Balloonies 176 2013

176 Issue 3 2013 NABAS The only independent trade association for the party & promotional balloon industry in the UK

Balloonies No. 176 Issue 3 2013 ŠNABAS - The Balloon Association 2013

NABAS Committee

Published by

Philomena Groome, Amiee Hughes , Veronica Kamerling, John Lee, Steve Marsh, George Oustayiannis, Peter Smith, Paul Widdowson

NABAS The Balloon Association Ltd Katepwa House, Ashfield Park Avenue, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, HR9 5AX 01989 762204

Secretariat

Content Editor: NABAS

Gill Hinton, Kate Walker,

Front cover: Image courtesy of Balloons Utopia

Hilary Pulsford, Elizabeth Malcolm

FROM YOUR CHAIRMAN Dear Member

BALLOONIES EDUCATE - PROMOTE - INFORM

Just to bring you all up to date with what is happening with taking NABAS forward: It has been a hard year for businesses in general and it will get harder. Fortunately for us in the Balloon & Party industry people will still get married and have parties and celebrations and they need these parties decorated, so the work is still out there but you just have to work a little harder in getting it. New designs and ideas to capture their attention is a big help when trying to impress your clients; it doesn't have to be balloons, you can develop drapes of netting and create draped arches with material and then add balloons, ribbons etc to it; columns of netting with lights inside. These all have a high impact on decor.

As I was saying, taking NABAS forward, we are almost finished on the software for our new website which among many various benefits it will have a Social Media area where members will be able to discuss topics and ask for help with a particular problem. There will also be an area for selling, buying, asking/answering and notices. All will be revealed at the next AGM. We are currently in the midst of three regional seminars using air filled balloons to create stunning dĂŠcor. The first took place in the North at Brighouse,Yorkshire, the second took place in the South in Brentwood on 2nd October and the third will be in the Midlands, Coventry on 9th October. Your Trainer for these seminars is the Internationally Renowned Award Winning Innovative Balloon Decorator Matthew Lewis,CBA - see pages 8 &9 for further details.

With Halloween and Christmas & New Year coming up there is still plenty of business out there to be had. I have included a recipe for Link-O-Loon columns (see page 21) designed by Jan Liams for the New Year - you make the four columns as shown, then a fifth one with a 4 on top to swap with the 3 at midnight while everyone is singing, cheering and kissing each other, they won't notice the 3 being swapped with the 4. You can download the full recipe etc We are also hoping to organise some top range Face Painting Seminars in the future for those of you who want to add to your portfolio! And I hope to be putting some Non Balloon designs up periodically. Happy Decorating!

John Lee CBA; Your Chairman

NABAS MEMBER INTERVIEW: Sharon Robson Business Name: All Wrapped Up

Owner: Sharon Robson

Location & area covered: UK Wide but mainly Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire What was your career path to where you are today?: I have nearly 20 years experience in Sales and Marketing selling and promoting anything from finance to publishing.

The experience has proved a great asset in setting up “All Wrapped Up�

Name something in the balloon industry that you most like: Balloons are always associated with celebrations and its great to play a part in so many happy occasions Name something in the balloon industry that you least like: Absolutely nothing, I love it .

Best thing about your job?: Exceeding customers expectations and showing them that they are only limited by their own imagination What best describes your business?: Balloon decorator? Balloon & costume retailer? Other?

Balloon decorator How did you decide on your business name?: I wanted a name that wasn’t restrictive that would allow me the freedom to expand in other directions offering more than just balloons but many other services .

How do you decide what products to buy in?: always ensure I buy quality over price and always strive to keep up to date with the latest products on offer .

NABAS MEMBER INTERVIEW Cont... Sharon Robson What advertising works for you?: Social media and word of mouth continue to play a huge part in my marketing campaigns .

Do you show at Wedding Fairs? Other ?: Although they can be expensive I make a point of supporting local wedding fairs, school fetes and charity events Do you have an online presence? : Yes.

If you have a website, is it a basic site to inform potential customers of your existence, or do you use it as an online portfolio?

It’s a bit of both really and also work in progress as I grow the e-shop

Do you feel your website is working for you?

Yes Does your business vehicle promote you?

Not currently but I can see the value in doing so How would you like your business to grow in the next few years?: Long term I hope my business continues to grow at a steady pace How is the ‘credit crunch’ affecting you?: I think things are starting to improve but its all about providing customers with options for a range of budgets What tip would you offer someone new to the business?: Be prepared for hard work, don’t give up and practice, practice, practice How do you relax after a hard day’s work?

I love spending an evening with my husband, family and friends but can often be found coming up with new balloon creations and ideas

NABAS REGIONAL TRAINING Specialising in Sellable Ideas – Stunning air filled décor for large or small scale venues.

Come and join Matt Lewis for a day of fun, hands-on inspiration.

Matthew Lewis, CBA, is not one to get lost in the crowd. From his large-scale décor for corporate clients to his multifaceted social media marketing, he strives to build name recognition and make his business stand out above the rest.

Matt will give you the confidence to sell amazing décor to your potential clients; from big taper stars, to linking numbers, stunning table centrepieces, air-filled arches over doorways plus much, much more88

View Images from the first two events http://www.nabas.co.uk/gallery Still to Come Wednesday 9th October - 10am to 4pm MIDLANDS - The Maudslay in Coventry, 190 Allesley Old Road, Coventry, CV5 8GJ £50 per NABAS Member and £30 for each additional delegate from the same member company. £65 for non-members Price includes VAT, unlimited tea/coffee throughout the day, sandwich lunch and all product used on the day.

Matt is a great believer in making and constructing sellable decor that’s simple and effective. And, he gets the opportunity to decorate with his favourite products for many of his corporate clients including hotel groups, car manufacturers, large department stores, public relations companies, and several retail chains. http://www.matthewlewisdisplays.co.uk/ Download a Booking Form from the NABAS website: http://www.nabas.co.uk/show/booking.php

NABAS members have been doing some amazing jobs - just take a look over the following two pages. If you have something that you want to share then do let the NABAS office know - info@nabas.co.uk - what better way to promote your work to show future clients than an article in your industry association's magazine.

Great creativity for a Fire & Ice theme at Ampleforth School end of term ball by Karen Buckley of Little Balloon company

NEW WHOLESALER MEMBER “Northstar Rising” Northstar Balloons has been manufacturing Foil Balloons for over 5 years in Minneapolis USA – primarily under “Own Label” and for promotional/advertising use, but early last year saw the launch of its very own range of Numbers, Letters, Shapes, 18” and Air Filled products. This dynamic and growing range is now available in the UK and Ireland through selected Northstar Distribution Partners and early reaction has been extremely positive.

Northstar was set up in 2007 by Garry Kieves who founded Anagram Balloons over 30 years ago and obviously Garry’s unrivalled knowledge and experience has been crucial to the rapid growth of the company. Garry was at the forefront of all the key developments in the Foil Balloon business – retail packaging, the valve, shapes, numbers, letters, etc. and this background has been put to good use in helping to formulate Northstar’s product and marketing strategies.

High quality is the cornerstone of Northstar’s product offering and this has been achieved by utilising the most up to date high tech design and production techniques. As a result of using new material, a new valve and the most modern of technologies the resultant foil balloon is not only much less susceptible to bursts but is lighter and better shaped so therefore uses less helium gas than is the norm. For instance tests have shown that on Northstar’s 34”Numbers, the saving on gas can be as much as 50% when compared to other brands!

Although the Helium supply situation is no longer a major issue, Northstar has had great reaction to their helium saving Numbers and Letters and also their range of Air Filled foil balloons including 16” Numbers and Letters, 9” Stars plus a new Safari range of cute animals in a 14” format.

New additions to the range have been 34” Zebra Print Numbers and Letters.

All of the Northstar solid colour ranges are now available in up to 16 colours.

Northstar Balloons Europe Ltd. UK contact: Ivan Smith 07860 633988 ismith@northstarballoons.com Web: www.northstarballoons.eu

3359 Brenda David Brenddaisy Dagenham Essex RM10 8BL 07507 838381

NABAS NEW MEMBERS

3360 Gemma Farrington Genie Gem Greenhithe Kent DA9 9JN 07712 159125 3361 Ali Booali Exquisite Rooms and Balloons Davyhulme Manchester M41 8NX 07747 648 680 3362 Stephanie Mottram Balloons By Steph Warrington Cheshire WA5 9SY 07707 702378 3363 John Said Lakes Party Supplies Redhead New South Wales 2290 AUSTRALIA +61 2 4944 8010

3364 Samuel Stamp-Dod VIP Balloons Ipswich Suffolk IP4 5DT 07580 194269 3365 Gabrielle Semmens Balloon Avenue Cardiff CF10 1BQ 07779 859204 3366 Faye Davies A T Balloons Chigwell Essex IG7 4AB 020 8500 4432 3367 Grainne Holland The Cakery Downpatrick County Down BT30 7BT 028 4483 8882

Please note that inclusions of any inserts/adverts within Balloonies are paid-for advertisements and therefore members should not consider this action as an endorsement by NABAS of the products or services.

NABAS NEW MEMBERS 3368 Tina Gerard Fairytale Balloons Romford Essex RM5 2HS 07930 259092 3369 Gary Moore Hullaballoon Ottershaw Surrey KT16 0HX 01932 872277 3370 Stephanie Bennett My B'looniverse Gravesend Kent DA12 5QZ 07779 751572 3701 Marian Adekoya Maries Cakes N Balloons Brentwood Essex CM15 9ES 01277 500 488 3702 Kate Downward Air Flair Shrewsbury Shropshire SY3 0HZ 07976 667258

3703 Ivan Smith Northstar Balloons Longsdon, Nr. Leek Staffordshire ST9 9QA 01538 382998 3704 Grace Allen Balloons for all Occasions King's Lynn Norfolk PE31 7EY 07771 633382 3705 David Lowton DaLoonz Balloonz Scunthorpe Lincolnshire DN17 1RB 07701021387 3705 Jean Sturman Beaumont Displays Broxbourne Kent EN10 7QJ 01992 465195 3707 Monika Nowicka balloonsRme London E4 6RQ 07828 583 879 3708 Amanda Rouse Something Party Worcester Worcestershire WR4 9EL 01905 616 066

NABAS APPROVED TEACHERS/TRAINERS

Yvonne Baynes Lodge Cordell Balloonery Tel: 01986 894482 yvonb@tiscali.co.uk Courses Provided: NABAS Level 1; NABAS Level 2; Area Covered: East Anglia

John Lee CBA & Jane Lee ANBA International Balloon Academy Tel: 01908 605960 / 07852 204706 www.international-balloonacademy.co.uk iba@bloonoccasions.co.uk Courses Provided: NABAS Level 1; NABAS Level 2; Basics & Beyond; Beyond the Basics; Varied range of Master Classes Area Covered: Milton Keynes and beyond

Janie Bacon Jo Uddin CBA Balloon Training Academy by Inflated Ideas Tel: 07904 178024 www.inflatedideas.co.uk jo@inflatedideas.co.uk Courses Provided: NABAS Level 1; NABAS Level 2 Area Covered: Hertfordshire & throughout UK

Just Janie Promotions Tel: 0141 883 4259 Courses Provided: NABAS Level 1; NABAS Level 2 Area Covered: Scotland

Rita Kyriacou CBA Marguerite's Academy of Balloon Artistry Tel: 01279 639508 www.marguerites-academy.co.uk ritakyriacou@btinternet.com Courses Provided: NABAS Level 1; NABAS Level 2; Wedding Workshops Area Covered: Hertfordshire, Essex & the South East

Mitch Gilbert CBA Rainbow Balloons Tel: 01625 585910 www.rainbowballoons.me.uk info@rainbowballoons.me.uk Courses Provided: NABAS Level 1; NABAS Level 2; Advanced level; 260’s Course; Balloon Drops Area Covered: Cheshire, NW England & Nth Wales

NABAS APPROVED TEACHERS/TRAINERS

Philomena Groome CBA School House of Balloons Tel: 07956 226824 www.fantazia-decorations.co.uk info@fantazia-decorations.co.uk Courses Provided: NABAS Level 1; NABAS Level 2; Exploding Balloons; Wedding Workshop Area Covered: Yorkshire & throughout UK

Mary George Gretna Green Creations Tel: 01709 818636 www.gretnagreencreations.co.uk info@gretnagreencreations.co.uk Courses Provided: NABAS Level 1; NABAS Level 2;

Area Covered: Yorkshire and the North East

WHOLESALERS, MANUFACTURERS & PRINTERS ADAMS GAS

BALLOONS TO GO

2 Bath Road, Margate Kent CT9 1SL T:01843 220596 F:01843 228315 steve@adamsgas.co.uk www.adamsgas.co.uk

160 Eardley Road, Streatham London SW16 5TG T:020 8679 7766 F:020 8679 8889 sales@balloonstogo.co.uk www.balloonstogo.co.uk

B-LOONY LTD

BELBAL UK

Buck House Sunnyside Road Chesham, Bucks HP5 2AR T:01494 774 376 F:01494 791268 balloons@b-loony.co.uk www.b-loony.com

BALLOONS & GAS LTD Unit 6, 8 Meadow Road, Glasgow G11 6HX T:0141 337 3373 sales@balloonsandgas.co.uk www.balloonsandgas.co.uk

BALLOON SUPPLY & DISTRIBUTION

Broadgate House, Church Street Deeping St James, Peterborough Lincolnshire PE6 8HD T:01778 343 445 F:01778 347 230 info@belbaluk.co.uk www.belbaluk.co.uk

BOC LTD The Priestly Centre, 10 Priestly Road The Surrey Research Park, Guilford Surrey GU2 7XY T:01483 244035 www.bocballoongas.co.uk

Unit1B. Woodside House, Woodside Park, Catteshall Lane, Godalming, Surrey GU7 1LG T:01483 808121 F:01483 808 141 sales@balloonsupply.co.uk www.balloonsupply.co.uk

CTI BALLOONS LTD

BALLOON WORLD

DREEMWAY LTD

Unit E Parkside Business Park, Kirkstead Way Golborne, Cheshire WA3 3PY T:01942 719888 F:01942 719 988 sales@balloonworld.co.uk www.balloonworld.co.uk

BALLOONS AROUND SCOTLAND 100 Carnegie Road, Hillington Ind Est Glasgow G52 4JZ T:0141 882 8107 F:0141 882 9925 sales@balloonsaroundscotland.com www.balloonsaroundscotland.com

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6 Consul Road, Rugby Warwickshire CV21 1PB T:01788 546299 ctiballoon@aol.com www.ctiballoons.co.uk 50 Stockton Road, Chorlton Manchester M21 9ED T:0161 861 8807 F:0161 881 9289 sales@dreemway.co.uk www.dreemway.co.uk

FOLKDEAN LTD Unit 2 Lydney Harbour Estate, Lydney Gloucestershire GL15 4EJ T:01594 841545 F:01594 844 577 sales@folkdean.co.uk www.folkdean.co.uk

Indicates print service offered

WHOLESALERS, MANUFACTURERS & PRINTERS GO INTERNATIONAL (UK) LTD

PREMIUM BALLOON ACCESSORIES

Unit 15, The IO Centre, Arlington Business Park, Whittle Way, Stevenage SG1 2BD T:01438 745746 F:01438 745747 george@gointernational.co.uk www.gointernational.co.uk

PO Box 352 Sharon Centre, Ohio 44274 USA T: 00 1 330 239 4547 info@coolaire.com www.premiumballoon.com

HOUSE PARTI

TALKING BALLOONS

20 Mandervell Road, Oadby Industrial Estate, Oadby, Leicestershire LE2 5LQ T:0116 271 0100 F:0116 271 0300 sales@houseparti.com www.houseparti.com

NORTHSTAR BALLOONS Saundhurst, Micklea Lane, Longsdon, Nr. Leek, Staffordshire, ST9 9QA T: 01538 382998 ismith@northstarballoons.com www.northstarballoons.eu

OAKTREE UK LTD 66 James Carter Road Industrial Estate Mildenhall, Suffolk IP28 7DE T:01638 716655 F:01638 711211 sales@oaktreeuk.com www.oaktreeuk.com

PARTY DELIGHTS LTD Unit 4 Tallow Way, Fairhills Road Irlam, Manchester M44 6RJ T:0161 776 1133 F:0161 776 1144 steveg@partydelights.co.uk www.partydelights.co.uk

PARTY PLUS 16/42 Canham Road, Acton London W3 7SR T:020 8811 2898 steve@partyplus.co.uk www.partyplus.co.uk

McGregor’s Way, Turnoaks Business Park Chesterfield, Derbyshire S40 2WB T:01246 270555 F:01246 270566 sales@talkingballoons.com www.talkingballoons.com

theballoonshop.co.uk Compound 1 The Enterprise Centre, Mill Lane, Chorley, Lancashire PR7 5BW T:01257 795700 F:01257 795150 sales@theballoonshop.co.uk www.theballoonshop.co.uk

VIBORG BALLON A/S Gortlervej 7 DK8800 Viborg DENMARK T:00 45 866 21200 bini@viborg-ballon.dk www.viborg-ballon.dk

WORTHINGTON CYLINDERS Beim Flaschenwerk 1 A-3291 Keinberg bei Gaming AUSTRIA T:00 43 7485 606 272 F:00 43 7485 606 694 Timo.snoeren@wthg.at www.worthingtoncylinders.com www.balloontime.com ZIBI GmbH Kalkdarren 15 D-79713 Bad Sackingen GERMANY T:00 49 776 192 4010 info@zibi.de www.zibi.de

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Indicates print service offered

Sparkle New Year Filigree INTRODUCTION This elegant design is a perfect example of classic décor dressed for success and packed with profit. No frames are required for the perfect column without return trips to pick up base plates and poles.

APPLICATIONS • New Year's Eve • Stage décor • Backdrop MATERIALS & EQUIPMENT Materials for one column: • 24 x 11" (28cm) New Year Filigree printed latex: 8x Metallic Black, 8x Metallic Silver and 8x Metallic Gold (#53635) • 2 x 12" (30cm) Metallic Gold LINK-O-LOON® (#54082)

Designed by Jan Iiams, CBA Betallic – United States

• 12 x 5" (12cm) latex • 1 holographic Megaloon® number • 3 uninflated 260s • Bouquet weight • Ultra HI-FLOAT® STEP-BY-STEP 1. Air fill two Metallic Black 11" (28cm) filigree print latex to 9" (23cm) and @e the necks together to form a duplet. Create a second iden@cal duplet and twist the necks together to form a cluster of four. Tie a bouquet weight under the cluster with a sec@on of un-inflated 260.

2. Create two more 11" (28cm) air-filled clusters, one in Metallic Gold prints and one in Metallic Silver prints and stack them on top of the metallic black cluster securing them in place with a 260.

3. Air fill the first 12" (30cm) LINK-O-LOON® and @e the neck to the center of the top weighted cluster.

4. Air fill a second matching LINK-O-LOON® and @e the neck to the @p of the first LINK-O-LOON®, making sure to wrap the neck and @p around each other twice before tying.

5. Treat the remaining twelve 11" (28cm) printed balloons with Ultra HI-FLOAT® and create three helium- filled clusters of four. Tie an un-inflated 260 to the @p of the top LINK-O-LOON® and secure the first helium cluster at the top with the 260 by wrapping it around the knoCed necks several @mes. Con@nue to stack the clusters firmly on top of each other and secure in place with the 260.

6. Helium fill a holographic Megaloon® and @e a 260 to two points along the boCom. Slide the 260 under the top cluster to float the foil above the cluster.

7. Make three small air-filled clusters with 5" (10cm) balloons and wrap them in place to cover the knots of the LINK-O-LOON® as shown to create a smooth finished look to the column.

CONCLUSION This design is more profitable based on how many of the balloons are filled with inexpensive air, and the fact that much of it can be prepared ahead of @me with helium balloons added at the last moment. This column also requires fewer balloons than standard garland packed columns yet has a higher visual impact.

Premium’s ‘Air-Filled Alterna#ves’ to Helium-Filled Balloons Use ‘FREE AIR’ to provide solu#ons to the This unique system supports large, air-filled jumbo shaped foil shortage of helium! or latex balloons!

MaxiCup™ II, MaxiS#ck™ II & MaxiBase™ System

The MaxiCup™ II has a large “Oval-Shaped” balloon holder for improved support of jumbo shaped foil balloons. The MaxiBase™ II+ Premium Mul@Tape™ allow firm aCachment to any surface, perfect support for the MaxiCup™ II & MaxiS@ck™ II. The combina@on of these unique products make up the Mul@Base System. This System displays Air-Filled foil balloons at retail or for Centerpiece decora@ons, filled with FREE AIR vs.

Helium, offering huge savings. Eliminates the need to refill helium when it leaks out of foils! The NEW Mul@Base™ Display accepts the MaxiBase™ and when filled with water becomes an anchor to easily display your air-filled balloons in any retail or party situa@on. The Mul@Base Display can be filled with marbles, sand, candy or just color the water for a stunning effect!

Another “Air-Filled Solu#on” to the use of Helium is Premium’s Magic Balloon Wand™ for air-filled foil and latex balloons.

Children prefer air-filled foil and latex balloons mounted on the Magic Balloon Wand over helium-filled balloons on ribbons and weights! The Magic Balloon Wand™ wiggles, wobbles and creates the magical excitement of helium-filled foil balloons while using air for balloon infla@on as a cost-effec@ve alterna@ve.

Candy Bouquet Weight are another product that Premium offers for Air-Filled foil balloons. Clear and translucent colored container for centerpieces maybe filled with candy or other contents to increase the weight. Screw on top aCaches to the balloon cup and balloon.

1. MicroBase

2. MiniBase

3. MaxiBase

4. MaxiBase™ II

1. Micro Cup for small foil and latex balloons used with Micro Base, Standard Micro S@ck and Double-Sided Tape 2. Standard Balloon Holder for 9” to 14” foil and latex balloons used with MiniBase, Twis@x, MiniBase and Double Sided Tape 3. MaxiCup for 9” to 14” foil, latex and shaped balloons used with MaxiBase, MaxiS@ck and Double Sided Tape 4. MaxiCupII for large 18” to 28” foil and up to 24” latex balloons used with MaxiBaseII, MaxiS@ckII and MultTape.

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by Professional Balloon Ar@sts John Preston and Peggy Butland.

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