PG June 2025

Visual

ON THE CARDS

Well, what a lovely sunny May it has been so far and a perfect antidote to April, which was a troubling month for many, with the new minimum wage and the increase in employer’s national insurance contribution coming into force. Add to that all the economic uncertainty caused by Trump’s tariff announcement and the shenanigans at Royal Mail, and it was a month most of us wanted to forget.

But weather aside, things are hopefully on the turn this May. A surprise increase of 0.7 % in the first quarter’s GDP was welcome news and Cardfactory’s solid sales figures showed that the UK public have not lost their desire to spend and buy greeting cards –something underpinned by UKG’s latest research results (see pages 78-79).

And very shortly, on June 3 and 4 it will be PG Live the world’s largest dedicated greeting card trade exhibition that takes place at the stunning Business Design Centre in London. Warren and I have had the privilege and the pleasure to organise it for the last 16 years and how time just flies by. It only seems like yesterday since our inaugural event, but to put it in perspective, on the first day of the first show that year, Michael Jackson died and it’s hard to believe now, Manchester Utd won the European Champions League!

Virtually every independent retailer and major buyer who has visited before has said that PG Live is one of their most enjoyable and profitable experiences of the year.

One of the key memes on social media these days, is the concept of ‘Treating Yourself’. With the pressure on both time and finance, increasingly people are looking to give themselves excuses to spoil

themselves. Well, if you have not visited PG Live before, why not let us treat you. As PG Live veterans will testify, we aim to totally spoil you in a way no other trade show does. Free coffees and teas, a sumptuous hot lunch and a free onsite drinks party, when the show closes on the Tuesday.

Not to mention, the largest collection of new greeting card ranges and publishers the world has ever seen.

See you there!

Above: PG’s Warren Lomax (far right) and Jakki Brown (second left) with Pigment’s (left-right) Martin Powderly, Lynsey Burbidge and

Below right: UKG’s Frances Billington (left) with PG’s Warren Lomax Below left: Tasty treats in store for lunch at PG Live. Max Exhibitions (left-right) Rob Willis, Ian Hyder, Tracey Arnaud, Warren Lomax and

67 CONTENTS

13-21 News

All the latest happenings and developments in the trade.

24-25 Over The Counter

Commerciality Breeds Contempt

Louis Theroux, The Gift Awards and a fruitless mission to buy a Labubu doll made for an interesting May for David Robertson, coowner of JP Pozzi.

26-27 Cardsharp

Buffett Time

Cardsharp acknowledges the wise words of investor and philanthropist Warren Buffett, notably his description of EBITIDA as “bullshit earnings.”

29-33 Viewpoints

Giddy Up

PG shares just some of the joyful initial reactions from a bunch delighted Retas 2025 finalists.

35-37 PG Live Nuts & Bolts

Treat Time

Just some of the reasons why PG Live 2025 should not be missed.

39-57 Innovations

Publishers’ new ranges and designs debuting at PG Live.

59-63 PG Live Anniversaries

Happy Birthday To You

Just some of the notable anniversaries that will be marked by exhibitors and retail visitors at PG Live.

64-65 In Conversation with… Cath Tate Cards x Simon Drew

Simon Drew This!

Cath Tate Cards shares the spills on the new distribution agreement with legendary artist and humourist Simon Drew.

67-69 Retailer Conversations

Press SSSS For Stationery

A quad of indie retailers share their wisdom on USPs, relationships, communities and fave stationery items.

Jakki Brown Editor/Joint Owner jakkib@max-publishing.co.uk

Warren Lomax

71 Sustainable Strides

B Corp Greetings

Caroline Gardner’s journey to becoming B Corp accredited.

73-75 Talking Points

Pip-ing Hot

Thortful’s managing director Pip Heywood reflects on the online platform’s progress.

76-77 Licensing Look

Thought Pattern

Ohh Deer’s approach to its Laura Ashley licensing collections.

78-79 In Conversation with… UK Greetings Glimmering Greetings

Market insights, product development and in-house production investment at UK Greetings.

81-85 PG Live Newbies

The Story Unfolds

The back stories of a handful of PG Live newbies.

87-89 Publisher Face to Face (Pig)ment To Be

Why Pigment’s move to an employee ownership trust (EOT) is the best news for the business.

90-93 Focus on… Cats

Pawsome Posers

Coinciding with The Cats In Cartoons exhibition at London’s Cartoon Museum, publishers show their feline feelings.

97 Art Source

Best In Class

Teme Valley-based artist Sarah Best switched off from broadcast design for TV companies and switched on to designing greeting cards.

99-101

What’s Hot?

A trio of retailers reveal their best-selling ranges.

102-110 Sources of Supply

TOP STORY

PG Live Countdown

Over 220 exhibitors to launch thousands of new designs

We are now only days away from doors opening on Progressive Greetings Live 2025 treating buyers to thousands and thousands of new designs and products from over 220 exhibitors.

The two-day show, which takes place Tuesday 3 June and Wednesday 4 June, at London’s Business Design Centre will bring the whole global greeting card community together, for an event where business will most definitely meet pleasure.

“The exhibitor line-up for PG Live this year really is incredible, from a wealth of wellloved brands on the Village Green and Mezzanine right through to emerging companies and brand new start-ups on the Upper Village and Springboard areas,” commented Warren Lomax, co-owner of the show. “And continuing the PG Live hospitality is a free lunch for all, free teas and coffees in proper cups for the duration of the show, and a free party on the opening night. We just can’t wait to see everybody!” he added.

There will be a host of show-only offers, promotions and competitions galore lined up from lots of exhibitors, including those who will be celebrating special anniversaries, such as Paperlink and Quitting Hollywood, (who are both

celebrating their 40th birthdays), Carte Blanche and Hotchpotch, who will be marking their respective 30th milestones, Paper Salad’s 20th and a host of 10th birthday markers, including Rosie Made A Thing, Bexy Boo, Louise Mulgrew, Poet and Painter, Apple & Clover and Lola Design

Among the many notable launches, the show will see Two Bad Mice exhibiting for the first time in a decade, Noel Tatt will christen its collaboration with Earlybird Designs, Cath Tate will officially launch its new distribution partnership with Simon Drew (see above right), UKG will be unveiling its move into partyware and Ohh Deer will showcase its inaugural Laura Ashley collections, with the heritage brand also sponsoring the lunchroom at the show. (For more on PG Live see pages 3537, Innovations pages 39-55 and anniversaries on pages 59-63)

(Ice) cream of the crop

Cath Tate Cards x Simon Drew

Cath Tate Cards

for legendary artist and humourist freeing up more time for him to create. Describing himself as “half artist, half wit” Simon Drew has been amusing folk with his idiosyncratic view of the world for almost 50 years, offering original works as well as designing cards and other products – and Cath Tate Cards has been at the forefront of greeting card humour for nearly as long.

Now, taking a long-running friendship between the two businesses a stage further, they have forged this new working arrangement, with the inaugural range of 80 greeting designs being launched on a dedicated stand at PG Live (which takes place 3-4 June at London’s Business Design Centre), showcasing Simon’s much-loved and unique take on life, while the Cath Tate Cards stand is close by.

(See pages 64-65)

Burns

is back

Among the familiar faces at PG Live will be Clive Burns, who has recently joined Pigment as South East sales manager. Clive started his career in the greeting card industry 25 years ago, and has worked for Camden Graphics, Paper Rose, Woodmansterne Olive. However, he has spent the last four years away from the trade, involved in his father’s business. But now he’s “glad to be back!”.

(see pages 87-89)

There will be some cool action at the show to celebrate Paper Salad’s 20th birthday with operations director Jack Wilson finally getting to live out his childhood dream – of being an ice cream man!

In a case of cards and cones with no catch, as well as newness and goody bags on its Stand 413, it will also be serving up ice cream treats to customers outside the lunchroom on the first day.

“Whether you’re craving a quick pick-me-up or just want to catch up on our new launches, we’ve got you covered – and your cone, too” laughed Paper Salad owner and co-founder Karen Wilson. “Don’t miss out – pop over, say hello, and grab your ice cream token for a delicious scoop on us.

“Jack will be fulfilling his childhood dream of becoming an ice cream man by serving Mr Whippy’s from the N Smith-created ‘van’, which will be parked just outside of the dining room between 1 and 3pm on the Tuesday.”

Everyone who stops by the Paper Salad stand, or the Glick stand 317, on Tuesday morning to see the new card and wrap designs will receive a free ice cream token to proffer to Jack ‘the ice cream man’.

Jack shared his ice-cream van man aspirations in a PG interview admitting that as a child that he “either wanted to be a professional footballer, preferably for Manchester United, or an ice cream man – even back then I came to the conclusion the latter would be more realistic and there was the thought of having a lifetime supply of bottomless ice cream!”

Above: Puns, wordplay and artistry combine on Simon Drew’s work.

Above right: The unmistakable Simon Drew.

Above left: Jack Wilson in a Paper Salad ice cream van. Left: The specially created voucher.

Above: The PG Live Show Preview gives just a taster of what will be on offer.

Above: Clive Burns.

Above left: Rosie Made A Thing will be celebrating its 10th birthday at the show.

Above right: Bold & Bright is one of many exhibitors who will be giving a show only discount.

Anticipation builds for The Retas hoe-down TOP STORY

There have been plenty of heel kicks and yee-haws of joy uttered as the finalists in The Retas awards let the news sink in that they’ve earned their spurs as the best greeting card retailers in the UK.

With the finalists line-up announced in last month’s PG, many of the retailer contenders lapped up the good news, with the winners being announced on July 3 at The Retas awards event at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel, which this year takes on a country and western theme.

Rootin Tootin Reactions

among so many greats in the greeting card industry that day – many of which I follow on social media and take so much inspiration from and admire their work. Win or lose we’re overjoyed to be a finalist and look forward to the event and meeting everyone.”

Penny Black makes its LGBTI+ mark

As Pride Month approaches, Retas finalist Penny Black is ahead of the game as the Glasgow indie retailer has signed up for Scottish LGBTI+ Rainbow Mark.

Having already increased stocks of products that celebrate D&I, director and product manager Jo Marwaha was determined to make the two greeting card and gift stores in the Scots city a welcoming place for everyone, and is very proud of its Rainbow Mark accreditation.

It’ll be pink cowboy boots a-go-go if Penny Bailey has her way at The Retas awards. The co-owner of Baileys in Ainsdale, Crosby and Maghull said: “We’re honoured to have reached the finals. It’s hard work keeping up with trends, introducing new product for our very loyal customers, while keeping the best sellers so not to disappoint anyone, but I absolutely love it. To have that recognised by our nominators gives me a fuzzy warm feeling… and between you and me, I’ve had my eye on a pair of pink cowboy boots, just in case!”

Over in Colwyn Bay, Cardiau Môn Cards’ Sally Roberts glowed: “Oh my goodness, I’m absolutely overjoyed!. It’s a lovely recognition and a great feeling to be a finalist. We’ll be off to London in July! It will

At Archerfield Walled Garden near Edinburgh, retail manager Kerri Sorbie said: “What wonderful news! The team are over the moon, and we’re very much looking forward to the event in July.”

“To say I’m excited is an understatement,” was the reaction from Gayle McCartney at The Little Gift Shop in Beith. “This is such a big deal, these awards are to recognise and reward UK card retailers across the retail spectrum and our wee shop is in the finals! I can’t wrap my head around it at the moment, there’s lots to do and organise as we’re going to London. We are up against the best but just to be in the finals is out of this world to me – small independent shops in small towns can achieve great things!”

Book your tickets on www.max-tickets.net

(See more comments on Viewpoints pages 29-33)

Utility’s super six

TIt’s a super six for Utility as the greeting card and gift retailer has opened its latest store in Chester, as it also celebrates reaching the finals of The Retas in the Best Greeting Card Small Multiple (420 stores) category.

Following an “incredible” first day of the Chester store’s recent opening, director Kate Cowie said: “We've been blown away by the reception from the lovely people of this historic city. It’s been a week since we opened our new store in Chester - and wow what a week it’s been.”

The shop in a Dutch-gabled historic building on

“We want to make it easy for our local LGBTI+ community as well as visitors to know they can feel safe and welcome in our stores and post offices,” she explained. “We hope that by displaying the Rainbow Mark in our stores, on our website and social media, we can show our allyship to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people.”

Adding that it’s more than just a sticker on the window Jo and her family, who are about to celebrate a decade in retailing, are a Retas 2025 finalist in the Best Independent Greeting Card Retailer Scotland category, ensure that the stores reflect the ethics in the culture, how employees are treated and business practices.

Jo added: “From a buying perspective, it isn't just about buying exceptional products that, for example, are the Mr & Mr for wedding, but being mindful of imagery too and not solely focussing on the conventional image of males and females across captions. It’s so important for everyone to feel at ease in our community so we're really pleased to do anything we can to be part of that.”

Eastgate Row is the latest in the growing Utility empire as the independent design-led retailer celebrated 25 years in business in November. Founders Kate, Richard Skelton and Dick Mawdsley first opened the Coffee Union coffee shop before taking on another outlet two doors down a few months later, which became the first Utility.

“Our growth strategy has been cautious and it’s paid off,” said Dick. “We’ve ensured that we take our time to perfect our offering and service at each location before opening new stores.”

Now Chester has joined the trio of Liverpool outlets – the flagship in Liverpool One, the original in Bold Street, and The Flint showroom –plus stores in Manchester and Altrincham, with a couple more possible stores in the pipeline.

Far left: The wonderful Retas official invitation has been created by The Art File’s Beth Kemo, printed by Loxleys on GF Smith board.

Left: All smiles at Archerfield Walled Garden.

Below: Hugs & Kisses’ Caroline and Jon Ranwell are delighted at being in The Retas finals.

Above: Utility now has six stores with the new one in Chester.

Above: The Rainbow Mark is more than just a window sticker for Penny Black

Below right: Jo Marwaha celebrating Penny Black reaching the finals of The Retas this year.

Noel Tatt are delighted to announce an exciting new licensing agreement with Earlybird

Available through your Noel Tatt Territory Manager.

Cardfactory’s Sales And Profits Up 6%

Greetings specialist retailer ‘outperforms’ celebrations market

Revenue and profits are both up at Cardfactory as the preliminary results for the financial year show the greeting card specialist retailer is “outperforming the wider celebration occasions market”. While growth on the gifts front upped the average transaction value, Cardfactory’s seasonal and everyday card sales also grew marginally by 0.7%.

The results for the year to 31 January reveal a 6.3% increase in revenue to £542.5million from £510.0m in the year prior, plus a 6.3% rise in adjusted profit before tax up £3.9m to £66m.

The only downsides were the profit before tax was actually down £1.5m to £64.1m, and the net debt excluding leases has risen to £58.9m from £34.4m but it does reflect the combined expenditure of £43m on acquisitions and dividends.

Darcy Willson-Rymer, ceo commented: “We delivered strong revenue growth, outperforming the wider celebration occasions market. Further expansion of our store estate combined with continued development of our gift and celebration essentials categories, were key drivers of our performance."

The report said the total store sales growth of 5.8% and 3.4% like-forlike stores sales rise were ahead of the wider retail sector and “reflects the continued strength of our store estate and developing celebrations offer”.

Scribbler x Simon’s Cat

by increasing its international presence and routes to market -

the £22.2m partnerships revenue includes contributions from both.

The group opened 32 new stores in the year, making a total of 1,090 at the end of January, and the space optimisation programme allowed innovations such as stationery and kids zones which it said “contributed significantly to LFL store revenue growth”, underpinning category expansion of gift and celebrations –stationery saw an 18% increase.

And the click-and-collect service has been improved, averaging higher order values than online, with the balloon appointment trial going live at the end of Q1 for the new financial year, enabling customers to preorder inflated balloon arrangements online and collect in store.

He added that the acquisitions of Garlanna in Ireland and Garven in the US are “accelerating” the group’s partnership strategy

The year saw the full rollout of stock to the entire Aldi UK and Ireland estate and an extension to the partnership with The Reject Shop in Australia, an agreement with a nationwide US retailer.

There are changes afoot in the Middle East partnership model with the four franchised stores to be closed in the first half of this new financial year with the group refocusing from a low-cost franchise trial to wholesale agreements.

£1.5m Centrepoint charity commitment

Cardfactory has launched a £1.5million partnership with youth homelessness charity Centrepoint through the retailer’s charitable foundation.

The three-year Bright Future Initiative marks the first charity partnership for the Cardfactory Foundation and will see it become the sole funder of key Centrepoint projects, including one-to-one therapy services and specialist support workers.

As part of the tie-up, the foundation will also become the charity’s official Christmas Partner, donating £25,000 annually towards its festive gift drive.

Anarchic feline Simon’s Cat has really made himself at home with the naughty boys of greeting card retail as the Banjay Rights property has extended its partnership with Scribbler

Following the release of Simon’s Cat cards in Scribbler in February, the retailer is now set to launch stationery and gifts based on the much-loved illustrations from creator Simon Tofield. The new collection includes mugs, notebooks, socks and coasters. These will be stocked in Scribbler’s 36 stores and online, as well as being offered to other retailers on a wholesale basis.

“Scribbler has always stood for punchy wit and delightful nonsense –which made teaming up with Simon’s Cat, one of the internet’s most anarchic yet lovable pets, a bit of a no-brainer,” laughed the retailer and publisher’s creative director Aisling Crosland.

Creator Simon Tofield, who came up with the funny feline as a way to test new animation software in 2008, added: “As the world of Simon’s Cat continues to grow, I’m thrilled fans can enjoy a wonderful new gift range through this collaboration with Scribbler.”

Part of Banijay UK, the brand is now a major global success, with over 4.5billion online views and 27.5million fans across TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and X and enjoys international success across multiple categories including gaming, publishing and apparel.

The main initiative will fund transformational support for young people experiencing homelessness, with a focus on creating psychologically informed environments (PIE), spaces designed to offer tailored support, helping young people overcome trauma, build resilience and move toward independence.

Cardfactory’s Foundation chair Brian Waring commented: “We’ve always believed in supporting people and communities through life’s key moments –and this partnership brings that vision to life in a new and truly impactful way.”

Above: Darcy Willson-Rymer, ceo of Cardfactory.

Above: Julie Milnes, Centrepoint’s director of fundraising, Cardfactory Foundation chair Brian Waring, and Centrepoint CEO Seyi Obakin OBE.

Above: Simon’s Cat will be on gifts and stationery from Scribbler.

Below: A Simon’s Cat card from Scribbler.

Above: All CF’s online traffic is now through www.cardfactory.co.uk

TOP STORY

A Write Stationery Lovefest

National

Stationery Week, LSS and Stationery Awards inked in

The stationery community has certainly not been stationary of late with huge engagement for National Stationery Week, a ‘storming’ London Stationery Show and an uplifting Stationery Awards event.

National Stationery Week, which ran 1218 May, with London Stationery Show taking place in the middle, saw many leading stationery brands as well as a host of retailers embracing the campaign which was co-ordinated by indie Sarah Laker of Stationery Supplies in Marple and Wilmslow for the third year running on behalf of Max Publishing, which owns LSS and NSW.

WHS’

new owner stopped from mass closures

Modella Capital, the new owner of WHSmith’s high street side has been barred from making widespread store closures at the 233-year-old chain for at least 12 months.

“It has been a real stationery lovefest,” commented Sarah. “Our social media pages alone had a reach of over 200k. Then if you think of the reach of the hundreds of people and businesses that took part in the week too... it’s just mind blowing. Thank you just doesn't seem enough to express my gratitude to everyone who took part in National Stationery Week, especially to our NSW sponsors.

among the retailers to get behind NSW.

Participating for the first time this year, House of Cards ran a window/instore display competition between all of its seven branches.

“We were delighted to take part and highlight this important week,” said Miles Robinson, co-owner of House of Cards. “It was great to see how each of our stores rose to the challenge, creating inspiring displays using a variety of POS and props.”

It is wonderful to see how stationery touches the lives of so many people, showing that writing really does matter.” Ryman, UOE, Paper Tiger, Pencil Me In, Earlybird and House of Cards were

All the entries were judged by Sarah with the winning Kidlington branch receiving a selection of products from the design-led Andhand pen company.

(See pages 67 and 69 for more stationery love)

The £76million transitional services agreement that splits the High Street arm of 480 stores across the UK from the more profitable worldwide Travel side contains terms that prohibit the private equity firm from initiating a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) or closing a significant number of outlets within the first year of ownership.

A name change is also necessary as WHS is keeping the brand for its continuing activities so Modella is progressing on its plans to rebrand its acquisition as TGJones –thereby ending the name’s association with the High Street where it’s been a fixture since 1792.

Enveloping artistry

Stationery wins through

the Sustainability award.

Topping off a successful first day at the London Stationery Show - made all the more poignant as a freak hailstorm on set up day caused a deluge inside London’s Business Design Centre resulting in an all-night mop-up operation so the show could go on as planned – were The Stationery Awards 2025. “The Stationery Awards highlight just how vibrant and forward-thinking this sector truly is,” said Rob Willis, director of Max Exhibitions, which owns LSS. “Across every category, we saw innovation, style and a deep understanding of trends. This year’s retail winners especially stood out for their dedication to curating inspiring ranges and creating exceptional instore experiences that truly connect with customers,” he added.

Among the product winners were Legami Erasable Pens from Stone Marketing, Tutti Frutti Stitched Notebooks from Coffeenotes and The Wren Refillable Writing Pen from Tom’s Studio while on the retail side, Ryman, The Stationery House, Stationery Supplies and Under The Rowan Tree all received awards.

Award.

The final award was Stationery Ambassador of the Year, which was presented to Chris LeonardMorgan who founded the Stationery Show and National Stationery Week back in 2008.

Rainbow Penpal Club marked this year’s National Stationery Week with a Mail Art competition. “We want pieces of beautiful artwork on your envelopes – not just shop-bought stickers but pictures and designs, collages and written words to decorate your letters,” was the challenge from organiser Marjorie Edwards. “Release your inner Van Gogh or Picasso! Go wild with colour and give Royal Mail something to look at and admire. Our postman started asking questions as soon as the first entries arrived!”

Marjorie founded and runs the club, which is one of the UK’s last proper pen and paper penpal organisations. Mail Art first appeared in 1927 in the USA when correspondence artist and collagist Ray Johnson began sending pieces of artwork through the postal system to his friends.

Running until the end of May, the winners will receive prizes donated by stationery companies.

Right: Chris LeonardMorgan was delighted to be a presented with the Stationery Ambassador

Above: Sarah Laker above the NSW banner at London Stationery Show.

Above right: ExaClair was one of the sponsors of NSW.

Below left: Kidlington’s House of Card’s winning entry.

Below right: The Woodley store’s NSW window.

Above: Modella is to rebrand WHS.

Above: Bright envelopes being delivered to Rainbow’s HQ.

TOP STORY

The Greats And The Good

GOTYs for Santoro, Rosie Made A Thing, Nicole Elders and Fox Under The Moon

Greeting card publishers and gift shops known for their card displays were among the winners at the recent Gift Awards which incorporated The Greats gift retailer awards and the the Year product awards.

Santoro London, Under The Moon, Nicole Elders and Rosie Made A Thing each took home a GOTY trophy while on the retail front, among the winners of The Greats awards were Bijou in Elgin, Highworth Emporium in Highworth, Attico in Westbourne, Oliver Bonas and Barkers

GOTY winner, Write Me

from

Below

Santoro’s Lucio Santoro

and Jo Campbell were presented with the GOTY trophy by Simon Anslow (far

show organiser of the Harrogate Christmas & Gift Fair, sponsor of the Best Festive & Occasions Product category.

In his welcome speech Mark Jones, commercial director of Gisela and chair of The Giftware Association which organises GOTY, told guests: “The ‘Great’ in The Greats is about celebrating success. And we do that too with the longstanding, coveted, much-loved Oscars of the giftware industry, Gift Of The Year.

New card buying team at Sainsbury’s

Restructures at the Sainsbury’s/Argos retail group sees members of the supermarket’s celebrations buying team taking up new roles at Argos, with Emma O’Toole newly appointed as Sainsbury’s new head of buying responsible for greeting cards, among other products.

Hosted by comedian George Zacharopoulos, the awards were attended by over 425 guests, spanning gift retailers, suppliers, manufacturers, reps and agents.

The GOTY Cards, Wrap & Stationery award winner was Write Me Roses paper flower notes from Pikki Santoro’s 3D Pirouette Countdown advent calendar came top in Festive & Occasions, while the Heritage Gifts trophy went to Nicole Elders’ Royal Shakespeare Company’s Master Of Insults calligraphy range.

Rosie Made A Thing has translated its classic Gin & Frolics designs to Magnificent Mugs, which topped the Home & Kitchen category, while the Thoughts And Feelings Collection For Children won for Fox Under The Moon in the Health & Wellbeing product award.

“As the world continues to find new ways to go mad, it’s brilliant to be able to come to an event like this and witness the ingenuity and originality of all the shortlisted products. There is no better reminder that we do have some control and power outside of the macro politics and that is through the power of innovation.”

Sue Marks, editor of Progressive Gifts & Home which is owned by The Greats’ organiser Max Publishing, added: “The 2025 Greats Awards saw an unprecedented level of engagement from retailers and suppliers alike, evidenced by the wealth of nominations from the gift industry at large, as well as from the huge number of gift retailers self-nominating and putting their shops forward.”

www.thegreatsawards.co.uk and www.giftoftheyear.co.uk

Fox Under The Moon book deal

Adding to Fox Under The Moon’s Stacey and Jamie McNeil’s celebrations for their Gift Of The Year win is news of a major gift book publishing deal with Quercus Fox Under the Moon’s Thoughts And Feelings Collection For Children won Best Health & Wellbeing Gift Product award at the GOTY Awards while on the same day it was announced that a new hardback adult’s wellbeing book, titled Fox Under The Moon: Seasons Of Comfort And Hope is to be published in October.

“This book marks the biggest step for our brand to date,” author and artist

“Same mothership, different shade… from orange to red, and a whole host of new areas,” said Abi Wilson, who has been head of buying and design for celebrations at the Sainsbury’s for the last three years (and involved in the grocer’s greeting card buying since 2017) announcing her move to Argos.

Abi is now the new head of buying for seasonals at Argos, a broad category which covers everything from outdoor decorative, to lawnmowers, fitness, leisure, pet, gift and jewellery.

Shar Grothier, who was the Sainsbury’s card buyer until late last year when she moved to the party and tableware category has greetings back on her radar as the new gifting buyer for Argos, with Abi confirming: “It will include cards/wrap at Argos, small today but growing.”

Claire Fountain and Bethany Priestley have moved to the Argos Home team, while Sanjit Dool, who was senior buyer for cards, is now the Argos senior buyer for garden maintenance and DIY.

Abi added: “It’s been wonderful to be a part of this industry, reflect on some huge changes we've delivered for customers, and feel very privileged to have been a part of it all. We go out on a high, and hand over to the new team knowing they will be in good hands.”

Stacey told PG. “I hope it brings comfort, encouragement, and a little magic – just when readers need it most.”

Having recently licensed greeting card designs to The Art File, as well as producing their own, the book deal with Quercus, part of Hatchette UK, features Stacey’s illustrations and words. There’s also a US publishing deal with Weldon Owen

• Fox Under the Moon is exhibiting at PG Live

on Stand 349

book.

Above: Fox Under the Moon’s Stacey and Jamie O’Neil with their GOTY trophy.

Above: (left-right) Abi Wilson, Bethany Priestley, Shar Grothier and Sanjit Dool Sainsbury’s 2024 Retas Award.

Left:

Roses

Pikki.

left:

(second left)

right),

Above: A delighted Aga Marsden of Highworth Emporium with her Greats trophy for Independent Gift Retailer of the Year – West and South West.

DANILO’S PG LIVE 2025 CARDS CHARACTERS WITH

From cult TV icons to heartfelt charities and adorable new arrivals, Danilo’s 2025 line-up is packed with personality, purpose and playful surprises. Whether you’re chasing pop culture buzz, kid-friendly appeal, or purpose-led design, Danilo’s Stand 513 at PG Live 2025 is the place to be. With something for every type of retailer — from mass-market bestsellers to niche design discoveries — Danilo’s showcase brings together licensed favourites, fresh creative talent and fun experiential moments.

One of the biggest highlights this year is the public appearance of Baby Pig, joined by Peppa Pig and Mummy Pig for a special inperson visit to the stand on Tuesday 3rd June in the afternoon. This adorable moment kicks off the launch of Danilo’s brand-new Peppa Pig range featuring Baby Pig — a sure-fire hit for stockists catering to young families and fans of this evergreen brand.

The character and preschool category remains a strength for Danilo, with The Gruffalo, Bluey, and PAW Patrol all continuing to drive performance. Bluey ’s enduring popularity is reflected in an expanded range that celebrates family fun and heartfelt storytelling, alongside refreshed designs for PAW Patrol and The Gruffalo. We’re also excited to bring a new Dora the Explorer card range to join these evergreen titles.

To sweeten the experience, Danilo’s interactive sweetie station returns, offering guests a colourful break from the show floor while they browse new releases across cards, wrap and bags.

In the TV and streaming space, there’s no shortage of show-stoppers. A bold new Stranger Things range taps into the buzz around its final season, while Wednesday returns with more gothic flair just in time for the second series. Wicked, with its magical aesthetic and cult-favourite status, inspires a striking new card range that adds a bold new flavour to the mix. Meanwhile, Danilo’s dramatic Traitors collection captures the intrigue, tension, and unmistakable tone of the hit reality show in card form.

On the lifestyle side, brings its signature mix of fun formats and surprise elements to card giving, with new designs that pack a punch. Danilo also proudly unveils its first licensed range in partnership with Marie Curie — a thoughtfully designed, beautifully illustrated collection supporting the charity’s vital work.

Joining the line-up this year is Dogman, the bestselling comic book sensation by Dav Pilkey. With bold visuals, laugh-out-loud humour and heroic spirit, the new Dogman card collection taps into the series’ massive cross-generational appeal and offers something truly fresh for young readers and gift buyers alike.

From iconic characters to charitable causes, Danilo’s 2025 collection is one of its most diverse and dynamic yet.

Visit Stand 513 at PG Live and see how these cards with character are set to captivate customers and elevate shelves this year.

New to the portfolio is Lucy Claire, whose elegant, expressive illustrations and soft, modern styling make her debut range perfect for customers looking for gentle, emotionally resonant cards.

OVER THE COUNTER

BY

DAVID ROBERTSON

OF JP POZZI, ELGIN AND BUCKIE.

Commerciality Breeds Contempt

though we are all waiting for the proper summer months to kick in. This year though, it has gone in a bit of a blur… VE Day celebrations, visits to two of the best garden centres in Scotland (Raemoir and The Drum), Liberty and Selfridges, a chat with Louis Theroux, an evening at The Gift Awards and some vibrant discussions about what makes a truly award-worthy product and why commerciality is sometimes under-rated.

I am of course biased and do feel our stores are great, but that does not mean I think we will win an award for them! So, I was honestly taken aback to be presented with the The Greats Best Independent Gift Retailer – Scotland award in The Gift Awards recently.

I was delighted for our team to be recognised and the reaction from our own staff and also on social media to the news was so uplifting. Over 1,000 likes and hundreds of comments all praising service, choice and the store itself was almost as exciting as being presented with the trophy.

My mum deserves a great deal of the credit for the stores. With her 81st birthday fast approaching her desire to find new, different product to sit alongside the tried and tested favourites is perhaps unmatched and in addition, she always knows how to mix different companies’ products, whether it be cards or gifts to get the absolute maximum from her displays.

This can be clearly seen in store at

the moment with a beautiful display mixing Talking Tables’ Mediterranean tableware and the Tuscan range from Joe Davies. Alongside these products we have gift books to create a table that screams summer BBQ.

Our giftwrap range in store is also a hybrid of Belly Button, Deva, Partisan, Ricco Design, UKG and Glick, straddling all price points and looks. All of these companies reflect trends and colour palettes that are in fashion right now and give the customer the current on-trend packaging

which in turn gives us those extra sales.

Another great example of Mum’s choices is a sea-themed local window featuring coral and sea items from Shoeless Joe, waterproof jewellery from Zelly, 3D seathemed cards from Alljoy and other great sea/tourism type gifts from Love Your Nation, Emma Ball and others.

We have also recently completed working on a bespoke card for our Buckie store with Alljoy which features local landmarks of the Bow Fiddle Rock and Buckie Harbour. The end result is stunning and the process of working with the company has been such fun.

For mum and I this will hopefully be a perfect example of a unique product that will have mass appeal to locals and visitors alike.

With this thirst for new product, it works so well that The Greats awards

Below: The special Alljoy Design card for David’s shops.

Right: A JP Pozzi window to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

Awards’ finalists brochure for Bijou.

Above: The Greats trophy is bedding in at Bijou.

are presented at the same event as the GA’s Gift of the Year award winners.

I have judged the GOTY in previous years and always found it enlightening to see these new products and the reactions from other judges towards them.

Did I agree with all the product finalists? Did I think that some of the category winners truly reflect the best in class? Well not always, but that is perhaps the point. What I think is good, innovative and will sell is invariably different from someone else’s perspective.

Sometimes fantastic cutting-edge design can simply be too expensive. Sometimes a cheaper alternative works just as well and can capture the market. Sometimes you need the designers to lead the way for a version to follow that is not a copy, but strikes a commercial chord. Sometimes it’s not cool to like the thing that sells in volume. Sometimes quirky is more memorable than commercial. Sometimes you can be too ahead of the curve.

This sparked discussions with a number of people at the recent awards event as to what is commerciality and do the awards reflect this? There was an even wider debate that these awards are maybe not designed to rubber stamp or award a gold star to the big players in the industry as they don’t need the hand up, with the judges maybe keener to use their votes to support the smaller players.

Perhaps these awards are a bit like The Oscars where it is not the big blockbuster Marvel movies that typically win the awards.

For me commerciality is whether the card or gift is suitable for commerce? Is it considered profitable, marketable and does it crucially have mass appeal?

In the context of business it can be seen as to which companies are the keenest and quickest to understand a business situation and react to it, taking into account all kinds of factors.

Now if we were awarding prizes simply for the fundamentals of, does it sell and will it make money? then ranges such as Hearts Designs birthday products from L&P and Joe Davies would be right up there.

Stoneglow would feature heavily as would many other fragrance companies, such as Henry & Co, Marmalade and Freckleface etc.

So of course would Jellycat, arguably the best example in my lifetime of product innovation for quality, brand and customer desire, something that has been reinforced by the company’s recent King’s Award.

The GOTY awards, though very

worthwhile, are a bit like a Louis Theroux documentary as they simply can’t focus on the day to day mundane stuff.

The very commercial product that we all sell every day when we open our shops is not what we or anyone gets excited about. We buy them because they fulfil a need. There may be an opportunity for some new categories for the GOTY awards to reflect these less exciting yet valuable products.

Just as The Henries has The Henry Cole Classic award for card ranges that have stood the test of time, perhaps GOTY could introduce a Best Legacy Product award for tried and tested ranges - Modern Classics from Stoneglow would be an example.

Where you would start to reward the likes of L&P, Widdop or Joe Davies I am not sure. Quite simply they are the backbone most gift stores are built on as by mixing their products in with the quirky and the unusual you can offer products that sell and deliver a decent margin.

I really feel that these companies do not get enough credit, perhaps mainly due to their large size.

Like our shops you need to find a balance.

I am reminded of the fashion store analogy with the yellow leather

jacket. It looks great in the window, causes a real talking point, but 99 out of 100 jackets sold are black!

The Louis Theroux talk I went to recently was very interesting. I talked to him about how he could take subjects or people I literally had no interest in yet still make it enjoyable for me.

This is a great skill that we need in a card shop as we need to appeal firstly to our tribe and have the card or gift that suits their tastes, but you also need that broad appeal to have a card and gift that appeals to everyone who walks through the door. That is of course unless you are in a large city/catchment area and are deliberately targeting a niche or have a diverse enough footfall that you can try most things.

This leads me onto the final part of my week with the crazy queues and desire for the blind box Labubu dolls. I thought I would surprise my wife with one as they are ‘the thing’ celebs are talking about right now.

The queue in Selfridges at 10am was an instant sell out and also at the Pop Mart store in central London. It reminded me yet again that there are always hot items that feed off hype. Sadly, we indies can’t really capitalise on this one, but it brought back memories of TY, Brownsword, Tatty Ted and so many others.

Louis Theroux has made his name with weird niches, such as wrestling, the adult industry, UFOS and of course far right, far left and every kind of religious cult known to man!

Gift and card shops can equally be known for specialising in jewellery/bears/fragrance anything really, but fundamentally what we sell day in and day out are cards and occasions gifts and you know what there is something to be said for being a little boring… l To contact David email: jppozzi@btconnect.com

Left: David was full of praise for Louis Theroux’s ability to tease information, the story, the history or indeed the gossip from a subject.

Below: Part of the greeting card display in Selfridges which David was keen to see.

Right and below: The craze for the Labubu dolls and bag charms interests David.

cardsharp

Buffett Time

The world’s greatest investor, Warren Buffett, is finally retiring at the youthful age of 94. What a man. If you had invested £400 in just one of his fund’s shares in the early 1980s, it would be worth £2.1 million today. So, to Cardsharp’s mind, when he speaks, it is well worth listening.

Warren Buffett’s recent retirement press conference was an absolute tour de force!

Unlike Trump, who insists on an allies and sycophants-only policy for his events and only responds to carefully constructed easy bats, Warren took questions from all and sundry with real candour and sharp humour, which belied his advanced age.

He was dismissive of private equity saying it produces only short-term rewards and its obsession with cost cutting robs potentially successful businesses of longterm investor returns.

And what amused Cardsharp was his description of EBITIDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and

amortisation) which appear so often in financial reports these days as “Bullshit Earnings”, which “aim is to flatter” and urged investors to take these into account, as invariably the aim of quoting EBITIDA is to try and excuse and rationalise performance problems or add an extra unwarranted gloss to the figures.

This set Cardsharp thinking about the recent financial performances of

two companies very close to our industry’s heart that have recently been in the news for financial performances. Namely Cardfactory and IG Design.

Firstly, Cardfactory, our largest specialist greeting card retailer with over 1,000 roof tops in the UK. Its financial results for the year ending January 31 were published recently and in Cardsharp’s modest opinion they were pretty impressive, all things

considered. Overall sales were up 6%, thanks mainly to increased gift sales, while even its card sales were up by 0.7%.

Revenue for the year was comfortably over half a £billion, rising from £510 million to £542 million in the 12 month period. The dreaded ETIBIDA tries to make out that there was a 6.3% rise in adjusted profit, whereas that profit before tax actually fell by £1.5 million to £64 million.

But even then, mused Cardsharp, these are pretty respectable results, given the general health of the economy and consumer confidence, not to mention the ongoing challenges of bricks and mortar retailing. The plc also announced an increase in the dividend from 0.3 pence to 4.8 pence. Moreover, in contrast to most listed retailers who have been issuing gloomy warnings on future earnings, because of the increased rate of National Insurance Employers’ contribution and National Minimum Wage, the Cardfactory board seems relatively positive about the future and is particularly bullish about the company’s overseas trading relationships. Given that one of Cardfactory’s major investors, is the hugely successful Australian entrepreneur Brett Blundy, Cardsharp wonders whether Oz could be a major focus of attention going forward. Yet as ever with Cardfactory, the City was

Above: Warren Buffett right up to his retirement at 94 has spoken a lot of sense. Bottom left: IG Design Group has mooted it is looking to sell off its Americas business, but it is no cause for a party.

unimpressed. Cardsharp recalls during Covid when Cardfactory was trading at 30 pence while Moonpig, which has never made a profit anywhere near CF’s, was trading at £3.00.

US acquisitions being a significant contributor. And anyone who bought the shares at 12 pence and sold them at £2.40 would have seen a ‘Buffett’ like increase in wealth.

Anyway, following the announcement of Cardfactory’s recent results, the share price dropped a few pence, only to bounce back a bit and was hovering around the 90 pence mark as PG went to press.

Cardsharp does not know what investors were expecting. Admittedly it is not the kind of investment that would make Warren Buffet’s mouth water, but Cardfactory is clearly in good shape.

Cardsharp thinks the problem is that Cardfactory is seen, quite wrongly in his view, to be boring and old fashioned by City investors.

“Greeting cards, who buys those in this digital age?” The answer is over 90% of the UK population. “Physical stores are old fashioned!” Tell that to Next and if this applies to greeting cards, why has the percentage of card sales that are sold online been stuck at around the 15% mark for the last four years? In fact, Cardfactory seems to have scaled back the rhetoric on increasing its online sales, perhaps recognising this is not one of its strengths. “And where is its AI strategy?”

Just because it has become the norm for every plc to mention AI as part of its future strategy doesn’t mean Cardfactory has to, especially when it is not relevant.

It also speaks volumes that Cardfactory’s results, in contrast to say Moonpig’s, received very little attention in the business media. There was the odd begrudging comment that given the earnings ratio, the shares were undervalued, but little more than that. Perhaps wonders Cardsharp that however Cardfactory performs, it will never lose that boring tag.

By contrast IG Design has had a lot of publicity recently, but not necessarily for the

right reasons. IG Design, described as the largest designer of celebration products, including greeting cards, gift wrap, Christmas crackers, gift bags and partyware issued a full year profit warning citing challenging conditions, particularly in the US.

Its revenue for the year end to March 31 saw a 10% drop year on year, well below expectations The share price, which a year ago had been as high as £2.40 pence plunged 59% to 58 pence on the news.

Cardsharp recalls IG Design or International Greetings as it used to be known has had a long and up and down history. Established in the early 1990s by Swedish-born Anders Hedlund and British entrepreneur Nick Fisher, it was an early member of AIM also known as the junior stock exchange. With access to investment funds and a booming retail economy, it expanded from being primarily a roll wrap manufacturer based in South Wales, into being a value supplier of boxed cards and crackers before wider diversification. IG as it was then known had a fabulous nineties and early noughties only to hit the buffers with the financial crisis of 2008-2010, when the shares went down to near junk status.

Under Paul Fineman as ceo, and industry veteran John Charlton as chairman, the business recovered quite dramatically with

The growth continued with the company rebranding itself with the funkier moniker of IG Design Group, but as the latest figures clearly demonstrate it has hit the buffers again. The board has sort of lain the blame on the US operations and has even indicated, given the uncertainty over tariffs (much of IG Designs’ manufacturing is done in China) that it is considering divesting its US side. Cardsharp wonders if there is a touch of smoke and mirrors here. Those in the trade know that there has been a lot of changeability when it comes to big contracts with the grocers and major multiple players, which would have no doubt affected its UK performance. Again, Cardsharp wonders about the announced profit figure for the year of just £1 million. Small enough on the massive group turnover to be a statistical anomaly, but at least indicating to investors that it is still profitable. Quite convenient mused Cardsharp So, what conclusions, if any, can Cardsharp draw from all of this? Firstly, in terms of share price, being honest and open (EBITIDA concerns aside) Cardfactory suffers. It has produced solid and impressive financials over a number of years and reported impressive profits. It has outpaced most traditional bricks and mortar retailers and unlike virtually every other these days, it makes no pretence of having an AI strategy. Cardsharp is sure that Warren Buffett would not consider it worthy of his investment $billions, but he is pretty sure he would see more to appreciate in its strengths than many of its over hyped plc rivals.

After crunching all these financials, Cardsharp’s stomach is starting to rumble… perhaps it’s ‘Buffett time’!

Left: Cardfactory’s recent results are yet again pretty impressive.

Above: The City has unfairly marked Cardfactory’s shares down.

Above: Warren Buffett is a master of reading into figures to see the true picture. Right: Time for a ‘Buffett’ feast?

Giddy Up!

There were plenty ‘yee-haws’ of joy heard the length and breadth of the UK as greeting card retailers rejoiced having made it into the finals of The Retas 2025 awards.

With the fast gallop now on to the country and western-themed awards event on July 3 at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel, PG rounded-up some initial reactions from the rootin’ tootin’ finalists.

Sally Matson, owner of Red Card and Little Red, Petworth

Carl Dunne, owner of Cards & Gifts, Dronfield

“Hurrah! Karen [West, store manager] and I toasted our Retas nomination with a glass of (bloody expensive) champagne at the Top of the Rock70th floor of the Rockefeller Centre in New York City - with the Empire State Building in the background! The perfect way to celebrate; we are so pleased and very proud. We went to Macy’s and the shoe department had a big sale and my husband Bob made me buy cowboy boots for The Retas!”

Aga Marsden, owner of The Highworth Emporium, Highworth

“Absolutely amazing news which lifted our VE Day celebrations to a whole new level We are totally thrilled and honoured to be finalists again – it means the world to us and our whole team is buzzing with excitement.”

Rebekah Mudie, co-owner of Daisy Daisy,

“We’re over the moon to be in with a chance of winning this accolade. I’ll be off to the fantastic Retas awards ceremony to celebrate all that is the greeting card industry. Many thanks to our wonderful team, suppliers and brilliant customers – we feel like winners already!”

“Reaching The Retas finals for 2025 is a dream come true, and I couldn’t be happier! We’ve been working tirelessly to source new suppliers, styles and the best quality designs. It was a big challenge, but we have extended our range and enhance our offerings. I’m also thrilled about The Retas’ country and western theme – whether I go as Dolly Parton or Kenny Rogers, I’m excited to embrace the theme and celebrate with everyone! It’s truly an honour to be part of this community.”

Sally Davies, owner of Flippin’eck, Guiseley

“What a surprise, but I feel really proud that my shop has been considered to be one of the best independent greeting card shops in the North East along with other great shops. What makes my shop stand out? Well, the name helps, but we also try to be unique and aim to have cards and gifts for almost all occasions, and if we don’t I always try to get in whatever the customer needs. It’s always lovely to hear customers say my shop is lovely or that Guiseley needs my shop to stick around, especially when retail

Cathy Frost, owner of Loveone, Ipswich

“What a wonderful surprise, I’m thrilled to have been nominated and proud to be part of a wonderful industry – and I’ve just received a well-timed delivery of straw cowboy hats!”

Above: Red Card’s owner Sally Matson (right) and store manager Karen West are on top of the world.

Right: Sally’s new boots that are set for The Retas awards event.

Above: Carl Dunne is thrilled at Cards & Gifts reaching The Retas’ finals.

Above: A sweet thank you from Sally Davies.

Above: VE Day celebrations and a Retas nomination for Aga Marsden (centre) and the Highworth Emporium team.

Above: Cathy Frost in one of the cowboy hats stocked by Loveone.

Simone Richards, co-owner of Serenade, Rhiwbina Village and Whitchurch

“I’m over the moon at being a finalist in this year’s Retas. I purchased Serenade in Rhiwbina six years ago and was hit with the Covid pandemic ten months in. It was a tough time for all small businesses, but we managed to stay afloat and have gone from strength to strength and opened our second shop last year. We are a family business with my husband, son, aunty and very close friend making up the Serenade team.

Helen Williams, owner of Helen’s Wishes, Dursley

“I was so surprised and delighted – I’ve only been running my shop for two years and, being completely new to retail, this really is such an honour.

I took the leap from a 24year career in HR to running my own business, so this nomination really does mean so much to me and is

Lucy Eason, owner of George’s, Whitstable

“Not surprised at all… we are blown away!! Totally in shock at the fabulous news. The team and I are so, so grateful for everyone who nominated us, we are

head buyer and owner of Okells Garden Centre,

“We put careful thought into our greeting card range and, in truth, it’s a joy to do thanks to the creative and unique card suppliers we work with. It is such a boost to the whole team, we appreciate it massively.

It’s an industry full of lovely individuals, and we feel very fortunate to have such brilliant card companies represented in our shop. Thank you for recognising our card selection by naming us as a finalist – the whole team is absolutely

Andrea Pinder, owner of Presentation Cards & Gifts, Barrowford

“Wow! I feel blessed to be a part of The Retas and am absolutely thrilled and delighted. We all strive to be the best at what we do and the service we offer. Thank you to all my girls at Presentation and Bistro 7, you’re all amazing. Working and running a business on your own takes up all your time and effort. Without the support of my staff and the continued loyalty of my wonderful customers, my business wouldn’t survive.”

Sonya Haandrikman Sibbald, co-owner of Celebrations, Carlisle

“Whoop Whoop! Well done to our amazing team for creating such a wonderful experience for our brilliant customers.

Glass of bubbly for the girls and we’re going one step further by going out for a meal and a few drinks to celebrate!”

Above: Serenade’s co-owner (centre) Simone Richards with son Ethan and close friend Sian Gwynn, who works part-time in the shop.

Above: A wish come true for Helen Williams of Helen’s Wishes.

Above: Okells’ gift shop manager Ella Duckworth (left) and card buyer Carrie Cahill.

Above: Lucy Eason does not shy away from showing her utter delight.

Above: Team bubbles for Sonya Haandrikman Sibbald (second right) and the Celebrations team.

Stuart Delahoy, owner of Set, Leicester

“30 years ago, for some crazy reason, I wanted to give up my comfy wellpaid job and pension to start in retail. Did I think I would still be going, never mind being up for my second consecutive Retas award all these years later? There have been highs and lows,

recession, Covid and now Trump, but somehow it has all been worth the ride. The look and focus of the shop have changed to survive, but cards have always been there as the backbone of everything else we do. After Covid I took a strategic decision to target a younger customer, tapping into the trend for self-care and to engage with those people still coming to town and shopping on the High Street. And guess what, they still buy their Mum a card!”

Liz Ward, owner of Wishes & Kisses, Sutton Coldfield

“We’re absolutely over the moon with our nomination. Our biggest passion is greeting card buying, I would say it’s probably the best part of what we do, especially when customers love our choices.”

Greg Rose, co-owner of Maybugs, Bexhill, Eastbourne, Hailsham and Tunbridge Wells

Jayne and Kevin Brooking, owners of Occasional Cards & Gift, Kingsbridge

“We are sooooooooo thrilled and excited, thank you for the recognition, it really does make all the hard work in this very challenging time for retail worth it.

We’re writing a news article for our local newspaper and online news and events hub! We’re also going to do an in-store offer for our customers to help celebrate our great news. We are so happy.”

Angela Jones, owner of Lily Blue Gifts & Home, Stourbridge

“I am getting some ‘yee-haw’ practice in! We’re absolutely delighted to be nominated. We’ll be shouting about our nomination across our socials too. As a small independent business, it’s easy to stay tucked away in our happy little bubble — so to be recognised by the giants of our industry is truly amazing. Thank you, we’re thrilled!”

“The whole team are simply delighted to be a finalist. It’s such an honour to be recognised especially as we have done so much work expanding our card ranges and, with the launch of our Tunbridge Wells store which is mainly greeting cards too. To say John [Dale, Greg’s partner] and I are over the moon would be an understatement.”

Tiffany Leach, owner of Kingfisher Cards and Gifts, Sidmouth

“Whaaat! finalists again for The Retas we can’t believe it, that’s fantastic. Our fourth nomination now we must be doing something right.

“We’re overjoyed and can’t thank everyone that nominated us enough. It’s an amazing achievement for us all at Kingfisher.”

Michael Apter, owner of Paper Tiger, four stores in Edinburgh

"Well, saddle up and call us buckaroos! We're absolutely thrilled to be back in the saddle for The Retas this year. We're reckonin' our nomination in the Multiple Retailer corral shows we're not just whistling Dixie up here in Good Ol' Edinburgh!

Since opening our fourth shop up in Stockbridge, bless its new cowboy boots, we've moved up the league, leaving a little dust behind!

We've always enjoyed a friendly showdown with the best independent sheriffs in town, and now we're wrangling cattle with some seriously big beasts in the sector.

We'll be polishing our spurs, hitching our horses, and riding the iron horse down to that London saloon in July, hopin' to rustle up a trophy to add to our haul!"

Above: Set’s Stuart Delahoy is delighted by the news.

Above: The sun came out for Jayne and Kevin Brooking.

Above: Kingfisher’s Tiffany Leach puts her hands together for those who nominated her store.

Above: Wishes & Kisses’ Liz Ward has a passion for card buying.

Above: A big thumbs-up from Maybugs’ Greg Rose.

Above: Paper Tiger’s Michael Apter with illustrator and publisher Catherine Rayner, who will be exhibiting at PG Live.

Above: Lily Blue’s Angela Jones is learning to yee-haw!

Treats Galore

“Our mission is to ensure that coming to PG Live is a real treat for everyone,” promises Warren Lomax, director of Max Exhibitions, which owns PG Live. “With over 220 of the best greeting card publishers in the world unveiling thousands of brand new designs, an upbeat vibe and all the enjoyable extras PG Live is known for, it will be a veritable treats extravaganza!”

With this year’s show all set for Tuesday 3 June and Wednesday 4 June at London’s Business Design Centre, PG delves into the PG Live 2025 treat box!

Treat yourself to… Feeling Connected and Inspired

People do business with people. PG Live really is where the greeting card community comes alive.

Feel inspired, meet the people behind the brands, reinforce relationships, make new contacts, and enjoy the feeling that you really belong.

Something somebody says will spark a new idea, while face to face feedback can overcome obstacles and strengthen connections.

hundreds of new ranges being launched. The crux of PG Live is that it is the global greeting card show. This year there will be over 220 greeting card publishers and allied businesses exhibiting at PG Live – a host of leading brands, as well as a host of ‘waiting to be discovered’ ones.

At this year’s show, the Upper Village section for emerging publishers (sponsored by The Imaging Centre for the last 12 years), which has proved so popular in previous years, has been expanded to include even more new gems. The

Springboard section continues to provide an inventive entry point option for a whole clutch of newbies.

Treat yourself to… Eating, Drinking and Being Merry

Ensuring visitors are ‘fed and watered’ in style is of paramount importance at PG Live. After all, no one can work effectively on an empty stomach and feeling thirsty!

As ever, buyers and exhibitors will be incredibly well looked after. The popular PG Live tea trolleys will be out in force pouring out cuppas, in proper cups, throughout the day (thanks to Windles) while a free delicious hot lunch and salad accompaniments served to exhibitors and visitors alike (with Laura Ashley sponsoring the lunchroom this year).

And for all thirsty souls, there is also an opening night drinks party (sponsored by Loxleys) for all to christen the first day of wonderful trade.

Above: Cambridge Confectionery Company really will have some sweet treats at the show.

Above: Just a few of the many PG Live postcards exhibitors have sent out, that were produced free of charge by The Imaging Centre on board donated by GF Smith.

Above: The Art File is launching over 100 new designs at PG Live in June, including in its Pavilion range.

Above: Jumping for joy at last year’s PG Live.

Left and above : The lunchroom will be sponsored by Laura Ashley, the tea trollies by Windles.

Treat yourself to… Extras, Show-Only Offers and Promotions

From saxophonist’s Graeme Airth’s welcome to the keepsake tote bag (this year celebrating Rosie Made A Thing’s 10th anniversary), there will be lots of “Ooh, that’s lovely…” added extras at PG Live.

Exhibitors will be pulling out the stops with their show-only offers, enticing promotions and fun competitions.

And there will be selfie opportunities galore to share with your customers, including a rare sighting of Peppa Pig’s

PG Live at a glance

When: Tuesday 3 and Wednesday 4 June 2025

Where: Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, Islington, London N1 0QH

Timings: 9.30am-6.00pm (with a free opening night party onsite until 8pm) on Tuesday 3 June

9.30am-4.30pm on Wednesday 4 June

Registration: Via the show website (www.progressivegreetingslive.com) or by calling +44 (0)7734 111633

Getting there: The BDC is only a few minutes walk from Angel underground station and a 20 minute walk from Highbury and Islington station. It is also a short taxi ride from Kings Cross/St Pancras and Euston while Waterloo, Liverpool Street and Paddington stations are also easily accessible. www.progressivegreetingslive.com

Treat yourself to… the lovely Business Design Centre

The ‘home’ of PG Live is the Business Design Centre, an attractive, airy building that is easy to get to in London’s trendy vibrant Islington.

new baby sister (on the Danilo stand), Paper Salad’s ‘ice cream van’ outside the lunchroom, Tatty Teddy (on the Carte Blanche stand) and plenty of other promotional fun!

As an industry with lots of personality, it is fitting that this dedicated trade show takes place in a venue to match. The Business Design Centre does not disappoint on lots of levels – from the historic to the practical, the aesthetic to the geographical. Light pours in through the wonderful glass roof of the Business Design Centre, a building that has lots of tales to tell since its foundations were first laid in the 1860s – among which was that it was used as the venue for a famous 24-hour walking race in 1876 between an American Edward Weston racing against British William Perkins.

Its compact nature makes getting round PG Live very easy.

Above: Publishers with an array of special tickets that are produced for the show for retailers who are finalists and winners in The Retas, Greats and members of Cardgains.

Right: PG’s Warren Lomax with this year’s PG Live keepsake tote bag which was created by Rosie Made A Thing.

Below: The meeters and greeters, as ever will be dressed in exhibitors’ cards.

Above: The light and airy BDC is the perfect home for PG Live.

Below: Peppa Pig’s baby sitter will be there too!

A selection of wonderful new launches that will be on show at Progressive Greetings Live.

Vegetable Patch

One of several new ranges debuting from M!nt Publishing is Lost the Plot. Based around designs by veteran illustrator Louise Nisbet, the collection features quirky and gently amusing humour based on fruits and vegetables. There are 16 birthday and occasions designs in the range. Leaning into the eco aspect of the horticultural subject matter the cards are printed on recycled board and come with recycled craft envelopes.

Mint Publishing 0116 230 4197

www.mint-publishing.co.uk

Main Mezzanine Stand 217

Animal Instincts

Berry Nice

Among the newness from The Unique Paper Company is Luxe Berry, a deluxe Christmas collection of richly coloured gift wrap and bags. Rich cranberry and plum backgrounds are overprinted with satin gold print and a touch of naturally derived, plasticfree biodegradable glitter. The fully recyclable range is printed on premium 90gsm FSC-certified paper with water-based inks.

The Unique Paper Company 01206 242483

www.theuniquepapercompany.co.uk

Main Mezzanine Stand 303

Stormy Knight is getting cute with its new Animal Antics collection. Belgian illustrator Christophe Jacques has created the 10 beautifully illustrated designs featuring tortoises, elephants, sloths, kangaroos among others. All the cards come with an embossed finish and a fleck craft envelope.

Stormy Knight 0117 9098684 www.stormyknight.orderspace.com

Village Green Stand 206

Creature Comforts

Award-winning children's book illustrator and author Kate Read has expanded her Party Animals greeting collection with frogs, elephants, crocodiles and cats among the latest additions to the menagerie. Combining print, painting and drawing, the designs exude Kate’s signature hand-collaged look. All the cards are printed in the UK on uncoated, FSCcertified board.

Kate Read Illustration 07951 690290 www.kateread.co.uk

Springboard Table 12

In The Round

Twenty Birds’ new Circle-Cut Flowers collection comprises 15x15 cm cards all featuring a circular die-cut aperture. When the card is closed, the circle die-cut frames the centre of a flower which when opened reveals a sentiment, such as ‘you are blooming great’ or a birthday greeting. Each

Party Time

Paperchains is a brand new range from Little Roglets featuring hand-painted designs by owner Lex. The rich brown and blue colour palette is slightly bolder than the publisher’s previous ranges. As well as everyday birthday designs, the collection includes some children’s ages. All come with an eco kraft envelope. Little Roglets orders@littleroglets.com www.littleroglets.com Main Mezzanine Stand 435

A selection of wonderful new launches that will be on show at Progressive Greetings Live.

Foody Fun

The Puntry is a new range of 24 foodthemed cards by Lisa Bamford aka Stoats & Weasels, launching at PG Live. They're designed in a graphic style with super bright colours and are absolutely stuffed with playful puns. All come with a cheerful yellow envelope.

Stoats & Weasels 07796 664912

stoatsandweasels.shop/wholesale Village Green Stand 177

Milking It

Blue Sky Thinking

Azure is a premium, design-led collection from Paper Rose. Born from the publisher’s Artisan range, the modern sophisticated designs created by Clare Tupper feature refined handdrawn elements in a palette of beautiful blues accented by pops of oranges and reds as well as subtle foil and embossing finishes. All 6” square, the 13 designs each come with a bright blue envelope.

Paper Rose 0115 986 0115 www.paperrose.co.uk

Main Mezzanine Stand 207

In between glugging bottles of milk into a baby, Bewilderbeest’s Iain Hamilton has added over 20 new designs to its Tail Wagging The Dog and Heard They’re Absurd ranges. Additionally, the licensing partnership with Artijoke is still going strong with another 10 cards added to its Renaissance Vandalism range. Plus, there’s a new 2026 wall calendar, a perpetual calendar, and six new Christmas card designs.

Bewilderbeest 07586 481 578 www.bewilderbeest.co.uk

Smarty Pants

With it being a nail-biting and then hopefully celebratory time of the year for youngsters, Happy Street has come up with a range of fun shout out good luck and congratulations designs featuring wise owls, eggs and smarty pants. All cards are A6 in size and come with a kraft envelope.

Happy Street  07956 680935

www.happystreetcards.co.uk

Village Green Stand 168

Bright Blooms

Sarah Kelleher has launched Neon Florals, a brand new range of 14 floral designs covering birthdays as well as those for new home and get well. All are printed onto high quality card with fabulous neon effect holographic foil.

Sarah Kelleher 07768 123957 www.sarahkelleher.co.uk

Main Mezzanine 508

Delicate Touch

Gabrielle Solly Illustration makes her debut at PG Live 2025 with new designs joining her Love & Friendship collection as well as new Father’s Day designs. The illustrations are created by hand with dip pens, crayons and watercolours. The cards are A6, printed in the UK on 350gsm FSC-accredited board and come with 150gsm envelopes wrapped in UKmade biodegradable cello bags.

Gabrielle Solly Illustration 07967 178427

www.gabriellesollyart.co.uk Springboard Table 4

A selection of wonderful new launches that will be on show at Progressive Greetings Live.

A Good Vintage

What could be better than a range which combines wine and animal fun puns? Well, the Wineimals range from Badgerbee Design does just that. The 10 designs feature recognisable wine varieties described by animal sounds, which are bound to appeal to wine lovers and those who enjoy a good animal pun. All 150mm square, the cards come naked with a recycled kraft envelope.

Badgerbee Design

07545 548243

www.badgerbeedesign.co.uk

Upper Village Stand 705

Page Turners

Human Nature

Versed Aid has added 20 new designs to its popular, boldly-coloured Pobody’s Nerfect range which is full of cute and cheeky characters who are the very embodiment of what they say and think!  Peppered with naughty and nice designs covering all occasions, these 150mm square cards are printed on FSC-certified, 300gsm matt board and are supplied with recyclable eco-kraft envelopes. Available naked/nested or cello-wrapped as requested.

Versed Aid 07932 759 357 www.versed-aid.co.uk

Upper Village Stand 725

A Nappy Accident

Knock Knock is a new collection from Running With Scissors which was sparked by a happy accident. The original plan was to design a cute new baby card, but instead of drawing bunting adorning a front door it ended up with a caution tape warning about the toxic nappies inside!  The collection grew to 15 humorous door designs, covering birthdays, Christmas and of course new baby. The cards are A6 format, printed on 350gsm paper and come with a kraft envelope.

Running With Scissors 07514 600422

www.faire.com/direct/runningwithscissors

Origamo’s new collection of handmade art bookmarks are real page turners! Already well known for its high-end 3D cards, this logical diversification continues Origamo’s tradition of combining creativity, craftsmanship and a unique artistic touch. The collection spans three main design themes of everyday, art and Christmas. Origamo 0039.011.193.74.001 www.origamo.com

Main Mezzanine Stand 527

Village Green Stand 124

Buddying Up

Earlybird’s quirky Buddy and Betty range is back with a bold new look featuring the art of Emma Jayne Designs. Bursting with playful energy, the refreshed collection introduces brand new birthday cards, festive Christmas cheer and for the first time ever, a spook-tacular Halloween line-up. All are printed on 100% recycled board and each card comes with an eco-chic kraft fleck envelopes.

Earlybird Designs 01227 765372

www.earlybirddesigns.co.uk

Main Mezzanine Stand 401

Artistic Impressions

In addition to over 50 new designs that have already been launched for 2025 from Paper Bird Publishing, its playful new collection, Sgruffito by Una Joy, is debuting 12 bold designs at PG Live. All the cards are printed in Kent on sustainable stock, packed with kraft envelopes and paper bands.

Paper Bird Publishing 020 8613 8085 or 07766 164 807 www.paperbirdpublishing.co.uk Village Green Stand 164

A selection of wonderful new launches that will be on show at Progressive Greetings Live.

Garden Glee

Morris & Maude, the cute garden-themed range from Paper Shed Design has welcomed new blank and male designs to the range. The delightful designs show the cute mouse and hedgehog characters enjoying various gardening scenes.

Paper Shed Design 0118 9744283

www.papersheddesign.com

Village Green Stand 180

Countryside Charm

Bottled Up

Elderflower is Sabivo Design’s range that is inspired by gorgeous countryside meadows and the delicate beauty of wildflowers and grasses. Following the well-received seasonal launch, the publisher has added another 25 captions, taking it to 65 captions, covering everyday, occasions and Spring seasons. The hand-illustrated artwork is handglittered with biodegradable gold-silver glitter for that extra sparkle. The 145mm square cards are supplied with brown kraft envelopes and wrapped in cello bags.

Sabivo Design

01858 683 278

www.sabivo.co.uk

Village Green Stand 101

Alljoy Design has introduced another 18 new designs into its award-winner uplifting and inventive Message in a Bottle collection. The new vibrant, summer-inspired 3D scenes include those for general sends as well as several covering milestone ages, all intended to become sunshine-soaked keepsakes.

Alljoy Design

00353 (0)1630 1213 www.alljoydesign.com

Main Mezzanine Stand 319

Popping Up

Gnome To Go To

Arrthi is all geared up for the exciting launch of the new Gardening Gnomes collection as part of the Cheeky Legends brand. Designed by cartoonist Arrthi Little, the characters in this garden-themed range are cheekier than ever, with all designs aimed at cultivating the good times. Printed on high-quality board, the cards are supplied naked. Arrthi 07735 398457 www.arrthi.com

Village Green Stand 153

Golden Moments

Marina B is celebrating its first decade by launching lots of newness, including the brand-new Lucy Lockets collection. Comprising 24 fun, contemporary designs these cards are packed with charm, and flooded in luxe gold foil. Perfect for all ages, these bold, joyful cards are made in the UK.

Marina B 01858 434462

www.marinab.co.uk

Rosie Made A Thing is expanding Pop! with 10 vibrant new designs, bringing the total to 18 cards. The range pairs Rosie's signature humour with neon colours and a debossed finish. Printed on quality FSC board, the 109mmx157mm cards are supplied naked with a spotty envelope for extra pizazz.

Rosie Made A Thing 0116 478 0946

www.rosiemadeathing.co.uk

Main Mezzanine Stand 500

A selection of wonderful new launches that will be on show at Progressive Greetings Live.

Stationery Move On

Lucilla Lavender is launching a brand new collection of stationery, based on designs from its Scatterly  card range which encompasses three notecard pack; a notebook, address & birthday book and a magnetic memo pad with pencil.

Lucilla Lavender 02034051410

www.lucillalavender.com

Main Mezzanine Stand 305

Wedding Belles

Magic Touch

Danilo’s licensed brand-bonanza line-up is packed with pop culture favourites, preschool bestsellers and purpose-led designs. From debuting designs featuring Peppa Pig’s baby sister, other highlights from the screens, include bold new card collections for Stranger Things, Wednesday, Wicked and The Traitors. Danilo is also introducing a new licensed Marie Curie range which will support the charity’s vital work.

Danilo 01992702900

www.danilo.com

Main Mezzanine Stand 513

Pink & Mint Design is launching a new range of wedding cards at PG Live which are diverse and inclusive, featuring same sex couples and different skin tones. Using the publisher’s London card theme the couples are set against a pink London wedding bus. Also new is the Theatres collection, with the designs for both cards and postcards based on London west end theatres.

Pink & Mint

07841666101

www.pinkandmintdesign.co.uk

Upper Village Stand 610

Clever Packing

Clinking Glasses

The Tasting Notes range from Grace Jackson Design is a fresh collection of greeting cards inspired by classic wine and whisky bottle labels. The designs feature gold foil details and playful, toast-worthy sentiments. From bold reds and blushing rosés to bubbly Prosecco and smooth whisky, each card has been created to mark a moment worth celebrating.

Grace Jackson Design 07902 875014

www.gjdesignwholesale.co.uk

Village Green Stand 160

Get Ahead

Hats Off is one of the brand new ranges being launched at PG Live by Heather Trefusis Art. The stylish male birthday designs have all been handpainted by Heather and are printed in the UK on heavily textured FSC-certified board. The cards are 150mm square and each is supplied with an eco kraft envelope.

Heather Trefusis Art 07946 605564

www.heathertrefusisart.com

Village Green Stand 111

Abacus has come up with a clever sustainable packaging solution for its new stationery card packs. The luxury aperture box containing the cards also incorporates a pop-out foldable hook, providing a stackable and hangable option for retailers. The pack is 100% cardboard, thus 100% recyclable!

Abacus 01638 569050

www.abacuscards.co.uk

Main Mezzanine Stand 300

A selection of wonderful new launches that will be on show at Progressive Greetings Live.

Eye To Eye

In addition to a brand new Dinky Daisy range, Cinnamon Aitch will also be adding newness to its Margo, Skylark, Cobalt Extreme and Googly (pictured) collections. Some 16 new designs double the Googly fun-filled range popping with colour and more playful characters, including a corny ‘a-maize-ing’ corn on the cob, a ‘sub-lime’ and a grateful croissant, each hand-finished with googly eyes.

Cinnamon Aitch  0121 773 6833

Lining Up

Sporting Figures

Redback's latest range, Sports Ink is a collection of striking neon silhouettes which perfectly capture our most popular sporting obsessions. The bold backgrounds and embossed foil finish have been carefully paired to ensure maximum visual impact, and with 16 designs to choose from they're sure to have widespread appeal. The cards are blank inside, measure 120mmx170mm and come with a white envelope.

Redback Cards 01752 830482

www.redbackcards.com

Main Mezzanine Stand 421

Kali Stileman Publishing’s latest children’s range, Stripy Birthday Number Cards has youngsters’ celebrations all in line! The collection covers ages 1-8 and features everything from a hoppy happy hare to a party-ready dinosaur against gorgeous on-trend colours with a cool and colourful stripy number.

Kali Stileman Publishing 01305 848899

www.kalistileman.co.uk

Village Green Stand 107

Thinking Allowed

#HappyThoughts is one of four new collections Dandelion Stationery is launching at PG Live. The range comprises 24 fresh, contemporary designs featuring modern sentiments, a splash of sarcasm or the odd expletive. The cards, which cover birthdays and key occasions, are C6 in size and each comes with an eyecatching bright blue envelope.

Dandelion Stationery 01332 504940

www.dandelionstationery.co.uk

Main Mezzanine Stand 517

Check It Out

Handy Idea

Dinosaurs Doing Stuff’s latest children’s range lets the fingers do the talking. As the range name suggests, each card in the Dinosaur Finger Puppet Cards collection incorporates a matching dinosaur finger puppet. The recipient just cuts out the puppet, including finger holes, then little fingers can pop through the holes to give the dinosaur legs.

Dinosaurs Doing Stuff 07460228609

Plewsy’s new Gingham Children's Ages range is worth ‘checking’ out. There are 10 designs covering ages 1 to 5 in two different bright and beautiful colourways, all with curved die-cut detailing. Designed in Yorkshire, made in Britain, the cards are A6 in size and come with a kraft brown envelope.

Plewsy 07725 530875

www.plewsy.com  Main Mezzanine Stand 320

A selection of wonderful new launches that will be on show at Progressive Greetings Live.

More Plotting

Cath Tate Cards has bolstered its award-winning Lost Plots collection with a clutch of bold new diecut designs. Exuding the funky, 70s-inspired art of Lisa Robson, these vibrant cut-out cards cover birthdays and a variety of occasions, from congratulations and thank you. Bursting with colour and retro charm, each 12cmx17cm card is printed in the UK on 100% recycled paper and come with a kraft envelope.

Cath Tate Cards 0208 671 2166 www.trade.cathtatecards.com

Main Mezzanine Stand 307

A Dramatic Finish

One of The Art File’s new collections is Pavilion, a collaboration with the namesake design-led studio founded by Jan Vincent and Robert Wood. The collection debuts with 12 everyday and occasion cards which feature the designers’ bold graphic imagery and bright colour combinations. All 120mmx170mm, the cards are finished with either steam copper, clear or black hot foils and embossed or debossed. Each comes with an eco-craft envelope.

Gilded Goodness

The Art File 0115 850 7490

www.theartfiletrade.com

Main Mezzanine Stand 200

More Rays Of Sunshine

As well as the launch of the brand new Cameo range of female floral designs, Paper Salad has some stupendous new additions to Sunshine, its award-winning children’s range (pictured). The 12 new bright, fun cards feature quirky characters finished with a super shiny high gloss shine and are heavily embossed to deliver the wow factor.

Paper Salad

0161 427 0001

www.papersalad.com

Main Mezzanine Stand 413

Lil Wabbit has two new collections spanning 52 cards. One of these is As Good As Gold which comprises 40 gold foil embossed cards covering many occasions from Christmas to Easter, new home to new baby. This collection is the publisher’s most colourful yet, and with each design being embossed using traditional techniques, the cards are as luxurious as they are playful!

Lil Wabbit 07871 902140

www.lilwabbit.co.uk

Upper Village Stand 612

Hanging Around

Making their debut into Paper Mirchi’s Keepsake Collection is a range of Honeycomb Ornament cards. Every card includes a detachable 3D honeycomb ornament with a magnetic fastening and a ready-to-hang gold string. The designs include a Christmas tree, bauble and lantern. The magnetic fastening enables the ornament to be folded away for use year after year making them a true keepsake!

Paper Mirchi

02036331415

www.papermirchi.co.uk

Main Mezzanine Stand 526

Harlequin is a stylish new range of 13 designs from Jessie Maeve Studio. The colourful cards combine hand-lettered captions and geometric prints with intricate illustrations of tablescapes featuring vases of flowers and fruit. The designs are inspired by ceramics, interior design trends and impressionist paintings. Printed on textured board they come with a kraft envelope.

Jessie Maeve Studio 07941 393861

www.jessiemaeve.com Upper Village Stand 701

A selection of wonderful new launches that will be on show at Progressive Greetings Live.

The Farming Community

Dyson Design has teamed up with talented artist Ann Edwards who has created 12 eye-catching wood and lino cuts of farm animals. These original bold black prints have been printed on a 150-yearold press onto textured board. Each card comes with a recycled fleck envelope.

Dyson Design 0116 285 5725 www.dysondesign.com

Village Green Stand 116

A Cut Above

First out of the traps for Poet and Painter at PG Live this year is the new Cut it Out collection.  The tenderly observed collection of hand-painted and collaged cards designs are contemporary, but with a timeless feel. Die-cut and printed on 350g board, they come with a cornflower blue envelope naked, with an eco-clasp or bio-cello wrap.

Berry Christmas

Winter Berries is Megan Claire’s brand new luxury Christmas range for 2025. Complete with relations and open Christmas captions, this contemporary hand-illustrated range consists of 24 designs with gold foil debossing. The cards come with a metallic gold envelope.

Megan Claire 01536 560345

www.meganclairetrade.co.uk

Village Green Stand 154

Poet and Painter 01225 690067

www.poetandpainter.co.uk

Main Mezzanine Stand 424

Child’s Play

Pigging Out

Having launched over 250 new greeting card designs already this year, Tache’s PG Live newness includes On The Farm, a playful collection featuring charming farmyard characters and funny puns and Balloon Ages, a fun, vibrant milestone birthday range with balloon typography, as well as designs from the expanded handmade Famous Faces and Peppa Pig designs (pictured).

Tache Crafts 01202 691435

www.tache.trade/account/register

Village Green Stand 127

Paradiso Found

Inspired by the jazz era of the roaring twenties, Stephanie Davies has added to her popular Paradiso range meaning there are now 18 designs in the collection. These party loving designs are full of exotic animals, decadent cakes, ostrich feathers and fancy cocktails, finished with delicate gold detailing and some hand-finished with a crystal.

Stephanie Davies info@stephaniedavies.co.uk www.stephaniedavies.co.uk

Village Green Stand 125

Bursting with colour, Lovely Paper Stuff’s When I Grow Up, is a fun, new children’s collection. Inspired by founder artist Jo Denning’s own children’s ever-changing interests, she created a collection which covers ages 1-10 for both girls and boys. The cards are printed on textured board with an embossed/debossed finish.

Lovely Paper Stuff 07786 886223

www.lovelypaperstuff.com

Village Green Stand 172

A selection of wonderful new launches that will be on show at Progressive Greetings Live.

Home Interiors

Among the four new everyday collections from Hotchpotch is Maison.  The beautifully painted and dreamy designs in this collection capture the beauty in nature and brings it into your home using a palette of deep mulberry, forest green, dark teal and light pinks enhanced with a soft satin gold foil. Hotchpotch 01243 792600

www.hotchpotchlondon.com

Main Mezzanine Stand 222

Festive Fantasy

Don’t Get Shirty

Objectables is launching Checkmates, a new range of male cards.  Artist and Objectables’ co-owner Annie Gould has hand-painted the 18 designs of checked shirts which have had slogan patches added to them. As well as cards for male relatives the range includes cards for the Mother Truckers, Diamond Geezers and Massive Tools in your life. The cards are supplied naked and nested with a white envelope.

Objectables 01303 767240

wwww.objectablestrade.co.uk

Main Mezzanine Stand 204

The power of storytelling that blends reality with fantasy features in Eat the Moon’s deliciously fun new Christmas range. Recurring themes of parties and charming characters feature in the collection with scenes such as a Christmas hamper full of goodies, an extravagant lobster, and ice skaters gliding across a spinning record player. All 6”x4”, the cards are gold foiled and come naked.

Eat the Moon hello@eatthemoonstore.com www.eatthemoonstore.com

Main Mezzanine Stand 225

Why, Why, Why?

Four Of A Kind

The Pig, the Badger, the Seagull and the Donkey is Go La La’s latest card range. Eight playful designs feature the four protagonists’ musings of life, chips and each other. The range is a tongue-in-cheek parody of lifeaffirming art with plenty of irreverent humour and the occasional swear word.

Go La La 07943365717

www.golala.co.uk

Main Mezzanine Stand 321

Painting A Picture

Catering for the wide artistic community Hahnemühle is launching a whole host of products including bookmarks and postcards pads, a watercolour deckled edge book and a round watercolour tin. Featuring artwork by French illustrator Jennifer Lefèvre, the tin (pictured) contains 30 sheets of premium 300 gsm, 100% cotton watercolour paper which is ideal for watercolour, gouache and acrylic. Hahnemühle 01603759266

www.hahnemuehle.co.uk

Upper Village Stand 744

Among the five new Birthday collections in Noel Tatt’s mid-year launch is Delilah, a female birthday range featuring delicate florals. Featuring the art of Ellise Wilkinson, the designs are embossed and finished with gold foil. All 160mm square, each card is supplied with a white envelope.

Noel Tatt 01227 811600

www.noeltatt.co.uk

Main Mezzanine Stand 328

Scribbles, doodles, notes, lists, silliness... Our notebooks are perfect for it all!

Come & say hi at PG Live Stand 500

A selection of wonderful new product launches.

Saddle Up

Toasted Crumpet’s new card range Western Wildflowers blends the rugged charm of the Wild West with delicate botanical watercolour art. Handpainted designs of cowboy boots, blooming cactus flowers and desert flora are elevated by folksy touches and hints of gingham. Each 108mmx140mm card is finished with a scalloped edge. They come clasped with a kraft envelope.

Summer Blooms

Annual Celebrations

Family Matters

IC&G’s Most Especially For You relations range comprises 13 illustrated cards tailored for close family members. This popular collection has been transformed with a fresh, whimsical style, featuring eye-catching backgrounds, delicate hand-drawn elements and elegant calligraphy. The addition of embossing and foiling enhance the designs.

01202 897494 www.icgcards.com

Holy Mackerel has expanded its best-selling One Lump or Two anniversary card collection. Erica Sturla’s beloved characters have been busy, now starring in new designs for 6th, 7th and 9th anniversaries as well as on cards for 26th through to 29th anniversaries.

Holy Mackerel 01395 578571 www.holy-mackerel.co.uk

Bug Art is celebrating the beauty of summer by extending its Floral Collage collection with 10 beautiful new floral designs by artist Jane Crowther. Inspired by Jane’s love of gardening, her vibrant watercolour art is finished with elegant gold foil embossing. Each 167mmx118mm card comes with a pale green envelope, either naked or in an eco-friendly biodegradable bag.

Bug Art 0115 9294776 www. bugart.co.uk

Welly Good

Art Of The Matter

Flametree Publishing has expanded its greeting card selection including designs licensed from the William Morris Gallery, drawn from original artwork by Kate Faulkner and John Henry Dearle, two key figures of the Morris & Co. design team in the 19th century. Designs from contemporary illustrators Anna Stead (pictured), Katherine Quinn and Annie Soudain also feature. They all come with a gold envelope.

Flame Tree Publishing 020 7751 9650 www.flametreepublishing.com

Kingfisher Cards has forged a licensing partnership Emma Lawrence Designs for a range of art cards. The collection features designs of farm vehicles and animals wearing wellies as well as those depicting British flora and fauna. The 159mm square cards, designed and printed in the UK, are supplied with white envelopes.

Kingfisher Cards 01803 431515

www.kingfishercards.co.uk

HAPPY BiRTHDAY TO YOU!

Celebrating birthdays and occasions is a major role of greeting cards, but publishers and card retailers also have big events themselves, with many marking anniversaries at this year’s PG Live, which takes place 3-4 June, at London’s Business Design Centre.

PG lights the candles on some of these cardies’ big birthdays.

PAPERLiNK BESTiE WAY TO GO

Four Decases ago, the very beginning, when founder and ceo Louise Tighe set up Paperlink to bring her love of the irreverence of 80s alternative comedy into greeting cards, the publisher’s mission has been to push the boundaries of design, creativity and humour.

What she began in 1985 with a distinct range of humour cards has evolved into a diverse collection of over 100 ranges, spanning humour, contemporary, Christmas and occasions, and it has branched out into more luxurious, statement

designs with its sister brand Meraki, established in 2016.

QUiTTiNG HOLLYWOOD WE’RE NO QUiTTERS!

At a time of independent card shops on every corner and huge printing presses with metal plates, in 1985 the Quitting Hollywood story started under the name The Bears Go To Hollywood.

Quickly, founder Rob Todd and sales director Bill Greeno realised the market was ready for more risqué humour and proceeded to push commercially-acceptable boundaries –adding novelty attachments from condoms to tea bags with fart cards and penis enlargers en route!

The world has changed from fax machines, PCs with floppy discs and massive 32mb hard drives, not to mention mobile phones the size of bricks, to incredible connectivity and massive computing power in our pockets

along with no more smoking or drinking in the office, but humour endures.

Over the years, Paperlink has adapted with the times, consistently staying ahead of trends while maintaining the charm and quality that define its identity, while its most iconic humour ranges, such as Bottom Line and Bestie, have been running for over 30 years – a testament to the company’s deep understanding of what customers love and its ability to keep popular collections fresh and relevant. The creative energy that started the brand, remains just as strong

today as it was on day one and in 2025 alone, Paperlink and Meraki have launched six brand-new ranges, including an exciting debut to be unveiled at PG Live.

“This incredible journey wouldn’t have been possible without the continued support of our valued customers,” said md Emma Young. “It’s our customers that have allowed Paperlink to grow, innovate and remain at the heart of the industry for all this time, so we just want to say a big thank you. To celebrate this incredible milestone.”

Birthday wish: “The continued support of our valued customers.”

PG LIVE STAND 201

Card retail chains

Memory Lane, Sentiments, Hall of Cards, Papertree, Card Fair and the original disruptor Birthdays have all disappeared along with a 1,000+ independents, but Quitting Hollywood is still here!

In the last few years there’s been a change in personnel and direction with Adam Jobling now commercial director along with Emily Meaney as studio manager.

“We have branched into new

areas,” Adam said, “including working with talented designers/illustrators

Elizabeth Grant and Paul Delaney. We have even more planned in the next couple of years and are beyond excited to return to PG Live celebrating our 40th birthday and bringing a few new surprises.

“View the brand new, the old and the funny – and that's just the personnel!

Birthday wish: “For retailers to rediscover our tried-and-tested catalogue of classic laugh-out-loud designs.”valued customers.”

PG LIVE STAND 325

Left and below: An early Bestie design and the latest cards. Bottom right: Emma Young.

Above and right: Bill, Rob and artist Keith at an office party and the team today. Below right: An original Bears design.

CARTE BLANCHE’S ME TO YOU BLUE FOR YOU

With a background in greeting cards and working for some of the biggest brands in the industry, entrepreneur Stephen Haines dreamed of running his own company, and took the leap to branch out on his own, selling his beloved motorbike to fund the start-up Carte Blanche Greetings.

The Miranda Gang was created, featuring colourful and humorous animal characters with unique personalities like Tatty Teddy, a little brown bear quickly loved by consumers.

In 1995, Tatty Teddy – now with cute grey fur and a blue nose –became the lead character of Carte Blanche’s new Me To You brand and, over the ensuing 30 years has kept greeting cards at its heart as the concept expanded to include wrap, bags, stationery, and gifts with the plush side lifting Me to You to another level, and broadening product ranges into licensing with world-class manufacturers

With product distribution in over 10,000 retailer outlets in the UK and global sales exceeding £753million ($1billion) since launch, CBG’s marketing manager Grace Elphinstone said: “We are beyond proud of the journey that Me To You has experienced over the last 30 years. This unique little bear reaches out to people of all ages and demographics, offering a simple message of love and friendship that transcends fads and fashions.

“Stephen’s vision combined with a talented and dedicated workforce and the support of retail partners has brought comfort and joy to billions. We love our work, we love Tatty Teddy, and we love all that Me To You stands for. Happy birthday to our favourite little bluenosed bear, and here’s to the next 30 years!”

Birthday wish: “Continuing to enjoy Me To You’s 83% brand awareness and remain the first choice and go to brand for 48% of UK consumers when choosing a card or gift.”

HOTCHPOTCH ALL WHiTE ON THE NiGHT

For Hotchpotch, it all began in 1995, from the kitchen table of Lauren White who loved creating tiny scenes in fine pen and adding colour with pencils.

All Lauren’s cards were limited editions, she signed each one and used beautiful, highquality papers –it wasn’t long before the designs caught the eye of greeting card entrepreneur Paul Steele, who built the portfolio, working with talented young artists, into a major publishing force.

Supplying independent gift shops has always been key, while creating designs for Paperchase, John Lewis and grocers in the 2000s was also a demonstration of the talent within Hotchpotch and, when Paul stepped back in 2011, the business was snapped up by the equally long-standing Carte Blanche Greetings.

Hotchpotch has grown and evolved into a trend-led brand, with Anna Price heading up the design team since 2014, pushing the boundaries on innovation, print

process and quality materials like neon inks.

“Now 30 years on, Hotchpotch has gone full circle,” Anna said, “with the designers working from home at their kitchen tables, as Lauren White did back in 1995.

“We’re still as passionate about creativity and design as we’ve always been and the buzz of seeing our cards and gift dressings in beautiful and aspiring retail stores never gets old! “Creating original artwork, drawing and hand painting our designs keeps everything authentic, to ourselves and the Hotchpotch brand. We intend to continue evolving and staying relevant as well as keeping ahead of the trends and bringing new ideas to fruition.”

Birthday wish: “We have many birthday wishes – cost of stamps being reduced is one of them – but to continue doing what we love is really what it’s all about.”

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THE PERFECT 10...

Several PG Live exhibitors are celebrating their companies’ respective 10th anniversaries…

LOUiSE MULGREW, FOUNDER OF LOUiSE MULGREW

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Birthday wish: “For happy, thriving High Streets of small businesses up and down the country!”

JO HAWKiNS, FOUNDER OF APPLE & CLOVER

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Birthday wish: core philosophy remains the same: to create beautiful cards made with love.”

BEX HASSETT, FOUNDER OF BEXY BOO

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Birthday wish: “That more people take the leap”.

Above left: Hotchpotch’s design team, Anna Price, Emily Lester and Rachel Burt. Below: Current designs and a Lauren White original.

Above: Stephen Haines at his first trade show and blue-nosed Tatty Teddy in 2025.

Above: Jo Hawkins in

Above: Louise Mulgrew with her mum.

Right: Bex in Paperchase.

Birthday wish: to use technology for my work but I’m really happiest with the directness of a pencil, brush or pen, the splashier the better!”

AMANDA & FRANK MOUNTAiN, LOLA DESiGN

PAPER SALAD A COLOURFUL TALE

Connecting at college led Karen Wilson and Claire Williams to establish Paper Salad 20 years ago when their shared passion for

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Birthday wish: always felt welcomed, supported, and encouraged and want to share that with others too.”

ROSiE HARRiSON, FOUNDER OF ROSiE MADE A THiNG

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Birthday wish: and frolics!”

have learned from them – we like to think we failed our way to success!”

Growing the business has been helped by collaborations including Glick, Emotional Rescue, and The Great British Card Company, as Paper Salad has outgrown several premises and won countless awards – with the biggest trophy collection being from The Henries.

Karen added: “We were also extremely proud to have won a local business award. We’ll never tire of receiving recognition for our artwork and designs, but it was very special to be recognised for the success of the business. From introducing our first 32 designs on our tiny little stand in Harrogate to now where our stand is packed with hundreds of designs and a profusion of newness, we are extremely proud, and our success comes from years of hard work and help from industry friends who continue to support us.”

exhibited at our very first trade show, showcasing just 32 designs,” Karen explained. “We both returned home to pick, pack, and dispatch the subsequent orders, as well as managing our admin and accounts – all while continuing to design.

“We worked very hard networking and forging relationships with suppliers to get to where we are today. We recognised early on the importance of having a strong brand that’s recognisable, and one that we’re extremely proud of.

“We’ve always strived for brighter and unique designs, with the focus being on the original hand-drawn

received our first very big order from Paperchase for 100,000 cards, it could have been a huge failure, however, we knew we had the vision and determination to pull it off.

“There have been times when we’ve made mistakes, and we

Last year Claire decided it was the right time to step back as owner of Paper Salad to spend more time with her family so, while remaining great friends and continuing a working relationship, Karen acquired full ownership of the business, which is now family-run with the help of her son Jack who is now a director.”

Birthday wish: “To continue to grow, and to remain successful in this hugely competitive industry. We want to continue supporting other new publishers to succeed, in the same we way we have received help over the last 20 years.”

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Above: Karen (right) and Jack with Claire at last year’s Henries, and the vibrant Paper Salad stand at Spring Fair.

Bottom: An early Paper Salad design and its brights of today.

Above: Marina (left) loves her work.

Above: Cheers from Rosie Harrison.

House of Cards, Proud partners

There was an early 35th birthday present for House of Cards co-founders Miles Robinson and Nigel Williamson, as the pair were presented with the Honorary Achievement Award at The Henries 2024.

“The partnership between Miles and myself is something that we can be very proud of as this really has stood the test of time,” commented Nigel.

Great supporters of emerging publishing talent, the pair now have seven retail stores across the Home Counties, including their original outlet in Tring which was opened in spring 1990, and has been followed by shops in Caversham, Chalfont St Peter, Wallingford, Kidlington, Thatcham, and Woodley.

“I’d been with Martin the newsagent for eight years,” Nigel explained, “and it was time to make the big step of working for myself. My wife had just had our first child a month before we opened the House of Cards shop in Tring but that didn’t seem to slow us down – especially as Miles was busy project managing the refit and all the legal paperwork with the new landlord and borrowing a fairly large sum of money from NatWest!

“Cash was king in 1990 and the only other form of payment we took was a cheque but, with today’s technology,

Hugs & Kisses, Tettenhall Mum’s the word

Caroline Ranwell’s journey to Hugs & Kisses began with the legendary Andrew Brownsword, and a daughter’s desire to follow in her mum’s footsteps.

purchases by cash is less than 15% of the business. Another difference is that back then all the best quality and best designs of giftwrap were sold in flat sheets while today rollwrap is the dominant format.

“Another big change has been the rebranding of our stores, which started over 10 years ago, and the roll out of table fixturing which has made us focus more on gifts but we firmly believe that greeting cards are still the big draw factor for customers to come into our stores.

“We’re very lucky that greeting cards are still relevant today and, although styles change, people do still love sending and receiving a card.”

Birthday wish: “That our government interferes less and that they stop thinking business is a never-ending cash cow.”

“For nearly all my working life, I’ve been part of the card and gift industry – a world that I absolutely love,” said Caroline Ranwell, owner of the Tettenhall indie greetings and gift store that’s celebrating 25 years in business.

Having spent a decade as a sales rep with Andrew’s publishing business, she moved to Carte Blanche Greetings, then became a self-employed sales agent before embracing life as a retailer.

Caroline added: “I adored my time in sales, it was built on relationships, creativity, and a genuine love for beautiful products. When my daughter Katie was about to leave school, having grown up immersed in the world of cards and gifts, she expressed an interest in joining me but, at just 16, she was way too young to become a sales rep so I decided to open a shop where she could learn the ropes – and that’s how our shop was born.

“While Katie ran the shop day-to-day, I initially stayed on the road but came home regularly to meet with reps, restock, and merchandise. To our surprise and delight, the shop took off instantly, our customers couldn’t get enough of it, especially our huge range of cards.

It wasn’t long before I realised this was where my heart truly lay, I loved sourcing unique products from small companies, seeing them fly off the shelves, and connecting with our customers so I made the leap and began working in the shop fulltime.”

After a couple of years, they moved from their original location to the heart of the village in the city of Wolverhampton, in the old Mosaic store that Caroline had shopped

in as a youngster, and called on as an agent, and Hugs & Kisses is now a fixture on the indie retail scene, with the relationships with customers and suppliers turning into genuine friendships.

“Over the past 25 years, one truth has become crystal clear – customers are everything,” Caroline said. “When you look after them, offer truly personal service, and go the extra mile, they notice and they stay loyal. Our community’s support, especially during the challenging times of Covid, has been nothing short of heartwarming, it reminded everyone how important it is to shop local and support the businesses that make a village feel like home.”

Birthday wish: “We’re proud to be part of something bigger – a vibrant, caring community and a joyful, creative industry, our birthday wish is to say a big thank you to everyone.”

Above: Miles (left) and Nigel at The Henries and in 2000. Below: The original Tring store (left) and Thatcham this year.

Above, left and below: Caroline’s job meant Katie grew up surrounded by cards and gifts.

SIMON DREW THIS!

to concentrate on his art, and you run a renowned publishing business, it’s definitely a match made in heaven.

Describing himself as “half artist, half wit” Simon Drew has been amusing folk with his idiosyncratic view of the world for almost 50 years, offering original works as well as designing cards and other products – and Cath Tate Cards has been at the forefront of greeting card humour for nearly as long.

Now the two have joined forces to launch a range of 80 designs on a dedicated stand at PG Live (which takes place 3-4 June at London’s Business Design Centre), showcasing Simon’s much-loved and unique take on life, while the Cath Tate Cards stand is close by.

As director Rosie Tate explained: “Simon and mum [Cath Tate] have known each other since the birth of surreal humour in greeting cards – a genre started by none other than the great Simon!

“We have been great fans of Simon’s work for many, many years, having purchased many of his cards ourselves and we also stocked his range when we had a High Street shop in Shropshire.”

The collaboration came about after Rosie had a phone call with Simon and his wife Caroline earlier in the year when they discussed and shared information on international distribution.

“After the call it occurred to

me that Simon might be interested in spending more time drawing and less time selling at trade shows and, after proposing that we take on the selling while he continues with the drawing, the collaboration came about.”

Rosie is “thrilled” to be presenting “80 brilliantly surreal” Simon Drew greeting cards at the PG Live launch, featuring clever puns and eccentric animals – including many appearances of Simon’s beloved dog Socket.

“Quirky, colourful, and unmistakably Simon, these designs are perfect for those who enjoy off-beat humour and a sideways look at life,” summed up Rosie.

Having read zoology at Exeter University, Simon then spent five years as a teacher before Caroline established their own gallery in Dartmouth in 1981, and he’s been producing pen and ink drawings using plays on words in his inimitable quirky style ever since.

While he enjoys portraying everyday objects and animals in unexpected environments or with bizarre accoutrements – hens on breakfast tables; runner ducks in Indian headdresses, birds bunched together

Known for its humour offer, Cath Tate Cards has scored a great new collaboration by taking on the distribution for

Below: Rosie Tate, director of Cath Tate Cards and Simon Drew.

Below right: A Simon Drew classic.

Inset: Simon Drew’s unique take on life has earned him millions of fans over the year.

Left: Simon’s beloved dog Socket appears in several designs.

in the shape of an apple – his zoological training means he usually stays faithful to the basic anatomy of the animal.

Simon’s first illustrated book, A Book Of Bestial Nonsense, was published in 1986, and he’s completed more than 30 since, with titles including Still Warthogs Run Deep, A Beastly Birthday Book, The Duck Stops

Here, Pie Aaaaaarrgh Squared, And So I Face The Vinyl Curtain, and Gin’ll Fix It.

Admitting he has a sharp sense of the absurd, Simon “loves to create incongruous images, but tries not to resort to simple caricature” which feeds through to both his original works and the designs he draws deliberately for greeting cards.

“Before planning a card, I shape the idea from an interesting use of language and then work out how to make a good drawing out of it,” Simon said.

Sadly, the Cath Tate distribution deal means there will be fewer public appearances of Simon’s fashion sense –complete with beret, bright shirts, different hair colours and quirky glasses – that’s brightened many a trade show at which

he’s exhibited over the years, but his artistic verve and wit will be full flow in his designs.

As Rosie assured: “Simon is a massively prolific drawer and will continue to add designs to the range – there’s no sign of him slowing down or stopping that’s for sure! We’ll just do the distribution part from now on and will be adding to the range as he draws new designs.”

PG put Simon Drew on the spot with a quickfire Q&A…

Where do your ideas come from?

“My ideas come from a twisted mind! Sometimes I eavesdrop on conversations and misinterpret what they’re saying and it turns into a spoonerism or a pun. I once overheard someone discussing The Hound Of The Baskervilles and that became a ‘Hound Of The Basketballs’ card – a dog balancing a basketball on its nose. I love twisting words and phrases around in my head.”

Do you just draw, or do you draw specific card designs?

“I never draw a card without knowing its intention. Before planning a card, I shape the idea from an interesting use of language and then work out how to make a good drawing out of it. It’s important to do it that way round.”

Where do you draw?

“I draw at every opportunity, both in my studio at home – a small space stuffed with artefacts that inspire me – and at work in our gallery. I never go to bed leaving a blank sheet of paper, there must always be something in progress.”

What do you love about the greeting card industry?

“Greeting cards are a brilliantly easy way to communicate humour to lots of people. I aim to entertain myself and others.”

hope, that my cards are a bit off at a tangent from most cards. More quirky.”

Is there any subject or animal you haven’t tackled yet on a card?

“I tackle most subjects, but never anything smutty. Animals have characters and I like to think I’m paying tribute to them.”

What are you planning to draw next?

“Well, I never know what new ideas might pop up, but I have a notepad that’s full of quick sketches that I mull over and add to daily.”

How do you think greeting card humour has changed over the years?

“Greeting card humour has become more sophisticated over the years. I think, and

The new set up with Cath Tate launches on its own stand at PG Live. Do you enjoy trade shows?

“Trade fairs are buzzing, social places and many customers and other exhibitors have become our friends. They always gave me an opportunity to wear idiosyncratic outfits and pretend this was part of an attentiongrabbing exercise. At a bar in the NEC I was once mistaken for Vivian Stanshall of the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band and however much I insisted I wasn’t him – he was actually dead by then, anyway – the bloke refused to believe it and, in the end, I gave in. Stanshall was a hero of mine so I hope he’d have laughed.”

Above: Simon at the drawing board. Right: Simon Drew wit and artistry.

Below: Simon’s observational talent is like no other.

Left and below: Puns and word play come naturally to Simon.

RETAILER CONVERSATIONS

It was all about the 4ssss as indies Sarah Laker (Stationery Supplies), Sally Matson (Red Card), Sarah Holmes (Pencil Me In) and Sandra Jervis (Creative Cove) formed the Retailer Panel for an insightful talk at the recent London Stationery Show, with the shopkeepers’ wisdom they shared lapped up by all in the audience. PG was all ears to hear what these plucky indies had to say.

PRESS SSSS FOR STATIONERY

As independent retailers, what’s your USP that multiples or online only operators can’t offer?

Sally Matson: “I’ve always wanted an embossing machine so, when I opened our Little Red shop six months ago I thought that would be something unique. I bought one from Metallic Elephant which means I can personalise leathergoods and notebooks instore. Our original Red Card shop was too busy to put one in. In our Little Red shop I’m going for a higher average spend, and personalisation is a great conversation starter, and offers something you can’t really find within at least a 20-mile radius.”

products that you’re selling – as an independent it’s all about you. People are coming in to be a part of your story, part of the world that you’ve created. My Facebook page is full of me doing really stupid things, people come in and enjoying it and talked about it. You can’t get that from any sort of online retailer that’s big and faceless. We’ve all got our own little way of getting you into our lives.”

Being part of the community is vital as an independent, how does your shop support your local community?

Sarah Holmes: “We offer personalisation instore, pencil personalisation and pens as well. We print over 60,000 pencils a year as we do that wholesale as well. It’s super fun, because people can come in and just get one pencil if they want, it’s a real customer experience. We also offer things like gift wrapping and lots of great advice about the stationery we stock or other products and generally just great chat – you don’t get that if you’re shopping with Amazon!”

Sandra Jervis: “It’s definitely about the experiences, not about the

Sandra Jervis: “We hold the food festival that draws everybody in lots of other events which are a result of our local businesses working together, and creating experiences for the community. Yes, we all sponsor teams, but it’s about the other things we can do to bring people into the town and give them something back for supporting us.”

Sarah Holmes: “We all give raffle prizes so, this year we’ve started to go back and say, ‘okay, we’ll make you personalised set of pencils’. We also look for opportunities to support what regular customers are

Above left: Talking shop at the recent London Stationery Show (right-left) Stationery Supplies’ Sarah Laker, Red Card’s Sally Matson, Pencil Me In’s Sarah Holmes and Creative Cove’s Sandra Jervis.

Above: Wise words from Sarah Holmes. Below left: The audience loved the indies’ chatter.

doing. One customer runs the youth orchestra so we provided prizes for musician of the year, and sponsor theatre shows. We’ve got quite a big following on social media so don’t just talk about shopping with us, but give a much bigger picture to attract people to Elgin.”

Sally Matson: “I’ve got at least three local suppliers. There’s a candle company called Husky & Co. The founder Lottie came into the shop and introduced herself to me. She makes beautiful candles, and lives in Petworth. That gives me a story. Once you start telling that story in the shop, people feel they’re investing in a local business.”

Sarah Laker: “A few years ago, I made my first video and walked around the shop very awkwardly, talking about products and showing the layout. Then I had an email from a lady who said ‘I’ve followed you on social media for quite a long time, but have never been in your shop because I suffer from social anxiety, but I’ve just watched you on social media and I feel I know you, and now I feel really comfortable coming into your shop for a browse.’ I’ve never forgotten that email. Every time she comes in and spends £30£40 with me on her stationery for the month, I think, wow, who knew that something like that could make such a difference to our customers and our community’s lives.”

SHE NOSE YOU KNOW!

The retailer panellists shared some of their personal favourite items of stationery… Sally Matson: have bought my business partner Steve Howe’s very favourite thing. Every year I give him an Aspinal embossed personalised leather diary and he loves it.”

Suppliers and independents are in a marriage, what could make this marriage happier?

Sandra Jervis: “If you as a supplier are going to talk to your independents and build that relationship, it’s not just about sending a rep out every now and then to get money out of us. We had a great day out at Pentel last year, they’re probably one of my favourites to deal with. They are so good, they send out bags of things to do, little initiatives. They communicate with you, they know who you are all the time. It’s a really nice relationship. We want them to be giving us the extra freebies, so we don’t have to sink into our own profits by opening up our own stock so customers can see what it is. If more supplies could be a bit more like Pentel, I think there’d be a lot more happy independents.”

Sarah Holmes: “Communication. How easy

stationery item is the Ernest Wright

second favourite writes beautifully,

Sandra Jervis: “Vent For Change is the only notebook I have ever stuck with ever. I usually get about five pages in and don’t like it – this one is nearly finished. I only write in my notebooks in a fountain pen, and my new favourite baby is the Lamy Slytherin fountain pen.”

is it to order? Are you going to let me know when I’m getting my order? Are you going to send me the stock pictures so I can put them on my website. Ohh Deer do it pretty well. The minute you order from them, they send you an email with a link to all the stock images, bar codes, etc, which is pretty good. A lot of smaller brands are pretty good as well. Also online ordering. A number of brands have sent me a spreadsheet with hundreds to 1000s of lines on it. If you don’t have a website that I can order from then you’re leaving money on the table because, in a design-led stationery store, we’re looking

Sarah Laker:“I’m a massive Legami fan, and I also love giraffes so this pencil case is one of my most favourite products ever and, clearly, I have to have the Legami Erasables in it. In my 20 years of retailing I’ve never had the like of – if you don’t sell these, you really should be. My second favourite pen is the Pentel EnerGel, cheap and cheerful, but I bloody love it.”

for stuff that looks nice but, if I have to Google every single pencil on that spreadsheet for what it looks like, then I just can’t be bothered to order from you.”

Sarah Laker: “We need smaller unit quantities. If I can buy notebooks in ones then I can look at that supplier’s range of 20, pick two of each of my favourite top 10 and have a really cracking display in the shop. But, if the minimum order unit is six, I’m not going to buy 60 notebooks for a display. Once the bestsellers have gone and your display is half empty, if you’ve got to order £300, £400, £500-worth to refill it, you’re not going to do it. You need those lower minimum-order quantities to keep that display in tip-top condition. Plus, we’ve only got a finite amount of room in our shops, and that POS might be magnificent, but we’ve either got to take something out or squash everything else up. A smaller, compact display would give the selling impact and fit into a lot of our shops much better.”

Below: Legami’s Giraffe pencil case makes Sarah Laker smile.

Below: Pre-talk cramming from Sandra Jervis, Sarah Holmes, Sarah Laker, and Sally Matson.

Above: Sally Matson brought her business partner Steve’s Aspinal of London diary.

Above: Ernest Wright Kutrite scissors cut it for Sarah Holmes.

Above: Sandra Jervis loves her Vent for Change notebook and Lamy Slytherin pen.

Tuesday 3 June and Wednesday 4 June 2025 London’s Business Design Centre

With greeting cards being so profitable for gift retailers, and great for driving footfall – don’t miss discovering your new best sellers at PG Live! An upbeat vibe, newness galore – and free refreshments, lunch and opening night party, PG Live 2025 is not to be missed! PG Live has lots of great retailer fans…

“We really enjoyed PG Live… finding shiny new brands and socialising with other retailers in the industry. We placed so many orders!”

Priya AuroraCrowe, co-founder of Lark

“We absolutely love PG Live. Such a wonderful atmosphere that it really doesn’t feel like work, it feels just like a day out! There is so much to see and so many lovely people to catch up with… finding new suppliers and networking with other retailers.”

Caroline Ranwell, owner of Hugs & Kisses, Tettenhall

Don’t Miss Out… Book Your Free Tickets

Registration is now live at: www.progressivegreetingslive.com

Register now and be a part of it! Call us on: (0) 7734 111633 or email: jimb@max-publishing.co.uk Follow us @PGLiveLondon #pglive2025

“PG Live is one of our favourite trade shows as it’s not only a great opportunity to catch up with our existing suppliers, but we always come away inspired and with lots of newness to add into our selection.”

Kate Cowie, director of Utility, four stores in Liverpool and Manchester

Want to know about exhibiting at PG Live 2025? We have stand options available to suit all shapes and sizes.

Contact: Tracey Arnaud on 07957 212062 traceya@max-publishing.co.uk Warren Lomax on 07977 572086 warrenl@max-publishing.co.uk www.progressivegreetingslive.com

The greeting card sector is continuing to prove its commitment to sustainability and best business practice as Caroline Gardner is the latest company to become B Corp certified.

Following in the footsteps of Ohh Deer, Wrendale Designs, Foilco, Eight Days A Week, GF Smith, Good Tuesday, Paper Culture, Paper On The Rocks, Bloomin, and Talking Tables with this accreditation, PG finds out more about the familyrun card, wrap, stationery and gift business’ sustainable

B CORP GREETiNGS

What’s covered?

well as direct to the consumer via online and through its own store in London’s Marylebone High Street, recently received confirmation that it has met the rigorous social and environmental standards which has earned it B Corp accreditation.

In addition, Caroline Gardner has shared its first Impact Report, which founder Caroline says is “a transparent look at where we stand today, where there's room to improve, and how we plan to stay accountable in the year ahead”.

As she reveals: “Over the last year our incredible team has worked hard to achieve this milestone through a rigorous certification process, demonstrating our commitment to responsible business. We’re so proud to join a like-minded community that believes business should be a force for good.”

Since being founded in 1993 by the eponymous Caroline, she’s been joined in the business by husband Angus and son Charlie, all working towards more sustainable operations for the well-loved brand.

The patenting of the InFold plastic-free greeting card corner in 2019 eliminated around five million single-use plastic bags annually –11,000 every day – followed by plastic-free rollwrap, replacing bubble wrap and plastic air pockets in parcels with recycled paper products and paper tape, and last year the business switched to 100% green energy for the office and retail.

All its cards and wrap are fully recyclable with any foil finish used thin enough that it dissipates in the re-pulping process while a simple change in warehouse by introducing a

The B Corp certification addresses the entirety of a company’s operations, covering five key impact areas of governance, workers, community, environment and customers, in rigorous process where applicants must provide evidence of socially and environmentally-

responsible practices relating to energy supplies, waste and water use, worker compensation, diversity and corporate transparency, and legally embed their commitment to purpose beyond profit in their company articles.

new outwork tray and lid that improves the average use from three to five times per box saves 2,000 boxes per year.

Caroline said: “The concept of meaningful giving being a core value and runs alongside the principle of thoughtfulness, both help define our team and our relationships. Over the years, with an overriding interest in our environment, responsibility has become a guiding principle – whether reducing plastics in our supply chain or creating timeless, lasting products.

“What drives us now is taking responsibility even further. But it’s about more than just the environment – it’s about balance in every sense. Everything from supporting our team’s work/life balance to nurturing long-term partnerships and ensuring that the products we create are lasting investments that bring joy and value to our customers’ lives.”

And Charlie, head of strategy, change and resource, added: “Responsibility goes beyond reducing waste and material usage – it’s about creating something that could endure forever. Not that I’m suggesting Caroline

Gardner will last forever, but it’s a principle that can be applied to everything we do.

“We can’t rely on resources, whether paper, profit, or people, without ensuring the sustainability of their sources. This idea acts as a guiding rule for how we want to operate.

As a business, we’re committed to growing responsibly. That means building strong foundations for growth, being mindful of the renewability of each component of this growth, and constantly checking for growing pains along the way to ensure that every component is happy. Responsible growth is inclusive growth – it benefits everything and everyone it touches along the way.”

Below left: Changes to packaging, wrap and card presentation started CG’s move towards B Corp. Below: Design-led products with a sustainable and social conscience.

Above: Some Caroline Gardner twists on the B Corp brand.

Sales Representatives or Agents wanted for Scotland/Cumbria region and also the North-East region, to Service and Account Manage a well developed territory of Independent customers for brand leaders NIGEL QUINEY PUBLICATIONS, GRASS ROOTS AND PAPER ROSE

* Substantial, award-winning product portfolio.

* Great reputation in the industry for service, product quality and value for money.

We are seeking a proactive sales person to join our dedicated, friendly and enthusiastic team.

If interested please contact: Alison Butterworth on 07825 007008 or email alison.butterworth@nigelquiney.com

PiP-iNG HOT

Pip Heywood is not afraid to put her head above the parapet, be it to fight plagiarism or take Ofcom to task over Royal Mail, but is also more than willing to share as this is where she firmly believes greater gains can be made.

Since joining Thortful a tad under five years ago, the company’s turnover has grown fourfold, and profitability is well up. This year it is on course to secure the number 2 slot in the online greetings space, though market leader Moonpig is four times larger.

“Of course we are happy with Thortful’s growth which easily outpaces the market, and that’s the point. As a greeting card community we need to pull together to ignite

On the spot

Pip Heywood’s childhood dream was to be an artist, but she’s done better than that. As managing director of Thortful, she heads up a business that puts food on the table for over 6,000 creators whose card designs are proffered on the online platform.

With Thortful exhibiting at PG Live to explore launching into wholesale, PG popped in to see Pip.

new customers, further engage with existing customers, harness even more creative talent and grow the market,” believes Pip, ever keen to put her agile

As a little girl what did you want to be when you ‘grew up’?

“An artist. Though my career took me in a different direction, studying law then going into brand management and heading up online businesses. That said, Thortful does have a relationship with 6,000 artists and designers!”

If you weren’t running Thortful now, what would like to do?

“I would love to do furniture design, bringing beauty to the functional.”

What three words would your best mate use to describe you?

“Human, a laugh and tireless.”

You have a magic wand to wave in the industry, what would you do with it?

“Gain an even greater insight into ways we can all further grow this category.”

mind to good use, learning from the mistakes of others.

“My career has spanned fashion, fragrance, FMCG and finance and throughout I have witnessed how complacency accelerates a market decline. We just can’t let that happen in greeting cards, it is such a wonderful product that plays such an important role in people’s lives,” said Pip with a passion.

A huge champion of creative talent, notably the 6,000 artists and designers whose designs populate Thortful’s platform, Pip’s

Please share a work lesson that you have learned over your career?

“Worrying is not planning. Worrying interferes and inhibits potential.”

What is your guilty pleasure?

“Watching The Traitors. I’ve seen the UK, US and Australian series.”

What trait do you like most in a person?

“A willingness to makes things better.”

What trait do you least like?

“Flakiness and lack of accountability. If you say you are going to do something, then do it.”

How do you start and end your working day?

“I start my day at 6am, with a cup of Yorkshire tea on the sofa with my dog and end it by taking the dog for a walk and then cooking dinner.”

Above: Pip Heywood has been a commanding md at Thortful for the last five years.

Left: Thortful revamped its branding at the start of the year using positive orange as its base colour.

Above: Thortful called on its posse of creators to submit designs as part of its Mr. Men and Little Miss licence.

appreciation extends to technological advancements too.

“The ability to be able to create a customised card for someone has to be recognised as adding strength to the sector. The search for ‘customised cards’ is up 30% year on year, you cannot ignore that. The launch of our Face Swap technology, where the sender can incorporate a known face into a design, be it superimposed onto the Mona Lisa or even the front of a caterpillar birthday cake, has been incredibly well received, and this is just one option,” stressed Pip, intimating that more developments are in the pipeline.

The beauty of online is that you not only have an innate knowledge of what someone thinks they want to buy, as evidenced by the search history, but also where they are

physically based. Up until now these data insights have been confined to Thortful’s own armoury, with spikes of topical interest fed back to its community of creators.

The decision to exhibit at Progressive Greetings Live this year for the first time is part of Thortful’s exploration to expand into bricks and mortar retailers, leveraging on its consumer insights.

“Whether you are an online player or a bricks and mortar store, the common enemy is someone not sending a card for whatever reason. The easier we, as an industry, make it for people with a design selection that suits their needs and tastes, the better,” stressed Pip.

“We know what our six million customers have bought from us in the last year, and we know where they are. This means we can draw a radius around a shop and give them real data into what designs will sell in their area,” explains Pip. “We know

Home is where the art is

An inventive partnership has seen Thortful team up with furniture retailer, Barker and Stonehouse on a stylish collection of new home cards inspired by interiors trends to make greeting cards ‘part of the furniture’.

Each of these card designs, now available on the online platform, reflect one of Barker and Stonehouse’s seasonal trend stories; Coastal Elegance, Modern Memphis, and New Nostalgia.

With gallery style walls featuring a number of framed pictures continuing to rise in popularity, the idea is that Thortful’s multiple card size options mean that the designs can be easily framed, transforming a simple greeting into “a piece of the furniture.”

Explaining the rationale from Barker and Stonehouse’s perspective, Lena Gierasinska, its head of product and displays said: "We’re passionate about helping people create homes filled with pieces that are made to last, both in quality and style. Our Buy Better, Buy Once philosophy is all about choosing well-crafted, timeless designs over throwaway trends. That same mindset is woven into this collaboration with Thortful. The cards are not just fleeting greetings,

that while there are some clusters of customers who will only shop online and others who will only shop in bricks and mortar, 51% of our customers shop both.”

With its presence at PG Live hoping to kick off some fruitful discussions, opening retailers’ minds to previously unexplored options, Pip feels can only be for the good.

“By sharing our intelligence, it can mean greater sales for retailers as well as for the creators behind the design. Together we can grow this category,” believes the ever Thortful Pip.

but beautiful, trend-informed designs that can be enjoyed long after they’ve been given. It’s about rethinking how we gift, decorate and consume with more intention and care."

Left: The flyer Thortful is putting in the PG Live tote bag to promote its tentative move into supplying retailers.

Below: Thortful is sharing its latest tieup for Candy Kittens cards by including a pack of the jelly sweets in the PG Live tote bag.

Below: The tie-up with Barker and Stonehouse sees Thortful tapping into the home retailer’s trends, such as Modern Memphis with co-ordinating cards that can be framed.

Above: The Face Swap AI technology has gone down well with Thortful customers.

THOUGHT PATTERN

It has been something of a big brands year for Ohh Deer, and we are only halfway through. Following on from its licensing collaborations with Natural History Museum and V&A, PG Live sees the christening of the Loughborough-based business’ Laura Ashley launch, with its inaugural greeting card collection and giftwrappings collection.

PG caught up with Jamie Mitchell, co-owner of Ohh Deer to find out more about the creative embrace of this cottage core heritage brand.

Left: To mark the Laura Ashley brand’s return to womenswear with Next in 2024, it recreated The Beatles’ iconic Abbey Road album cover.

“It’s classic, everybody knows it and there’s a huge archive of amazing patterns,” exclaimed Jamie Mitchell, the creative half of Ohh Dear in a flurry about what the Laura Ashley brand brings to the table for the publisher. “What’s more, it not only taps into the current cottage core trend, it started it, over 70 years ago!”

Certainly, with a 96% brand awareness in the UK alone, Laura Ashley is part of the weft and weave of our lives. Depending on

your age, the very mention of the name evokes memories of pretty floral dresses in the 70s and patterned aprons galore, the full on retail experience with women clamouring for the fabric for their quilting and patchwork projects lives on for many, while others have only discovered it in recent years through its fashion renaissance

“We were approached by the Laura Ashley team at the start of last year to see if we would be interested in a licensing partnership. Recognising that the brand has a draw with the public made it worth investigating, and so the pattern fest began!” recalled Jamie.

A visit to Laura Ashley’s London office clinched the deal. “I was just amazed by the immensity of the archive, years upon years of pattern books on which to draw, as well as a whole room of contemporary mood boards demonstrating how these classic timeless designs are still so aesthetically relevant today,” said Jamie.

“I knew immediately that to do it justice on greeting cards would mean playing to these strengths, bringing out the patterns with finishes that remain true to the essence of the brand and carefully balancing the

Below: Born in 1925, Laura Ashley made her mark in furnishing materials in the 1950s before moving into clothing in the 1960s.

Above right: A close up of a design in the Laura Ashley Heritage range, in which the cards are debossed with a panelled central caption playing up to the classic appeal.

Left: Ohh Deer’s co-owners, Jamie Mitchell (right) and Mark Callaby.

captioning,” explained Jamie who then embarked on a deep dive into the intricacies of this pattern treasure trove.

The result, which debuts on Ohh Deer’s stand at PG Live, is a collection of 36 greeting cards, across three distinct looks –Signature, Heritage and The Joy of Floralsas well as a trio of giftbags and rollwraps.

“The Signature range puts some of the iconic patterns and murals front and centre, while Heritage plays on the woodblock prints using debossing to echo a letterpress look,” explained Jamie. “The Joy of Florals is out

pattern upon pattern to tap into the cottage core trend.”

Laura’s legacy

Fluted foil borders, subtle captioning and bespoke envelopes complete the look.

As the story goes, it was making an apron as a teenager that started it all; Laura Ashley’s first garment. However there have been many more Laura Ashley apron strings tied in the ensuing years, not to mention the miles of fabric and wallpaper bearing her multifarious patterns.

Born in Wales in 1925, Laura Ashley is recognised as one of Britain’s most influential fashion and interiors designer, together with her husband Bernard founding a brand that became a household name.

Laura died in 1985 and Bernard in 2009, but their legacy lives on through an active licensing programme.

The brand was acquired by US-based Marquee Brands (which also owns the Ben Sherman and Martha Stewart

“Who knew that I would become something of a Laura Ashley pattern geek, referring to them by name and fostering favourites,” said Jamie, admitting that Gosford, a lavish tulip pattern has gained his top spot. “Whereas with other brands we have worked on, it has been a case of an Ohh Deer-ification, this, I think it is the other way round, I have undergone something of a Laura Ashley-ification!”

brands) at the start of 2025, with the Laura Ashley UK team being retained, based at the European headquarters in London.

Extra Dimensions

“We took the decision a few years ago that we didn’t want Ohh Deer to be pigeon-holed. Yes, we still love publishing our own bright, colourful and sometimes silly designs, but through collaborations with artists, brands and other publishers we broaden our appeal,” summed up Mark Callaby, md and co-owner of the business with his partner

While Laura Ashley, Cath Kidston, Natural History Museum and V&A give Ohh Deer a strong base of heritage brands, its many tie-ups with US publishers, such as Hello Lucky, The Social Type and E. Francis Paper, add other strings to its bow.

The most recent of this is a partnership with Seedlings, the multiaward winning US publisher, known for its contemporary designs and namesake plantable envelopes.

“I got to know of Seedlings while exhibiting at various US trade shows and then after a conversation with Carlos Llanso, the company’s coowner at the US GCA Convention in Kansas City where I had given a talk, we agreed a distribution deal.”

The Seedlings range from Ohh Deer will launch at PG Live.

In addition to its fashion tie-up with Next in the UK, the Laura Ashley brand licensing programme spans all manner of consumer products all over the world. In the recent Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards, as well as it being recognised as one of the top design-led brands, Laura Ashley licensed products strongly in the finalists’ line-up. These included, the Christmas Beauty Collection for Boots from SLG Brands, the A/W sleepwear collection from Next, the Hedingham dining collection from Wegter, the lighting range for B&Q from Dar Lighting, the wallpaper collection from Graham & Brown while the Laura Ashley Campod from Campod Caravans was a finalist in the Inspired Innovation category.

Laura Ashley’s presence at PG Live will not be confined to the Ohh Deer stand, as the brand is also sponsoring the lunchroom.

Right: A V&A neon floral turquoise peacock hardback notebook.

Below: A T-Rex humorous design from Ohh Deer’s Natural History Museum range.

Below right: The distribution agreement with US publisher Seedlings further broadens Ohh

Left: Now owned by Marque Brands, the Laura Ashley legacy will live on with a curated licensing programme across all manner of products.

Below: The Signature greeting card collection from Ohh Deer features some iconic patterns, such as the Gosford tulip pattern (centre), all with a fluted foil border.

GLiMMERiNG GREETiNGS

UK Greetings is a force to be reckoned with, but it relies on the UK population continuing its love affair with greeting cards.

Thankfully, not just for UKG, but for the entire community, the publisher’s insights show that the market is not only set to grow at least until 2030, with 93% of the UK population already buying at least one greeting card a year and with celebrations of minorstones signalling more opportunities.

When you are the major supplier in a market, not only directly but indirectly through brokering in so many other companies’ products, you have to know your stuff as well as being able to strut it on the product and service fronts.

UK Greetings certainly does. It’s broad distribution, from the displays in the major grocers through to the 2,100 indie rooftops it supplies, means that the Dewsbury-based

publisher has a close grip on the consumer’s greeting card buying habits today, as well as a pretty good idea of how things will pan out in the future.

PG took a tour of UKG’s Dewsbury HQ to hear more insights and see how these are being put into practice on the 6,500 new card designs it has created in the last 12 months.

Armed with its own data as well as a host of commissioned research, it is less crystal ball

Crunching the hard facts and overlaying these with insights into consumer behaviour means Louise James, UKG’s head of brand development has her figures on the health and wealth of the sector.

“There is lots of good news,” assures Louise, “not just in the current market but looking five years hence.”

Accepting that life for the nation’s shoppers is not ideal with economic uncertainties, concerns over inflation and rising costs putting a squeeze on finance. Yet the “movement towards seeking out the glimmers of happiness and joy while valuing gratitude” all bodes well for greeting card sending as does our wider embrace of celebrations.

“96% of the UK population are buying into the celebrations category, and within that greeting cards, at 93%, are still the most popular way to mark these celebrations, which is the highest it has ever been,” assures Ceri Stirland, ceo of UKG.

What’s more, 81% of the population believe it has become more important to make an effort to recognise occasions such as birthdays and other life events, with 65% of shoppers revealing that they had recognised a birthday that was not their own in the last month.

Above: UKG’s ceo Ceri Stirland (centre), product director Sandi Parisi and Darren Cave, customer & channel director at the company’s Dewsbury’s HQ in front of its Henries trophy display. Below: A reassuring graph which shows the UK greeting card market is set to grow.

IN CONVERSATION WITH… UK GREETINGS

The best ‘greeting card’ of all for the industry is the projectory for the future of the industry. “Yes, there will always be challenges, the cost of postage being one of course, but all indicators are showing that we are set for further growth,” says Louise. “ The single greeting card market currently

stands at £1.4 billion with 698 cards being bought. By 2030 we are predicting this will have grown to £1.504 million with 713 million cards bought.”

Now that is more than a glimmer of hope, it is a shining beacon!

Extra Smiley

While a greeting card remains the number one purchase for a major event, be it a birthday or an established Spring Season occasion, the extension of celebrations is something which UKG has highlighted as offering further potential for its retail customers.

“It is no longer just the arrival of a new baby which is celebrated, you have the pregnancy announcement, the gender reveal, baby shower, nesting parties, naming ceremonies too,” highlights UKG’s Louise James showing how even an established card send now opens up additional opportunities. “And when you consider how the arrival of a new pet has now spawned new celebrations, such as pet shower, gotcha day and first birthday and the potential expands considerably.”

and Louise James, head of branded product with the Happy Vibes x Mind charity range which will be on show at PG Live.

Three years ago it was mentioned that UK Greetings planned to reshore much of its greeting card production not just back to the UK, but back to Dewsbury. For a business the size of UKG, which has created 6,500 card designs in the last 12 months, this was a mighty statement of intent. But here we are, £10 million of investment later and UKG’s Cannon Way manufacturing hub is abuzz

Now, an astonishing 75% of UKG’s greeting

Above

cards are printed, finished and packed on site.

A new 5 colour Kimori press is working its magic, much to the delight of the manufacturing team, headed up by operations director Julie Huntington-Davies and the rest of her team.

The response to these minorstones is not confined to greeting cards with UK Greetings latest product developments including a move into foil balloons and partyware as well as affiliated new products, such as the launch of its Bottle Toppers, which will be showcased at PG Live. These are 3D bottle accoutrements that turn a bottle into a memorable gift.

Also debuting at the show will be the brand new licensed Smiley co-ordinated collection which encompasses cards, partyware and wrappings.

“We’ll print 160 million cards this year, up to 900,000 a day. And we’ll produce 15 million metres of roll wrap,” says a very proud Tim Nixon, UK manufacturing manager, who like many of his colleagues worked in UKG’s printing team before it turned its attentions to overseas production.

The sustainability strides being made by UKG are huge and there is more to come with another £3 million earmarked to facilitate a paper banding production line which Chris Shaw, head sustainability quantifying that this will save 80 tonnes of plastic being used in the next six months alone.

Right: The new Bottle Toppers product which will be launched at PG Live elevates giving a bottle as a gift.

Above: UKG research confirms that some 96% of the UK population buy into the celebrations category. Left and below: UKG’s creative director Frances Billington

Left: On the mezzanine in UKG’s Dewsbury’s production facility. (Left-right) Tim Nixon, UK manufacturing manager; Steve Loney, assistant production manager; Julie Huntingdon-Davies, operations director and Chris Shaw, head of safety and sustainability.

right: Tim Nixon with a roll of plastic-free giftwrap hot

Below right: Clare Titterington, senior art director with UKG’s brand new licensed Smiley collection which spans cards, wrap and partyware.

Inset: The extension of celebrations bodes well for the greeting card and celebrations sector.

In a few days Progressive Greetings Live (June 3-4 at London’s Business Design Centre) will see an inspiring array of publishers making their respective debuts at the exhibition, most notably in the Upper Village and Springboard areas.

Following on from last month’s edition, PG shares the back stories of several more PG Live newbies as well as their ‘happy ever after’ dreams for the show.

Meera Pandya, founder of Rainee Collections

Once upon a time: “Before Rainee Collections was even a twinkle in my eye, I’d been hand-making greeting cards for about 25 years, all just to spread a bit of joy to family and friends.

Paper has always been a part of my life. My parents ran a photography and printing business, so I pretty much grew up surrounded by off-cuts, ink smells, and paper stacks taller than me. As a kid, I’d squirrel away scraps from their studio and turn them into cards and scrapbooks. My pocket money was always spent on card making supplies!

Fast forward to 2020 and lockdown had us all rethinking life, didn’t it? I’d just come off maternity leave with my second child and was weighing up whether to go back to the corporate world. But instead, I took the leap and launched Rainee Collections (named after my kids; my biggest joys) - a business built on spreading joy.

One of the most exciting parts of this journey has been getting into digital illustration. It’s opened up a whole new world and has taken my designs onto another level. What started as handcrafted pieces has now grown into full collections that blend handillustrated charm with a fresh, modern edge. Taking

the plunge and exhibiting at PG Live felt like the natural next step.”

PG Live main plot: “I’m especially excited to be launching fresh designs into the Blossom & Bloom Collection, plus an entirely new range, the Mayfair Collection that will debut at PG Live as well as another secret stationery launch.”

Happy ever after:

joyful, design-led cards and paper goods as I’d love my cards to bring some extra joy and kindness to their shelves! There’s something so special about independent retailers. Maybe it’s because I grew up with my parents’ business, but I just love the sense of community, care, and character you get from a small business.”

• Rainee Collections will be on Stand 2.

Above: Meera Pandya has been making cards by hand for the last 25 years.

Right: A Father’s Day design from Rainee Collections. Far right: Hand-illustrated charm on a Rainee Collections’ Christmas card.

Inset: Every PG Live exhibitor has a different story.

PG LIVE, ARE YOU BREADY?

Studio Boketto

Studio Boketto’s debut & we’re coming to make some noise!

STAND 425

Studio Boketto

Hatty de Roeper and Tim Sanders,

co-owners of Sanders De Roeper

Once upon a time: “We met at Kingston University [Hatty was studying fashion and Tim was studying graphic design]. That’s where we worked on our first collaborative project together. We stayed friends after graduating and both ended up moving to London separately. [Tim explored opportunities in the creative industries, and Hatty completed her Masters at the Royal College of Art].

Eventually, we reconnected and became a couple! We spent time working in both London and Amsterdam, gaining valuable experience, but we always dreamed of building something creative and meaningful together. Now, we live in Hastings with our two young kids and have a fantastic studio space in the heart of the town’s creative scene. We set out to create cards that celebrate connection, humanity, and the big and small moments in life

that deserve to be marked. We also design wall art that champions positive thinking, encouragement, and a bit of light humour.”

Laura Palosuo and Hannah Moore, partners in Crafty Cards

PG Live main plot: “Joining our A6 format cards, we’ll be showing some in A5 as well. We’re also thrilled to be launching all of our cards on a new 320gsm board. Sustainability is important to us, so we’ve chosen a special fully recycled and recyclable board.”

Happy ever after: “We’re celebrating our first anniversary of working together so Progressive Greetings Live will be a major milestone for us. We’d love to get our cards into both small and larger retailers, and we’re really excited about the chance to connect with people, whether to explore licensing opportunities or branch out into new creative realms.”

• Sanders De Roeper will be on Stand 789.

Loren Grosvenor, founder of Blue Kiwi Design

We met more than 10 years ago when

we were both working for a book publisher, as an editor [Laura] and a graphic designer [Hannah]. We really enjoyed collaborating creatively on images, design and text and had fun adding in surprises and jokes to entertain readers. As we are both mums and avid card buyers, we realised that we could turn some of our experience towards creating our own greeting cards. Just as we did all those years ago, we now brainstorm new ideas together [Hannah designs all the cards and Laura is the word expert] for Crafty Cards.”

Once upon a time: “Before I started designing cards I was a university student working part time at Next. I studied graphic design and graduated with 1st Class Hons at the age of 22. After that a job came up at UK Greetings on the lettering team covering maternity, I didn’t think I’d get it, but I did! This then led to me becoming a permanent member of the design team working on the Boofle range. I then progressed to the cute team where I got to design cute cards as well as work on Disney designs. I was delighted when one of my hand-lettered designs was chosen by Disney and it went into Clintons printed onto homeware products.

Once upon a time: “Between us we have more than 40 years’ experience working on illustrated books for children and adults. The more we get to know card publishing, the more we can see the parallels between the two industries: from the creative process to the print process, to the trade fairs and the passionate community. A greeting card, it turns out, is a lot like a very short book! The main differences are that the whole process is a lot quicker for cards, and that we work on many more 'titles' at a time.

PG Live main plot: “Having had a positive first outing at the GCA Dragons’ Speed Dating event this year, we’re now launching as Crafty Cards with a handful of ranges at PG Live. We still love a surprise and our USP is the added extras that come with our cards - a birthday crown, glittery fairy wand, superhero mask, stickers and more. We are also launching a range of modern Christmas cards.”

I was then headhunted by an events company to take up a design role so I left UK Greetings. It was then that I started to design my own greeting cards which slowly started to take off. After Covid I decided to work freelance full time, which was scary, but it gave me more time to work towards my business and live my dream. Since then I’ve sold over 50,000 cards with my designs on websites such as Moonpig,

• Crafty Cards will be on Stand 5.

Below: Two of Crafty Cards’ designs.

Above: Co-owners of Sanders De Roeper, Hatty de Roeper and Tim Sanders.

Above right: Some of the new Sanders De Roeper cards.

Right: Having made a mark on the prints market, Sanders De Roeper has branched out into greeting cards.

design by Loren before she set up Blue Kiwi Design was chosen by Disney for homewares.

Thortful, Boomf, Cardfactory and Cardly name a few.

Exhibiting at PG Live will help push my business to the next level and start supplying into retail, rather than just online.”

PG Live main plot: “At PG Live I will be previewing 76 of my most popular designs, hoping they will catch retailers’ eyes with them being a bit different to the norm. I will also be showing my full range in my digital catalogue.”

Happy ever after: “It would be an absolute dream to get my cards into even just one store, because everyone has to start somewhere. I hope that my business will keep growing and push me to new heights in my career.

Illustrating brings me so much joy and to do it as a job makes me so happy. Just knowing my designs

Martha

Elizabeth Forbes, owner, designer and printer of Little Paper Soul

Once upon a time: “My journey to create beautiful, handcrafted letterpress greeting cards was anything but conventional. After studying fashion design at Manchester Metropolitan University, I embarked on a career as a designer in London and then in Sydney.

After having my daughter, I was looking for a new direction. While working as a freelance print designer for high street chains, I stumbled upon letterpress printing and quickly became obsessed.

After 12 years in Australia, I moved my family back to Scotland, bringing with me a container full of old presses and a dream in the making. And as we emerged from the pandemic, I decided to put my creations out into the world. I started with a few samples to local businesses and participated in makers’ markets. The positive feedback I received was overwhelming. One piece of advice from a fellow businesswoman resonated deeply: "Trust in yourself, your work and just go for it." So, I am.”

PG Live main plot: “At PG Live 2025, I’m excited to showcase Monochrome Pop. This collection celebrates the strength of black and white mark making, with bold, bright pops of colour. It's a vibrant and joyful exploration of contrast, highlighting letterpress craftsmanship.”

Happy ever after: “PG Live presents an incredible opportunity for me to connect in person with likeminded businesses and retailers who appreciate the craft behind letterpress and the importance of sustainability.”

• Little Paper Soul will be on Stand 614.

Copinger Sneddon and Hepsie Goddin, sisters and co-founders of Martha and Hepsie

Once upon a time: “Before Martha and Hepsie was even a thought, we were both on our own creative paths. [Hepsie was working in marketing and Martha was working in design]. We always knew we wanted to do something together, something that combined our love of bold colour, illustration, and a bit of cheeky personality.

One day, we started sketching out some ideas and realised greeting cards were the perfect canvas for our style: small but mighty pieces of joy.

designed to spark a smile and proudly made in the UK and printed on FSC-certified board.

We are also extending our Gift Wrap That Gives campaign to include retail orders placed at PG Live donating 10% of all profits to our chosen charity for 2025, Sheffield Hospitals Charity.”

So, Martha and Hepsie was born, run from opposite ends of the country [Hepsie lived in Devon and Martha in Sheffield], armed with pens, ideas, and a shared sense of humour, designing things that make people smile.”

PG Live main plot: “We’re bringing our freshest collections of greeting cards and gift wrap, all designed with our signature bold colours, hand-drawn illustrations, and a sprinkle of fun. Expect everything from party-loving puffins to wildflowers in full bloom,

“After nearly a decade behind the scenes, this return feels like a fresh chapter… and we can’t wait to see where it leads. It feels like the perfect moment to step back into the buzz. We can’t wait to show off our new designs in person, and meet lovely new stockists who share our love for fun, feel-good design.”

• Martha and Hepsie will be on Stand 769.

Above: Sisterly love between Martha (right) and Hepsie.

Below: One of the new card designs that will be on show at PG Live.

Right: Orders for Martha and Hepsie’s Gift Wrap That Gives, sees a donation made to Sheffield Hospitals Charity.

Above: Elizabeth Forbes at one of her presses. Below: Some of the beautiful letterpress designs from Little Paper Soul.

Above: One of the new designs from Blue Kiwi Design.

“It’s business as usual, only better,” assured Steve Baker, sales and marketing director of Pigment. Up until a few weeks ago, he together with Martin Powderly, creative director were the sole owners of the publishing company. Now, as a result of the employee ownership trust every one of the 38 people employed by Pigment, whether based

Trend tracking

team, owns part the business.

Pigment is not the first company to move to EOT, with John Lewis & Partners, Aardman Animations, Richer Sounds and, closer to home, Joe Davies also adopting this model.

Martin and Steve both give assurances that “we are not going anywhere, and remain fully committed to working in the business long term and remain as directors”.

As Lynsey Burbidge, managing director of

programmes.

To help Pigment’s creative team to do just that, Emily tunes into trends, insights and societal shifts that will have a bearing, to a greater or lesser extent, on greeting cards.

“With people generally drinking less alcohol, this signals we need fewer alcohol-related designs and the rise of DINKWADs (dual income no kids with a dog) reinforces the how pet-related cards are more popular are just two examples,” says Emily. “We are living in a polycrisis so health and well-being is of paramount importance, elevating the need to enjoy micro moments of joy, and cards play a part in this,” she adds.

While some needs are specific to certain demographics, others are overarching. “The concern for the environment continues at a retailers and consumers level so less is more, prompting experimentation with different finishes to add to the specialness of a card while still being sustainable,” highlights Emily.

As something of a percolator for all the nuances of aesthetic tastes and socio shifts, Emily builds an ongoing trend tracker that Pigment’s design team can be mindful of

TO BE (PiG)MENT

It was a big news when Steve Baker and Martin Powderly staged an MBO to buy Pigment back in 2021, continuing the legacy of this long-established Harrogate business.

Now, in an even more deeprooted mission to ensure this legacy, the company has moved to an employee ownership trust (EOT), owned entirely by the people who work there.

PG travelled to Harrogate to meet with Pigment’s exec team.

Pigment added: “The EOT model feels right for the business. It means we retain our independence, and our experienced,

Above: Just a few of the trends that Pigment has recognised as having a relevance to greeting card design.

when developing ranges as well as specific designs.

Some things do however remain steadfast: “I do believe that there will always be cakes on birthday cards!” quips Emily. Presumably though some of them are vegan these days!

Above: Pigment’s exec team. (Right-left) Steve Baker, sales and marketing director; Martin Powderly, creative director; Lynsey Burbidge, managing director and Debbie Saltmarsh, general manager.

Left: (left) Seeta Wrightson, Pigment’s editorial and social media lead (left) pictured with Emily Thompson, who heads up the publisher’s trends and innovation programmes.

An owner’s view

When Rob Palmer, studio manager joined Pigment 8 years ago, he was told “People are important here. I got a sense of that, especially as so many of the team have worked here for so long. Now with the EOT I know it to be true. Pigment is a community and being told that there is no risk of us being sold to a bigger company because we are all part of its ongoing legacy is a great

loyal team can drive performance of the business and be rewarded for it. There will be no change to the day-to day mechanics, Martin, Steve, Debbie [Saltmarsh, general manager] and I will continue to run the business as before and look forward to servicing our wonderful customers in 2025 and beyond.”

As Martin elaborated: “This is a really positive next step for the entire business and all our people. This change is about continuity, not disruption. Pigment remains the same company, with the same team, with the same leadership team, and commitment to our customers. The only thing that has changed is

who owns the business.

Becoming an EOT gives our team long-term confidence and a stake in shaping the company’s future and the opportunity to directly benefit from its success. It also signals that Pigment is here for the long run… we have a lot planned!”

The EOT could not have happened at a

Interior designs

In addition to ranges and designs created by Pigment’s in-house team and regular freelancers, the publisher has also found success working with certain brands under licence, notably Happy Jackson, Alice Scott, Lucia Heffernan and Studio Blom.

The latest in this vein is its tie up with Poodle & Blonde, the creation of Whinnie Williams and Kierra Campbell. Well known for their much-coveted luxury interiors, counting celebs such as Sophie EllisBexter, Paloma Faith and Jade Jagger as among their many fans, the Poodle & Blonde brand has added greeting cards to its claims to fame through a licensing partnership with Pigment.

better time for the team, following what has been something of a major instigated by Lynsey company six years ago, bringing with

commercial and great business, full of great people producing great products. Some areas needed to be simplified, others needed investment. In the last two years we have completely overhauled our old and creaky IT systems, as well as rationalising our warehousing facilities into our central distribution hub in Ripon,” she explained. “This, together with the EOT is all part of ensuring Pigment’s future.”

The inaugural range made an early appearance in Postmark stores, but the official launch is at PG Live in June.

“Poodle & Blonde fits in perfectly with our Fox & Butler brand. I love the vintage appeal of the surface pattern designs that I sensed would translate well onto upmarket cards, and they do!” said Martin Powderly, Pigment’s creative director. “We already had a good relationship with Lisle Licensing for our Studio Blom and Lucia Heffernan

collections, so this collab further builds on that.”

As well as their own range of products, which spans wallpapers, fabrics and furnishings, licensing collaborations with Hillarys Blinds, Haden, Made and Coat has taken the Poodle & Blonde brand onto blinds, SDAs, furniture and paints, plus projects with leading hotels and restaurants.

As co-founder Kierra pointed out: “It is lovely that through greeting cards, our designs can play a part in more people’s lives.”

Kierra Campbell (right), the duo behind the Poodle & Blonde brand with Postmark director Leona Janson-Smith (centre) with some of the cards that enjoyed an exclusive launch in the group in advance of the official launch at PG Live.

Left: One of the designs in the inaugural Poodle & Blonde collection.

Above: Rob Palmer, studio manager who also leads Pigment’s ai programmes with Kirstie Cookman, senior designer.

Below: (left-right) Steve Baker with field sales manager Sandy Rae and Clive Burns, recently joined as South East sales manager.

PAWSOME POSERS

Cats are a big draw for card designers, helped by the fact owners are happy to find artwork that looks like their own fabulous feline.

“We’ve had great success with cats on cards,” explained Ohh Deer’s Harry Ferrin, “and the big reason is that it doesn't matter the style of cat, they’re all your cat.

“We have both cute and naughty cats but have always found the funny ones have sold best for us. Hands down the top seller is Ken The Cat. For the 3rd year in a row, he’s sitting pretty at the top of our bestseller's list. It's a little silly how well this card sells, and our second-best selling card for 2025 is also a Ken The Cat design.”

Bewilderbeest’s founder Iain Hamilton admitted: “Much as I love drawing dogs, I think the cat world might just be a more inclusive one. The good thing about cats is that if someone likes a cat card, they’re usually just happy it’s a cat. If the colour or breed matches their own, that’s just a bonus.”

And Iain’s top-selling When Your Cat Is Extra Fancy card was inspired by a friend’s cat that’s so fussy it will only drink running water: “So they have a ridiculously

expensive water bowl that constantly flows water through it. Totally bonkers, if you ask me!”

While ArtPress now has plenty of cat cards, the first was Cat With Fish On Its Mind by Jane Ormes 14 years ago and still published today, as well as being the poster boy on the publisher’s promotional bags.

The latest is a Ronald Searle range, featured in the Cats In Cartoons exhibition, and launched in conjunction with Curating Cambridge, featuring 12 of the artist’s fiendishly funny, satirical drawings, from joyous cats brandishing huge bouquets to a Balding Cat Walking Out In An Unsuitable Wig.

Also on the art card front, Natural Partners has 125 different cat cards by Lesley Anne Ivory, whose work clearly reflects her love of our feline friends – as publisher Joe Cole commented: “She’s been painting cats forever!”

When you’re feline down, a cat can be the purrfect pal. The Cats In Cartoons exhibition that is on at London’s Cartoon Museum until September, is a reminder of how much fun they can be, so PG has asked publishers for their top cats in both cards and life.

“The much-loved Annoying And also deserves a shout-out – it’s proven very popular online and has been reshared by thousands of catloving fans!”

As the mummy to a trio of cats, Rush Design’s Lorraine Bradley is very pleased with the “totally pawsome” portrait of her three in the Cheeky Charcoals collaboration with artist Sarah Boddy.

Eight-year-old Winter, the Chinchilla Persian x Maine Coon, is both fur baby and muse to Bee Drought, Hotchpotch’s newest designer, sitting next to her every day while working. Bee said: “She’s a constant source of laughs and cuddles, inspiring so much of my work and just basically the love of my life. I’ve

The Cath Tate team have a soft spot for cats, and it shows in the ranges, with social media manager Rosanna Jones commenting: “From our dedicated Nine Lives collaboration with artist Adrian O’Keefe, packed with quirky humour and full-on feline attitude, to Photocats & Canines, one of our bestselling inhouse ranges Cath herself,

Left: ArtPress has Ronald Searle and

Below left: Poet and Painter’s A

Right: Fancyness from Bewilderbeest.

Below: Lesley Anne Ivory for Natural Partners.

Below right: The Rush Design trio.

Left: Top Cat and his gang are still favourites.

Cats in cartoons

From Garfield to Simon’s Cat, Krazy Kat to Bagpuss and everything in between, there’s a long line of iconic cartoon cats, many of which have found their way on to greeting cards.

For the first time The Cartoon Museum has collected the greatest cats to grace British comics, newspapers and magazines in one place to explore why people love felines so much and what they tell us about life.

Running through to 7 September at the museum in Wells Street, London, the Cats In Cartoons exhibition features over 100 cartoons and comics, including works by artists such as Louis Wain, Axel Scheffler, Ronald Searle, William Heath Robinson, Simon Tofield, Anthony Smith, Gemma Correll, and Hunt Emerson, and favourite characters including Simon’s Cat, Garfield and Bagpuss – all featured on cards!

It’s also exploring the work Battersea Dogs & Cats Home does to protect and advocate for the welfare of cats, with insight into the essential work they do on a daily basis and stories and a look behind the scenes at the London centre, which benefits over 2,000 cats per year.

recently been working on a new range where cats will feature across some of the designs!”

Confetti Kitty is one of the latest designs to be showcased at PG Live, and the Fluffy & Fancy collection features any number of felines.

As a cat lover too, Stoats & Weasels’ Lisa Bamford has expanded from drawing orange cats in homage to her late ginger boy Chester: “The new black and white two Squiggle and Doodle have now also been immortalised on my Purfecftly Matched card.”

It’s been raining cats and dogs at Kali Stileman as they’re all ready to party on the new wrap and matching mini birthday cards which are paw-fect for children and the young at heart.

Catnip is Stormy Knight’s new collection for cat lovers by illustrator Monica Kamakura, which came about after owner Sarah Jackson saw one of Monica’s illustrations on Instagram.

“It was a cat scratching the side of a sofa and I thought 'that needs to be a greeting card’,” Sarah said. “Then we expanded it to a collection of 12 designs celebrating cats and all of their eccentricities!”

At Cinnamon Aitch the small team is biased with four cats being the only pets, and coowner Sara Burford laughed: “With their boundless mischief and overwhelming cuteness they’ve inspired a number of ranges. Gypsy was so named as the attentionseeking feline continuously sat on the collages and artwork throughout the designing process.

Bee and Coco are the catty inspiration behind Lydia. London’s Paw Behaviour range, with their naughty antics immortalised by owner Lydia Evans: “My intention was not to create physical likeness but capture the animation and messiness of having puddy cats in your home. I wanted to draw scribbly scruffy moggies.”

Tracking down a meowing Coco one day, she found him on the outside of the loft window, and he fell in when she opened it, and Bee’s paw prints are now the motif on the back of the cards after she walked all over the new card proofs.

Dandelion offers the 14-strong Cat’s Meow collection where all designs boast the love of cats and their quirky characters.

“Margo was named after another previous minxy member of our cat family and was launched in lockdown when, let’s face it, there was no escape from our furry friends. June sees another 16 designs added, 10 of which feature cats. And playful Monty and Pip complete the trio. The most recent member Daphne remains, so keep a lookout for a Daphne range in the future!

“Designing a cat card is always a joy because they have such personalities that are transferable with human traits. One of the new designs launching at PG Live with a side-eyed cat stating, ‘aren’t you a little old for a mid-life crisis?’ is absolutely the sentiment that Gypsy can give with one condescending glance.”

“My Grumpy Cat in a Cowboy Hat card stemmed from a pet commission I did,” explained Lil Wabbit’s Georgi Doig. “He’s a naturally grumpy-

looking cat, so I needed to give him some glamour and joy, and that came in the form of a cowboy hat!”

When Cardology was expanding its Battersea licence to stationery, co-owner David Falkner said they wanted to capture the playful mischief and gentle charm that cat lovers know so well, so have included a swirling string motif that’s “a nod to the joyful chaos of cats at play

– chasing, tangling, and leaping after imaginary prey”.

And there’s a Battersea connection for Paper Bird’s Una Joy too as she’s accommodated a succession of strays and rescue cats over the years, since her dad came home from a night shift with a tiny black kitten in his jacket pocket, and the latest is Lucy, who she picked from the home because she’d been there the longest – seven years!

“Two cat drawings made when I was 20 – ahem, 50 years ago! – and living on a commune were among the first 100

Above: Cath Tate loves cats.

Above right: Stormy Knight’s Catnip. Right: Cinnamon Aitch’s Gypsy inspiration.

Above: Ronald Searle’s drawings feature in the Cats In Cartoons exhibition and on ArtPress cards.

Left: Lil Wabbit’s Grumpy Cat. Below left: Paper Bird’s Lucy.

Above left and right: Winter is a Hotchpotch muse. Left: Two cute by Stoats & Weasels.

Top cats and catastrophes

While TC and the gang are iconic favourites there are also lots of other top cats around.

For Stoats & Weasels’ Lisa Bamford, it’s her late ginger boy Chester who was a local legend: “When he passed we held a memorial service in the square where we live. So many people came, mostly strangers. Someone travelled from London to Brighton especially for it, others sent representatives as they knew they’d be too upset to attend themselves, and we had soooo many cards, gifts and flowers. It was all a bit odd really but

cards we published in 2012 for our launch at PG Live,” Una said. “Lucy is now growing in confidence. She’s a treat to sketch and since she’s only eight I hope she’ll be my muse for at least eight more years.”

When Badgerbee’s Amy Sinclair first started designing cards her cat Ninja was one of her first subjects: “It was when I put the design of him washing on Etsy, that people started to relate, or just found it funny and it became a bestseller.

“I had a lot of people leaving reviews of the cards saying ‘it looks just like my cat’, so I realised tuxedo cats are very popular. Since then I’ve drawn him in other positions and created a few different designs out of him.”

Obi and Archie are the two muses at Paper Rose, with designer Jaz Carter admitting: “They help us create cards full

he was just so loved.”

At Cath Tate HQ director Rosie Tate’s Misty is a strong contender, sweetnatured and firmly committed to her mission of stopping her human working from home on Fridays as a repeat offender on the impromptu lap and laptop invasion front, and there’s social media manager Rosanna Jones’s cat Poppy, who has a reputation as possibly the grumpiest cat in the world: “But we all know she’s a softy deep (deep, deep) down!"

Ninja is master of the bottle tops game and Amy Sinclair, of Badgerbee

Design, indulges him: “As soon as he hears a bottle open, he comes running and wants to play. His favourite is to play fetch with bottletops, as if he’s a dog. We even did a bottletop collection for him at our wedding, to make sure he has a constant supply!”

For Bewilderbeest’s Iain Hamilton, there’s Colonel Mustang who won’t drink from his own bowl: “That includes the bowl of water I use when painting. The fact the water is anything from ultramarine blue to deep red in colour never seems to bother him.

“Several people have original paintings of mine up on their walls that are made up of approximately 2% cat spit. I thought about trying to market this as a feature but, given Mustang’s bad breath, I’m not convinced it would add value.”

There’s a controversial admission from Hotchpotch head of design

of personality with a dash of feline flair. Obi stars in our eclectic Poster Galerie, and Archie appears in Nature Tales by Fable.”

There’s usually a cat or kitten design at Poet And Painter, where the animal devotees led by Lucy Creed know they’re an endless source of humour to lift everyone’s spirits: “From our old favourite funnies such as the Pet Parent design, to the best-selling Special Delivery cat in a box, cats can bring both the cute and the funny.”

Cats are the latest licence at The Porch Fairies, where Claire Fletcher’s whimsical artwork includes Cat Carousel, and coowner Fi Bishop’s own work has the Christmas Mountain advent card detailing a Bauble & Wool shop staffed by kittens.

Meanwhile at Avanti, the team had decided art director Aubrey Stalnaker’s cats Eloise and Ravioli were to star in the latest funny photo shoot, but the felines had other ideas.

Communications manager

Dave Phipps shared: “I'd say this cat card started out as a catastrophe but turned out fine. Eloise wasn’t feline the idea of a cab ride when traffic into Manhattan got

totally clawed up.

“But if the cat won’t come to the studio, we thought purr-haps it’s time to bring the studio to the cat. So we packed our gear, hopped the train to Brooklyn, and found Eloise purrfectly content to strike a paws for an ameowzing photo!”

Left: Stoats & Weasels’ Chester is a legend. Below left and right: Misty and Poppy from Cath Tate Cards.

Right: Cat fun by Dandelion Stationery.

Below left and right: Lydia. London’s Coco and Bee.

Above left: Above: Cardology x Battersea.

Above: Badgerbee’s washing fun.

Above: Smart Archie by Paper Rose.

Top: Badgerbee’s Ninja. Above: Bewilderbeest’s Colonel Mustang.

Below: The Porch Fairies’ Cat Carousel. Below right: Eloise immortalised by Avanti.

Above: Edward Lear’s Foss.

Right: The Bradleys from Rush Design love Simon’s Cat.

Anna Price: “I have a bit of a phobia of cats but I still loved cat cartoons when I was growing up – probably giving my age away, but Top Cat and Bagpuss were always my faves, as well as good old Tom & Jerry.”

Leader of the gang Top Cat is Fi Bishop’s favourite too, as The Porch Fairies co-owner explained: “The music, the intro graphics especially the dustbins, the excitement of being a little kid watching it, still resonates now. It was the mischief and mayhem, and also the other characters including Benny and Fancy.

“I also love Zsa Zsa the cat in Hector's House and little white kitten Marie in Aristocats still holds a place.”

Nostalgia works for Stormy Knight’s Sarah Jackson: “It has to be Garfield – it comes from my nan who still has a collection of around 20 Garfield cuddly toys at her house. I always loved getting them all out when I went round there as a kid, and now my daughter does too!”

But Sarah’s felines are characters too,

currently loving bringing slow worms or part of them indoors, as scared slow worms drop a section of their tail to deter the enemy while they slither off.

Sarah added: “Last week, Frosty brought a still-wriggling tail upstairs and popped it on our new card samples that were laid out on the office floor, smearing blood all over them!”

Alongside their own trio of Ziggy, Buddy and Dudes, known for catastrophes like jumping from first-floor windows, knocking down ornaments and getting shut in wardrobes, Rush Design’s Lorraine and Ian Bradley love Simon’s Cat, born when creator Simon Tofield needed a subject to test out new animation software.

“I grew up loving Dr Zeuss, The Cat In The Hat,” said Lydia London’s Lydia Evans, “but he’s pipped at the post by Edward Lear’s doodles of his crazed-looking cat Foss – so animated and full of character.”

Buster went into the neighbour’s house while she was in the garden, weed on the floor and left like nothing happened!”

“Obi is my fluffy child,” admitted Paper Rose designer Jaz Carter, “so I’d feel a bit mean not giving him my top spot. He brings such light and laughter to my days, whether that’s waking me up at 6am with a bop on the nose or standing in front of my computer as the countdown to teatime begins. He reminds me not to take life too seriously, and for that I’m grateful!”

Harry Ferrin is Ohh Deer’s chief cat lover thanks to his own feline friend Buster, who’s currently rather annoyed with the neighbours: “Since they got a new dog, he's always having sparring sessions with it in the garden, Last week to get revenge

And, linking to the inspiration for this article, Cardology’s David Falkner explained: “If we had to pick our top cat, it’d be one of the thousands of cats given a second chance thanks Battersea Dogs & Cats

. That’s why we’re proud to be an official licensed partner, creating a unique range of cards – and now, excitingly, stationery! – where every purchase supports their lifechanging work.”

Above left: Attitude from Ohh Deer’s Buster.

Left: Paper Rose’s Obi.

Above: Stormy Knight’s Sarah Jackson loves Garfield and naughty Frosty.

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Best In Class

Having worked in broadcast design for leading TV companies, it was having her daughter that prompted Sarah Best to turn her attentions towards greeting card design. And in the last three years since Sarah joined The London Studio Artists Collective, her designs have notched up almost half a million cards for different online platforms and retailers.

PG travelled to the Teme Valley to find out more about Sarah’s creative journey.

“I’m Sarah, aka Mrs Best – an independent artist, card designer, and proud owner of a bricksand-mortar shop nestled in the heart of the Teme Valley. My store sits on a working farm, surrounded by rolling countryside. I’ve been running my shop for the last seven years. It’s become a real creative hub, not just for my own designs, but for other brilliant indie makers too.

My journey into greeting card design started rather unexpectedly during maternity leave. I’d spent years working in broadcast design with the BBC and ITV, honing my skills as a graphic designer. It was the arrival of my daughter that shifted my perspective. I wanted a creative outlet that would allow me to work more flexibly, from home, while also soaking up those precious early years of motherhood. That’s when the spark for card design was ignited.

In late 2021, I joined The London Studio Artists Collective, and it’s honestly been a game changer. Being part of a supportive, likeminded community has opened so many doors – not just across the UK, but internationally too. From contract advice to creative trend forecasting, TLS has provided the tools and insights I needed to grow my brand in a way that feels authentic and sustainable.

It’s pretty surreal to think that I am now approaching almost half a million card sales through working with TLS – a number that honestly blows my mind. Knowing that something I sketched at my kitchen table could end up on someone’s mantelpiece, or tucked inside a gift in homes around the world, is the biggest honour. I’ll never stop feeling grateful for that.

WANT TO BE FEATURED?

Through TLS, my designs have reached leading platforms like Moonpig and Funky Pigeon, as well as appearing on greeting cards in high street stores

such as Tesco, Ryman, Utility and Postmark. Internationally, I’ve had the joy of seeing my designs on cards stocked in the US and Scandinavia with retailers including Escargot and Mossy Frog. That kind of exposure is something I once only dreamed of, and I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunities that have come my way.

Owning my own shop has been such a fulfilling part of the journey as well. It’s not only a place to showcase my own work, but also a space where I champion other independent artists and makers. Seeing customers connect with our pieces – and knowing we’ve made their day a little brighter – brings me so much pride.

Family life, in all its glorious chaos, is at the heart of what I do. My cards are inspired by the humour, mess, joy and everyday absurdities that come with real life. I aim to create designs that are fun, playful, and a bit cheeky – the kind that make people stop, smile, and say, “That is so me.”

A lot has happened in a short time, but looking ahead, I’m still dreaming big. I’d love to see my designs on cards in aspirational retailers like Oliver Bonas, Urban Outfitters, Liberty London and Selfridges. For me, it’s about continuing to grow without losing the heart and humour that started it all.

This journey has been a whirlwind of ink, paper, parenting, and persistence – and I wouldn’t change a thing.”

• Sarah Best is part of The London Studio’s Artists Collective. www.thelondonstudio.com

Above: Sarah Best.

Below: A touch of the retro for Father’s Day from Sarah. Below right: Tapping into popular culture.

Left: A contemporary uplifting design.

Below left: A fun and pretty design and quirky caption. Below: A fresh approach to a Dad card.

Below: Sarah’s daughter and dog inside the Mrs Best shop.

PG ASKED A TRIO OF RETAILERS FOR THEIR BEST SELLERS

Sally Roberts, owner of Cardiau Môn Cards, Amlwch. Out on Anglesey, the Welsh language is very important so Sally asks many publishers and companies to produce products yn y Gymraeg – in Welsh!

UK Greetings

Hammond Gower

Lucilla Lavender

UK Greetings

Belly Button Designs

Noel Tatt

Hammond Gower

Lucilla Lavender

Draenog Design

Paint Box Design

Nigel Quiney

Rosie Made A Thing Pigment

UK Greetings

Nigel Quiney

IC&G

Janet Bell

UK Greetings

Carte Blanche Greetings

UK Greetings

Tracks

Clogau

Joma

Belly Button Designs Welsh Connections

& Frolics

“My customers like traditional cards very much.”

“Welsh language cards are massive for me. I have 8’ of Welsh cards plus four spinners. I’ve even dedicated my whole website to sell Welsh cards.

Nain – north Wales for grandma – is a massive seller for me, probably the best title in my shop.”

“We celebrate all the occasions in Wales, but we also have our own Valentine’s Day, Santes Dwynwen’s Day on 25 January so I have to have those cards in, which are good sellers.”

“We are currently doing well with this NQP range, and of course Rosie Made A Thing, it is so good.

Plus many Pigment cards sell well.”

“UKG’s Disney Princesses and Spiderman do well while Nigel Quiney’s more traditional ones are the bestsellers.”

“I’ve got 8’ of adult ages, up to 100!”

“My Welsh card customers will pick up a blank if they can’t find one suitable in the Welsh language. Janet is a local artist whose beautiful scenes of Anglesey are fabulous sellers for me.”

“These two classics are the tops for cute. I have a whole row of Boofle designs.”

“Traditional designs and licensed ones for kids.”

“Nice florals, bright colours.”

“A lovely Welsh brand – they do their own mining for Welsh gold.”

“A fantastic seller, the bracelets are great pick-up items and you can post them in the card.”

“These mugs, coasters, bracelets fly out for me.”

“I’ve gone into making my own Welsh language mugs, coasters, and keyrings that I produce in-house on our own mug press, printer and oven for enamel mugs and coasters etc.”

Right: Hammond Gower’s relation cards in Welsh.

Right: Anglesey views from Janet Bell.

Right: Sally designs and prints her own gifts.

NEW - Honeycomb Ornament Cards

Every card includes a detachable 3D honeycomb ornament with a magnetic fastening and a ready to hang gold string.

Jayne and Kevin Brooking, owners of Occasional Cards & Gifts, Kingsbridge.

Near both the sea and glorious Devon countryside, Jayne and Kevin have run Occasional Cards & Gifts in Kingsbridge for over 12 years and love having the best of both worlds.

Category Name of Publisher

Everyday

Relations & Occasions

Humour

Adult Ages

Art

Cute

Photographic

3D/Pop-Ups

Gift Wrappings

Gifts

IC&G

Nigel Quiney

Woodmansterne

Paperlink Tracks

Cherry Orchard

Museums & Galleries

Ben Marriott

Jennifer Cooper

Hype

Danilo

Museums & Galleries

Alex Clark Art

Abacus

Second Nature

Glick

Belly Button Gifts

Moulin Roty Rainbow Designs

Product/Name Range Comments

Most Especially For You Pizazz

Quentin Blake

The Bottom Line Fluff

Down Memory Lane

V&A; Tate General General

Peanuts

Wallace & Gromit

Paddington General

BBC Countryfile, Springwatch and Gardeners’ World

Pop-Ups Origamo

General Paper Salad Tokens Plush

Peter Rabbit

“People like the wordier ones.”

“The size is right and they’re really pretty.”

“This is the range for everything and everyone, 1-100.”

“They are just silly, not rude.”

“We sell loads of these.”

“For older people, it brings back memories.”

“People like these cultural cards.”

“We’ve been mentoring these two independent artists for about 18 months.”

“These licensed character cards are very cute.”

“Lovely cards of hand-drawn images.”

“We’ve got the spinner displaying these. Beautiful photographs that resonate with our huge farming community and people love their gardens – and sheep!”

“Two price points, but they are selling equally well!”

“We take their packages. People want a bit of happiness at the moment so the bright retro colours do well.”

“Inspirational little pebbles that can be given with a card.”

“A French soft toy company, one of our most popular.”

“We have a large selection of Rainbow’s products.”

Sally Davies, owner of Flippin’eck in Guiseley.

With a name like Flippin’eck, Sally’s store in Guiseley stands out for its bright and vibrant card ranges.

Category

Everyday

Relations & Occasions

Humour

Children’s

Adult Ages

Photographic

3D/Pop-Ups

Gift Wrappings

Name of Publisher

Paper Salad

Caroline Gardner

Paper Salad

Belly Button Designs

Dean Morris Cards

Bold & Bright

Paper Salad

Molly Mae

Janie Wilson

Paper Salad

John Potter

Photography

Second Nature

Glick

Product/Name Range

All ranges All ranges

Colour Hub

Birdie Elle

General

General Hoopla

General ages

General ages

Jumbo Jamboree

Hunky Dory

General Pop-Ups

Think Of Me

Paper Salad

Comments

“Customers really like the vibrancy of these ranges.”

“Modern designs that appeal to all ages.”

“So popular for relations as they’re so colourful.”

“Birdie has an element of coolness while Elle exudes elegance.”

“Always sell well. Very much my sense of humour.”

“Proving to be very popular already.”

“Great general kids cards and also ages.”

“Great designs that are always different.”

“Not too big and not too small.”

“These two ranges are great for customers looking for bigger cards.”

“People love the images of Yorkshire.”

“We’re selling a lot especially the ages, very beautiful cards.”

“The quality is always there. The designs from Think Of Me and Paper Salad are especially strong.”

Right: Paper Salad’s Colour Hub is one of the popular bright ranges.

Below: M&G’s cute Paddington.

Right: Higher-priced Origamo is doing well.

Right: This Tracks’ Fluff design is a winner for coast-based Occasions.

Right: Tokens by Belly Button Designs.

Above: Local photographer John Potter’s cards go down well.

Right: Adult ages from Molly Mae.

One of the UK’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.

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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.

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