27-29_31_Viewpoints.qxp_Grid 14/08/2024 17:31 Page 1
VIEWPOINTS With Ancient Rome as the theme of The Henries 2024, the judges entered the ‘Colosseum’ aka London’s Business Design Centre and after being awed by the contending ranges, they channelled their inner Gladiator self, answering some probing questions…
Unleash The Judges Nigel Williamson, partner of House of Cards, seven shops in the Home Counties Roman Triumph: “Wine…no contest!” Mother of Invention: “The stock control ticket with the re-order history printed on it.” Fighting Talk: “I would like the gladiators to ensure there are only happy customers who never say that cards are too expensive, free parking in towns, rateable values reaccessed as well as lower postal costs and a first class service.” Above: House of Cards’ Nigel Williamson (centre) with Hugs and Kisses’ Caroline Ranwell and PG’s Warren Lomax.
The Questions… 1. Roman Triumph: “What have the Romans ever done for us?” is a phrase from Monty Python’s Life of Brian film. Revered for their many achievements from roads to sanitation, trademarks to fast food, what do you think is the best thing the Romans have done for us? 2. Mother of Invention: The Romans were acclaimed for their inventions, but what do see as the best innovation in the greeting card industry? 3. Fighting Talk: Roman gladiators fought against beasts, criminals and other gladiators. What ‘fight’ would you like to see gladiators take on for the benefit of the greeting card industry?
Caroline Ranwell, owner of Hugs & Kisses, Tettenhall Roman Triumph: “The Ancient Romans’ greatest claims to fame have to be road construction as well as plumbing and sanitation systems.” Above: Caroline sees charity Mother of Invention: “The Christmas cards, such as this box development of charity Christmas from Woodmansterne, has been one of the industry’s best inventions. cards and the introduction of personalised cards.” Fighting Talk: “Free parking in villages and towns. Better rates and rents for those in town and city centres. Sort out the Royal Mail please, don’t let it die…we need a better service and better prices.”
Maxwell Roberts,
Cilena Easton,
owner of Headrow Gallery, Leeds
Roman Triumph: “They invented the postal system, where would we be without that?!” Mother of Invention: “Cello-free packaged cards.” Fighting Talk: “Cheaper postage.”
Roman Triumph: “The Three Tenors concert?! The Romans’ invention of the First Class stamp and Moonpig have been slightly damaging…I bet they wished they had invented the cream scone!” Mother of Invention: “The improvements in the distribution of greeting cards meaning faster delivery for retailers while for publishers it has to be the advent of quality digital printing which has made card publishing viable for smaller businesses.” Fighting Talk: “All those on Facebook who are proud to say that they won’t buy cards anymore and just give a charitable contribution…but do they?” Above: Maxwell Roberts enjoying his first time as a Henries’ judge.
owner of Artichoke, Tynemouth
Left: Artichoke’s Cilena Easton completing The Henries judging forms.
Jo Sorrell, owner of Cardies, Stevenage Roman Triumph: “Building straight roads that last forever.” Mother of Invention: “Die-cutting, foiling, embossing and digital printing.” Fighting Talk: “Slay traffic wardens.” Right: Cardies’ Jo Sorrell (right) with In Heaven at Home’s Anne Barber and Medici Gallery’s Tim Reynolds with their goody bags of samples from the judging event. PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE 27