.qxp 27/06/2019 12:29 Page 86

PRODUCT DIRECTORY

EUROPEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LEADING GREETINGS CARDS, PARTY PRODUCTS, GIFTS, CANDLES, TOYS, STATIONERY AND FLORIST SUNDRIES DISTRIBUTION CENTRE 75000 SQ FT

& entimen

an extensive range of superior quality,

design-led Greeting Cards for all occasions, Spring Seasons & Christmas.

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

Art Cards eA Botanical Fine

Market Leaders in

Verse

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

+44(0)1243 792600

To appear in the Product Directories simply contact

Warren Lomax: 020 7700 6740 warren@max-publishing.co.uk or contact

Tracey Arnaud: 07957 212 062 tarnaud@btinternet.com 86

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

DIRECTORY OF WHOLESALE

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

87-91_Classified 2019.qxp_Layout 1 27/06/2019 12:07 Page 87

CLASSIFIED

BAGS

CLASSIFIED

BAGS

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 L BL B OCKING NG G EXTE XTENSIVE NSIV VE RA V R RANG ANGE OF S ST TOCK SIZES SIZ ZES AND BES AND BES E PO OKE KE MANUF KE MANU UF FACTU TUR TURE T U E AT TED D WRAPPING SERVICE NEW AUTOMA

FOR ALL YOUR ENVELOPE NEEDS! Largest range of in-stock colours Over 400 Bespoke Envelope Sizes

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

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

87-91_Classified 2019.qxp_Layout 1 27/06/2019 12:07 Page 88

CLASSIFIED

ENVELOPES

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

CLASSIFIED

PRINTERS

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

AND NOW FO OR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT... .

Our innovative greeting gs card finishes include: Thermography Foil Intense Glitter Snowraise Liquid q M Metal Blended Glitter Embossing Textured Foil Laser Cutting

The simplest way to order your greetings cards

ask about our ‘Mrr Abbot’ sample pack

To discuss your nextt greetings card range call us on 01797 223355 www.abbotprint.co.uk bb i k sales@abbotprint.co.uk l bb i k 88

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

Unit 8, Archers Park, Branbridges Road, East Peckham, Kent TN12 5HP www.theimagingcentre.co.uk Email: info@theimagingcentre.co.uk Tel: 01622 871449

we print

we ﬁnish

we pack

we deliver

87-91_Classified 2019.qxp_Layout 1 27/06/2019 12:07 Page 89

CLASSIFIED

PRINTERS

Your saf ep ai

cturing ufa an m

ds for Far E as han f t ro

Outstanding, cost effective and efficient production of Greeting cards, Packaging and Social stationery, ideal for intricate and hand finished products. • Over 15 years experience providing high-quality printed products direct from the Far East • Trusted and financially stable, UK owned by The Sherwood Group • Socially responsible manufacturing: SMETA, ISO9001, ISO14001, FSC certification • Full product prototyping in the UK for competitive speed to market requirements

To find out how we can benefit your business, contact Derek Lam +00 (852) 3527 3471 / derek@sherwood-press.com or The Sherwood Group Head Office Hong Kong Office: 13/F, Kam Chung Commercial Building, 19-21 Hennessy Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong

www w..sherwoodgroupuk.com

000510

PJ PRINT LONDON The Capitals Only Specialist Greeting Card Printer All Industry Finishes Available In-House Including Laser Cutting

Social Sta tationerry Printer of the Year

Award winning U UK & Global specialist manufacturer ffor the greeting card industry fo or over 40 years The Print Works Colville Road, Acton, London, W3 8BL E-mail: sales@pj-print.co.uk Tel: 020 8993 5160 www.pj-print.co.uk

To discuss how we can worrk together, contact Richard Bacon: Tel 0115 928 7766 Email ric chard.bacon@sherwoodgroupuk.com

www.sherwoodgroupuk.com Hadden Court, Glaisdale e Parkway, Glaisdale Drive West, Nottin ngham NG8 4GP

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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CLASSIFIED

PRINTERS

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 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.

THE RIGH HT PARTNER

FOR ALL YOUR MANUFACTURING REQUIREMENTS

Glitt i Glittering

** ** ** **

Offset ff t PPrinting i ti

Sh Show Room R

Established in 1997, headquarters in Hong Kong 600,000 Sq.fftt of modern production facility ouse production Ensure complete co ontrol from start to finish with our full in-ho ng in people, equipment, technology and the Continually investin t planet

TERRY JOHNSO ON PO Box 1600 Hemel Hempstead, HP1 9SR Mobile: 07773 389784 Email: terryjohnson@ve eb.com.hk Website: www.veb.com m.hk

Facto ory Outlook

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

THE SPECIALIST GREE ETINGS CARD PRINTE ER Litho Print

Die-cutting

Digital Print

Flittering

Foiling

Packing

Embossing

Distribution

Tel:0127 e 4 4531828 Email: info@herbertw o alkers.co.uk

www.herbertwalkers.co.u uk

87-91_Classified 2019.qxp_Layout 1 27/06/2019 12:07 Page 91

CLASSIFIED

WAREHOUSING & DISTRIBUTION

CLASSIFIED

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. To appear in the Classified pages simply contact

Warren Lomax 020 7700 6740 or email on warren@max-publishing.co.uk

Card works Same day order turna around Accurate fulfilment Value added only as you sell the product Exclusively Greeting Cards Dedicated Account Managers 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

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

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O GUARANTEED OFFER WITHIN 24 HOURS

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O UNFINISHED PRODUCTION CONSIDERED

CREA AT TE/MARKET/SELL/ MANAGE/ /GROW THE BUSINESS

O MOST TRANSACTIONS COMPLETED WITHIN 7 DAYS

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O FULLY CONFIDENTIAL

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[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 SWIPERH 3IEV X 3ISXW (EQFVMHKIWLMVI 5*Ȧȟ Ȱ7< Tel ȉȦȏȁȉ ȁȁȉȁȉȉ Fax ȉȦȏȁȉ ȁȁȉȟȉȉ Mobile ȉȮȁȁȟ ȴȟȟȴȏȦ P]RHE%PF [EVILSYWMRK GS YO

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 PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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