Progressive Greetings Worldwide July 2017

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Luxury Stationery Designed & Made in England 01235 537816 | smile@souluk.com | www.souluk.com

Harrogate Home & Gift Stand DP1-17

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Leader

On The Cards It has been something of a bittersweet period since the last issue of Progressive Greetings was published. Certainly not wanting to minimise the significance (or pain) of the General Election, ongoing Brexit negotiations, the tragic Grenfell Tower fire and terrorist attacks, things have also been going on too in our little corner of the world, including Father’s Day, PG Live, CBG acquiring Is It Art, the retirement of Chris James (Danilo) and Ian Bant (Ling) and last but not least, the very sad death of Lynn Tait.

The bottom fell out of my heart when I took the call from Andy Tait to let me know that his lovely wife, Lynn Tait had died that morning (June 1).

Those who had the pleasure to have come into her orbit will no doubt agree that Lynn was a true ‘one off’. She was a retailer, a publisher, a person of big ideas (that she made happen - The Ladder Club being a prime example) and with a generosity of spirit that knew no bounds.

She and I spoke nearly every day for almost 20 years prior to her untimely death, sharing the trials, tribulations and triumphs of our business and personal lives (often intertwined of course). I am sure I am not alone in admitting that I miss Lynn terribly already, but I take comfort from the fact that her legacy lives on in so many ways.

Testament to this was the full stairwell of cardies at the recent PG Live exhibition, which we organised as a part of a tribute to the wondrous lady (see pages 75-76).

It is very much a living legacy, reflected in the record tally of Ladder Club members who contributed to the creative sparkle of the impressive line-up at this year’s PG Live, many of whom had put into practice the lessons Lynn has imparted over the years. She was shining down on us all.

I am now planning to organise a memorial celebration for Lynn in the next few months, which will be open to everyone to attend,

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Above: Lynn Tait (left) and PG’s Jakki Brown at the London 2012 Olympics stadium.

Right: Lagom Design celebrated its 10th anniversary at PG Live, including with a drinks party on the first night attended by its international distributors, customers, agents, suppliers and friends. (Left-right) Eulinid Stevenson of Henderson Greetings (Australia), Paper E. Clips’ (Canada) Martha Angus, Tory Wright and Ester Power; Lagom’s Paula Mearns and Kelly Hyatt with Dave Parry from Graphite.

Below left: A Lynn legacy. Winners of The Ladder Club competition (2nd left - right, Lisa Maylan of Lisa May Designs, Graeme Hall of Uniquely Yours and Lynsey Pearson of Pearl of a Girl) instigated by retailers House of Cards, with partners Miles Robinson (left) and Nigel Williamson at PG Live.

whether they had the good fortune to meet Lynn in person or got to know her through the pages of PG by reading her regular column.

I am also chuffed to bits (and know Lynn would be too!) that we are changing the name of The Henries award that champions the young creatives in our industry to The Lynn Tait Award for Young Designers (a big thanks to Paperchase, sponsor of this award category for fully embracing this suggestion).

As PG goes to press we are surrounded by entries to The Henries, but it will be the UK’s finest greeting card retailers who will first be in the spotlight at The Retas Awards event, which takes place on July 12 at The Dorchester Hotel in London.

I have no doubt it will be a memorable event, where troubles are left at the door and celebration will be the name of the game. My guardian angel Lynn will no doubt be there too - she loved a good party!

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Contents

What’s Inside Within This Issue:

31

SPOTLIGHT ON ART CARDS

62-63 9-23 News

40-41

64-65

Celebrity Focus

Face To Face

Greetings From Celebs

Stepping Back, Striding Forward

Some famous faces share their views on greeting cards.

24-25 Over The Counter

It’s Our Responsibility Independent card and gift retailer, David Robertson, co-owner of JP Pozzi in Scotland, examines Corporate Social Responsibility.

43-51

In Conversation With… Cherry Orchard

Showcasing some of the new card launches at Harrogate Home & Gift 2017.

52-53

Cardsharp

Jeremy’s Journal

“Reasons To Be Cheerful…

One, Two, Three!”

Vaporized

Cardsharp muses over topical events happening in the industry.

66-67

Innovations

26-27

Blue Eyed Sun’s Jeremy Corner ponders the demise of greeting cards.

Spotlight On Art Cards

PG Live In Pictures

News, views and fresh ranges in the ‘gallery’ of the Art Cards market.

Art Source 72-73

75-76 Lynn’s Lines

A Lasting Legacy

Relive the buzz of last month’s PG Live.

Tributes to Lynn Tait who sadly passed last month.

62-63 Spring Seasons Trends 2018

Viewpoints

Seasonal Fruits

Top Of The Pops

Design trends that are ‘fruiting’ on next year’s Spring Seasons cards.

Visitors to PG Live last month reveal which publishers’ product popped for them.

PG ‘sniffs out’ Cherry Orchard’s Scent with Love fragranced range.

What’s Hot?

29-31

33-39

Making Perfect Scents

69-71

55-61

The Greetings Gathering

The new forward thrust for Danilo.

77-89

Classified 90

Above middle: A Cloud Nine Mother’s Day design from Redback.

Appointments Progressive Greetings is a monthly business magazine.

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Copyright© 2017. While every effort has been made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of publication, the publishers cannot accept legal liability for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility for the standing of advertisers nor any organisation mentioned in the text. Views of contributors do not necessarily reflect those of the publishers.

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GET IN TOUCH

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summer hamper GIVE AWAY! "WHEN YOU SPEND MORE THAN £450

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NEWS TOP STORY

Retailers open new stores

Who’s The Daddy?

The pitter pater was not as strong as some would have liked Father’s Day this year had to fight its corner – falling as it did among the political turmoil of DUP and Brexit negotiations and in the hottest week of the year. Weakening consumer confidence, coupled with macroeconomic uncertainty is thought to have had a knock-on effect on Father’s Day spend on gifts and cards.

Hazel Walker, card buyer of Paperchase, revealed that while “sales started off well”, notably with some of the pun-based humour lines, she elaborated that “the final few weeks were harder due to footfall and weather. That said, we did see decent growth in the final week.”

The unseasonal hot weather also played havoc with John Lewis’ Father’s Day card sales, with the department store group finishing down on last year’s figures, but “pleased with our result on Father's Day as we know that the high street had a tough time overall in this category,” according to Amie Scull, assistant buyer for stationery, giftwrap and seasonal events. She felt that the hot weather meant that supermarkets benefitted as “customers shopping in supermarkets for their BBQ food picked up their Father's Day card at the same time.” It was once again a big last minute surge for JLP. “26% of our trade came in the last three days before the event. Out of nine weeks on sale, that is a significant peak.”

Sainsbury’s admitted that it did indeed benefit from the hot weather and last minute buying, with Carly Pearson, senior buyer of cards and wrap commenting: “Father’s Day was a very back-ended event for us with the weather having an impact.

Above: Father’s Day promo in the window of Paperchase.

Below: Humorous Father’s Day cards were the winners again for Creased Cards.

Sales were in-line with our expectations and we saw a shift with more customers shopping in convenience stores as a result of the nice weather.”

However, the final Spring Season event, if not a scorcher, was not by any means a disaster. Mark Janson-Smith, director of four Postmark shops in London noted: "Sell through rates were good this year, in fact almost identical to last year, with strong sales in the week leading up to the big day. We saw a return of multiple sales with customers buying two, three and even four Father's Day cards."

Business was also good for Paul Jarman, owner of Creased Cards in Brighton, who “did pretty well, again with a slightly extended range. Preliminary figures look like Father’s Day was broadly similar to last year, humour cards once again won the day with the greatest share of designs.”

Humour was also a winner for Chris Beards, owner of Mantons Cards, Port Erin, Isle of Man. “The amount of humour cards we sell has increased. Being a greeting card specialist we have the room for the more niche titles and that helps give us an edge on the supermarkets.”

UKG’s digital dads’ day A YouTube video commissioned by UKG to promote Father’s Day was viewed over 43,000 times over the Father’s Day weekend. The quirky cute video showing children pranking their dads, creating ‘masterpieces’ of their fathers, was commissioned by UKG to prompt card sending generally, rather than the publisher itself. Its aim was to put a smile on people’s faces, drive engagement within the category and hopefully boost sales for retailers.

Above: UKG’s YouTube video highlighted the feel-good emotions around greeting cards.

“There are 1.5 billion dads worldwide and we wanted to bring everyone’s attention to how great they are and to encourage people to celebrate Father’s Day,” says Ceri Stirland, director of marketing at UKG. “We know that Father’s Day spend (not just on cards) is dwarfed by Mother’s Day – we spend twice as much on Mother’s Day than we do on Father’s Day. We thought a little fun video would be a really nice way to get the occasion on everyone’s radar and celebrate dads.”

There’s no doubt about the challenges facing retailers from the political and economic situation at the moment, but that hasn’t stopped plucky indie retailers from expanding their presence on the high street. l 3 Wishes opened a new specialist card shop recently in Broadstone (see below), a suburb of Poole in Dorset, thereby adding a fifth store to this successful southern regional specialist group owned by Sarah and Paul Henderson.

Sarah admits that she realised she “had the bug” to expand when they missed out on buying one of M&P’s Occasions stores when it was taken over by Paul Taylor, owner of Cardzone. l Meanwhile, a few days later, Louise Helyer, owner of Forget Me Not in Stubbington Green, opened Lulu Loves, a stunning homewares boutique, which includes a selection of cards, in the

vicinity of its long established card, gift and haberdashery store. Lulu Loves is the culmination of an idea that Louise has been nurturing for almost four years. l A move to larger premises this summer is on the cards for Paul Jarman, owner of Creased Cards in Brighton. The move will allow Paul to carry nearly three times as many card designs and gives the space to diversify the product types he stocks.

“We’re delighted to have secured new and much larger premises in Brighton,” says Paul. He plans to have five stores over the next three years.

Clintons’ Father’s Day PR Clintons pushed out the positive PR bandwagon for Father’s Day highlighting the changing face of Father’s Day cards, and on the wide range of captions for Father’s Day cards now available.

Tim Fairs, director of marketing and ecommerce at Clintons, said: “The vast majority of Father’s Day cards that we offer are traditional and there are currently around 900 Father’s Day options in our range. Recently we’ve been asked by customers whether it's time to cater for a wider range of family circumstances. Our ‘Happy Father’s Day Mum’ card is just one of many examples of new cards that we brought to our range.”

Above: Clintons’ range includes captions for all father figures.

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every picture a new range of contemporary quotation cards designed by see the entire collection at www.icon-art.com

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NEWS TOP STORY

Retailer political pundits

Political Leanings

Below: A light-hearted take on the General Election from the Genius range from Woodmansterne.

A ‘trade ‘union’ reaction to the General Election With a minority Conservative Government propped up by the DUP and Brexit negotiations in the balance, Britons are understandably feeling anxious by the tumultuous events of the past few weeks. But what impact will it have on the greeting card industry?

Publishers and retailers were only too willing to share their views as soon as the votes were counted: “The winner with the most votes (May) lost and the guy who promised the world came second but is hailed the victor,” says Ged Mace (below), managing director of The Art File. “Although uncertainty is not good for any business, greeting cards continue to perform well through the challenges that have been thrown at us in recent years. In the months and years ahead greeting cards will continue to provide a comforting platform for everyone to express their feelings and support for one another.” l The role of cards to

provide comfort in these changing times is picked up by Simon Wagstaff (left), managing director of IC&G too. “While uncertainty always unsettles consumers and markets, greeting cards are not major items of expenditure and generally come through in such times of uncertainty. The happiness and emotions we communicate with our products generally makes life better for people, whether it’s to celebrate the birth of a new baby, an anniversary or a special occasion.” l Gerard O’Mahony (left), commercial director of CBG, is also concerned about the impact this political uncertainty will have on consumer confidence.

“For the greeting card industry one of the main consequences I

can see is the impact this uncertainty has on consumer confidence and spending. Clarity and certainty is the friend of traditional retail businesses and after a very tough six months for bricks and mortar retail in 2017 the potential of continued uncertainty may well continue to hamper its performance.” l Paul Woodmansterne (left), managing director of Woodmansterne, sums up the feeling quite neatly: “This country could have been going from strength to strength; instead, we have more unnecessary worry and upheaval.

Whatever happens over the next weeks and months, it is inevitable that imported materials will try to force up prices in the shops.” l It’s a sentiment shared by managing director of Portfolio, Jayne Diggory (left), as well: “Greeting cards are historically fairly recession proof - you still have birthdays whatever the weather and people will still send a card if not a present – but the economy is already

l For retailers it is consumer confidence

that is the main concern, with PG columnist David Robertson (right) co-owner of JP Pozzi in Scotland sharing his views on the election result: “With things like digital tax looming and the constant changes to the living wage, pensions, corporation tax and many other things, as individual businesses or small groups it feels like we have greater difficulty keeping up with ‘the game’. It is the constant uncertainty and changes that make it such a difficult time both for us individually and of course for our customers who never know what their disposable income will be.” l However, as they say ‘every cloud has a silver lining’, and John Procter (right), co-founder and owner of Scribbler, believes for businesses looking to expand there might be some good deals out there. “Our industry is remarkably resilient to recession and if companies are looking to expand there will be better property deals out there as landlords are going to have a really tough time finding good tenants.” l But for Miles Robinson (below) co-

owner of five House of Cards stores, he believes the result probably won’t change anything. He says: “The major things affecting retailing have not gone away and the result will make little or no difference. Lack of footfall, business rates unfit for purpose, Living Wage increases way above inflation, high rents and parking are all major issues and so far no one from any party is addressing these.”

Send a card, deliver a smile The ‘greeting card electorate’ turned out in their masses to cast their votes in the GCA Tagline Challenge at the polling booth at the PG Live trade show (which ended on the eve of the General Election).

‘Send a card, deliver a smile’ was the phrase that received the most votes as the tagline which retailers, publishers, agents and trade suppliers felt best represents the spirit of greeting card sending.

The hashtag version of the phrase is #sendacarddeliverasmile.

Some 160 entries were submitted to the GCA, which were then whittled down to 10 finalists, which appeared on the ballot papers. The winning tagline was submitted by David Bowen, md of Easy Logistics, a GCA associate member. l Retailer membership of the GCA is growing all the time and has now passed the 50 mark. Retailers can join the GCA for just £10.

Left: Taking time out for campaigning, Theresa May (Andy Paterson of Woodmansterne) and Jeremy Corbyn (Keith Gillespie also of Woodmansterne), with Sharon Little. Masks courtesy of Mask-arade.

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NEWS TOP STORY

Ling’s Ian Bant retires

Nine Lives PG Live 2017 brings the world of greeting cards together As the doors closed on the ninth PG Live last month (June 6 and 7 at London’s Business Design Centre), the vibe was that it had been one of the best ones yet. Over 280 exhibitors collectively revealed thousands of brand new designs and ranges to multiple and indie retailers, agents and overseas distributors in a big celebration of everything that is great about the greetings industry.

Commenting, John Lewis’ buyer Lisa Rutherford said: “I always love this show, it is really spirited. We have seen every single one of the 280 stands and are so impressed with the creativity out there.”

First time PG Live visitors, Fiona and Victoria Robinson of Wishes in Cockermouth, had nothing but praise for the show. “We love it as it is cards, cards, cards. As we eat, sleep, dream cards, PG Live celebrates everything we love.”

There was a record number of overseas visitors to the show, who travelled from all over the world to come to PG Live. Belinda Simson, director of Simson Cards in Melbourne, Australia, said it was a worthwhile trip which will result in £thousands of orders.

“It has been well worth the journey! We came with a clear idea of what we wanted to find – and the show has more than exceeded our expectations. As well as consolidating our friendships with the publishers we currently work, we have found at least four newbies that we are hoping to work with.”

It wasn’t just the visitors who had a great show,

feedback from exhibitors was positive as well. Jo Clarke of Toasted Crumpet made her debut this year and had an amazing show - being presented with six of the coveted special tickets: two Greats Tickets, two Sunshine Retas Tickets and two Silver Retas Tickets. “We had a fantastic debut show at PG Live, we met lots of lovely retailers, agents and exhibitors. The event has opened up so many doors for us and we are looking forward to returning next year.”

Business was good for leading brand Wendy Jones-Blackett, with co-owner Steve Jones-Blackett commenting: “It was yet another cracking show – plenty of leads and orders from the UK. And this year was certainly very strong with overseas export partners; a great show.”

Next year is the 10th anniversary of the show, which will take place June 5 and June 6, again at the Business Design Centre, London.

See more feedback from retailers about the show in Viewpoints on page 33-39 and relive the show in pictures on pages 29-31.

At the end of June the Ling Design team presented managing director Ian Bant with a special retirement cake, as he said farewell to the people he worked with for the past 16 years. The cake took on the theme of a cruise ship, as Ian and his wife Gaynor will be travelling more in retirement, including a four month round-the-world cruise in 2018.

Ian started his career in July 1979 aged 24 when he joined The Andrew Brownsword Collection as sales representative for the South-West. Ian came off the road in 1981 to assist Andrew in running the business. “It was an amazing thing to be part of. I didn’t really appreciate the significance of Forever Friends at the time.”

In 1989, when Andrew Brownsword acquired The Gordon Fraser Gallery, Ian was appointed managing director. In 1999 Ian joined forces again with Andrew Brownsword and spent two years out of the industry in a commercial role with Bath Rugby Club.

“But I missed greeting cards,” says Ian. Since then Ian has steered Ling through the acquisitions of Talking Pictures, Penny Kennedy and Velvet Olive, growing the business from £2 million turnover in 2001 to £8 million today. He was retained as md when Swan Mill Paper Company bought the business in 2015. Ian hands over to Alessandro Arosio.

Above: Ian Bant with his retirement cake.

Above: Another year, another successful PG Live for so many people.

Left: It was a fantastic debut for Jo Clarke from Toasted Crumpet.

Students presented with On the Cards awards

Imaging Centre’s Simplicity

The winners of the On the Cards greeting cards competition for creative undergraduates were presented with their awards at PG Live.

The competition, organised by GF Smith and Paper Rose/The Art Group, with support from Paperchase and The Sherwood Group, gives undergraduate students from six leading art colleges the chance to design a greeting card range. This year the winner was Joe Cox of Leeds College of Art for his Political Pals range. To capitalise on the political fervour, Joe’s range of cards went on sale in 20 Paperchase stores, where it has been very popular and nearly sold out.

Also accepting her award for second place was Xiao Lin of Camberwell School of Art for her Cheer Fruit range, which is also on sale in flagship Paperchase stores and online.

The Imaging Centre launched its exclusive on-demand ordering system - IC Simplicity – a year ago.Over 50 of the exhibitors at PG Live used the system to take orders live, which meant that in some cases the card orders were printed, finished, packed and delivered direct to retailers by the time exhibitors had returned home.

“It must have been a successful show for our exhibitors, as the week following PG Live (generally a quiet week) we received a record amount of orders,” said Adam Short, sales director. “More than 120,000 cards were ordered via IC Simplicity!”

Left: Paperchase’s Hazel Walker (centre) and Emma Clooney presents Joe Cox with his winning certificate at PG Live.

Above: The Imaging Centre’s (left) Bob and Adam Short with (far right) GF Smith’s Janet Stevens and Marina B’s Marina Brook (centre) and Nidale Grady.

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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Harrogate Home and Gift Show DP1 – Stand 26 Our brand new range of Janie Wilson Candles to be launched at Harrogate.

Gorgeous new cards - Animal Magic and more gold leaf designs.

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NEWS TOP STORY

CBG Broadens Its Base Is It Art acquired by Carte Blanche Greetings In the final hours of PG Live (June 7), Carte Blanche Greetings signed the deal to acquire Is It Art, the industry’s major distributor to the independent retail sector, previously owned by industry stalwart Martin Nevin. This significantly strengthens Carte Blanche Greetings’ connections with the independent retail sector, fulfilling part of the company’s strategic growth plans.

The acquisition has been concluded with the agreement from Blue Mountain Arts, Danilo, Emotional Rescue and Gemma International that their products are continuing to be distributed by Is It Art. Is It Art was founded in 1998 by Martin Nevin, who, upon his acquisition of Emotional Rescue in 2015, reduced his involvement in Is It Art. Martin stepped back into the business earlier this year when conversations developed between Is It Art and Carte Blanche concerning the potential of a combined business opportunity.

Carte Blanche ceo, Alister Marchant commented: “This acquisition is very much part of our long-term plans to represent a comprehensive brand offering across numerous sales platforms.” Alister has extended his role to also become ceo of Is It Art, with Martin continuing a connection as Emotional Rescue products will continue to be distributed by Is It Art. As Alister elaborated on the rationale of the purchase: “With the retail landscape changing faster than ever, at CBG we recognise that to grow our market share

Below: Martin Nevin (left) and Alister Marchant seal the deal.

Card Factory shows strong first quarter growth

we need to work with exceptional partners which will allow our customers to choose some of the very best brands and products that our industry has to offer.”

Speaking about the acquisition, Brett Smith, commercial director of Danilo, said the company welcomed the acquisition of Is It Art by CBG “as an truly exciting industry development which will be of great benefit to both the vital independent retail sector and their loyal customers.”

And Tim Rudd-Clarke, director of Gemma International, whose products are also distributed by Is It Art, also shared his endorsement.“This is a really good development for the whole industry. Carte Blanche, being such a strong player who understands independent retailers’ needs now owning the key distributor can only be a positive thing for all concerned,” he said.

Rumours quashed about The Works After last month’s news of taking on the ex-Wishing Well Studios team, Dean Hoyle was back in the headlines as rumours gathered pace about The Works being floated. The Sunday Times carried a story that private equity company Endless, which bought The Works out of administration in 2008, has hired the investment bank, Investec, to begin preparing a listing for sale next year.

However, ex-Card Factory founder Dean Hoyle, who is chairman and 35% shareholder of The Works was quick to quash the rumour. As he told PG: “As we say in football, never believe anything you read in the papers!”

The Works has expanded from 226 stores to almost 400 under Endless’ (and Dean’s) ownership.

Sales rose 9% to £154.5 million in the 12 months to May last year. Underlying profits grew 37% to £12.7 million. It is not clear what valuation The Works would command if it were to float. l A few days after the story appeared in The Sunday Times, Dean was back in the spotlight, but this time in the sports pages wearing his hat as owner of Huddersfield Town FC. His beloved Huddersfield beat Reading FC in a penalty shootout to win the Championship playoff and gain promotion to the Premier League next season.

Left: A possible float for The Works?

Card Factory’s trading update for the quarter ending 30 April made good reading, with underlying group sales growth of +6.1%, an improvement on the FY17 full year growth rate of +4.3%. The total reported first quarter revenue increased by +4.9%. For Card Factory stores, like-for-like sales growth was at the upper end of the target range of +1% to +3%.

The company opened 11 new stores in the first quarter, bringing the total estate to 876 stores and remains on track to open a total of 50 stores for the current financial year.

Karen Hubbard, Card Factory’s ceo said: “We have had a good start to the year with like-for-like store sales at the upper end of our targeted range. Our store opening programme remains on track and we are pleased with the performance of this year’s openings, including strong initial sales from the increased proportion of openings in retail parks. ” Above: Card Factory is set to open more stores on retail parks.

Card retailer joins ‘forces’ with local community Independent retailer Beverley Heyworth and her staff of Blue Rose Gifts and Balloons in Heywood, greater Manchester really got behind the town’s annual 1940s Day, in celebration of Armed Forces Day recently.

“The whole town takes part, the shops get dressed up, there are stalls, activities and a parade for veterans, Cubs, Scouts and Cadets,” says Beverley, who made an air raid shelter out of balloons.

In addition Blue Rose also showed Pathé newsreels, played 1940s films and music and even had a ‘learn to be a British spy’ event for the children.

Beverley had a very important additional job to do this year. “The whole parade stopped in front of the memorial gardens and I let off 22 balloons as it was the anniversary of the Aden conflict where 22 local people died and also for the 22 people who died in the Manchester bombing. When the parade stopped I was there to let the balloons off in the one minute’s silence.”

Above: Blue Rose Gifts all decked out for 1940s day.

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CALL ME FRANK STATIONERY Introducing brand new Call me Frank stationery See it first at Harrogate Home & Gift 16-19 July 2017 - Stand DP1-23

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NEWS PEOPLE

TOP STORY

Immensely Sad Time Farewell to Lynn Tait who made a difference Lynn Tait, publisher, retailer, founder of The Ladder Club, photographer, wife, mother, grandmother and great friend to many, died peacefully at home on June 1 with her family, having lost her hard fought battle with Myeloma, a rare bone marrow cancer, aged 68.

Lynn Tait’s motto was Carpe Diem, meaning ‘seize the day’, and she certainly lived up to that, right up to her untimely end. However, her legacy lives on in so many ways, in so many people, in so many businesses and among so many communities.

Lynn had been a card and gift retailer for over 30 years (The Lynn Tait Gallery in Old Leigh-on-Sea, in Essex).

She was a postcard and card publisher for many decades too, working with some of the world’s best known photographers, notably Charlie Waite

Below: Lynn at Buckingham Palace with some of the cards that hundreds of school children created for the Queen’s birthday card competition she instigated.

(with whom she set up the Waite and Tait card publishing imprint but also trailblazing the way photographic images can be printed on cards.

While Lynn loved coming up with ideas for her card publishing business (and the spin off art exhibitions it spawned), what she loved even more was helping small publishers through The Ladder Club. The annual Ladder Club seminars that Lynn has pioneered over the last two decades (and the bonds that have been made by the attendees) has helped hundreds and hundreds of card publishers to not only get onto the ‘greeting card ladder’ but climb up its rungs.

Lynn really was ‘one of a kind’, her generosity of spirit knew no bounds, her pioneering determination was infectious and her love of life, family and friends made her an absolute joy to know.

Lynn would never have been able to do all the wonderful things she did without the support of her lovely husband Andy. She was immensely proud of her four children (Debbie, Ralph, Paul and Daniel) and enjoyed being ‘team Granny’ with her 13 grandchildren.

Over 360 people attended Lynn’s funeral on June 12 at St Saviour’s Church in Westcliff-on-Sea, with a wake held at the Maritime Rooms in the Cliffs Pavilion; which was very fitting as this is the spiritual home of Lynn’s Ladder Club.

See more tributes on pages 75-76.

Record results for IG Design Group Major supplier of greeting cards, giftwrap, crackers and stationery, IG Design Group reported some impressive financial results for the year ended 31 March 2017. Revenue was up 31% to £311 million (2016: £237 million), with the profit before tax up 32% to £13 million (2016: £9.9 million).

Highlights of the financial year: a significant three year commitment secured for the supply of greeting cards to Australia’s largest discount chain, record levels of gift bag and greeting card production in the IG Design factory in China and a year of strong growth in the celebrations product category in the UK. Paul Fineman, ceo, commented: “It is a great pleasure to once again be reporting a year of tremendous progress, with many record outcomes achieved throughout our business.

Having re-branded as ‘Design Group’, we are increasingly able to leverage our global scale as a diversified, design-led, multi-product category and multi-channel business supported by world-class manufacturing and sourcing operations. We are very well placed to continue to grow organically and through product development and innovation, well-considered acquisitions, capitalising on our growing market share and the excellent momentum prevailing throughout the Group.”

Left: IG Design has had big success in providing value greeting cards on an own brand basis.

l Card publishing dynamic duo, Wendy and Steve Jones-Blackett of Wendy Jones-Blackett were recognised for their services to the community when they were crowned the King and Queen of Chapel Allerton (close to Leeds centre) in the Chapel Allerton Community Awards.

Above: Wendy and Steve’s award for services to the community.

l Following the closure of Wishing Well Studios, Words ‘n’ Wishes are pleased to announce that Kate Hughes (right), one of Wishing Wells key artists, will be joining its studio team in Wigan.

Rod Brown managing director said: “We are really pleased to get Kate on board; she will be a valuable addition to our studio team. We look forward to introducing her style and expertise over the coming months.” l Riverside Cards has appointed Andrew James (right) as its managing director. Andrew joined Riverside in November 2016 as commercial director and has been the instigator of a major business improvement programme which is transforming the organisation and strengthening its position as a leading publisher in the convenience and impulse sectors.

Waitrose reshapes its greeting card offer Waitrose is putting plans in place to improve its greeting card selection in order to convert more of its shoppers to buy its greeting cards from the upmarket grocer. A new selection and way of working is aiming to be in place as part of the summer replan which will go into stores in on September 1.

The changes will involve a sizeable percentage of card pockets being given over to a revamped bespoke branded selection of cards (created by Hallmark, Waitrose’s greeting card category manager) under a Unique and Different brand. In addition, designs from other publishers will be delivered into store via Hallmark under a brokerage agreement.

Above: One of the new designs for Waitrose.

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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NEWS TOP STORY

NEWS IN BRIEF

Weiss Words Youthful growth on the cards reveals AG head honcho Jeff Weiss, co-ceo of American Greetings, parent company of UK Greetings, jetted into PG Live bringing good news that the Gen Y are really engaging with greeting cards.

“Millennials or Gen Y are the first generation for well over 100 years that are writing more than the previous generation,” Jeff told PG during his visit to the show. “Our research has confirmed that the youth of today are turning back to writing. They don’t particularly like talking on the phone, but feel comfortable writing about their feelings, which is very good news for greeting cards.”

The statistical findings from AG in the States are encouragingly being echoed by the research insights from UKG, which include: l Gen Y is more likely to buy a greeting card than any other generation. l They make up the highest proportion of card buyer. l They are buying more than their fair share of cards.

l The Sherwood Group and Loxleys have launched their new training scheme, The SmartAcademy. The academy was developed by the Group’s dedicated in-house team, providing training sessions with a focus on promoting customer centric culture, teamwork, concrete learning processes and practices, and knowledge sharing. l Publisher Two Beans announced its rebrand at PG Live. Two Beans has always been part of the Amelie brand, but as a separate identity. It has now been consolidated within the Amelie brand and renamed Calligraphica. In addition, Amelie will be unveiling a number of new ranges of greeting cards, commencing with our colourful #hashtag and Boheme collections.

l Over a quarter of Late Gen Y

card buyers spend more than 10 minutes at the shelf choosing a greeting card.

“Gen Y are of particular interest to us because they are the future of our category and staying in touch with their card needs is essential – and so far we seem to be having a lot of success,” commented Lois Holcroft, director of product management & insight at UKG.

Above: New logo for Amelie, now encompassing Two Beans.

l The charity Help for Heroes has announced the launch of a new stationery range and a Christmas card and giftwrap collection for 2017 from licensee Otter House Card and Gift. The stationery range includes notebooks, magnets, key rings, ceramic mugs, pens and a jigsaw. This array is colourful, bold and features the work of illustrator Bryn Parry, who co-founded the charity with his wife Emma.

Top: AG co-ceo Jeff Weiss (left) and UKG group sales and marketing director, James Conn, on the UKG stand at PG Live.

Above: A Valentine’s card – or a ‘Galentines’ design from UKG for 2018, based on the emerging trends of Gen Y girls celebrating Valentine’s with friends and sending cards to each other.

Felixstowe card retailer celebrates 70 years The Card Centre is one of the oldest shops in the Suffolk seaside town of Felixstowe and has been in the same family for three generations.

John Barratt is the current owner and has been involved in the shop for over 40 years.

John and the team treated their customers to cake and coffee as they celebrated 70 years in business at the end of June. The celebration cake featured a picture of the shop, showing what it looked like 70 years ago. The same image is also the design on a range of limited edition cotton shoppers, which have gone down a treat with customers!

Right: John Barratt and the celebration cake.

Paperchase postpones US expansion plans Paperchase is delaying its plans to open stores in the States due to the uncertainty of the market conditions on the other side of the Atlantic. Instead it is concentrating its growth in the UK. Paperchase had earmarked sites in Chicago and had been developing some specific product ranges for the US market as the stores were initially planned to have opened by now.

Timothy Melgund (left), ceo of Paperchase told PG: “We have postponed our US openings until 2018, probably due to the uncertainty over there. We are waiting for clarity on a number of different elements, including import duties.”

However, he remains bullish about the growth potential for Paperchase on UK soil, in retail parks, major high streets and in smaller town locations.

Paperchase has recently opened in Glasgow Fort, an impressive retail park which has a catchment of over 2 million people and encompasses 90 brands. Glasgow Fort has extended opening hours until 10pm, the longest of any Scottish centre, with 50% of trade taking place after 5pm.

“We also have a store in Teeside Retail Park and Whiteley Village, near Fareham, which are trading well,” said Timothy, who also highlighted how its stores in smaller towns, the most recent of which being Berkhamsted, are also faring well.

l ArtPress received some welcome exposure for its Royal Academy range with two full windows of the Funky Pigeon store in Paddington fanfaring the RA’s Summer Exhibition as well as the opportunity to buy ArtPress greeting cards of some of the exhibits in the store. (See page 55).

Above: RA Summer Exhibition promo in the window of Funky Pigeon at Paddington.

l UK Greetings has created a bespoke birthday card to help Huddersfield-based Kirkwood Hospice celebrate its 30th anniversary. Patients, staff and volunteers at the hospice chose the final design, by Liz Kay, from the shortlist of designs produced by the UK Greetings’ creative team.

Bradford-based print and wrapping firm Wrapid Manufacturing produced 3,000 cards free of charge.

Above: A birthday card created for Kirkwood Hospice.

l Jo Scott from Scott & Robson is now to licence all of her designs to Natural Partners Art. Customers will be able to order cards through Natural Partners Art now, as well as having access to a wider range of work from Natural Partner Art’s other artists.

Jo said of the move: “I chose Natural Partners Art because of its experience and I knew quality would be maintained. I very much like Joe Cole [cofounder] and what he is trying to achieve with his business which is a great working relationship between artist and publisher.”

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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NEWS The world’s favourite colour

TOP STORY

Pictura This

Below: Pictura’s ceo Erik Arpi (right) and Stuart Hancock at PG Live.

Below left: Some of the designs from Cardmore.

Trading as Cardmore Ltd

Global publisher launches Cardmore as a UK standalone subsidiary Pictura, one of the largest global greeting card companies, has launched Cardmore, a UK subsidiary which will operate totally independently from a base in North Yorkshire.

The new company is headed up by UKbased Stuart Hancock as director, working with co-directors Urban Olsson and Charlie Wallin. Stuart is no stranger to the Pictura brand as until March of this year he was involved with Jean Barrington, which distributes some of the company’s noncard products.

This is however, the first time for many years that Pictura will have a designated greeting card presence in the UK. Pictura is a leading greeting card group, comprising many companies across Europe, the largest of which is in its homeland of Sweden. In addition, it also has a subsidiary in the US. “I have known and worked with Urban for over ten years and Charlie for five years.

I’m very excited to have been given the

opportunity of working with these guys more closely and with the Pictura brand,” commented Stuart.

Cardmore, which started trading from July, is debuting with 100 greeting card designs across five ranges covering photographic, humour, traditional floral, occasions and fun.

“Pictura has an impeccable record in producing high quality products that are appropriate for the market at which they are aimed,” says Stuart. “We have a programme to launch new ranges every three months, providing the agents and retailers with a constant stream of something new and fresh.”

Cardmore will be based in Whitby and its products will be sold via a team of agents.

The world’s favourite colour has been announced by paper company GF Smith as ‘Marrs Green’ as part of the Hull UK City of Culture 2017 celebrations. Hull-based GF Smith, a leading supplier of board to card publishers, started the search to discover the world’s favourite colour earlier this year, asking thousands of people spanning over 100 countries worldwide to pick their favourite colour on its website.

The winning colour – a shade of green – was picked by Annie Marrs of Dundee and it will be named after her. She will be invited to see the colour being made into a beautiful bespoke paper at the mill in the Lake District and introduced to the Colorplan paper range from the GF Smith paper collection.

As well as ‘the world’s favourite colour’ initiative, GF Smith also worked with eight leading creatives to create 'Paper City', a series of beautiful, surprising and colourful temporary installations across a range of sites in Hull city centre, made from GF Smith’s Colorplan range of paper. Paper City runs from 30 June – 9 July with the aim of challenging people's perceptions of Hull and offering different ways to experience the city.

Above: Marrs Green is the 51st colour to be added to GF Smith’s Colorplan collection.

These boots are made for walking Over 30 people from the greeting card industry took part in the Cardgains Seaside Shuffle on June 22 – a 25 mile walk from Whitby to Scarborough – to raise money for the Cardgains charity of the year, the Guide Dogs. The walkers started off in glorious sunshine, however that didn’t last, with rain torrential rain making the going soggy.

But that didn’t dampen spirits as Penny Shaw, marketing director of Cardgains commented: “Another great day was had by all the walkers on the 2017 Cardgains Charity Challenge. The 25 mile walk from Whitby to Scarborough threw up some challenges and the weather wasn’t kind, but the group still arrived in Scarborough ahead of schedule.”

Around £10,000 has been pledged for the walkers to support Guide Dogs.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the country in the Lake District, on 24 June sales agent Ian Bradley and his wife, Lorraine (from Rush Designs), laced up their boots and along with Ian’s brother and partner (and Mollie the dog) set off to complete 10 mountains in 10 hours.

Ian tells the story of the day: “We set off at 7am and the weather throughout the day was certainly mixed with light drizzle up in the clouds and bright sunshine out of the clouds. The main feature was the persistent high winds through most of the day. We finished at 7pm and with tired limbs we enjoyed a specially brewed 10-in-10 beer. In total we walked 26 miles, up and down over 10 mountains and we have raised a total of just over £1,000 for the MS Society.”

Above: Walkers at the start of the Seaside Shuffle in Whitby.

Below left: A well-earned pint for Ian Bradley, Andy Bradley, Didi Hill and Lorraine Bradley.

WHSmith sales up 2% WHSmith’s latest trading statement for the 15 week period from 1 March to 10 June 2017 showed that total Group sales were up 2%, with like-for-like sales flat. This growth is coming from the Travel business where total sales were up 8% (of which 2% relates to benefits from growing international business) and like-for-like sales up 5%.

The company reports that the High Street business is in line with expectations, with total sales down 4% with like-for-like sales also down 4%.

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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NEWS TOP STORY

Yorkshire Beckons Heading for Harrogate Home & Gift With independent retailers in mind, a strong line-up of speakers will be taking to the stage at the Harrogate Convention Centre's Great Northern Retail Forum at Home & Gift, Harrogate, which takes place from July 16-19. Topics covered will include: top 10 trends for this Christmas, building your presence on social media, the growing Made in Britain movement and many more.

Over 1,000 products will be showcased at this year's exhibition, which covers four main sectors: Design-led Gifts; Jewellery and Fashion; Home Interiors and Greetings and Stationery, which is in its own dedicated marquee again this year.

No Joy in a pre-pack

"The Greetings and Stationery sector within Home and Gift is going from strength to strength, this year we have an amazing array of greeting cards in our dedicated Greetings and Stationery Gallery,” says show director Cleere Scamell.

This year’s GCA’s Thinking of You Week will also be promoted at the show, with branding prominently displayed directing visitors to the Greetings and Stationery marquee.

(See Innovations pages 43-51 for some of the products on show.

Above: Greetings and Stationery has its own marquee at Home & Gift at Harrogate.

Left: Look out for the Thinking of You Week banner.

Irish art treasures “One in ten British people has an Irish grandparent,” says Marion Hancock, director of Art Cards Ireland, who will be exhibiting at Harrogate Gift & Home this month (Stand GS 69). “The Irish are one of the most widely scattered nationalities in the world, and in Britain of course there is a close connection”.

Marion is now based in a coastal village just south of Dublin, with seals and scuba divers swimming by her window. However she grew up in Newcastle upon Tyne where her bedroom walls were covered in cards from Camden Graphics and Gallery Five. “I never thought it was a business I’d be professionally involved in,” says Marion, whose career has included editing Design Council’s magazine Design for five years.

When she moved to Ireland Marion noticed that most greeting cards on offer in Ireland were British. “I felt there should be more home-grown Irish stuff available and thought, somebody should do that. Then I thought, maybe I could do that.”

Art Cards Ireland publishes cards based on original art by more than 40 Irish artists.

Above: Art Cards Ireland has published Centaurea Montana II by Irish printmaker Grainne Cuffe. Grainne’s work has been exhibited at the Royal Academy in London, and in galleries across Ireland.

Anniversary celebrations Really Good and Soul will be in full anniversary mode at Harrogate marking the companies 30th and 20th year milestones respectively (on stand DP1-16).

Look out for the new Really Good and Soul catalogue in the post prior to Harrogate – the catalogue includes a £30 off voucher for Really Good customers and a £20 off voucher for Soul customers to spend either at Harrogate, Autumn Fair or with sales representatives before the end of September.

Fashion and lifestyle retail chain, Joy has gone into administration, but has been bought back by its former owners, leaving the publishers that supplied it with unpaid debts. As predicted by Cardsharp in the last edition of Progressive Greetings, Joy (which traded from 32 stores), did a prepack deal, which enabled it to divest itself of debts.

This is the second time in the last decade that the business has gone into administration, in September 2008, before it was bought by Louche London.

Above: Joy will continue trading in 21 locations.

Sainsbury’s trials full facing greeting cards Sainsbury’s is upping its commitment to greeting cards on both the product front as well as the environment in which they are displayed.

On June 25, the grocer initiated a trial involving 20 stores which involves gauging customer response to displaying cards full face. All stores involved will see the new fixtures introduced by July 6.

In addition, throughout the estate, Sainsbury’s, working closely with UKG its category partner, has embarked on a staggered refresh of all its card categories.

Commenting, Carly Pearson, senior buyer of cards and wrap at Sainsbury’s told PG: “We are doing well with greeting cards, but are committed to moving everything on to make it even more attractive for our customer to shop for cards in our stores.”

Following on from the refreshing the children’s and adult captions, last month saw it tackle the ancillaries side, and this month sees it make changes to its standalone ranges. The new ranges will be instore by the end of July.

Above: Sainsbury's is looking to improve its card displays.

Right: A Bright Side compact mirror from Really Good, starred on Coronation Street recently.

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OVER THE COUNTER

It’s Our Responsibility Independent card and gift retailer, David Robertson, co-owner of JP Pozzi in Scotland, discusses Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), or in other words, just being good to each other.

It feels at present as if the UK is lurching from one tragedy to another. The catastrophic fire that blazed in the heart of London recently, followed by London’s Finsbury Park attack, closely on the heels of the Manchester, Westminster and Borough Market attacks, has put everyone on the back foot. It feels like we have never have the chance to regain normality with one tragedy after another, and in truth we are all still reeling.

Throw into this mix the General Election, and the country feels like it is in a state of flux. There were no real winners in the election, as although the Conservative Party won it lost a lot of constituencies and a majority wasn't reached.

Brexit too looms large and we have no idea if it will be soft or hard or indeed what it will really mean to you and me. Uncertainty in anything is a dangerous thing, and like crossing a road you just need to get to the other side. Hanging about in the middle for too long is never a good thing as that is where you are most vulnerable.

So how does this affect me in Buckie or those in Bury, Birmingham or any other places not beginning with B? It is not good for us personally or in business terms and that of course puts us under increased strain.

What has been very encouraging through all this is the level of help and resilience offered from members of the public, from celebrities, as everyone realises that at times like these we need to pull together.

The press and social media are littered with stories of the public opening the doors of their homes to those in need, and those with very little giving their own clothes and time.

And newsfeeds are full of pictures showing huge admiration for the emergency services risking their own lives to protect and serve.

Each of these incidents makes us realise that everyone needs to stand together to get through all this.

24

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

As is always the case, what we would have referred to a few years ago as being ‘guid to ane anither’ (that is Doric for ‘look after each other’), has a technical term - Corporate Social Responsibility.

CSR is an ethical framework which suggests that an entity, whether a group, company, organisation, government or indeed an individual, has an obligation to act for the benefit of society at large. This doesn’t need to just be in response to some of the incidents that we have recently seen. It can simply be a year round or life choice.

Often when I meet with large companies, or indeed business groups, Corporate Social Responsibility is mentioned, and for a long time I wondered if this really applied to me in terms of what I do. I was also a tad cynical that a lot of these companies were really just paying lip service to it and ticking the box. In truth, it really is all about whether you engage with caring.

Caring, of course, can take on many forms. Most people, I believe, want to contribute and make a difference to our society and realistically you can do this by something as simple as separating your recycled rubbish properly. It may also be that

Above: The Fire Brigade was cheered and clapped by local residents for their heroic efforts at the Grenfell Tower fire.

you decide to support specific charities. It may be that you welcome the skills of those with disabilities into your business in terms of work experience or indeed a full-time job. It can in fact be anything that results in a positive outcome not only for your business but also for the person and indeed for your mental health and well-being.

Even in these difficult times I know and see the difference that small businesses like yours or mine make every day to all sorts of things. From my personal point of view in the last year I have lost count of the amount of charity donations we have given - to school fetes, coffee mornings, drama groups and charities, such as Guide Dogs for the Blind, Macmillan and many others.

We also actively support many initiatives that encourage young people into work and help them find their roles within the community. One such charity is the Moray Reach Out Scheme, which gives those with learning disabilities the chance to interact and work with businesses to help recycle waste. Yes it is more expensive than getting a Biffa Waste Collection to do it but you get to

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OVER THE COUNTER see the young people smiling and engaging with your staff as they collect and sort. I love chatting to them and they love when they see me as it always results in a free drink or cake for them.

These types of schemes, when times are tough, can be the first things to go, or at least be under threat. It is to make you aware as a business person that when you engage with your community it does make a difference, and of course you will get far more back than you probably know: As my granny would say “you reap what you sow”.

CSR is very much part of what modern business does. Honesty and integrity are what people look for so when your business is seen as a sponsor it helps to embed you into the local community. When people see you and your staff actively supporting many different charities, again it creates a very positive vibe.

Many of you will be in a similar situation to ourselves, where your business has been part of the community forever, and in truth this is the reason it survives and thrives. You, of course, can’t support everything and we have rules about what we do support, how often and when.

CSR is not only important for the customer, it is also important when you recruit staff. Having this type of caring attitude and inclusive belief has been proven to be very popular and encourages better candidates to apply to work for companies who support the CSR belief.

A 2013 survey by Cone communication showed that 90% of shoppers actively seek companies they believe support good causes.

They also rated their trust in these companies much higher. It is no longer enough to say will we or won’t we? It is more a case if how much can we do?

The survey involved over 10,000 shoppers across the UK, USA, Canada, Brazil, Germany, France, Russia, China, India and Japan, and really tried to get a global view of how the public view things.

Left: A lovely day for all! David and the children who are part of the charity Children of Chernobyl.

Below left: Caring and looking after each other benefits people, your own mental health and businesses too.

Below right: A Help for Heroes design from Noel Tatt - a percentage of the cards’ sales go to the charity.

It shared lots of interesting findings. l Only 6% believed that a business’ soul

responsibility was to make profit. l 80% said they wanted to work for

companies who valued interaction with causes. l 20% of shoppers actively looked for

companies that always supported charities and encouraged friends and families to do the same. l 85% believed they had a role to play in terms of purchasing responsibly for the environment, which was and is a key thing in terms of looking after the planet.

The environment is a key goal of CSR. Small businesses often don’t think they have a part to play in this when in fact they do. Small things can help. For example we moved over to waterless urinals in all our coffee shop toilets saving both money and the environment. We are also very active in recycling. Despite what President Trump says, we need to think about the planet for future generations.

I know that it is not cool to shout about what you do but social media of course is where the public goes to find out about a company’s social initiatives. This platform allows for the casual conversation so you can share what you do.

I plan to have at least one story about our social responsibility each month, and hopefully improve to one each week on Facebook and other social media platforms. I want people to see us engage.

A great example of this is the charity Children of Chernobyl. It is a local group who take 20 children whose families have been affected by the tragedy in 1986. We treated all the children and adults to lunch at our restaurant and gave them a little soft toy gift. The children also enjoyed an ice cream out on the beach. It was probably one of the best days I spent last year and in real terms cost me very little. It had an amazing response online with over 10,000 views of the pictures, so a win for all, especially the children.

The next step on from a simple donation or action is to do something long-term.

There are several card publishers, such as Noel Tatt who’s Help for Heroes range, which donates a percentage of its collection’s sales all year round. I am also looking at putting a programme in to the business to support one charity all year.

Anytime consumers see that their purchase is directly helping it is a win win for all. It is also interesting to note that the backlash to Black Friday/Cyber Monday has seen a new day created called Giving Tuesday.

The idea being that all companies should engage and support a charity that day.

The final reason that I am suggesting that you help others is quite simply for your own mental health and well-being.

Mental health is a subject that is finally being brought out into the open. Slowly but surely we are no longer afraid to speak about the things that affect and influence us.

SCR, or what I like to call being a good human being, is as much to do with how it makes you feel as it is about what people get out of it. Being altruistic is proven to bring happiness followed by longer periods of calm. It also reduces your stress levels, improves your mood and confidence, reduces isolation and helps keep things in perspective.

Do-gooding is contagious, which is great as others see it, experience it and join in. It helps you create a ‘kindness bank of good thoughts and feelings’ that you can draw on in the future. It is also felt that helping others help us live longer. You could volunteer or mentor or maybe just do a random act of kindness, but most of all you just need to care.

CSR is what you probably do every day, and in the world that we live in we just need to keep doing it more and more.

To contact David email: jppozzi@btconnect.com PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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CARDSHARP

“Reasons To Be Cheerful…

One, Two, Three!”

In the last month, despite the sunny weather, there have certainly been plenty of traumatic and depressing news headlines. Terrorist incidents, the Grenfell Towers fire, an election result leaving us in a state of limbo, endless debates about Brexit and general economic uncertainty have all had a draining effect on us.

In times like these Cardsharp thinks it is good to reflect on the words of that late great 1970’s philosopher, Ian Drury, and his esteemed intellectual colleagues, ‘the Blockheads’, and reflect that we in the greeting card industry, despite the headlines, have many “Reasons to be Cheerful… One, Two, Three!”

Yes, retail is tough, costs are rising, footfall is a perennial problem, but considers Cardsharp, there are many worse retail sectors to be in at the moment, and greeting card sales and card giving are holding up pretty well all things considered.

For example, one positive benefit of the EU Referendum result was that the subsequent fall in the value of the £pound has made UK greeting card design even more attractive as an export. The UK has always been seen as the ‘mothership’ of the global greeting card industry, but the cheaper £pound has made us even more attractive for overseas markets. Leading UK card publisher The Art File was recently awarded the Queen’s Award for Export, only

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PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

a year after another stellar player, Blue Eyed Sun, received the prestigious award.

Meanwhile, last month’s PG Live trade show was literally swamped with buyers and distributors from all over the world, the numbers being well up on previous years. They came from as far afield as Japan, New Zealand, Australia and North America, and the show had many publishers reporting record export business written as a result.

One of the great things about the UK greeting industry is that, unlike so many other sectors, it has created a true exporting culture. And talking of culture, we in the greeting card

Above: Ian Dury.

industry are acquiring a reputation of being at the forefront of fashion and are attracting some of the top young and older designers in the country into the industry. Digital printing is enabling this talent to get product to market quickly, and sell it even more quickly, keeping our greeting card industry current and exciting.

The leading digital printer for small publishers, The Imaging Centre, for example, printed and dispatched a record 120,000 cards to retailers in the few days after PG Live, something that would not have been possible until relatively recently.

Not only that but IG Design, (formerly known as International Greetings), the UK’s largest giftwrap, cracker and card supplier, and one of our few stock market listed companies, reported a 31% increase in sales, taking its turnover to a massive record breaking £311million, with annual pre-tax profits of £13million. Who says we will soon be living in a paperless society?

Even retail sales picked up in June.

Cardsharp noticed a CBI survey reported that 23% of the retailers it polled said that their sales volumes had risen compared to the previous June, and only 11% said they were down.

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CARDSHARP

And it is good to reflect and enjoy just how deeply engrained card sending is in the UK. The results of a recent major research project conducted by OC and C, commissioned by Card Factory, predicted that the UK greeting card market is on course to grow by 1.2% a year by value until 2019 at least. Not bad for an industry that many male ‘experts’ predicted 15 years ago would not exist by 2015. In fact, quite the opposite is happening. Additional research findings from OC and C showed the opposite.

Back in 2012 some 25% of consumers said that they would send a digital message in place of a card. But by 2016, the figure for digital substation had dropped to 18%. If these forecasts prove correct, by 2020 we could be heading towards being a £2 billion industry.

And talking of Card Factory, a report by the consumer champions, Which? of 10,000 consumers, voted it the ninth most pleasurable chain to visit in terms of customer experience. And its sales rose to a fraction under £400 million.

All of this is great, but we should never forget the primary reason for us to be

cheerful is that we work in an industry that allows everybody to express their positive feelings to other individuals. We are, in effect, muses Cardsharp, without wishing to be too sentimental, a ‘paper hug’, which surely given all the bad things going on in the world is a whole lot better than being a ‘digital troll!’ It is no coincidence, reflects Cardsharp, that our industry has a unique reputation for inclusiveness and friendliness.

Surely part of this is the nature of the product we are all involved in?

It was great to see this all come together, as publishers, retailers and

suppliers alike were keen to vote in the GCA Tagline ‘election’ at PG Live, with the phrase ‘Send a card, deliver a smile’ achieving a landslide victory - not something any political party was able to claim later that day when the results of the General Election were announced!

Now, Cardsharp has not been living in some Panglossian fantasy world for the last month, but perhaps sometimes we just need to reflect about the many positive things that make our industry so great. So altogether now, concludes Cardsharp, “Hit me with your Rhythm Stick!”

Mind you, the greeting card industry is certainly not “Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll”, well certainly not in Cardsharp’s circle.

Above: The fall in the value of the £pound has attracted greeting card export.

Right: A report by Which? voted Card Factory the ninth most pleasurable multiple to shop in.

Below: Marlon Brando in Apocalypse Now.

All aboard on platform two Now on not such an upbeat subject. Cardsharp’s diatribe last month on us all sleepwalking into a future world where all that exists, and everything we do, is controlled by the three digital giants, Facebook, Amazon and Google, and in which there are no physical shops or indeed greeting cards, certainly generated a lot of comment. Their avoidance of tax, their use of their unlimited finance to create monopolies, their blatant plagiarism and their lack of taking any responsibility for their actions, were all things that in the main most people agreed with. But this was also countered with a comment like, “Yes I know but I can’t live without them because they make life so much easier”.

In Cardsharp’s view, one of the most interesting but most disingenuous defences is the one that both Google and Facebook throw up when criticised for publishing the most vile and dangerous material online or blatantly publishing someone else’s intellectual content, is it is not their responsibility to monitor content, they are just a ‘platform’. Well you could say the same about greeting cards. We are just a paper ‘platform’ as opposed to a digital one. Can you imagine though the outrage if greeting cards started appearing containing the most vile, extreme, pornographic, hate-inducing material. Or if publishers just started shamelessly reprinting other publishers’ cards without even bothering to change them. And what about the card shops selling them?

Surely they are just ‘platforms’ and so would be absolved of any legal and moral responsibility as well.

Cardsharp knows this is a ridiculous scenario, but so is the current situation regarding the lack of responsibility the digital monoliths take for their actions. To quote the title of Joseph Conrad’s great novel, on which the great Vietnam war film Apocalypse Now is based: ‘Within some of these organisation lies a ‘Heart of Darkness’.

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

27

PRESENTS

This is just a snapshot of our range!

To find out more about our Signography by Celebrations collection, or to become a stockist visit our website:

www.widdop.co.uk sales @ widdop.co.uk | 0161 688 12 26

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PG Live In Pictures

The Greetings

Gathering They came from the length and breadth of the UK and from all corners of the world, with one thing in common - greeting cards!

PG shares snapshots from the ninth ever PG Live exhibition, at which retailers, publishers, overseas distributors and trade suppliers came together at the industry’s biggest two day networking event at which business mixed with pleasure with great aplomb.

Right: Leading retail buyers and overseas distributors formed part of the official ribbon cutting to declare PG Live 2017 open for business.

Below: Heritage Art/SMS’ Pete Goodman (left) and Mike Apicella got into character to convert retailers to its new humorous range, The Vicar of Scribbly.

Above: A ‘sunshine moment’ on the White Cotton Cards’ stand as Love It’s Will and Amanda Oscroft spent their Sunshine Ticket with the publisher who was showing at PG Live for the first time.

Below: Is there a vicar in the house? Rush Designs’ Lorraine and Ian Bradley relived their recent nuptials at PG Live (with SMS’ Pete Goodman and Mike Apicella acting as vicars) enjoying their ‘wedding reception’ with their friends in the trade.

Below: UKG’s Rebecca Turton and Ben Whittington ‘feel the force’ by battling it out with the publisher’s new Star Wars extendable lightsaber design.

Below: Retailer winners and finalists of The Retas and The Greats met up with their peers at a champagne reception both days and saw their names on the Wall of Fame.

Right: Threads’ Kate Stephenson (left) and Emma Watson (right) clink glasses with fellow indie Nicola Goodman of Paddock Wood Cards at The Retas/The Greats Champagne Reception.

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PG Live In Pictures

Above: The two winners of the On The Cards competition (4th left) Joe Cox and (4th right) Xiao Lin were presented with their certificate in the Springboard Lounge where their work was put on display. (Right-left) Organisers and sponsors of the competition, Reggie Pugh, Philippa Pihipps (both of The Art Group/Paper Rose), Mark Jessett (GF Smith), Hazel Walker, Gemma Clooney (both of Paperchase) and Nickey Marshall (The Sherwood Group).

Above: Despicable Me 3’s Stuart the Minion and Felonious Gru joined the ‘cast’ of Danilo at PG Live.

Left: Lagom Design organised for saxophonist extraordinaire Graeme Airth (of Curiousity Killed the Cat fame) to play to mark the show’s opening as well as during lunch.

Below: The brightly coloured giant ‘lollipop’ balloons and pillars stylishly bedecked with Lagom giftwrap added to the vibe of the lunchroom that was sponsored by the publisher in celebration of its 10th anniversary.

Right: Some of the Lagom Design team celebrating the company’s 10th anniversary. (Right-left) Kelly Hyatt, Paula Mearns, Holly Northcott, Howard Gregory (agent) and Shivraj Idoine.

Below: Percy the tawny owl was a real draw to Jill Hunter’s Owl My Love’s stand.

Below: (Right-left) Clear Creations' Tanya Darling and Vicki Pryor toasted the company's 10th anniversary with fellow neighbouring exhibitors Simon Wadsworth (Wraptious), Hannah Malekzad and Chris Bryan (both from Second Nature).

Below: Toasted Crumpet’s Jo Clarke with a clutch of special tickets that retailers had spent against orders placed with her at the show.

Right: Cardigan Cards’ Davina Richardson with a four-legged friend Doug, that helped to launch the company’s new Furry-Tails of Freedom magnet gift cards range.

Left: The Opening Night party saw visitors and exhibitors let their hair down after the excitement of the first day of the show.

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PG Live In Pictures

Left: Party time! Having come all the way from Sydney, Jenny Cummins of Macmillan Cards (far left) deserved her drink, but then so did the others! (Right-left) Miles Robinson (House of Cards), Becky Mayhew (Lucilla Lavender), Jim Gregory (agent), Lucilla Lavender and Nina Bialoguski (both of Lucilla Lavender).

Right: Cheers! Independent retailers enjoying the networking.

(Right-left) Fiona and Victoria Robinson (Wishes of Cockermouth), Cheryl Garnett (Greet Someone Happy) with John and Gillian Harrison of Cards & Candles.

Left: A Manchester ‘United’ bunch. (Rightleft) Raj Arora, Niraj Arora (both of Davora), Claire Williams (Paper Salad), Andrew and Stephen Illingworth (both of Widdop and Co) with Jack Wilson and Karen Wilson (both of Paper Salad) - all of whose businesses are based in Manchester.

Below: All smiles! (Right-left) Louie Tiler (Louise Tiler Designs), Dave Parry (Graphite Print), Pennie Bryant (Tache) and Zoe Bailey (Louise Tiler).

Above: (Left) Cath and Rosie Tate ‘take the biscuit’ by celebrating the company’s 35th anniversary at the show.

Right: Soul’s Lisa Marcuccio marking the company’s 20th anniversary, with the celebrations including giving away bespoke bars of delicious chocolate.

Below: Mask-arade came up ‘Trump’s’ with its celebrity masks.

Right: Money changed hands with the annual bet between (left) Steve Jones-Blackett (Wendy Jones-Blackett) and agent Alan Potter over how well Leeds United performed in the 2016/2017 season (Steve’s team) in comparison to Charlton Athletic (Alan’s team). Steve is quids in!

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VIEWPOINTS

Top Of The Pops With so many new ranges and companies debuting at PG Live last month, retailers were spoilt for choice as to what to add to their card racks to pep up their summer offering.

PG put some of the visitors on the spot for what really caught their eye.

Lindsey Kleinlercher

Kirsty Hicks

product director of Between the Lines:

card buyer of Waitrose:

Fave Raves: “As far as products are concerned, we were really impressed with the beautiful, eye-catching wrap and cards from Kali Stileman. Hammond Gower, as usual, had some stunning new collections. I especially loved its large wedding cards and the box of Positive Love Hearts.

The colourful range of notebooks from Go Stationery were great, as were the more subtle, pretty notebooks and cards from Cinnamon Aitch. We were able to place many orders and look forward to receiving these new ranges into our stores imminently."

PG Live Notes: "The Business Design Centre is the perfect location for PG Live. This show is vibrant, exciting and on trend, but still able to maintain its friendly and intimate atmosphere. Not only are the exhibitors of great quality, but there is clearly also a huge amount of attention and care going into the show from the organisers. The food was greatly appreciated and the massive balloons in the lunchroom added to the fun ambience. Thank you PG Live team for a really enjoyable day.”

Fave Raves: “I was very drawn to the Feelgood Cards’ stand due to the great colours and photographic imagery. I also loved Bettie Confetti as the cards expressed what a lot of us feel, but would not necessarily say aloud, and I thought Little Paperie had some beautiful illustrations.

Down in the main body of the show I was impressed by The Art File’s Just Frank and Anthro ranges. I also really liked The Proper Mail Company’s different approach, including the kraft board.

But OMG - Paper Salad! It is incredible what they do, the effort they put into their designs (from the new kids cards to wedding designs) and the stand is amazing.”

PG Live Notes: “A great show that never disappoints! We started in Springboard as usual and discovered loads of great new, innovative products, but there were lots of fresh new ideas from the main body of the show too. We want our card offering to be ‘unique and different’ and found loads of incredibly fresh designs that fit this bill perfectly.”

Above: Lindsey Kleinlercher loved the vibrancy of the show.

Left: A colourful design from Kali Stileman’s Animal Selfies range.

Fiona and Victoria Robinson co-owners of Wishes Cockermouth: Fave Raves: “We love the handwriting approach of Pearl of a Girl, it makes for a very classy look. Other highlights for us are Dandelion Stationery (its use of words has both a humorous and poignant touch) and Amy Louise (we love the colours, format and sentiments such as ‘Proud of You’).”

PG Live Notes: “This was our first trip to PG Live and we loved it as it is cards, cards, cards! As we live, eat and sleep cards, the show celebrates everything we love.”

Above: Newbie publisher Amy Louise was a popular pick for retailers.

Left: Fiona (right) and Victoria Robinson find Wishes on the Wall of Fame.

Above: Kirstie Hicks was delighted to find so many great ranges from publishers new and established.

Left: One of the designs from Bettie Confettie.

Jenni Taylor buyer of Bentalls, Kingston: Fave Raves: “Just some of top picks from the show were: Five Dollar - More Glitter; Lola Design - I Eat Glitter; Catherine Winget - art/landscape scenes; Muffin & Me - for its gorgeous ‘Just to Say’ options; Modern Toss just great humour; Sarah Kelleher - Inky Florals; Sarah Lovell Art - Three Friends; and I Drew This Landmarks.

These ranges were eye-catching, beautiful Left: Jenni Taylor had a long list of ‘loves’ from the show.

Continued on page 35

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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VIEWPOINTS designs with rich colours, and all had something original and different about them to what else is out there currently.

Last but not least, I spent my Retas Golden and Sunshine tickets with Paper Salad. I bought into the new children’s Space range (great for Above: Contemporary sentiment from boys), and the girls’ Muffin and Me hit the spot for Jenni Taylor. equivalent (which was fab, with unicorns and lots of glitter!). The adult age designs in the Space range were also eye-catching and really strong! I also loved some of the new occasions designs.”

PG Live Notes: “What I loved about PG Live is that all the great card companies and suppliers are under one roof and everyone was feeling excited about the new range launches.”

Ed Cowap director of The Hollies, Little Budworth and Lower Stretton: Fave Raves: “In terms of new finds then Jo [Clarke] from Toasted Crumpet was absolutely delightful and we enjoyed spending our Retas Sunshine ticket with her. We are looking forward to making a beautiful display as we ordered a good mix of products.”

PG Live Notes: “Obviously a lot of hard work goes into making PG Live the success that it clearly is. We find it a very well laid out show that is very easy to navigate, but what stands out is the buzz and friendliness of all those participating and attending. We had a wonderful time catching up with lots of our current suppliers seeing what is new and upcoming.”

Above: The Hollies’ team (right-left) Angel Rudd, Ed Cowap and Sean Camm spending their Sunshine Ticket with Toasted Crumpet’s Jo Clarke.

Chris Beards co-owner of Mantons Cards, Port Erin, Isle of Man:

Liz Killick owner of Calladoodles, Carshalton: Fave Raves: “As usual the Springboard section yielded some exciting gems. We will soon be featuring a range of cards from Sweet Design and making our customers chuckle with a selection of slightly naughty Tess cards. Two Beans (now Amelie) has a stylish new selection of hashtag cards which are a must.

Tigerlily showed colourful collaged children and adult cards, and I loved the bejewelled Fairtrade offering from Jabb.

Back in the main arena, Stop The Clock's latest colourful designs caught my eye, and Stephanie Dyment's most recent designs in cards, with matching gift bags and wrap are a must. Hotchpotch impressed me with its take on the trend for neon colours.”

PG Live Notes: “Another very successful PG Live! As a visitor it was good to see that the tried and tested format of the show remains unchanged: familiar layout, easy and speedy to navigate, and plenty of refreshments for the footsore!”

Above and right: Designs from Amelie (top) and Hotchpotch.

Fave Raves: “So much stood out at the show but new ranges from Wendy JonesBlackett, Laura Sherratt and Jelly n Bean were some of the most exciting for us.

Companies we loved, and placed our first order with, included Jessica Hogarth and Stephanie Dyment. And we are looking at least six other new designers and would expect to be placing a couple of orders shortly if we can agree a few things, like margin and exclusivity.”

PG Live Notes: “We had a lovely time and placed a fair amount of orders (actually going over our budget).

As usual the show was wonderfully organised, giving us the opportunity to catch up with friends and existing suppliers, as well as meeting with several new or potential designers for us to stock.”

Above: Mantons’ Chris and Debbie Beards (left) spent their Silver Ticket with Stephanie Dyment.

Right: Jessica Hogarth’s striking design style hit home for Mantons.

Nicky Goodman owner of Paddock Wood Cards, Paddock Wood: Fave Raves: “There were some really great new cards coming through in the Springboard section of PG Live. Plus, some of the established card companies were showing some fantastic fresh ideas too. For example, the Scent with Love scented cards from Cherry Orchard is a really different take.

I spent my Retas Sunshine ticket with Rush Design and my Retas Silver ticket with Springboard exhibitor Paper Sole - both very strong.”

PG Live Notes: “I just loved the atmosphere this year at PG Live. You really feel as though you belong there, which is why I love going.”

Above: Nicky Goodman (left) was delighted to add some extra ‘Sunshine’ to the Rush Designs stand! (Pictured with Sweet Autumn’s Louise Riley (right)).

Right: Newbie Paper Sole got off to a great start in Springboard.

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PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

35

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VIEWPOINTS

Claire Castle senior buyer of greeting cards for WHSmith:

Above: There was lots of great new humorous ranges for Claire Castle (right) at the show. Seen here with Woodmansterne’s Claire Behan.

Fave Raves: “There were a lot of new humour ranges across several publishers which we will look to trial next year.”

PG Live Notes: “I thought ‘Progressive’ was another great trade fair, and something I always look forward to. I actually had a sore throat by the end of the day – too much talking! I will try to plan in two days next year as I had to rush towards the end.

The show is is perfectly timed for us for our 2018 re-plans.

It is a great opportunity to catch up with existing publishers as well as check out new ones.”

Janey and Will Apps

Carly Pearson buyer for cards and wrap for Sainsbury’s:

co-owners of Paper Turtle, Lewes:

Fave Raves: “Paperlink was showing some really strong ranges, Lemon Sorbet being a case in point. I also thought that Hearts Designs had some amazing designs that are simple yet so beautiful.”

PG Live Notes: “This is a great show, with so many great, well designed products.”

Fave Raves: “We spent our Retas Sunshine ticket with the lovely Pearl of a Girl. We also loved the very colourful stand of Angela Chick - we have been following Angela on Instagram for a while, so she was on our checklist. Angela's designs are bright, cheerful and very quirky. If a display really stands out when you walk by, you know it will make a great instore display!

We also checked in with Jessica Hogarth, as we love her punchy style and the detail in her architectural illustrations. The coastal range will make a great window presentation for us over the summer months.

On the look out for any unusual Christmas offerings we found a fab company called Stationery Traffic who create fantastic retro Christmas cards using vintage mountain photography.”

PG Live Notes: “PG Live is definitely one of our favourite shows - it's a great location and although a decent size, you can see it all in a day. We especially loved the Springboard area, which was buzzing with creativity The lunch offering was fantastic again knowing you can roll along there when it suits and take a pit stop is a huge perk of the show.

The quick buffet style means you can grab some tasty food and get back to your shopping list in record time!”

Above: (Left-right) Carly Pearson (Sainsbury’s), Amanda Scrivener and Claire Cheng (both of UKG) with Naomi Boards (Sainsbury’s) at the show.

Lisa Rutherford card buyer of John Lewis: Fave Raves: “Stop the Clock really stood out.

Beautiful cards with a distinct look and feel that is both aspirational yet commercial. I also really like what Louise Mulgrew is doing. She is a fabulous, emerging superstar.”

PG Live Notes: “I always love this show, it is really spirited. We have seen every single one of the 280 stands and are so impressed with the creativity out there.”

Above: John Lewis’ Lisa Rutherford (centre) and Amie Scull (right) with PG’s Jakki Brown outside the Springboard lounge at PG Live.

Left: Stop the Clock really stood out for John Lewis’ Lisa Rutherford.

Amie Scull assistant buyer - stationery, giftwrap and seasonal events for John Lewis: Fave Raves: “Among the best ranges I have seen include those from Meraki, which are very pretty in a lovely smaller format.

I also love how Tache has moved on its Famous Faces collection, which is cool and exciting at the same time.”

PG Live Notes: “The addition of Springboard really sets PG Live apart. It is lovely to have such a condensed exhibition that means we can see everyone we already deal with as well as those who contact us that we don’t yet know, plus make new discoveries.”

Right: Tache Crafts has tapped into the celebrity world with its Famous Faces range.

Top: Janey (centre) and Will Apps with PG’s Gale Astley at The Retas drinks reception at PG Live.

Above: An Angela Chick design.

Continued on page 39

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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VIEWPOINTS

Ros Jones owner of the Celtic Company, Welshpool:

Lesley Dunne owner of Feathering Your Nest, Rayleigh: Fave Raves: “We saw some fresh new companies and talented artists and placed quite a few orders.

Lola Designs, Raspberry Blossom and Counting Stars will be new for us this summer. Some of our best sellers were topped up by Hearts Designs, Megan Claire, Proud Couture and Wraptious.”

PG Live Notes: “We had a memorable day meeting lots of new suppliers and artists. We left loaded with bags filled to the brim with goodies and catalogues to keep us busy! Next year we will definitely come for both days.

The show has a relaxed, chilled vibe and everyone seems happy to be participating. It is a social show, which reflects the extra effort that has been put in for buyers to feel appreciated. Shows are generally hard work, but the delicious free lunch and no long coffee queues helped us stay on track - so everyone’s a winner.”

Above: Lesley Dunne (right) and colleague Lisa Dean (left) spent their Greats voucher with Amanda Mountain of Lola Design.

Fave Raves: “I had a really good day at PG Live and thoroughly enjoyed spending my vouchers - my Retas Golden ticket with Hammond Gower on its new Quirky and Love Letter ranges (not to mention its candles); my Greats Awards ticket and Cardgains vouchers with Widdop and Co on its Amore and Studio Oh! ranges – [sales director] Andrew Illingworth’s perseverance has paid off - after all these years I am now a Widdop customer!

Above: Ros Jones (left) with Nicci Gower on the Foiling and colour were everywhere and the Hammond Gower stand, on which its Quirky and Love quality (and price points) of product is improving all Letter ranges caught Ros’ eyes. the time, which is good to see, as well as helping my margins.”

PG Live Notes: “As always, the hospitality was second to none and really appreciated - so nice to go to a trade show that puts the experience of the attendees right up there, which I am sure helps create the friendly atmosphere.

I came away feeling very positive about the coming year with a few 'newbies' in the portfolio to freshen things up.”

Mark and Leona Janson-Smith co-owners of Postmark, London: Fave Raves: “We started our day at PG Live up in Springboard, looking for the next stand out company and we were not disappointed with the quality of what was on offer. A couple of stand out ones for us were The Grumble and Co and Muffin and Me. Back downstairs with the more seasoned publishers, The Art File continue to excel with yet more top class ranges.

We were also really taken with Hotchpotch, its offering is going from strength to strength.

I think our favourite find of the show though was the fabulous new age cards from Tache, which are just brilliant."

PG Live Notes: "PG Live continues to be the 'BIG' show of the year for the card trade. We had a great day... sore feet and head on Wednesday, but worth it!”

Above: Leona Janson-Smith (right) with Pennie Bryant of Tache.

Right: One of the designs from The Art File’s new Anthropomorphic range.

Fiona Fabien director of Papyrus, Edinburgh: Fave Raves: “I loved Katie Phythian’s eponymous company’s Paintbox range. This bright hand-embellished and beautifully illustrated range will be a winner.

New company, Winged Hat launched a range designed by Zana Duthie. These bright playful contemporary cut-out cards will stand out and I am sure will sell well.”

PG Live Notes: “There was a real buzz about the show and so many fabulous new ranges from the card companies that caught my eye. I sped round placing orders both with existing suppliers and new ones and am looking forward to receiving the fresh new greetings stock.”

Nik Gornall owner of Romantica, Bristol: Fave Raves: “I am so impressed with Linoking – the artwork is lovely and the cards have real texture due to some great embossing.

Our customers really like letterpress, and Wildberry Letterpress’ designs are wonderful and bound to go down well for us.”

PG Live Notes: “PG Live – I love it. It’s my favourite show for many reasons. I like the fact that I can see lots of smaller companies, that do not yet have agents, that are happy to do smaller carriage paid orders so I can try them out.

I like the fact you can discover some great new ranges from newbies and established brands.”

Above: Nik Gornall (right) was delighted to discover Linoking’s impressive collection.

Left: One of the new designs from Linoking.

Above: Bright graphics from newbie Winged Hat.

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Celebrity Focus

Greetings From

Celebs Adele sparked a media frenzy when she went on a greeting card buying spree in John Lewis’ Peter Jones store recently.

Meanwhile, a whole host of other celebs, from Jennifer Aniston and Tom Hiddleston, to Hugh Bonneville and Mary Berry, have vocalised about their love of making cards, while other famous faces, from Barack Obama to Alan Shearer, have not held back on their involvement on the greeting card front.

PG gets the celebrity scoop by sharing some famous faces’ views on the role greeting cards play in modern life.

Some do it for business, others for pleasure and many for good causes... from top music stars, TV stars, comedians or even politicians, so many big names are in the ‘celebrity card club’ - which is all good news for the card trade.

The press lapped up the news when Adele recently bought up John Lewis’ Peter Jones store’s entire stock of Tache Craft’s Famous Faces cards featuring her visage.

Tache’s ‘You Had Me at Hello…’ design featuring Lionel Richie hit just the right note for him too; he loved it so much he tweeted and Facebooked it, wishing his followers a “Happy Valentine’s Day!” Meanwhile, still within the music world, having majored in design, female diva Diana Ross made no secret recently that she had thoroughly enjoyed crafting romantic birdthemed Valentine’s Days cards

with home guru Martha Stewart, and fellow songstress Taylor Swift also admitted that she adores making cards, saying in a press release, "My idea of a great song is a song that says how I feel better than I could. I feel the same way about greeting cards.

I've always been fascinated by feelings and how we express them to each other."

Craft reviver/interior designer, Linda Barker, has also come clean about how she loves a good cardmaking session. “For me, cards are small moments of pure pleasure and joy; little gems that can translate an emotion so quickly,” she explains. “I like funny cards most of all; ones that make me openly laugh out loud.”

While she does make her own cards occasionally, Linda most often buys them, “Often stockpiling them if more than one catches my eye. Once I've Top: Two of Tache’s Famous Faces designs that elicited very positive responses from the celebs they depict.

Above: Kirstie Allsopp has championed greeting cards, both on the crafting front as well as on the retail side, as evidenced by her licensing programme, which included being published

by CardMix. Left: Actor Benedict Cumberbatch raised £2,649 for charity after designing his card design on behalf of Coram, the children’s charity. The card was sold at auction as part of a campaign launched by crafting company Stampin’ Up UK.

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stepped into a card shop, it's difficult to leave in a hurry!”

Another ‘home crafter’ Kirstie Allsopp’s inspiring, bold and original style is reflected in her cards, which exude her passion for pattern. “There is nothing nicer than a handmade card with a personalised handwritten message. It shows that real thought has gone into the occasion or celebration. Moreover, they are easy to tailor-make to individual tastes.”

Other high-profile names, such as Laurence LlewelynBowen, Tracey Emin and Eddie Izzard have seen their designs launch onto greeting cards in recent years, as has musician/author Suzi Quatro. She personally designed a self-drawn collection, which has been close to her heart for many years. “I have always drawn pictures of kids, since falling in love with Walter Keane pictures as a young girl. I am very proud of my Christmas card collection, which I started creating in 1981. It became a personal family statement. I know a lot of people who have kept my cards through the years.”

Gary Barlow, Joanna Lumley, Twiggy, Ewan McGregor... they’re all dab hands at designing, with impressive charity card creations on their CVs. Whether it’s a selfportrait design by Benedict Cumberbatch, an

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Celebrity Focus

FACTBOX l Look out for Linda Barker’s creative workshops, launching in Yorkshire and on cruise ships later this year. Check out her

surface pattern designs for Wren Kitchens: www.wrenkitchens.com/blog/linda-barker-create-unique-kitchen-design/ l Kirstie Allsopp’s Handmade Fair returns to The Green at Hampton Court between 15-17 September 2017:

www.thehandmadefair.com Far right: Actress turned author Carol Drinkwater is a big fan of the handwritten greeting card.

Below: Musician and presenter Suzi Quatro has been publishing her own cards for years featuring her own artwork. (Copyright Suzi Quatro - Gered Mankowitz).

l Suzi Quatro’s poetry book, Through My Eyes, is available worldwide and she has just launched her new novel, The

Hurricane. Further information is available on Suzi’s website: www.suziquatro.com l Carol Drinkwater’s latest novel, The Lost Girl, was published on 29 June. www.caroldrinkwater.com l Watch Create and Craft on Sky 674, Freeview 23, Virgin 748 and Freesat 813, shop via the

website www.createandcraft.com

elaborate work of art by Aled Jones or a mini masterpiece by Ricky Gervais, a whole host of do you know that Jesus warm-hearted big names have is over 2000 years today!! old shown off their creative talents in the name of charity. Sir Michael Parkinson, Frank Lampard and Katherine Jenkins have also showcased their starstudded creative skills.

Fashionable Fearne Cotton injected her cool in to her cute ‘love’-themed charity cards, while Jane Seymour's talents as a watercolour and sketch artist led to a series of greeting cards to support her charities.

Sir Ian McKellen, Rita Ora, Alan Titchmarsh and Louis Smith have all designed doodle charity cards, while bespoke cards designed

by Richard E Grant, Lorraine Kelly and Sir Chris Hoy have all gone under the charity hammer. Fans clamoured to get their hands on Little Mix’s limitededition charity Christmas cards and Ronan Keating made a chart-topping

charity ecard, featuring his hand-drawn snowman and Christmas tree design.

“I’m an ardent practitioner of handwritten cards,” says actress-turnedbestselling author, Carol Drinkwater. “I love to make my own cards out of photographs, cut-outs and bits of flowers and vegetation from the garden.

I get a huge thrill secreting messages and little cards in my husband’s luggage when he’s off travelling. These are placed to be found as the suitcase is unpacked: buried in socks, inside the fold of a shirt etc.”

Carol reveals that she receives dozens and dozens of e-greeting cards from readers and fans. “They always give me a lift but, for me, there is nothing to replace the discovery of a card in the letterbox and the

Patterns emerging When it comes to bang-on-trend surface pattern designs, which tend to translate onto card design, Linda Barker’s in the know.“Surface pattern is emerging from the gloom of a deep slumber; our monotone, single-coloured world is now being stirred with a more creative and happy brush. Now I see a gorgeous emergence of patterned carpets. Hard floors, too are loving the tidal wave arrival of geometric encaustic tiles. Fabrics have also taken on a more joyful tone. Tribal trends brought us out of our gloom with a reliable pattern 'safety net' of wonky geometrics, but now I see full-on leafy prints and monkey-laden boughs billowing all over wallpapers and curtains.”

Below: Linda Barker recognises the close link between surface pattern trends on homewares and greeting cards.

Hearing is believing Reinventing cards with the sound of music with a modern twist, singers such as Sinead O’Connor have released newly-recorded songs as audio cards.

Top of the tree, Sir Cliff Richard doesn’t hold back on his views, having his own sound card design (published by Danilo).

“I love it! It means that I become part of many people's birthday celebrations and I consider that a great privilege. Even though the internet makes it easy to contact friends and family, I still have a soft spot for cards... and I do like receiving them,” enthuses Sir Cliff.“It's always good to feel that someone has taken the time to choose and buy a card, hand write a message and post it to you.”

“Having my own sound card feels ace!” says Leigh Francis (aka Keith Lemon) of the cards Danilo publishes.“I like it when people tweet me, saying they’ve got a card with a picture of me on that talks and that it has made their birfday! It's a very nice feeling! Makes me feel like Simon Le Bon from Duran Duran!” says Leigh, adding: “As a child, I loved receiving cards. It was almost a symbol of how popular you were. Even now, I always hope to get many cards. I fink it’s nice when they're handwritten... it means more.”

Above: A Cliff Richard sound card from Danilo.

Left: Keith Lemon relishes working on the card range with Danilo.

thrill of opening it, reading it, standing it on a table to pick up and browse on-and-off throughout the days to come,” says Carol.

Linda Barker has no problem summing up the potency of greeting cards. “A handwritten message on a card is a thoughtful communication, which I find particularly touching in our fast-paced, digital age,” she says. “If it's posted to me, then so much the better because I know it's been sent with an intention of kindness and love,” adds Linda.

So, famous faces agree on the emotional power of sending and receiving greeting cards and the intimate handwritten note remains ever important, offering a special, personal gift which many want to keep forever... how celebrity cool is that?

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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Info @rushbylorraine.co.uk www.rushdesign-uk.com 01788 521745

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Innovations

Home and Gift

A selection of new products on display at Home and Gift, 16 - 19 July, Harrogate.

Butter Wouldn’t Melt Megan Claire will be launching a new contemporary gold foiled range called Butterscotch at Home and Gift. This range comprises 16 beautifully gold foiled typography cards, featuring Megan's own handwriting with quirky phrases covering birthdays, everyday occasions and special occasions. Each card comes matched with a luxury cream and gold dot lined envelope.

Megan Claire 01536 560345 www.meganclaire.co.uk Hall GS Stand 59

Baby Bundle

The London Look

Cherry Orchard have put together a stunning collection of New Baby cards now available for pre-order. With 15 designs at code 60, this is a package to cover a range of captions including New Baby Girls and Boys, Grandsons and Granddaughters, as well as Baby Shower and Godson and Goddaughter’s Christening Day. Cherry Orchard Publishing 01684 295500 www.cherryorchardpublishing.co.uk Hall GS Stand 51a

Ezen is launching a trendy new look with its Screenprint range. There are over 50 designs launching at Harrogate, all printed on gorgeous high quality board. The cards are all produced in London and are also available as art prints.

Ezen Designs 020 7354 5000 www.ezen.co.uk Hall GS Stand 34

Hand On Heart

Good Causes The Endangered Collection is new range of 24 designs to date from Sweet Design - with more coming all the time! This charity range features watercolour illustrations with humorous captions created by Sally Anson, and aims to raise awareness of endangered creatures that need our help and support. The cards are sized 150mm square, printed on a textured board and sold with a brown kraft fleck envelope.

Sweet Design 01934 261236 www.sweetdesign.co.uk Hall GS Stand 75a

Beau Couture is a sassy new range with 53 designs from The Handcrafted Card Company celebrating all things girly. With a combination of beautiful imagery and pops of colour, the cards are printed on pearlescent textured board and hand-finished with a sparkling diamante, glitter and pompoms. The cards are sized 155mm square and sold wrapped with a coordinating printed envelope, oozing modern luxury.

The Handcrafted Card Company 01782 639733 www.thehandcraftedcardcompany.com Hall GS Stand 32

Gift Of The Gab Dialectable is launching its new photographic Christmas range for 2017, Red Hatz. The 12 cards each feature an animal all dressed up for Christmas and making an original festive quip.

All the cards are designed to raise a laugh and also be visually appealing, with a duck egg green background and striking red detail. The cards are sized 125mm x 175mm and sold wrapped with a red envelope.

Dialectable 07766 734885 www.dialectable.co.uk Hall DP1 Stand 42 PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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Innovations

Home and Gift

A selection of new products on display at Home and Gift, 16 - 19 July, Harrogate.

To The Letter Hot off the letterpress are six new card designs with a distinctly tropical theme from LS20 Letterpress Studio. Using bold block styling and neon inks, this fun range features flamingos, palm trees and ice lollies! This range is sized 160mm square all printed on top-notch tactile board complemented with a silver grey envelope.

LS20 Letterpress Studio 01274 596925 www.ls20letterpressstudio.com Hall GS Stand 9

The Power Of Nature

Festive Feats

Natural Partners is launching a new range of cards by the successful designer and illustrator, Fi Powers. Fi’s work is inspired by her love of Scandinavian art and the colour and form of mid-century design, to which she adds her own twist of pattern and texture. There are 21 designs in the range and the cards are all 155mm square, blank inside and come wrapped with a white envelope.

Natural Partners 07714 768956 www.naturalpartnersart.co.uk Hall GS Stand 25

Wrendale is adding nine new designs to its successful Christmas range, Footprints in the Snow. The cards feature more endearing animal characters all painted in watercolour by artist and co-founder Hannah Dale, then printed on textured board and finished with luxurious gold foil lettering. All the cards in this range are sized 150mm square and supplied with a recycled kraft envelope.

Wrendale Designs 01652 680 253 www.wrendaledesigns.co.uk Hall DP1 Stand 4

Days Of Wonder The Halcyon Collection from Laura Darrington Design comprises 16 gorgeous new everyday designs featuring various birthday and occasions captions. Floral motifs, lots of movement in the lettering and tactile embossing enhance each of the designs which are sold with a pretty custom printed envelope.

Laura Darrington Design 0116 2849660 www.lauradarrington.co.uk Hall GS Stand 64

Text Me New Christmas designs are being added to the Tiny Text range from Dilly & Pink at the show.

This contemporary range features tiny typed background text with a bright overlaid word in a stamped style. There are now 39 sized 130mm square designs in the range, printed on textured recycled board and sold with matching neon, metallic or copper envelopes.

Dilly & Pink 01371 830891 www.dillyandpink.co.uk Hall GS Stand 5

Straight To The Heart Jonny Javelin is adding 12 new designs to Velvet Moments, its original 60 card occasions range. Beautiful traditional artwork is given that extra zing with fluted silver foil and flittering. The cards are in a slim 9” x 5” format, with a die-cut edge and are completed with a versed insert.

The Jonny Javelin Card Co 01423 563740 www.jonnyjavelin.co.uk Hall GS Stand 13 PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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equilibrium

Thank you for your support You have raised

£21,462.50

Poppy

equilibrium

C O L L E C T I O N

Joe Davies and Equilibrium® would like to thank all their customers for their support of Equilibrium® Poppy Jewellery.

IN SUPPORT OF

A contribution of 50p from every sale has raised a total of £21,462.50 which has been split evenly between two fantastic charities; Scotty’s Little Soldiers and Soldiers Off The Street.

The charity for children of the fallen

www.scottyslittlesoldiers.co.uk

www.soldiersoffthestreet.com

Equilibrium® the UK’s Hottest Jewellery Range Tel: 0161 975 6300 Fax: 0161 975 6301 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk www.joedavies.co.uk f: joedaviesgiftware

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Innovations

Home and Gift

A selection of new products on display at Home and Gift, 16 - 19 July, Harrogate.

Woolly Thinking There are cute fluffy figures galore in Daisies, the latest range from Woollytales. All designed and by artist and hand knitter Karen Gilbert, each design is paired with a message to offer a refreshingly unique collection. The range is printed in a 150mm square format and teamed with a crisp white envelope.

Woollytales 07851687754 www.woollytales.co.uk Hall GS Stand 10

A Head Of The Game

Tactile Treat

Heads Up, the popular range from 1790 Cards, is expanding with eight new animal and bird portraits launching at Home and Gift. As the most popular dog pet breed in the UK, the French Bulldog has definitely won its place in the mix! The cards are sized 150mm square and sold wrapped with grey envelopes.

1790 Cards 01904 448130 www.1790creative.co.uk/cards Hall G Stand 105

Les Petits Papiers is an exciting new trend collection from Pigment featuring beautiful art from London designer Tracey English. This eyecatching collection offers 13 new open cards with a stunning cold foil finish, all sold wrapped with complementing envelopes.

Pigment Productions 01423 520098 www.pigmentproductions.com Hall DP2 Stand 31

Man Of Mode

Alternative Idea Alternative Image is adding 24 new retro/vintage images to its range of best-selling black & white and colour ranges. It’s also offering a new service – to create bespoke cards from retailers’ own archive images, including a full retouching service – a brilliant new addition to its classic every-day and occasions selection.

The Alternative Image Company 020 3478 4804 www.altimageco.com Hall GS Stand 53

Tom’s Depot, the 100% manly range from Really Good, is doubling in size with 14 new cards covering male occasions and adult ages being added to the original birthday range launched earlier this year. Big manly words, modern unfussy sentiments burnished copper foiling make these the perfect cards for any gentleman. The cards are sized 137mm x 169mm, blank inside and sold wrapped with kraft envelopes.

Really Good 01235 537888 www.reallygood.uk.com Hall DP1 Stand 16

Eggcellent News Leonard Smith will be launching a new range of Easter card packs at Home & Gift. A simply beautiful collection of 22 new designs with images of lovely spring flowers, Easter eggs, contemporary stained glass and Easter symbols, vibrant colours and great design. The cards come in packs of four 130mm x 100mm cards of one design with white envelopes. A lovely counter display box is also available free of charge.

Leonard Smith Publishing 01376 562727 www.leonardsmith.co.uk Hall DP1 Stand 28 PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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(t) 0116 230 4197 (f) 01536 401 031

(w) www.mint-publishing.co.uk

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Innovations

Home and Gift

A selection of new products on display at Home and Gift, 16 - 19 July, Harrogate.

Capture The Moon Moongazer Cards capture the magic of childhood through Sally Anne Lambert's delicate watercolour illustrations. New cards are being added to its Wildlife range for Home and Gift, including this Red Stag design, bringing this series to 12 designs. All the cards are blank inside 150 square and sold wrapped with envelopes.

Moongazer Cards 07745 481411 www.moongazercards.com Hall GS Stand 12

Cats With Catitude

Paper Lace

Tomcat is adding 27 cards to its popular Blue Eyes range of lovable, fluffy cats based on the very funny work by UK artist Kim Haskins. There are 18 new everyday cards and nine Christmas cards. The cards are mainly 150mm square, gloss laminated and supplied wrapped with a crisp, white envelope.

Tomcat Cards 01243 837300 www.tomcatcards.co.uk Hall GS Stand 25b

Roger la Borde’s new Filigree range features the amazing paper-cut artwork of Ian Penney.

Penney brings a nature lover’s eye tinged with fantastical romance to his lace-like imagery, and the delicacy and intricacy he achieves is aweinspiring. There are initially four 5” x 7” laser-cut cards in this range, each with a dedicated writing space on the back of the card so the full joyous laser-cut effect can be preserved.

Roger la Borde 0207 328 0491 www.rogerlaborde.com Hall DP1 Stand 94a

Kat’s Back Scottish artist, Kat Baxter's range of vibrant floral animals has been so well received that Wraptious is doubling the range. Kat is now Wraptious' most popular design competition winner to date and the range now has more gorgeous animals suitable for all occasions. The cards are all blank, sized 150mm square and sold with a choice of silver or kraft envelopes.

Wraptious 0161 2210109 www.trade.wraptious.com Hall DP1 Stand 1

Freshly Frosted Artebene is launching lots of gorgeous Christmas ranges of gift wrapping-related products, shopping bags printed with gold, as well as attractive accessories across lots of different themes. Among these, the Winter Camp range matches the current trends in interior design and decoration, with powdery pink and tender icy colours combined with gold and shimmering holographic foils and glitter.

Artebene 0049 2591 79239 24 www.artebene.com Hall DP1 Stand 45

Sew Good Launching at Home & Gift by Juniper Tree is Sewn – a new modern minimalist look from Tanya Palmer with the stitching taking centre stage. There are 25 designs initially covering birthdays, female ages, wedding, new baby and more, all with vintage textile flowers printed on beautiful cream textured board and finished with hand-applied gems.

The Juniper Tree Card Co 07854 247 554 www.junipertreecards.com Hall GS Stand 2a PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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O

riginating from an 18th century apothecary, situated beside Windsor Castle, Woods of Windsor is a premium English niche lifestyle & gift brand inspired by Windsor’s beautiful landscape and the nostalgic romanticism, charm & wildness of an English country garden.

See the full range at... Hall Q Stand13

Xystos Flame & Fragrance • Bath & Body

The UK’s No.1 Home Fragrance Supplier to the Gift Industry

Progressive Greetings July 2017.indd 1 00_PG_July 2017.indd 1

For more info, contact our Customer Service Team Email: sales@xystos.co.uk or Tel: +44(0)191 499 1570 www.xystostrade.co.uk

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Innovations PG Showcases A Collection Of New Product Launches

For Real Men Man Food, from Tony Fernandes, takes a quirky sideways look at what real men eat when fending for themselves - featuring anything that can be placed 'ween two slices of bread and scoffed down when in a tired and emotional state or just home from the pub!

There are 12 brilliantly fun cards all created with pen and ink, a splosh of watercolour, photomontage and glue…

Tony Fernandes 0114 2620899 www.tonyfernandesdesign.com

Huetribe is a new publisher specialising in multicultural and LGBT cards, launching with a photographic range of birthday, relations and occasions cards featuring interracial couples of various sexualities and ethnicities. There are 40 A6 designs in the range, all with a gloss finish and sold wrapped with a premium white envelope.

HueTribe 07943 416562 www.huetribe.com

Print To Print Green Pebble is launching a new range - Jane Dignum. Fascinated by the strong style that results from using lino, printmaker Jane Dignum produces multiples of prints which she then uses to create collages. This allows her to experiment with pattern, shape and colour. She draws her inspiration from the city of York as well as her allotment, where she sees the plants and animals which often feature in her work.

There are nine designs in this range; both in 150mm square and 175mm x 125mm formats.

Green Pebble 01502 710427 www.greenpebble.co.uk

Rainbow Tribe

Hedging Your Bets With the hedgehog voted Britain's most loved animal, Desito were keen to add a prickle or two to its endearing Whimsical range. There are 20 new designs with new characters including mice, dogs, cats and sheep all handmade with wool, thread and lots of patience. The new designs cover ages, birthday and some occasions and relations, are sized 150mm square, and come wrapped with white wove envelopes.

Desito 01959 534852 www.desito.co.uk

Sweet Taste London based Lottie Murphy has brought out a new range called Party Time featuring her contemporary pastel illustrations. Staged from still life, each of the six designs are inspired by Spring/Summer parties and food. This range is blank inside, printed on great quality board, sized 127mm x 177mm and sold with a classic brown kraft envelope.

Lottie Murphy 07716 304741 www.lottie-murphy.com

Bigger And Brighter Published by Papagrazi, The Brighter Times range is on a mission to spread ‘good vibes’ and worldwide positivity! In times of political anxiety, global conflict and environmental neglect, it’s essential to promote the awesome too. There are 20 designs in the range, some everyday occasions – sold with bright yellow envelopes.

Papagrazi 07875 309691 www.papagrazi.com PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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JEREMY’S JOURNAL Business blogging by publisher Jeremy Corner of Blue Eyed Sun.

Vaporized Jeremy Corner, owner of greeting card publisher Blue Eyed Sun, considers the end of greeting cards.

I recently attended a masterful talk by Robert Tercek, author of Vaporized, on the subject of disruption in business. It was startling to hear example after example of industries being displaced by a new dematerialised world. Robert believes that every aspect of our economy and society is set to be reconfigured by technological forces that only a small number of companies have yet mastered.

It often seems obvious in hindsight when companies disrupt markets and yet we seldom see it coming. The most recent examples in the greeting card business have been Card Factory and Moonpig. The former

kept the wolf from the door. By offering low cost cards, Card Factory has helped people to continue sending cards when they might otherwise have abandoned them in order to save money during the recession. Similarly, Moonpig has allowed men and people who are short on time to use a more efficient process to stay connected with their loved ones through cards. Our vaporizing moment has yet to come.

Or is it?

disrupting the wholesale space through a vertically integrated model that offers consumers rock bottom prices in well presented retail environments; the latter disrupting through the digital substitution of bricks and mortar retail space by offering extensive choice and customisation that cannot be matched by traditional retail.

Both have been rewarded with incredible growth and financial success by offering value to consumers.

Yet these companies haven't really revolutionised the greeting card market.

They’ve brought business models from other industries into the card business and forever changed aspects of it. They haven't vaporised our industry. In fact, I believe that they’ve 52

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In sci-fi movies there are plenty of representations of futures where greeting cards don’t exist. It’s not hard to imagine a future without greeting cards. Having said that, there is one vision of the future that does incorporate the handwritten letter. It’s the

Above: The Star Trek Transporter vaporized space travellers to another ‘place and time’.

Left: Self-checkout technology in multiples and supermarkets has altered the way we experience paying for our shopping.

Below: Moonpig has brought a new technological aspect to the greetings industry.

delightful movie ‘Her’ by Spike Jonze. In it the protagonist works for a company called BeautifulHandWrittenLetters.com. The sentiment is still created by humans and the letters are printed out in fonts that look handwritten.

‘Her’ is a clever re-imagining of the future that recognises our innate human need for nostalgia. Nostalgia is an idealised past. It relates to an emotional state that we place into a specific time frame. As long as we keep sending cards there will always be an element of this nostalgic element in our lives.

That’s what my YouTube channel, The Greeting Card Project, is all about - acknowledging the special importance of handwriting cards; remembering to think of others and reminding them that they are in your thoughts - although, I’m halfway through my project and I can tell you first-hand that card sending is incredibly inefficient. As such, it is ripe for vaporizing. I know because I’ve sent around 100 different cards to people in the last six months.

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JEREMY’S JOURNAL town has to travel up to three miles into the centre to reach the single post box that collects at 7pm!

Finally, you have to rely on Royal Mail to deliver the card on time. Out of the 100 cards I’ve sent this year so far, there are at least two, that I know of, that never arrived. Admittedly, the postal service in the UK is superior to some other countries I’ve visited. Of the three cards I sent from Italy in my Milan episode, the first took a week to arrive within Italy, the next took 3-4 weeks to reach Wales and the last took six weeks to reach Los Angeles.

And yet…

To send a card: You have to remember the birthday or occasion required for card sending. This takes time and organisation. You often need to track down the recipient’s current address, then record it correctly for accurate delivery.

You need to have postage stamps or be prepared to weigh and send at the post office, especially if the card is to go abroad.

Stamps aren’t cheap either. Even if you are delivering the card by hand you need to remember it and deliver on time.

You then have to chose a card that’s suitable for the recipient. This can take time and you might not always be able to find the right card in the first shop you visit. Recently I went to one store to buy a fiftieth birthday card for a customer of mine. Despite six options, none were suitable. I had to compromise with a decent generic birthday card rather than a poor occasion specific design. Not ideal.

Once you have the card, you have to think about what to write in it. For some people this can feel like hard work. Given how seldom we need to write these days, you might even have to remember how to write by hand! You need to write the card carefully so as to avoid mistakes. If you mess it up you might have to buy another card and start again to avoid looking like a child that can’t spell… or write.

After this you have to get it to a post box that collects on time. A lot of post boxes are now emptied at 9am, so you can’t leave it too late. Frustratingly, Royal Mail don’t share post box information online so you have to visit the post box for up to date info. Royal Mail also don’t offer many later collections.

Where I live in Brighton & Hove the whole

It is the very inefficiency of the process that makes receiving a card so special. That and the fact that all we tend to receive through the letter box these days is junk mail, bills and bank statements. It is deeply personal receiving a handwritten letter. It’s a wonderful gift from a close friend and a delightful surprise from anyone else. For anyone that recognises the importance and value of close personal relationships for business or pleasure, it is still a powerful tool to send a card or handwritten note.

Stephen Kelly, the ceo of Sage [technology solutions company], agreed with this when explaining to me why he uses Blue Eyed Sun cards to send to friends, family and colleagues: “It’s so powerful if one of our colleagues opens a card and I’ve personally written that card. It takes time, it shows love, it shows dedication. We love social media, but sometimes it’s really important to show that touch that is very personal and you can only get through a card.”

Whether or not the card industry will be vaporized is still up for question. Time will tell.

The key thing is to not wait for it to happen and to keep fighting to maintain and support this wonderful tradition that offers such a powerful way of connecting despite of, and perhaps because of, its inefficiency.

Above left: Spike Jonze’s movie ‘Her’ highlights the less than human connections and relationships we have with our computers, phones etc.

Above right: Postmark’s Feel Good Friday initiative invites its customers to send a free card for no reason.

Below: Posting more cards could help the industry from ‘vaporizing’.

So what can we do? Two things: 1. Send more cards.

So many of us in our industry don’t do this enough. Send cards every week. Tweet about it, Instagram it. Most of us in the industry have access to excess stock in our warehouses and shops. Make these available to your staff and encourage them to send cards too. Share your card sending stories on social media. Most importantly, send cards to young people and kids. In years to come they will have that wonderful feeling of nostalgia for greeting cards and will want to share it.

2. Support card sending.

A great example of a retailer initiative is Feel Good Friday from the Postmark stores in London. It offers a free card from a special box of clearance stock on special Fridays, as long as the individual writes it in the store there and then. The retailer will even post it for them.

Other great initiatives include: l #JustACard campaign on social media www.justacard.org l #NatStatWeek in April www.nationalstationeryweek.com l #ThinkingOfYouWeek in September www.thinkingofyouweek.cards l #FestiveFriday on 1st December. Send your Christmas cards early - www.gca.cards Involve your team by giving them an hour to write as many cards as they like and pay for the postage. Involve your card loving friends by giving them small gift packs of cards to send. Get others sending more cards. We are all helping to spread more love in the world by doing this and supporting our beloved card industry.

And please watch, like and share www.youtube.com/thegreetingcardproject.

Read more on Jeremy’s blog at www.blueeyedsun.co.uk/blog PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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Focus On Art Cards News

Emotional Framing Show Jumping The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition (13 June - 20 August 2017), which has been held every year without interruption since 1769, is the largest open submission exhibition in the world and is curated this year by Eileen Cooper RA. Card publisher ArtPress feels incredibly privileged to have been working with the Royal Academy since 2013 and is now in its fifth year of creating an annual range from artwork submitted to the Summer Exhibition (a mixture of work from both esteemed academicians and artists who have submitted for the first time) for its licensed Above: ‘Fruit Provence’ by artist Dr. Leonard McComb RA, recently printed on Royal Academy card collection (of everyday singles cards by ArtPress.

Below: Installation View of the Summer and wallets and Christmas wallets and packs).

However, it’s an incredibly tight two week turn- Exhibition 2017- Photo © David Parry. around from the Summer Show’s artwork entries to the completed RA card collection hitting the shelves to coincide with the incredible buzz that surrounds such an iconic event in the Art calendar.

Every year the ArtPress team first visit the RA’s show is to take note of potential artworks to publish, the second is to check the works are still in situ during the Royal Academy’s intense editing process, all of which is highly confidential.

Then, having selected the artworks the scramble to publish begins, as there is only a fortnight from art selection to greeting card print. “The artist’s permission has to be sought, colour proofing is done by literally comparing the proof to the original artwork on the wall, approval from the artist is gained, the cards are printed, and a quantity are packed and in the RA store all in time for the Previews of the Show," explains Linzi Russell-Watson, director of ArtPress.

The of the eight new RA designs can be seen at www.art-press.co.uk. l ArtPress also ran a competition for those who placed an order at PG Live for two special tickets to the RA’s Summer Exhibition and to partake of a rather fabulous afternoon tea at The RA Grand Café. The winner was Tim Wearing from Brighton retailer Pen to Paper.

Most greeting card designs are ‘little pieces of art’ as the creative process behind the finished item stems from a designer’s imagination and talent.

However, art cards embody the genres of art such as printmaking, painting and photography, which at their best ignite an emotional response.

Focus On Art Cards ‘expresses’ the news and freshly launched art card ranges in this area of the market.

Advocate Royalty Jo Parry has been described as the "Queen of Christmas" by an art director at Hallmark, a title duly earned as for 20 years Jo has been creating charming Christmas card designs, well for, pretty much everyone around the world. Her work has in fact now reached a milestone, with 100 card publishers having licensed her work to date!

She was originally spotted at Bournemouth Art College back in the summer of 1997 by Advocate Art founder Edward Burns, and has been with the agency for 20 years now (and she just gets better and better!)

"We’ve been with her every step of the way and have watched her blossom into the fabulous artist that she is Above: A winter scene by Jo Parry. today", says Ed. If you’re interested in Jo’s work, don’t hesitate to visit her online folio at http://www.advocate-art.com/jo-parry.

‘Are You Ok?’ asks campaign thortful, the creative online platform for card publishers, has collaborated with fashion designer Gary James McQueen, the nephew of the late Alexander McQueen, to create a collection of limited edition cards to increase awareness and communication about mental health in a campaign called ‘Are You Ok?’ Gary himself has suffered from depression and anxiety in the past, which is one of the reasons he approached thortful to create these cards as a way to get people talking to each other: “I wanted to create cards that said ‘I’m looking out for you’, cards you might send a friend to demonstrate that you are there for them. A way to reach out with love”.

100% of profits from the range will go to mental health charity, Chasing the Stigma.

Above: The limited edition Gary James McQueen cards from thortful.

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Focus On Art Cards News

An Instagram tale to tell

Above: The Cardtastic story on cards!

Earlier this year, Helen Brayshaw, founder of photographic card publisher Cardtastic, took part in an Instagram challenge called #MarchMeetTheMaker. The challenge was set up to help small creative businesses to tell their brand’s story and take a look ‘behind the scenes’. Each day Helen created a post on Instagram about herself and Cardtastic based on a theme that was set each day, sharing information about herself, home studio near Bristol and her working day.

One of the Instagram posts Helen shared explains: ‘Our photographic range features flowers from our wedding day, images from our honeymoon in Japan, my trusty bike, and husband’s childhood teddy bears. These cards tell a unique personal story... customers telling us that “our secret story” hidden in our designs is what they love about our brand makes us very happy!’

The Henries literary muse Beginning life as an art card publisher, collage and stitch artist Catherine Kleeli decided a good idea would be to enter The Henries awards’ ‘Best Art Range’. So last year, having selected the best new additions to her Stick and Stitch range, she sent off her 2016 Henries entry.

“Then, while out of the country, I checked my emails and what a fantastic surprise! I had been shortlisted as a Henries Finalist! I then Above: Catherine Kleeli at last year’s received a kind and generous invitation Bollywood themed Henries awards. from GFSmith inviting me to be their guest at the ‘Bollywood’ themed awards ceremony.

On the day of The Henries Awards I arrived in London early to take in some ‘art’ at the nearby Serpentine Gallery, which didn’t fail to deliver - but on this occasion, it was as much a book in the gallery shop as the art on the wall that proved to be the inspirational highlight of the afternoon.

Flicking through the pages of a book in the shop, I realised I just had to buy ‘Steal Like An Artist’ by Austin Kleon. An intriguing title you might think for artists and designers who are rightly concerned with the protection of their designs and intellectual property.

Essentially the premise of the book is that ‘nothing is original, so embrace influence, school yourself through the work of others, remix and re-imagine to discover your own path. Follow interests wherever they take you - what feels like a hobby may turn into your life’s work’.

The collage and stitch ‘hobby’ of mine brought me to the world of greeting card publishing, to running a burgeoning business and what’s more, to being a finalist in The Henries 2016.

OK, I didn’t win that year, but I had a wonderfully inspiring time along the way.”

Pressing new talent Accomplished young print-making artist Anna Perlin has won the Artists and Illustrators Artist of the Year award 2017 for one of her mixed media collages. She currently has a solo exhibition on at the Bircham Gallery in Holt and recently demonstrated at Childwickbury Arts Fair.

So Dry Red Press was overjoyed when Anna contacted the publisher to submit her work for publication, and are now introducing a beautiful new range of cards by Anna Perlin.

Anna's work is distinctive through her use of colour and texture.

She experiments with different types of print-making; Carborundum a type of collagraph has become her favourite. (www.annaperlin.com / www.dryredpress.com).

Above: Stunning print-works from Anna Perlin are now available on cards from Dry Red Press.

Wild at heart Having just renewed its licence with the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts, ecofriendly card publisher Glebe Cottage has launched a new collection of stunning photographic cards featuring the very best of British wildlife.

Director Sue Morrish said, “We have seen so much enthusiasm for product in support of the Wildlife Trusts, it is a greatly loved charity - its profile made even greater through programmes like Spring and Autumnwatch. It’s always a delight to create their collections, and work with such amazing images of British wildlife.”

Above: Glebe Cottage’s new Wildlife Trusts range includes blank cards, notecards, Christmas cards and a 2018 Calendar with every product featuring interesting information about the species it depicts.

Unsprung heroes Robert E Fuller, the artist behind card publisher The Robert Fuller Gallery, was on BBC TV’s Springwatch last month, and then in BBC2’s indepth programme, Unsprung, alongside the nature series presenter Chris Packham.

Robert was invited to talk about how he filmed kingfishers inside their nest, which are in underground tunnels dug into the banks of rivers, lakes or ponds and so far only a handful of people have managed to film this secretive process.

Robert achieved this by building an artificial mud bank, which he made to look as authentic as possible. He also made a bespoke nesting chamber inside rigged with surveillance cameras lit by tiny 2mm LED lights.

“I couldn’t believe my luck when just days after I had put the whole artificial bank and hide up I noticed a kingfisher fly past,” he said.

“In a matter of weeks, the kingfisher had found a mate and was using my artificial nest box.”

The artist was later invited to be interviewed by presenter Chris Packham on Unsprung to describe how he uses film to inform his detailed paintings, which in turn are produced as cards.

Above: Robert with Chris Packham on the Unsprung BBC2 program.

Right: The Robert Fuller Gallery’s collection of kingfisher greeting cards is available in three different sizes and includes this new design, Colourful Kingfisher.

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Focus On Art Cards News

A precious stone It was an artistic collaboration to celebrate when art card publisher Green Pebble’s director Michael Charles and its editor Ruby Ormerod revealed that they recently got wed.

Michael contacted PG to say they are very happy to announce that “Ruby and I just got married, which just goes to prove that working together is not all the bad things people warn of, or maybe its just that the greeting card industry is such a lovely industry, who knows?”

Above: Pebble passion, Michael and Ruby on their wedding day.

A new nugget from Green Pebble Employing the art featured on its card collections, Green Pebble has launched a range of 12 flip books to support its growing range of stationery using real art for the covers. The little 105mm x 75mm flip book feature works by both printmakers and painters – including popular artists such as Rob Barnes, Vanessa Lubach, Claire Cockayne and Helen Hallow and are top-opening with 50 blank pages inside.

Inset: Green Pebble’s new flip books.

Right: Mindless art from Modern Toss.

MGML ranges delve into V&A treasures This spring saw Museums & Galleries launch the most ambitious art card range in the company's history: The V&A greeting card collections.

The two blank everyday card ranges each have their own distinct aesthetic ethos (and together cover eight pages in the company's catalogue!) Elsewhere in the catalogue are special occasions cards and Christmas cards (packs and boxes). The greeting card ranges join M&G's existing successful V&A stationery ranges comprising journals and pens, boxed notelets, social stationery, giftwraps, gifting accessories and bookmarks.

The V&A is the world's leading museum of art and design, with outposts scheduled to open in Scotland and China, and a history of world-beating series of international travelling exhibitions over recent years, including David Bowie, Alexander McQueen and currently Pink Floyd. The V&A registers in the top 100 of the world's most influential licensing brands, and consistently wins prizes for its Above: Just a few of the new V&A licensing programme, which is by many leagues designs in the augmented the largest of any European museum. collection by MGML. “The Museums & Galleries' creative team enjoyed the pick of the V&A's enormously rich and diverse collections, matching museum artworks against contemporary trends and exploiting the highest standards of colour reproduction and product quality to give this card collection a fresh, distinguished and very commercial profile,” reveals Eddie Clarke, licensing manager for M&G. 58

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Heritage charity hike

Below: Edwin Smith and his friend walking Hadrian’s Wall for charity.

Leonard Smith's 18 year-old son Edwin recently walked Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland with a friend to raise donations for the Russ Foundation, a children's orphanage in Tamil Nadu, Southern India which the college he attends supports.

Publisher, photographer and kind and caring dad, Leonard was acting as driver and back up support for the weary walkers and in between was scouting photographs of the dramatic scenery.

"Waiting at Cawfields on Hadrian’s Wall, I looked up to see the grey late afternoon sky is suddenly lit by the glow of the sunset. I can just make out our VW Camper in the distant car park."

Mindlessness art therapy There’s no need to find your inner peace from the mindfulness colouring-in trend, Modern Toss have already done it for you with the launch of its irreverent and funny 'Coloured-in Card' range, featuring images from its hugely successful adult colouring books… already coloured in! Choose from a variety of designs from The Working Day, The Weekend, Mindless Violence, and Mindlessness, such as how to cunningly avoid boring meetings or collapsing with a bottle of wine after a hard day of work.

Find out more at trade.moderntoss.com

Take a Tigerlily leaf Paper artist and founder of publisher Tigerlily, Suna Sor, sculpts just about anything out of paper, from tiny 5mm puppies to girls drinking cocktails. “The ideas and designs keep coming; my fingers can’t work fast enough. My product is a specialised handmade art. It is Above: Tigerlily’s Paper Wild range features elegant wildlife originally unique as it requires hours of precision handmade from paper dots. skills in cutting, understanding of material absorption and colour arrangement. From elegantly placed wildlife or best friend moments, each of my ranges uses paper in a unique way.”

Wraptious rapture Wraptious has announced the two winners of its Spring 2017 cushion competition are Olivia Hicks and Ninola Design.

“The competition had our biggest response yet, with over 700 entries from some very talented artists. The winners were decided by public vote, and by 60 industry judges - a mixture of high street buyers, leading magazine editors, past competition winners, design lecturers, and of course, our mums!," says Wraptious’ Naomi Smith, adding, “A big thank you to everyone who took part!”

Left: Ninola and Olivia’s work will be showcased on the Wraptious stand at the Harrogate Home and Gift show this year, along with some new stunning designs from artist Katherine Williams.

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Art Cards New Launches

A Fresh Palette Focus On Art Cards paints a colourful picture of some of the fresh, new art card range launches. l The love of the painterly is to the fore with this new range from Roger la Borde.

Emily Isabella creates artwork loaded with good-vibes and spiritual sunshine, reminding us to delight in the everyday.

Her illustrations are lively, loose and oh-sovery pretty... and of course a large dash of contemporary urban cool. There are seven petite new beauties in the range. l For 2017 the Robertson Collection has launched six new photographic ranges: Pets, Gardens, Wildlife, Sports, Floral and a Collection for Men. Its Happy Birthday Male Collection is doing exceptionally well. Individually cellowrapped with the distinctive Robertson Collection branding on the front, the male range is printed on textured board, size is 160mm x 160mm, with a white border and comes with textured envelope. l Cardtastic founder Helen Brayshaw has been out and about with her camera adding new designs to her best-selling photographic range! The whole range has been re-launched in a new ‘edgy’ format (with no borders), allowing the photographs to fill the cards. All of Cardtastic’s cards are a super-cute 100mm square size and are supplied wrapped with colour coordinated envelopes. The trade price is 62p. l Dry Red Press is delighted to be

working with one of its favourite wildlife artists, Daniel Cole SWLA. The publisher has taken his vibrant images of birds and trees to publish an outstanding range of greeting cards. There are 10 beautiful cards in this new range, all 150mm square, blank inside and individually wrapped with envelopes to complement each image. l A Toast To The Underdog! is a warming new range from Robert Askew, produced by Blue Island Press, which stems from his younger

years backpacking around Europe.

Painting murals, portrait sketches and caricatures paid for his land-hopping, lodgings and meals. There are 18 15cm square designs in total, printed on 300gsm board, packed with a fleck kraft envelope. l ‘Red Butterfly And Wisteria’ by the

Japanese artist Kawa-sumi Gyokuyu is a new addition to Ezen’s Japanese range, which now consists of over 250 15.2cm x 10.6cm designs with hand-finished rounded corners, printed on quality eco friendly pearlescent paper and come cellowrapped with an envelope. l The ArtPress menagerie has just grown

with wonderful new additions from the hand of Tiff Howick, illustrator and printmaker extraordinaire. Tiff’s love of drawing animals has become a bit of an obsession and she picks up on our tendency to see human emotions in animals. Hence the range includes a rather startled rabbit caught in the act and a curious, but not quite sure, fox cub.

The range consists of eight everyday and two Christmas card designs (170mm x 120mm) individually cellowrapped with an accompanying kraft envelope. l The Great British Card Company is set to launch an impressive collection of 12 vibrant floral designs featuring the contemporary work of artist Ron Coleman (licensed by The Paper Collaborative). Ron uses an abstract expressionist approach to his paintings, which have a balance and harmony that result from the handling of colour relationships, texture and vibrant brushwork. All the cards are blank and cellowrapped, are 158mm square and printed on luxurious board with a grey envelope. l The Zoology Collection from Wrendale Designs shows off Hannah Dale’s artwork with its usual quirky charm and beautiful illustrations. Ten new 15cm square designs have been added to the range that are printed in the UK on Wrendale’s signature textured board.

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Art Cards New Launches

l Eco-friendly card publisher, Glebe Cottage, is adding more designs and a notecard wallet to its range of vibrant art cards by Sally Rich. The original images are created by building up swirls of colour to create beautiful and innovative floral designs. The cards are printed on a beautiful uncoated paper made from 50% recycled coffee cup waste and packed with 100% recycled envelopes and compostable bags. l Joanna Padfield is a new printmaker

collaborating on cards with publisher Green Pebble. With a love of nature and the natural environment, much of Joanna's work is influenced by the beautiful and dramatic Norfolk skies.

Each of her colourful linocut prints is hand-pulled, happily showing the various marks left by the rough surface of the lino block. Joanna currently has five card designs in her range, with more planned for Christmas. All are sized 150mm x 150mm and are individually wrapped in cello with matching envelopes. l After winning the Best Art Range category in The Henries 2016, I Drew This’ Landmarks range is growing rapidly. Six new London designs were launched at this year’s PG Live, taking the offering of England's Capital to 12 designs. The cards all measure 130mm x 178mm and are printed proudly in the UK on the finest 350gsm board and come with recycled kraft envelopes. l Leonard Smith Publishing has relaunched its much-loved Inspire greeting card range with a new stylish look. The landscape format (125mm x 175mm) side-folded cards are superbly printed on FSC art board at its 'tame' craft printer in Suffolk. The cards are spot high gloss varnished and Leonard's signature is blind embossed on the lower frame. Individually wrapped with owl grey envelopes, these cards feature stunning British scenery with an observation from Leonard about how he took the photograph. l Ling Design’s long-standing and well-

loved Galleria range of fine art cards is an eclectic mix of all things fine art in various mediums perfectly chosen by its creative director, Rebecca McCulloch, who instinctively knows what images will make a great greeting card send.

Ling has recently introduced 12 brand new designs into Galleria and plan a further 24 for release in October. All are at price code FF 35, individually wrapped, with a gold envelope.

l Natural Partners is launching a new

range of 15 cards featuring designs by Suffolk-based ceramic artist Karen Risby. The quirky bird designs, which she produces on her ceramics, transfer beautifully to cards, which are printed on slightly textured board and are individually cellowrapped with a white envelope. l Nigel Quiney Publications has recently

launched The Art of Nature, a beautifully painted wildlife range with 12 loveable British animals depicted in fields of wild flowers awash with bright butterflies. The designs also have a contemporary edge with the addition of litho gold geometric patterns. The cards are a combination of blank and birthday and are great value at C50 RRP £1.75. l Paper Rose brings you a delightful new

range of 7” x 5” cards by New Jersey artist Joy Laforme. The range features beautiful paintings of miniature scenes set inside exquisite terrariums. The cards are finished with a delicate silver holographic foil giving them a truly magical feel. l Art cards by Susan Entwistle are

beautifully taken from her contemporary, pointillist style paintings. Her artwork is created with layers of colourful dots that capture the vibrancy and essence of beautiful gardens, woodlands and landscapes, which are then reproduced into a high quality, colourful cards. Size 150mm x 150mm, the cards are supplied with a white envelope and individually cellowrapped. l Alphabeti Yeti is a range of illuminated alphabet letters and numbers from illustrator and publisher Shelli Graham. This month Alphabeti Yeti is releasing a new range of 6” square age cards inspired by traditional fairytales by well-known authors such as Hans Christian Andersen and the Brothers Grimm. The range covers babies and children’s birthdays and adult special birthdays. Shelli will be exhibiting at Autumn Fair under the brand Alphabeti Yeti. l Wildcards will be adding 12 new cards to its unique African wildlife range, including a mini-range of five dark sepia images. All the 150mm square cards are blank photographic images suitable for all occasions, but they are particularly good for sending as male occasions cards.

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Spring Seasons Trends 2018

Seasonal Fruits With Father's Day out of the way, next year’s Spring Seasons card designs are now burgeoning onto the market for retailers to consider. PG steps into the past to share some of the origins of Spring Seasons’ card sending traditions and the abundance of design trends that are ‘fruiting’ on cards for 2018.

The birds and the bees

Valentine’s Day - 14 February 2018

Top: Abacus’ Rapture range consists of 12 Valentine’s Day designs with both illustrated and photographic designs.

Above: Sweet gold foil bees buzzing around on a Caroline Gardner ‘Jumble’ Valentine’s card.

Right: A Valentine’s ‘Talking Buttons’ design from Laura Sherratt.

Almost 20 million Valentine’s cards are sent in the UK each year, a romantic greeting that stems as far back as the Middle Ages, though written Valentine’s didn’t begin to appear until after 1400.

The earliest surviving recorded Valentine is now part of the manuscript collection of the British Library in London. It’s a medieval French poem entitled ‘Farewell to Love’ which was written by Charles, Duke of Orléans in 1415 to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt. Charles was 21 years-old at the time.

In the year of 2018, Valentine’s card designs are all about the birds and the bees and the bears, as winged and furry cute messengers buzzing and chirping with affection. Along with the leggy pink flamingoes and honey makers, there are tiny berries and buttons and soft marshmallow sweet sorts, a delicious mixture among the passionate red hearts and spots of gold foiling.

The heartfelt messages are sweet and endearing in simple handwritten style fonts, and of course there are always some Valentine’s designs with a naughty invite.

Top: Twinkling gold foiling on a new Valentine’s design from GBCC. Above: Sweet Tooth from Paper Rose features handcrafted sweet characters by talented designer Phillipa Phipps.

Left: New from Paperlink, ‘XO’, a range of eight new contemporary Valentine’s designs with fluted gold foil or holographic foil.

Guardian of our galaxy

Mother’s Day - 11 March 2018 Mother’s Day is celebrated in countries all over the world, but in Britain and Ireland Mothering Sunday is the fourth Sunday of Lent, three weeks before Easter. The reason is held that in the 16th century, on Laetare Sunday (the fourth Sunday of Lent) people would visit their mother church (the church they were baptised or main church in the area); this was commonly said to have gone ‘a-mothering’. Later, it became a day off for children in domestic service to visit their mother church, along with their mother and family; often they would pick flowers on the way for their church and mum.

These days the religious tradition of Mothering Sunday has evolved into Mother’s Day with the two celebrations being mixed up.

Bouquets of flowers still remain a loving gesture on Mother’s Day designs for 2018, which burst with bold blooms and tiny ditsy rosebuds in pretty blush pink and rose hues, with soft touches of aqua and pale green.

Lace patterns, tiny cute buttons, watercolour washes and gorgeous coloured and gold foiling enhance illustrations, with adorable captions in sincere and intimate hand-written font thanking mum for her caring and cuddles.

Above left: ‘Fiore’ from Pigment has six new beautiful Mother’s Day designs for 2018.

Left: The Mother’s Day 2018 Collection from Noel Tatt features foil, flitter and hand-applied details on luxury Silkweave board.

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Right: Amaretto from Paperlink is a cold foiled illustrative range of six Mother’s Day designs brand new for 2018.

Far right: Cherry Orchard’s Spring Seasons has over 110 new designs including fantastic fragranced cards ‘Scent With Love’.

Above left: Nigel Quiney’s ‘Pizazz’ and floral ‘Pizazz Gallery’ ranges feature beautiful floral artwork combined with sparkly flitter.

Above: Molly Mae has extend its 'Flutter on the breeze’ range for Spring 2018: Embossed and foiled with beautifully fine detail.

Above right: Pretty floral, hand-finished Mother’s Day cards from Cinnamon Aitch, featuring the odd cute animal too.

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Spring Seasons Trends 2018

A bunny beginning

Easter - 1 April 2018

The first Easter card was created by an unknown English Victorian stationer in the 1890s who decided to add an Easter caption to a drawing of a rabbit. This sprung into action the Easter card sending tradition that we still follow today, with us Brits giving nearly 10 million Easter cards last year.

Lambs, poultry and eggs featured heavily on cards by 1910, as a symbol of rebirth, and, to indicate fruitfulness, the Easter bunny also appeared frequently with eggs. Young girls and cherubs were also popular as a representation of luck and hope.

When the First World War began in 1914 images of soldiers with flowers started to make an appearance on Easter designs, with the Easter bunny also getting a military makeover.

Easter card iconography hasn't drastically changed in the modern day. Baskets of brightly coloured chocolate eggs, fluffy chicks and of course, a warren of bunnies, along with Christian religious symbols, such as village steepled churches and floral crosses, remain the mainstay of current Easter designs.

Contemporary designs also feature spring blooms, new buds and blossoms, in soft pinks, lights green and sunshine yellow, signify the rebirth and renewal of nature.

Top left: Abacus’ 2018 Easter collection offers religious and non-religious design themes.

Above left: Carte Blanche’s Easter collection features fresh daffodil blooms and soft lilac accents to celebrate the joys of spring.

Far left: Gorgeous Easter cards from Cinnamon Aitch featuring the cutest bunnies and fluffy yellow chicks.

Middle left: A sweet Easter bunny on a new 2018 design from GBCC. Left: A beautiful die-cut egg from UKG’s RHS collection, featuring detailed gold foiling.

Top right: Leonard Smith’s 24 brand new Easter designs are available as singles or as mini pack of four cards.

Above right: Born to Stitch from Paper Rose consists of cute hand-knitted Easter characters.

We can be heroes

Father’s Day - 17 June 2018 As a recent Clintons study for Father’s Day highlighted, dear old Dad’s role has changed over the years, from the pipe and slippers disciplinarian of the 1940s to the fun and approachable 21st century pater who is more likely to have a strong emotional connection with his children, is more approachable and so gets a bit more gentle ribbing than his predecessors.

According to a customer survey conducted by funny card publisher CardsHit.com, on last month’s Father’s Day, the respondents, aged 16 -30, would find it easier to buy the family pooch a gift than poor old pa, with a whopping 41% saying they would only spend £5… and usually on a pair of socks! And when asked which famous dad they’d swap for their own on Father’s Day, man-of-the-moment Jeremy Corbyn topped the poll (26%).

Free taxi service, 24 hour bank, king of the barbeque, a Bear Grylls type fix it dad, after all the jokes and teasing Dads are considered a bit of a hero, and Father’s Day greeting cards for 2018 reflect the esteem we hold for pater with icons of medals and trophies and superheroes, in manly blues and burgundy, with decorative elements and finishes such as grained wood, contemporary geometric patterns and gold and bold (just like Dad) block foiling.

Above: Pigment’s Fleet Street range has six new laugh out loud designs, perfect for Father’s Day 2018.

Right: With stunning gold foiled graphics, Paperlink’s Apollo range is a range of six new Father’s Day designs hot off the press!

Far right: Nigel Quiney’s Pizazz male designs blend traditional images with contemporary graphics.

Top left: The new ‘POM’ range from Caroline Gardner have a 3D honeycomb pom, really bringing the cards to life!

Top right: A brand new Flutter on the breeze foiled design from Molly Mae. Above right: New cold-foiling techniques and beer mat cards feature in Carte Blanche’s lovely new Father’s Day range.

Left: Fantastic vintage humour for Father’s Day in UKG's witty Waving at Trains range.

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Face To Face

Stepping Back, Striding Forward “I have a pathological dislike of the word ‘retirement’ - I much prefer to see it that I will be ‘stepping back’, allowing the rest of the management team to continue to take the company forward, “ admitted Chris James, who completed his 18 year reign as sales director of Danilo at the end of last month when he officially handed the sales baton of the licensed greeting card and calendar company to its recently appointed commercial director, Brett Smith.

PG ‘stepped out’ with Chris and Brett and kept pace on the direction Danilo plans to stride out over the coming year.

PG Live was a fitting official swansong for Chris James, who has been the twinkly-eyed sales director of Danilo for the last 18 years.

He loved the buzz of the stand at the exhibition, chuckling at the automatic joy visitors demonstrated on meeting a ‘real live’ Minion. He also was completely on the ball, gauging reactions to the publisher’s wide product portfolio (which spans from top kids’ brands like Paw Patrol and mega sports clubs and talent signings like Justin Bieber and Liverpool FC, to its more quirky recent signings, which include Horrible Histories and Enid Blyton).

“I can honestly say I have really enjoyed my last 18 years with Danilo; being part of its transition from a purely calendar company to one which is now very much a greeting card and calendar business. Danilo is entering an exciting new period and so it feels absolutely right, (both for the company and for me personally), to step back now and allow the management team to continue to take the company forward,” Chris told PG with a reassuring smile.

While Chris will be retaining some links with the company, as a director and a shareholder, he is incredibly confident that 64

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

the day-to-day business of the company no longer requires his input.

“Every business, and industry for that matter, needs to grow organically. Changes happen, some you can control, others, be they trade, consumer or economy-related are forced upon you, to which you need to adapt and change course accordingly. Danilo is even better placed now to react than previously,” says Chris, in a nod to the company’s talented creative team (headed up by Martin Carte) as well as the Top: Chris James (left), sales director of Danilo hands over the baton to Brett Smith, commercial director.

Above left: Following on the success of its Adult Labybird book range, comes the Enid Blyton card collection from Danilo.

Above middle: Einstein as depicted in Danilo’s new Hipstory range (by artist Amit Shimoni) that launched at PG Live.

Right: A Krafty approach to DM3 from Danilo.

broader reach of licensing agreements that have been signed by licensing director, Dan Grant (who works closely with company founder Laurence and son Daniel, managing director of Danilo).

Having been involved in the greeting card and allied industries pretty much all his working life (prior to Danilo Chris worked for card publishers Athena/Cartel as well as Platignum Pens) Chris can draw on decades of perspective as to how the shape of industries alter, as well as the way that companies adapt to an ever changing business landscape.

Looking back at events that have transpired over his years at Danilo, Chris accepts that it would be foolhardy to ignore the rise of the value retail sector, most notably the expansion of the likes of Card Factory, B&M, Primark and Poundland. He also cites how publishers have had to to get their heads round the concept of brokerage and embrace it. “You need to recognise the importance of building relationships with the publisher broker, which is in effect your competitor, but who is, in many cases, your route into certain retailers,” sums up Chris.

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Face To Face

Chris stresses that a key advantage Danilo has always had, be through its dealings with multiples and indie retailers (the latter through Is it Art), is the inherent strength that lies within in its strong roster of licensing agreements with leading entertainment, music, talent and other property owners.

“What we are doing is selling ‘brands’, that consumers know and love. In doing so this gives our customers - the retailers - extra reassurance that few other publishers can offer,” he elucidates.

Chris James will be a hard act to follow, but Brett Smith, (who has joined Danilo as commercial director) is not only up for the challenge and knows the company culture well, but comes with a pedigree that straddles both sides of the retail counter.

Having been born into retail, (‘Brett’s Newsagent’, set up by his dad, named after his then young son, is still trading in Peterborough after all these years!), at 18 years old Brett (introduced to the company by his father) joined Clinton Cards, initially as manager of its Peterborough store (the 200th shop the specialist retail chain had opened).

Six months later Brett was promoted to area manager of Clintons, then regional manager, before moving into buying and marketing roles with what was the UK’s leading card specialist multiple.

Leaving Cintons in 2012, Brett then committed a year of his career to establishing new retail start-up Cards Direct, before moving on to divide his time to working with balloon company Pioneer and card distribution business, Is It Art, before wholeheartedly committing to his new role.

Left: Chris stands firm with DM3’s Gru and Mel at PG Live about the fact that he has ‘stepped back’ from Danilo from the end of June.

Below: A Paw Patrol sound card and Minecraft calendar from Danilo.

“I knew Danilo well, as the company had been a core supplier of Clintons for years. It has been a standing joke for the last decade that if and when Chris ever retired that I would love to take up his role. And it has finally happened!”

Brett’s new remit is to oversee all of Danilo’s sales in the UK (with Is it Art, now owned by CBG looking after the independent channel)

Making ‘Minions’ from Despicable Me 3 Despicable Me 3 (DM3) is set to be one of this summer’s biggest blockbusters and Danilo got right behind the new film (which was released on June 29) on the product and marketing front. Its strong range of DM3 calendars, diaries, greeting cards, giftwrap and bags was designed around the new film’s funky, colourful 80s theme and included a funky ‘kraft’ look to tap into different consumer tastes. The product launch was also backed up by an extensive social media campaign (including competitions) devised

by Claire Bates, Danilo’s online and social media maestro.

To create extra punch in-store, Danilo installed Despicable Me 3-themed FSDUs in Tesco just before the film was released, to promote its new Despicable Me3 card and giftwrap range.

“Having a strong range visually is great, but it’s really key that we support the offering with promotional activity and this year we are engaging in retail and consumer marketing to drive the awareness and maximise sales,” said Danilo’s licensing director Dan Grant.

Left: A Danilo DM3 FSDU in Tesco

and overseas, as well as being involved in the company’s marketing.

“Danilo has changed considerably over the years, not least its growth on the greeting card side,” summed up Brett, citing the thrust of the company that really came into its own driven by Chris and Trevor Jones (licensing director until he retired last year) joining the company. “At present the company is 60:40 calendars to cards, but I can see a day not too far away when it will be 50:50,” predicts Brett.

While Danilo has every intention to continue to hold its ground on its historical licensing ‘homeland’ with signings of top hits like My Little Pony and Paw Patrol, it is also looking to broaden its base into more quirky enclaves.

Following on the success of its Adult Ladybird range (which debuted at PG Live 2016), this year’s exhibition saw it showcase both an adult take on Enid Blyton, a funky Strictly Come Dancing collection as well as Hipstory (Amit Shimoni’s illustrations of industry leaders) and Selfies (a Gen Y-aimed talent range).

“We have a phenomenal in-house studio with an abundance of talent which is enabling us to broaden the types of licences for which we are best known,” says Brett. While determined not to tip the baby out with the bath water, Brett is open to explore new licensing avenues, which in turn will open up opportunities with retailers with whom Danilo has historically not dealt.

In addition, Danilo’s aspirational parameters have extended geographically as well as aesthetically.

“We also have ambitions to explore in Europe,” reveals Brett. “Over the coming year we will be working closer with our existing distributors to forge stronger links with overseas retailers.”

If Chris James has stepped back, then Brett Smith is determined to lead the charge in the company’s strides forward.

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In Conversation With... Cherry Orchard

Scents

Making Perfect

There were hundreds of new greeting card ranges launched at PG Live last month, all vying for buyers’ attentions, but Cherry Orchard certainly ‘nosed ahead’ with its debut.

They may say that it is ‘the eye that buys’ where cards are concerned, but Cherry Orchard’s Scent with Love range appeals to another sense too, as the cards’ inserts, when brushed, emit a beautiful subtle perfume of rose and vanilla.

PG followed its nose to Tewkesbury, home of the publisher, to find out more about the journey to create this innovative new fragranced collection.

Scent with Love is a beautiful range of cards.

The female-orientated contemporary yet traditional designs combine floral depictions in a lifestyle setting and crafted script. The captions and editorial are clearly crafted by a team that knows and understands the greeting card purchaser, both at trade and consumer level. But the range’s appeal goes much deeper into the psyche than purely the visual, igniting our oldest sense - smell -

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through a subtle pretty aroma that wafts out when the inside of the cards are lightly touched.

This is no ‘scratch and sniff’ novelty range, but a labour of love that made ‘perfect scents’ to Jackie Collins, managing director of Cherry Orchard.

“I knew I wanted to come up with a very special idea for a range, but didn’t quite know

Above left, above and left: There are 40 designs in the Scent with Love range (16 Code 50, eight Code 90 and 16 Code 75 squares).

Below left: Some of the Cherry Orchard team on its stand at PG Live where the Scent with Love range was launched.

(Right-left) Jackie Collins, Jo Bennett, Keith Taylor, Fi Douglass-Gibson and Beverly Fisher.

Below right: The Jo Malone book that helped inspire the range.

what it would be. You just have to be open to inspiration,” reveals Jackie.

That initial inspiration came from Jo Malone, the namesake behind the now world famous fragrance brand.

“I spotted that Jo Malone was speaking at Autumn Fair last September and so hot footed it to hear her. She was so inspiring.

Here was a woman who started her own business from scratch, is severely dyslexic, battled breast cancer, and has gone the extra mile to stand out from the crowd. When she spoke about being determined to include a scented page in her new book it was a lightbulb moment for me!” adds Jackie.

Jackie immediately recognised that if stunning artwork was combined with a subtle, non-synthetic scent that would bring joy to most, then the cards would appeal to two senses, not just one.

While Jo Malone sparked the idea for the new range it was Jackie’s mum, Ruby, who clinched it.

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In Conversation With... Cherry Orchard

Left: In addition to providing retailers with posters to promote the range, Cherry Orchard has also produced ‘tester cards’ that can be left at the counter so that consumers can appreciate the smell without undoing the cellowrap of the actual cards.

Below: Jackie Collins and Beverley Fisher are in training for their next challenge, this time of a physical nature! On July 28 they will undertake the Three Peak Challenge to raise money for the Wellchild charity in which the publisher is heavily involved. (www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jackiebeverley)

“My lovely Mum has always been a big fan of scented roses. The garden of my childhood home was filled with well over 120 different rose bushes.”

“My lovely Mum has always been a big fan of scented roses. The garden of my childhood home was filled with well over 120 different rose bushes,” says Jackie. “I was telling Mum about hearing Jo Malone speak and my idea and she bought me Jo’s autobiography.”

Smelling that page in the book impregnated with the pomelo fragrance really clinched it. So, as Beverley Fi s h e r, t h e c o m p a ny ’s creative director made a start on the design front, Jackie embarked on an international mission to not only to find the technological wizardry that could impregnate a lasting fragrance onto the card insert, but also find and create the right perfume.

“I rang up the head office of Simon & Schuster the book publisher of the Jo Malone book and didn’t give up until they let me have the contact of the printer in New York who had produced the fragranced paper. He was incredibly helpful, but I really wanted to find someone a bit closer to home,” she reveals.

The answer came unexpectantly shortly afterwards when she was on a weekend away with some girlfriends staying in a hotel in Bourton-on-theWater, in the Cotswolds.

“I was up early nosing through the guest book and information leaflets and came across The Cotswold Perfume Company, based in the village. It sounds perfect; an established family company specialising in natural fine fragrances,” says Jackie, who wasted no time in contacting John Stephens, owner of the company.

“John is a master perfumer who totally understood what I wanted. We then spend a great deal of time smelling the different concoctions that he created specially for us before deciding on the bespoke rose and vanilla perfume, now called Ruby, after my mum, that we are using in the range,” adds Jackie.

Arriving at the right scent however would be worthless if it was unable to be effectively impregnated in the cards.

Undeterred by this challenge, Cherry Orchard’s trusted print supplier for the last 15 years, Alpha Colour Printers, brought in Heidelberg Left: The home of The Costwold Perfumery in Bourton-on-the-Water where Cherry Orchard’s bespoke rose and vanilla fragrance, called Ruby, was created.

Being Nosey A trio of Cherry Orchard directors reveal their olfactory secrets as to what are their favourite smells: l “My top three emotive smells would have to be petrol (from when I was pregnant!); Johnson’s Baby Powder from when the boys were babies and of course, my Mother’s Christmas roast lunch.” - Jackie Collins, managing director l “My fave smells are: Cinnamon as it reminds me of Christmas and just brings back many happy childhood memories; the sea... as I live by it and it prompts memories of holidays - happy days! And fresh laundry/sheets - that lovely cotton smell that makes you feel all snuggly buggly.” - Fi Douglass-Gibson, director of sales l “My favourite smell would be of freshly cut grass. It instantly reminds me of sunny Sunday mornings as a child when my dad, every Sunday without fail, would mow the lawn and I would wake up to the hum of the mower outside.” - Beverley Fisher, creative director

expert Barry Benham to work together with John Stephens of The Cotswold Perfumery, as well as Celessence, a company with the wherewithal to encapsulate the fragrance into the coating to achieve it.

“We knew we wanted the scent to be subtle, but something that would last and therefore the card would be an even more treasured keepsake. I can’t thank the team enough for everything they did to make this happen,” said Jackie emotionally.

Ever mindful that however interesting a backstory to a product can be, it has to be communicated effectively to the consumer if it has any chance of cutting through commercially, especially in a market as fiercely competitive as greeting cards.

On this Jackie worked closely with both Beverley Fisher, the company’s creative director, and director of sales Fi DouglassGibson (who joined the company at the beginning of April after many years in the industry including with Nigel Quiney Publications, Really Good and Camden Graphics) on the packaging, PoS (including producing tester cards that retailers can have at the counter so that consumers can smell the fragrance without unwrapping the cards) and display options.

After a very successful debut at PG Live, the first deliveries of Scent with Love are now making their way out to retailers - to continue their memorable journey in a number of different senses!

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69_71_49/51 28/06/2017 16:55 Page 1

ART SOURCE

PG helps to paint a pretty picture of freelance artists, designers, verse writers and photographers’ worlds in order to promote their talents to publishers and, conversely, make it easier for publishers seeking artists.

ARTIST IN FOCUS

Katie Bell I’m a professional artist and designer based in Weybridge, Surrey, and I have always been creative.

From an early age I was never without colouring pencils or felt tips. By the time I was in junior school I knew I wanted to be a graphic artist, so I studied an art foundation then went on to study a BA (Hons) in graphic design.

I went on to follow a successful career as a designer in London, specialising in branding and typography, but since becoming a mother I now work from home and have re-discovered my love of art and illustration.

The idea for my digital pet portraits was born while on holiday when I was stuck for a new creative project. Flicking through Facebook I spotted photos of some friends’ pets, and as a pet lover myself couldn’t resist having a go at illustrating them. I really enjoyed having fun with the images and so posted them back online. The amazing feedback I got

from this spontaneous bit of holiday fun spurred me on to make this my business direction.

I love to capture a pet’s special character and visual likeness. My pet portrait art, which is very graphical in style, is energetic, colourful and bold and offers a modern alternative to classic watercolour, pastel and pencil works. I work directly on to computer, so my illustrations can be easily adapted to many formats, from high quality prints and canvases, to greeting cards, coasters and mugs.

As my work has been steadily gaining popularity in the UK and abroad I’ve set up an Etsy store and I will have my own stall at the art and craft fairs in the Surrey area this autumn. My career in design has helped stand me in good stead too - it’s all really exciting. l Email: katiebelluk@gmail.com l Web: www.katiebell.co.uk

WANT TO BE FEATURED?

If you are an artist, photographer or verse writer and would like to be considered to appear in Art Source, please contact PG’s Emma Cain on emmac@max-publishing.co.uk. This is an editorial feature and as such is free of charge.

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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68_70_PG_June 2017_Art Source 30/06/2017 08:54 Page 70

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ART SOURCE Bee Brown

I'm a UK based artist and I love being an illustrator; being able to draw and make from inside my little 'creative bubble' brings me great joy; it's my happy place where thoughts and dreams fuse to make ideas flow. My specialism is working within vector programmes such as Illustrator and I really enjoy putting together unusual colour combinations, creating fun characters and dreaming up lovely lettering layouts.

The Birmingham Institute of Art and Design was my home for four years while I was training to be a graphic designer and illustrator. I graduated with a First Class (Hons) degree, and as well as enjoying a period of time teaching drawing to Foundation level students, I have also been super fortunate to go on to work with some great clients, mainly within the field of publishing such as Harper Collins, Usborne Books, Peaceable Kingdom, Papyrus, Design House Greetings, Target, Hallmark and many more.

Other things that bring me joy are being with my family, eating lemons, chocolate and sushi (but not all at the same time!), drinking tea, design books, hand-drawn lettering, learning new things, travelling to new places when I can and anything fun and quirky. l l l l

Bee’s agent: Jennifer Nelson Email: jennifer@jennifer-nelson-artists.com Web: www.jennifer-nelson-artists.com Tel: 781-643-2002

Daniel Rodgers I have always been drawn to anything creative and upon discovering the illustrations of Tim Hildebrandt at quite a young age I was totally captivated and realised that my future goal was to become an artist.

After attending Sunderland University, completing both a BA and an MA in illustration, I have since built a successful career that I love.

I started out working with a variety of magazines, designing book covers and publishing a series of children’s books – and in 2009 I joined forces with my great agents at Image Source as a freelance artist creating an abundance of work with them with a special focus on Christmas art.

I consider myself to be a traditional artist with a love of realistic paintings by the Great Masters but with contemporary influences definitely coming from impressionistic paintings too. I’m inspired mainly by the bold vibrant brushwork and in my love of captivating colour palettes - both driving me to be more confident in my ideas and paintings.

As well as working digitally I also enjoy painting in watercolour and oils and have had works in galleries and collections around the world. Underpinning my work is an aim to convey a story and not just create artwork that looks nice, but designs that are memorable and will stay with the viewer for some time.

I love painting pretty much anything, but I think my best work to date has been for traditional Christmas artwork, primarily for greeting cards and gift bags, and it’s a great feeling to find your own niche in creating something people love and enjoy. I never knew I would love creating my Santa art quite as much as I do! l Image Source - Art Licensing l Email: anne@image-source.co.uk l Web: www.image-source.co.uk PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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PG asked a selection of card retailers for their ‘hot’ card sellers.

Chris Dell and Paul Cheshire, partners of White Mint, Berkhamsted and St Albans, Hertfordshire Two medium shops, in a town and city, with a loyal locals and visitors customer base.

Category

Name of Publisher

Product/Name Range

Comments

Cute

The Grumble & Co

General

Humour

Buddy Fernandez

General

Ohh Deer

Gemma Correll

Art

Ruth Jackson

Pencil Shavings Cards

Contemporary

Hotchpotch (CBG)

Flair

Lagom

Across The Board

Coulson Macleod

Dolittle and Little Reasons

Ohh Deer Meri Meri U Studio

Tess Smith-Roberts Temporary Tattoos Pencils and coasters

I think it's the animal, particularly dog, aspect of the designs that appeal; people love their pets. And who can resist the doggy Ab Fab Patsy and Eddie design!

Shockingly rude messages but they sell!

Bright and simple, they always raise a smile.

Pictorial puns and plays on words that are bright with a complementing envelope.

A really simple but great idea to use pencil shavings as the design. They’re an easy, classy and inoffensive send.

Cute designs with a very smart enamel (a unicorn, dachshund, flamingo etc) pin that can be detached and worn.

The cards look luxurious and expensive with their quality board and great colours, and for an excellent price.

With clean and fresh illustrations on wooden cards or just simply foiled words on a paper card, the touches of neon with a complementing envelope are spot on.

Animal characters having a birthday party, wearing a party hat!

A favourite with children and adults alike! Ideal for festivals.

They make me laugh!... and the company have tied into the rainbows and unicorns trend.

Right: A wooden Dolittle design with touches of neon from Coulson Macleod.

Children’s Ancillary

Sharon Brown, owner of Blueberry, Musselburgh, Scotland A small shop in a town with a loyal locals customer base.

Category

Name of Publisher

Product/Name Range

Comments

Cute

Molly Mae

General

Humour

Cockadoodle Design

Little Bigs

Right: Another cheeky character from the fabulous Little Bigs range from Cockadoodle Designs.

Below right: Tropical Candy from Lola Design is a ’tigertastic’ children’s range.

Southfield Stationers

LOL

Contemporary

Pink Pig

Hootenanny

Handmade/ Hand-Finished

Second Nature

Yours Truly

Lola Design

Tropical Candy

Boozi Body Care

Cocktails body wash and cream, hand cream and lip balm Cocktail Candles

Nice designs in pastel colours that are that little bit different And the wee Scottish range goes down very well with customers.

Cheeky but simple characters raised off the board with punchy captions: fun and very different.

A local company that creates coasters on cards that can be kept as a gift; there’s also a good mix of designs.

All the ranges go down a bomb, but especially the Scottish collection. And with new ranges always brought out there’s always something new to see.

With embellishments, foiling and diamantes, these cards look far more than their value of 99p.

Bright, colourful and fun age designs featuring quirky animals.

These different cocktails fragranced body products are a big favourite, especially the Gin and Tonic and Champagne Bellini collections.

Ancillary

Dekassa

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PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

Great quality candles with a fun cocktail or Prosecco scented twist and at a good price - elements combined to create a winner!

72-73_46-47 30/06/2017 13:28 Page 73

Olivia Reilly, owner of Little Boat Gifts, Brightlingsea, Essex A small shop in a seaside village with a loyal locals and tourists customer base.

Category

Name of Publisher

Product/Name Range

Comments

Everyday

Blue Eyed-Sun

Vintage

Alljoy Designs

Wooden Cards

Contemporary

Red Berry Cards

Just Saying

Right: Washing onto Little Boat Gifts’ shores are Olivia Goddard Design’s Fun In The Sun range.

Below right: Alljoy’s Wooden Cards are ‘wheelie’ good fun!

Wraptious

Liz Chaderton

Megan Claire

Pink Champagne

Art

Perkins and Morley

Landscapes

Children’s

Olivia Goddard Designs

Fun In The Sun

Our customers love the added details and often comment that each card looks individually stitched.

These have been really popular as an alternative card. Each one has an intricate design cut out that make them great for special occasions.

We love the fresh look of these designs, simple wording with hints of colour give them a classic look. The ‘Big hugs’ design is an instant sell out.

We stock a few items from Wraptious; these cute watercolours of various animals work well alongside its other products.

Customers not only love the wording on these designs, but the luxurious look of the finish.

Bright seascapes or dramatic countryside make these ideal cards for any message.

Being by the coast these seaside inspired children’s cards are perfect with bright colours and patterns.

Carole and Debbie Hatch, partners of Paper Moon, Dore, South Yorkshire A medium shop in a large village with a loyal locals customer base.

Category

Name of Publisher

Product/Name Range

Comments

Everyday

Nigel Quiney

Pizazz

Cute

Hotchpotch (CBG)

Flair

Humour

Pigment

Across The Board

Photographic

Woodmansterne

General

Contemporary Traditional Art

Caroline Gardner Nigel Quiney Wendy Carlton

Across The Board General General

Handmade/ Hand-Finished

Five Dollar Shake

Across The Board

Janie Wilson

Silver Leaf

Hotchpotch (CBG), Paper Salad, Paper Rose, Nigel Quiney Glick Really Good

General

Whenever a customer puts a pile of cards on the counter there's always a Nigel Quiney card or two, usually Pizazz! These cards are popular in both male and female cards.

The cute little enamel pins are central to the card, but can be taken off and worn. Our favourite is the unicorn!

We love Pigment, they have a fantastic range of cards and they all sell really well. We particularly like the The Happy News range. They are great for relations sends as there is a lovely verse on the front of the card but with a modern feel.

We have a small photographic Woodmansterne range, but we also use local artists depicting local scenes, which customers love.

Great stunning contemporary designs in beautiful colours.

The artwork is always fabulous and customers like a few simple words.

We currently stock the most beautiful cards and cushions by this local artist.

We have a stand of Five Dollar Shake cards, which sell well for special occasions and birthdays.

We have done really well with this range of cards. They are very simple and classy.

We do try and stock cards that are under £2 as it inevitably works out very expensive for parents when they’re buying lots of cards for kids’ parties throughout the year.

The designs are beautiful and the prices are great!

A great pick-up gift, these always sell very well.

Right: Hotchpotch’s Flair range has a gorgeous enamel pin to proudly wear.

Children’s

Giftwrap Ancillary

Wotmalike

General The Bright Side tins, ceramic dishes, mugs Mugs, tea-towels, coasters

We've done really well with the 'Yorkshire lasses love Prosecco in their glasses' range of gifts, particularly the tea-towel which we sell for £7.99.

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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09/06/2017 12:01 30/06/2017 14:25

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LYNN’S LINES

A Lasting Legacy Above: Lynn lived life to its fullest.

Below: A tribute to Lynn at last month’s PG Live - ‘Lynn’s Legacy’ was honoured by Ladder Club members, speakers and friends.

Every month for the last 20 years these two pages of PG have been filled with the inspiring, honest and heart-felt words of Lynn Tait, owner of The Lynn Tait Gallery and ‘Queen’ of The Ladder Club.

Very sadly, Lynn lost her hard fought battle with Myeloma, a rare blood cancer on June 1.

However her legacy lives on in so many ways, not least through the hundreds of publishers she has nurtured through The Ladder Club.

Following on from last month’s PG, when Ladder Clubbies shared just some of the lessons they had learned from the wondrous Lynn Tait, here other publishers share their tributes to this very special lady who will never be forgotten.

“Lynn accepted me as a beginner and pointed me in the direction of success.

She constantly radiated confidence, determination and optimism and shone beams of light on a road that is not always easy as a new card publisher. She had the most amazing gift of connecting and growing people. Sending Lynn beams of love and light.”

Willow Cairn, founder of My Greeting Card Designs

“We were so saddened to hear the news about Lynn. She was a very special lady and we always felt her love. We will remain forever thankful for her championing of what we were trying to achieve in the industry.”

Ben Hicks and Mark Williams, directors of Brainbox Candy “It's truly an impossible task trying to sum up the enormous debt of gratitude that is owed to Lynn in just a few lines. She has offered unconditional support, sound advice, a shoulder to cry on and friendship, not only to Ladderclubbies, but to countless other greeting card publishers over many years. She was truly unique in her generosity and kindness to share her wealth of experience.

It is with no exaggeration to say that the flourishing greeting card industry in the UK has Lynn to thank for enabling much of its creative talent to succeed in such a competitive market.”

Hannah Wrendale, partner of Wrendale Designs

Above: Friend and photographer Charlie Waite (left) with Lynn and her local MP. PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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LYNN’S LINES Below: Through the sale of Christmas cards, that involved artwork from Ladder Club members, Lynn raised a significant amount for charity.

“Lynn was extraordinarily inspiring; both in the way she just got on with things and the brilliant humour she did it with. We all need people like Lynn in our lives and sadly most of us don’t ever find them. We were lucky to have known her.”

Matt and Beth Genower, founders of Five Dollar Shake “Lynn encouraged people to work hard but play hard too, which I think is a really important piece of advice. It is tough running a business sometimes and the phrase ‘work to live don’t live to work’ is an important one to remember.

Lynn had a fantastic sense of humour and loved to hear about what goes on outside of the office. She was an approachable, fun loving woman, who was also driven and passionate about her business and The Ladder Club, and I respected her greatly.”

Jessica Hogarth, founder of Jessica Hogarth “Lynn was there for me, offering help in so many ways. Helping me take that first step on the card publishing ladder, and in climbing those rungs. Lynn taught me that there is a place for small, unique publishers in among the bigger players, and that there is always someone to help support me through The Ladder Club group.”

Janna Cossettini, founder of Deckled Edge “Lynn was a very supportive influence to everyone. It was amazing to have someone so willing to offer up advice and real caring.

She was also an inspiration to carry on working so hard when going through a tough time. So many would have said 'sod this'! But she never gave up.”

Jenny Morrison, founder of Paper Sole

Above: At the Bollywood themed Henries awards last year, (left to right) Rush Designs’ Lorraine Bradley, Lynn Tait, Lola Design’s Amanda Mountain and Ian Bradley (agent).

Below right: One of Lynn’s many lessons to Ladderclubbies.

“From the very first day we joined The Ladder Club, Lynn was like a mother to us, giving us guidance we very much needed every step of the way. Our journey with our greeting card business would not be the same without her advice, inspiration and passion.”

Regina French and Indra Stepuriene, co-owners of Chocogreetings

“Lynn was a legend! Not only was she truly inspirational, but also she was a very special person. She had the unique ability to support and encourage her ever-growing flock of Ladder Club members and make everyone feel nurtured and have the benefit of her experience.”

Eloise Hall, director of Eloise Hall “Lynn was a remarkable lady who always had time for everyone. She called me out of hours on several occasions when she could sense my despair or when I just needed some advice, and I am so very grateful to her for that. She was a total inspiration to us all.”

Nicole Orsi, director of Red Berry Cards “We were so very sorry to hear about Lynn. We only met her a few times but she’s had a huge impact on both of us and we are so glad we made it to The Ladder Club last year. We hope we made her proud at our first PG Live recently.”

Lucy Sticka and Heidi Richardson, directors of Little Paperie

“Lynn was such an inspiration. She was such a strong and positive person, having so much time and encouragement for every single person in The Ladder Club and beyond.

Lynn taught me to believe in myself and to work hard, but also when it gets too much it’s ok to head to the beach with my family.”

Georgia Frost, founder of Georgia Breeze “John and I have both really valued the support and guidance we’ve received since being members of The Ladder Club. Lynn had such an extensive knowledge of the industry; she really was like a human handbook! And she balanced practical advice in a way that didn't undermine your confidence – not an easy thing to do.”

Laura Kavanagh and John Higgins, directors of Go La La “How very sorry I am that we have lost our dear friend Lynn.

Such a sad time, but also a time when friends can be together to support each other.

I am very happy to be able to tell you that McMillan and Lynn’s company will start working together later this month, working with her special manageress Poppy.”

Jenny Cummins, md of McMillan Cards 76

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

“Lynn was such a special person and we thought she had more time than she did.

She was, as ever, so full of love and life.”

Wendy and Steve Jones-Blackett, directors of Wendy Jones-Blackett “Lynn was amazing, always smiling despite what she was going through. She gave us publishers never ending advice and encouragement and somehow made us believe we can do it!”

Jeannett Stevenson, founder of Pippi & Me

“Where would The Ladder Club be without Lynn? It probably wouldn't exist! We are all so grateful to Lynn for all her input and little tips and advice she readily gave to us, at all times.”

Marina Brook, founder of Marina B Designs “Lynn was an inspiration to us all.”

Sabina Kovacheva, director of Sabivo Design

77-82_Product Directory July 2017_v2 28/06/2017 13:43 Page 77

PRODUCT DIRECTORY

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To appear in the Product Directories simply contact

Warren Lomax on:

020 7700 6740

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

Tracey Arnaud on:

07957 212 062

or email on traceya@max-publishing.co.uk

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Emscote Mill, Wharf Street, Warwick, CV34 5LB Tel: 01926 747935 www.isitart.co.uk

To appear in the Product Directories contact

Warren Lomax

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

Tracey Arnaud

07957 212 062

Acting as the exclusive, direct-to-retail, UK Independent trade distributor for five market leading greeting card & gift publishers: Blue Mountain Arts Emotional Rescue Gemma Danilo Promotions Saffron Cards & Gift Our portfolio of product covers all genres including sentiment, contemporary art, ‘off the wall’ humour & licensed juvenile characters.

or email traceya@max-publishing.co.uk

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NEW CHRISTMAS AVAILABLE NOW

Publishers of quality blank greeting cards

bexyboo.co.uk 01565 830546

enquires@bexyboo.co.uk

www.cathtatecards.com

Caspari C aspari Ltd Ltd Linden Linden House, House, John John Dane Dane P Player layer C Court ourt

Witty, gritty, switched on humour.

Cards and gifts with a real difference.

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

78

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

East E ast S Street, treet, Saffron Saffron Walden Walden E ssex, C B10 11LR LR Essex, CB10 T el: 01799 01799 513010 513010 Tel: 01799 513101 513101 F ax: 01799 Fax: Email: info@caspari.co.uk info@caspari.co.uk Email: w ww.CaspariOnline.com www.CaspariOnline.com

PProducts: roducts: Everyday Everyday cards cards - birthday, birthday, blank blank & occasions, occasions, charity ch harity Christmas Christmas cards, wrap, bbags, ags, ttissue, issue, rribbon, ibbon, cards, gift gift wrap, hankies, hankies, napkins, napkins, paper paper plate, plate, candles, candles, placemats, placemats, crackers,invitations, crackers,invitations, placecards, placecards, notecards,diaries, notecards,diaries, address address bbooks, ooks, jjournals, ournals, advent advent calendars calendars and and bridge bridge gifts. gifts.

Method M ethod of of Sale: Sale: D Direct irect to to Retail Retail

77-82_Product Directory July 2017_v2 28/06/2017 13:44 Page 79

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York House, 2-4 York Road, Felixstowe, Suffolk IP11 7QQ T: 01394 271668 F: 01394 275114 E: colneiscards@btconnect.com

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The UK No. No. 1 in The Licensed Greetings Greetings etings Licensed Over Overr 30 licenses Ov licens nses ses including: includin ng g: g: D Disne y, Peppa Peppa Pig Pig, Disney, He Kitty, Kitty Kitty, Mr Men Men Hello a d Angry A Birdss and Birds t: +44 + (0)1264 388400 e: enquiries@gemma-international.co.uk co.uk enquiries@gemma-interna national. ti w: gemma-international.co.uk gemma-international. ona co.uk

Online Shop www.colneisgreetingcards.com

Ch nese Chinese

Jewish CARD CARDS S â&#x20AC;˘ WRAP â&#x20AC;˘ PARTY PARTY â&#x20AC;˘ GIFTS GIFTS

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Tel: T Te el: e 0161 1 641 64 641 0655 0655 06 Email: sales@davora.co.uk E m mail: sales@davora.co.uk sales@da

Colour House Graphics

135 13 1 35 H Heaton eaton ea on M Moor oorr Rd Rd | Stockport S Sttockp ock o kpo port ort SK4 4HY 4 4H HY

A U.K owned Greeting Cards Publisher.

Our everyday ranges for all occasions and relations include traditional, contemporary, cute, humour and photographic designs. We also have a full range of Christmas and Spring Seasons.

All products are designed and printed in the U.K on the finest quality board.

BRANDS â&#x20AC;&#x153;Write from the Heartâ&#x20AC;? brand includes; Corsage, Sentiments, Champagne, Celebrations and Jelly Beans.

M ETHOD OF SALE

York House, 2-4 York Road, Felixstowe, Suffolk IP11 7QQ T: 01394 271668 F: 01394 275114 E: colourhousegraphics@hotmail.com Online Shop www.colourhousegraphics.co.uk

Direct to Retail

G RASS R OOTS INTERNATIONAL Ewe are bleating brilliant!

Units 4 - 4A Valentines Buildin g Ra cec our se Bus in ess Par k Aintr ee, Liver poo l, L9 5 AL Tel: 0151 52 3 9600 Fax : 015 1 523 494 9 e-m ail: s ales@ writefr om th ehear t.co.uk

Greeting cards â&#x20AC;&#x201C; NEW DESIGNS

from the

Have an a-MOO-zing birthday!

www.decklededge.co.uk janna@decklededge.co.uk

0800 7710771

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

*GCF 1HĆ&#x201A;EG * GCF 1HĆ&#x201A;EG +353 (0)404 20528 Email info@garlanna.com www.garlanna.com .garlanna.com www

Lovely greetings cards & other paper stuff dandelionstationery.co.uk info@dandelionstationery.co.uk

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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CHARITY GREETING CARDS One of the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading publishers of Charity Greeting Cards.

Impress offers a wide collection of images, including fine art, graphic, photographic and cute.

We also offer a bespoke design service for bulk orders and/or mail order fulfilment.

Eye catching, luxurious Gift Wraps, Gift Tags, Gift Bags, Roll Wrap, Tissue Papers & Ribbons for all occasions

Impress Publishing Appledown House Barton Business Park New Dover Road Canterbury, Kent CT1 3TE Tel: 01227 811 611 Fax: 01227 811 618 email: info@impresspublishing.co.uk

Glick, Unit 1 Allenby House, European Industrial Park, Knowles Lane, Bradford BD4 9AB Tel: 01274 655980 email: sales@glick.co.uk www.glick.co.uk

ARTISTS AR RT TISTS C CARDS ARDS g glebecottage.co.uk lebecottage.co.uk 01626 369269 E Established stablished 1993

Market leaders in Humour, Art, Photographic, Occasions and Relations cards offering a full planning service with merchandising and retail development opportunities.

H OTC H P OTC H PUBLISHING

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L U X U RY C A R D S P R O U D LY M A D E I N T H E U K

www.greatbritishcards.co.uk WATERWELLS DRIVE, GLOUCESTER GL2 2PH UK TEL: 01452 888999

PHO PHOTOGRAPHY TOGRAPHY g glebecottage.co.uk lebecottage.co.uk 01626 369269 E Established stablished 1993

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PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

Order s can be placed on our trader site

w w w. c b g t r a d e r. c o. u k or call our customer ser vice team on

+44(0)1243 792600

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

Tracey Arnaud on:

07957 212 062

or email on traceya@max-publishing.co.uk

77-82_Product Directory July 2017_v2 28/06/2017 13:44 Page 81

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Silk Screened Retro, Pop & Classic Cards Inspired by Music and 1960’s American Advertising.For all Vinyl & Rock n’Roll lovers

L E T U S TA K E YOU BAC K

For further details please get in touch.

info@vincentmcevoy.com

+44 (0)7779 578340

LING DESIGN

60 years

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

Pizazz Gifts.

The UK’s leading privately owned publisher of Greetings Cards and Stationery. ...The home for

Yo our N Number b O One S Supplier li off Numerals, Name, Relation & Age Labels for Greetings Cards.

Huge selection with immediate delivery y. Buy direct or from your wholesalerr.

Listan Labels 3 Isis Court, Wyndyke Furlong, Abingdon Business Park, Abingdon, Oxfordshire Oxfordshire OX1 5JN Tel Tel e 01235 465489 Fax 01235 532118 www.listanpublications.co.uk www.listanpublications.co.uk sales@listanpublications.co.uk

and

Products: Greetings cards for all occasions, Christmas and Spring Seasons cards, gift wrap and bags, charity cards, social stationery.

Bespoke service for charities and other fundraisers.

Brand Names

With Love

Pizazz, Pizazz Gallery, Pizazz Jewell, Pizazz for Men, What a Picture, Time Out, Bon Bon, Marshmallow Cloudesley House • Shire Hill • Saffron Walden • CB11 3FB T: 01799 520200 F: 01799 520100 www.nigelquiney.com

Ling Design Ltd 14-20 Eldon Way, Paddock Wood, Kent TN12 6BE Tel: 01892 838574 enquiries@lingdesign.co.uk www.lingdesign.co.uk

Agents Wanted

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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paperlink... pap erlink... the home of fa fabulous bulous cards!

356 56 Kennington Rd London SE11 4LD T 020 7582 8244 info@paperlink.co.uk @paperlink.co.uk www.paperlink.co.uk

Suppliers of humorous & contemporary Birthday, Christmas, Spring Seasons, Occasions & Relations cards

originalposter.com

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

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

Brands include: Bottomline, Bestie, Wrinklies, Hat Trick, Route 69, Bangers & Flash, Humdingers, Lacie, Sassy, Stay Wonky, Patisserie, Tinklers, Made With Love, and many many more!

Method of Sale: Direct P Paperlinkcards aperlinkcards @paperlinkcards @ paperlinkcards

We replace slow sellers and damaged stock free of charge.

We merchandise regularly, so you don’t have to.

THAT’S WHY WE’RE ORIGINAL!

01932 267 300 Exquisite Design, Beautiful Cards Key brands include Marzipan, Portobello, Mosaic, Daisy Patch, Aquarupella and Designers Guild, plus many more.

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

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Design-led Stationery, Gifts, Calendars, Diaries and Cards Brands Laura Ashley, Roald Dahl, Lily & Val, Vintage Ladybird, Caroline Gardner, Monsoon, Born to Shop, Flash Gordon, Boofle and many more.

Our In-house design studio and established supply chain enables us to offer bespoke services. tel: +44 (0) 1225 329494 email: sales@porticodesigns.com website: www.porticodesigns.com

82

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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

Tracey Arnaud on:

07957 212 062

or email on traceya@max-publishing.co.uk

77-82_Product Directory July 2017_v2 28/06/2017 13:45 Page 83

PRODUCT DIRECTORY

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

l PRODUCT DIRECTORY

TM

l PRODUCT DIRECTORY

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Warren Lomax

LING DESIGN

on:

020 7700 6740

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

Tracey Arnaud on:

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

Method of sale: Direct to Retail 14-20 Eldon Way, Paddock Wood, Kent TN12 6BE Tel: 01892 838574 enquiries@lingdesign.co.uk www.lingdesign.co.uk

Greeting Cards that are unique & special with creative wit.

Looking for top-notch agents to join our expanding team.

07957 212 062

or email on traceya@max-publishing.co.uk

rosierobins.com 01992 536461 Products: Greetings Cards, Gift Wrap, Social Stationery, Gift Bags, Keepsakes, Partyware.

Brands: Designer Collection, Feelings, Impressions, Inspirations, In Touch, Isabel’s Garden, Paper Wishes, Planet Happy.

To appear in the Product Directories simply contact

Warren Lomax on:

Method of sale:

020 7700 6740

Wholesale Distributors

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

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

Tracey Arnaud on:

07957 212 062

or email on traceya@max-publishing.co.uk

Sensations International Ltd Unit 6, Quad Road,East Lane Business Park,East lane, Wembley,MIDDLESEX HA9 7NE Tel. 0208 3854470 Fax: 0208 385 4471 Email: sales@sensationsinternational.com PRODUCTS: World’s leading publisher of high quality plastic greeting cards. Also an extensive range of quality greeting cards covering Everyday, Occasions, Christmas and Spring seasons.

BRANDS: Cherished Thoughts, Sweet Sentiments, Buddies Always, Symphony, Thinking of You, Style, Special Wishes, Special Times, Young Editions, Groove Sensations, Forever Blessed, Grey Skies, Classics.

METHOD OF SALE: Direct to retail.

PG LIVE STAND ª 684

greeting cards & contempoRary gifts www.redbackcards.com e: info@redbackcards.com t: 01803 712793

T: 07767 896807 info@stationerytraffic.co.uk stationerytraffic.co.uk PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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The UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading publisher of highest quality handmade Greetings Cards.

Products: Greetings cards for all occasions, Christmas and Spring Seasons. Spinners and other retail displays available.

Talking Pictures Cards Ltd 14-20 Eldon Way, Paddock Wood, Kent, TN12 6BE UNIQUE UNIQ QUE U PERSONALISED PERSONALISED CARDS

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

Wee of W offer ffer f a COMPRE COMPREHENSIVE HENS

range of high quality qua Gr eeting Car ds ffor o Greeting Cards ALL Occasions Occasions,, CHRISTMAS HRISTMAS and Spring Seasons.

Seasons Method of Sale: D Direct to Retail

Market Leaders in

Verse

& entimen

Email: info@words-n-wishes.co.uk inffo@w o ords-n-wishes.

Web: W eb: e www.words-n-wishes.co.uk www w.w . ords-n-wishes.co

Tel: T e el: 01942 01942 233201 233201

an extensive range of superior quality,

www.tomcatcards.co.uk w: www .tomcatcards.co.uk e: tomcat@tomcatcards.co.uk t: 01243 837300

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

DIRECT TO RETAIL & EXPORT

Method of Sale: Direct to Retail Orders can be placed on our trader site

www.cbgtrader.co.uk or call our customer services team on

+44(0)1243 792600

TEL: 01480 435562 FAX: 01480 450599 www.tracksltd.com

Top-notch British Greeting Cards for Thoughts that Count

UNIT 2, 12 BLACKSTONE RD, STUKELEY MEADOWS IND EST, HUNTINGDON, CAMBS, PE29 6EF

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01923 200600 | www.woodmansterne.co.uk

85_Wholesale Directory July 2017_whole sale dirSeptember 2004 28/06/2017 14:35 Page 83

DIRECTORY OF WHOLESALERS

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DIRECTORY OF WHOLESALERS

NATIONWIDE

MERSEYSIDE

WALES

UNIT 4, THE ARGENT CENTRE, SILVERDALE ROAD, HAYES, MIDDLESEX, UB3 3BS TEL: 020 8573 2975 / 1768 FAX: 020 8561 2349

MERSEYSIDE GREETING CARDS LTD

Merseysideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Largest Greeting Card Distributor

Email: info@abbeycards.com

Due to our massive buyer power, we are able to offer you the best prices and also take a pride in our friendly service.

LONDONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NO 1 GREETING CARDS STATIONERY PARTY AND BALLOON CASH & CARRY

Greeting cards â&#x20AC;¢ Gift ranges â&#x20AC;¢ Pocket money toys â&#x20AC;¢ Balloons â&#x20AC;¢ Badges â&#x20AC;¢ Banners â&#x20AC;¢ Soft toys â&#x20AC;¢ Stationery â&#x20AC;¢ Collectables , including dolls â&#x20AC;¢ Photo frames

Trading Hours Our Opening Hours are: MON, TUES,WED & FRI 9.00 - 5.30pm THURSDAY 9.00 - 8.30pm

Always something different Check us out now!!!

Mon, Tues, Wed and Fri 9.30 till 4.30pm Thursday 9.00 till 7.30pm Sunday 10 till 1.00pm Tel: 0151 227 2555 Fax: 0151 227 2556 mgconline@hotmail.com 25 Dickson Street, Liverpool L3 7EB

HERTS & LONDON

SUMAN BROS

To appear in the Wholesale Directory simply contact

Warren Lomax 020 7700 6740

Stationery and greeting card wholesaler

Crown House Otterspool Way Watford WD25 8HL

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

magnus RUPERT

T: 01923 200 900 F: 01923 200 909

Just off the M1 Junction 5

EUR EUROPEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ROPEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LEADING LEADING G GREETINGS REETINGS CARD CARDS, S, PARTY GIFTS, IFTS, PAR ART TY PRODUCTS, PRODUCTS, G CANDLES, CANDLES, TOYS, TOYS, STATIONERY STAT TIIONER RY AND FLORIST SUNDRIES FLORIST S UNDRIES DISTRIBUTION DISTRIBUTIO ON CENTRE 75000 SQ FT

TRADING

LONDONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NO 1

Great deals Great location Plentiful parking

WEST MIDLANDS

GREETING CARDS STATIONERY PARTY AND BALLOON CASH & CARRY

Trading Hours Our Opening Hours are: MON, TUES,WED & FRI 9.00 - 5.30pm THURSDAY 9.00 - 8.30pm SAT CLOSED SUN 10.00 - 4.00pm UNIT 4, THE ARGENT CENTRE, SILVERDALE ROAD, HAYES, MIDDLESEX, UB3 3BS TEL: 020 8573 2975 / 1768 FAX: 020 8561 2349 Email: info@abbeycards.com

Crown House Otterspool Way Watford WD25 8HL Tel: 020 8993 2231 www.rupertmagnus.co.uk

BESCOT CRESCENT CRESCENT, T, W ALSALL, WALSALL, WEST MIDLANDS. WS1 4NG

Wholesale and direct-to-retail greeting cards, gift wrap, gift bags, social stationery, partyware and gifts.

01922-646666 www .greetingshouse.co.uk www.greetingshouse.co.uk info@gr eetingshouse.co.uk info@greetingshouse.co.uk

Great range, competitive prices, excellent service.

MON,WED,FRI 8.00am-4.45pm TUES,THURS 8.00am-7.45pm SA AT,SUN , SAT,SUN 8.00am-1.45pm

NORTH WEST

& $ 3 6 &DUG 3DUW\ 6WRUH /WG ZZZ FDUG SDUW\ FR XN 1(: ,03529(' ZHEVLWH IRU DOO \RXU (YHU\GD\ 6HDVRQDO &DUGV DQG 3DUW\ 3URGXFWV 6DYH 7LPH 2UGHU 2QOLQH ,W V 6R (DV\

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BLACK COUNTRY GREETINGS LTD â&#x20AC;¢

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Unit 16 Maple Leaf Industrial Estate, Bloxwich Lane , Walsall WS2 8TF.

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Wholesale Greeting cards Gift wrap Gift bags Stationery Banners Badges Balloons Helium cylinders

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E: bcgreetings@outlook.com T: 01922 610190 www.blackcountrygreetings.co.uk Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9am to 5pm Wednesday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9am to 8pm Sunday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 8am to 1pm TRADE ONLY PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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Polypropylene bag specialists

GREETING CARD

Over 40 years quality service to the trade Hot-foiling also available

T 01206 396209 E sales @badgerconverters.co.uk www.badgerconverters.co.uk

GIVE Y YOUR OUR

BAGS

Manufacturers Manuf facturers of hi high igh qua quality lity fflexible l xible pac le packaging kaging 30 YEARS EXP EXPERIENCE PERIENCE - Q QUALITY UALIT A T Y SER SERVICE VICE EXTENSIVE EXT TENSIVE STOCK STOCK RANGE R - QUIC QUICK KD DELIVERY E ELIVE RY ASSURED

- HEADER BAGS WALLET -W A ALLET BAGS - ZIPPER BAGS THERMAL PRINTING PRINTING - FLEXOGRAPHIC, HOTFOIL & THERMAL www.transrappackaging.co.uk www.transrappackaging.co.uk sales@transrap.co.uk sales@transrap.co.uk

VIP

CALL ALL US TODA TODAY AY

TREATMENT TREA ATMENT T

01773 0 1773 7 537810 5378 810

HIGH CLARITY BAGS FOR GREETING CARDS, CALENDARS AND ARTWORK

ENVELOPES

ŏ ŏđŏ ŏ ŏ ŏ ŏ ŏ FOIL BLOCKING EXTENSIVE RANGE OF STOCK SIZES AND BESPOKE MANUFACTURE WRAPPING SERVICE AUTOMA ATED T WRA PPING SER VICE NEW AUTOMATED

CALL US TODAY

01228 560526 www.fulcrumfilms.co.uk

FOR FOR ALL A LL Y YOUR OU R ENVELOPE EN V ELOPE N NEEDS! EEDS! L argest range range of Largest iin-stock n- stock ccolours olours Over 400 Bespoke Envelope Sizes 8 Sizes Permanently in Stock RECYCLED

Available v 100% Recycled Paper Available Stock & Bespoke Cello Bags Peel & Stick Envelopes Bespoke Service on Request

ORDER ON LINE AT: AT: www www.regentenvelopes.com .regentenvelopes.com 01274 583000 sales@r sales@regentenvelopes.com egentenvelopes.com

We’ve We’ve been producing bags of high clarity and high quality for over 30 years.

01274 220 220 www w.wrapid.co.uk www.wrapid.co.uk sales@wrapid. sales@wrapid.co.uk co.uk

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Quality Bespoke Envelopes!

From 5,000 quantity to many millions we can produce excellent quality envelopes for you.

Plain, printed, coloured & textured finish.

100% recycled & FSC available.

Please call us on 0843 5066684 with your enquiry or visit our website

www.ukenvelopecentre.co.uk We will be delighted to help!

FLITTERING

LITHO OR DIGIT DIGITAL, DIGITA GIT TAL, LES GROUP GR ROUP R O WINDLES ALWAYS MAKES AL LWAY AYS M AKES THE RIGHT GHT HT PRINT IMPRESSION. RESSION. RE

FOR ALL YOUR FLITTER REQUIREMENTS

ABL Foil Ltd Unit 1, Industrial Estate East Hanningfield Chelmsford Essex, CM3 8AB

Contact DAVID JIGGINS Tel: 01245 400104 Email: david@abl-ltd.co.uk

WWW.WINDLESGROUP.CO.UK WWW W.WINDLESGR W OUP P.C . O.UK

PRINTERS

PJ Print (London) The Capitals only Greetings card printer You name it what ?

We can do it.

With probably the most comprehensive range of card finishing in the

W We ea are re proud proud to to be be recognised recognised as as the the specialist specialist U UK Ka and nd g global lobal manufacturer manufacturer for for the the greeting greeting ccard ard iindustry ndustry for for over over 40 40 years years

UK card market PJ Print The answer to all your card production needs

PJ - PRINT E-mail: sales@pj-print.co.uk The Print Works Colville Road, Acton London W3 8BL tel 020 8993 5160 www.pj-print.co.uk

To discuss how we could work with you, contact Simon King 0115 928 77 66 sales@sherwoodgroupuk.com www.sherwoodgroupuk.com www w..sherwoodgroupuk.com

Hadden Court, Court, Glaisdale Glaisdale Parkway, Parkway, Glaisdale Glaisdale Drive Drive West, West, Nottingham, Nottingham, NG8 4GP

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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Introducing a joint venture from

The home of greeting cards eting e r g adinugrer e l s ’ K ct The Umanufa card

Following new investments estm in our digital printing facility we can help you with short run prints, rapid stock replenishment, market testing, design sampling and promotional products.

Our expert digital printing, finishing and packing facilities allow us to provide

150 50 1 .uk

Our specialist services include:

• high quality • fast turnaround • competitive pricing

Digital and personalised greeting cards Short-run print Flitter, foil, emboss, die-cut finishes Bespoke gifts including mugs, coasters, notepads and much more

2 .co 011es4@loxleys

Promotional items Marketing literature

sal

Exhibition graphics /stands Stationery any more ribution

If y you ou w would ould li like ke to disc discover over h how ow w wee could help y you, ou, please contact our sales team:

0114 250 1150 •

07974 133735 • sales@digitalhubuk.com

YOUR MANUFACTURING PARTNER FOR VALUE ADDED PRODUCTS English speaking production team, prices quoted in sterling... and only 3 days delivery to THE UK...

Really... and there s no VAT to pay or customs procedures either...that's a great deal!

• Hand made and hand finished greeting cards • Boxed sets and acetate packs of cards / envelopes • Giftwrap and tag packs • Individually open and closed wrapped cards • 'Pop up' and cardboard engineered products • Notelets and social stationery • Specialised printing on plastics & lenticular For production enquiries, estimates etc., please contact our UK Agent:

Rob Pearson 07710 132 232 rob@solutions-polska.com FSC accredited (BV-COC-002485). Audited member of SMETA. Printing to ISO12674-2 standard.

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We specialise in providing high quality print for short to medium runs, incorporating multiple images. Go to our website for prices, alternatively call or email us for a bespoke quote.

T

01274 305832

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info@hellocards.co.uk

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www.hellocards.co.uk

LB Warehousing (Women in Transport & Logistics Finalist)

• LITHO PRINT • DIGITAL PRINT • FOILING • EMBOSSING • FLOWRAPPING

• DIE-CUTTING • FLITTERING • PACKING • DISTRIBUTION • INSERTING

S AME DAY order turnaround A CCURATE fulfilment and same day turn round V ALUE ADDED only as you sell the product E XCLUSIVELY Greeting Cards D EDICATED Account Managers With an excellent reputation we work as an integral part of your TEAM bringing much more than fulfilment.

Our costing structure is SIMPLE and TRANSPARENT. We carry out ALL aspects of hand finishing and assembly and provide whatever ADDITIONAL services YOU need Our select team of outworkers carefully hand wrap any size or format of cards urgently, OVERNIGHT! We CARE about your product as much as you do. Attention to detail, QC Issues and IT supported by a comprehensive paper trail for all stock movements are our hallmarks.

Our CAN DO approach means that WE solve your problems.

Outsourcing your warehousing operation releases your time to CREATE/MARKET/SELL/ MANAGE/GROW THE BUSINESS

Tel: 01274 531828 Contact Chris Sharman. Email: chriss@herbertwalkers.co.uk

www.herbertwalkers.co.uk

YOUR BUSINESS IS OUR BUSINESS, please visit our web site and see what OUR customers say, then to find out more call Lynda Raymond and perhaps we can arrange to meet and discuss your needs I am sure that we can help.

LB Warehousing, Units 1, 2 &3 Wayside Warehouses, Toseland, Near St. Neots, Cambridgeshire. PE19 6RX Tel 01480 880800 Fax 01480880900 Mobile 07889 399341 lynda@lb-warehousing.co.uk

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

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Tel: 01929 550085 Email: sales@westminsterwire.com Web: www.westminsterwire.com

Home of the Wire Spinner Stand

DEVELOPMENT DEVEL OPM MENT A AGENT GENT (North Eas East st Scotland)

The Wire Spinner is proven to be the most cost effective method to display and enhance products.

We also offer sheet metal, wood, acrylic and cardboard solutions or a combination of materials.

To appear in the Classified pages simply contact

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

APPOINTMENTS

SALES AGENT REQUIRED FOR WEST MIDLANDS AREA A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a competent and driven sales agent, preferably with a proven track record.

We have been trading for over 25 years and all our cards are of the highest quality in design, verse, print and finish and all are designed, produced and printed here in the U.K. We have over three hundred designs currently in our every-day ranges, covering eight separate price points,

plus we have an extensive range of Christmas, as well as a Valentine’s, Mother’s Day, and winter collection.

This is a First out of the bag product with an excellent sell through rate.

If you are an enthusiastic agent looking for a tried and tested inspirational range and would welcome the chance to join our forward looking team, please send your C.V. and covering letter to cards@cardigancards.co.uk

What we have to offer: Q A good rate of commission + bonuses Q Prompt payment Q Customer service second to none Q Regular, Fresh, new, innovative designs Q On line ordering from our complete and up to date trade website Q Carriage paid orders over £100.00 sent on a next day service Q Sales meetings aimed at bringing our team together to discuss new ideas and pool knowledge in a friendly relaxed atmosphere Q The back-up of our management team at head office E: cards@cardigancards.co.uk www.cardigancards.co.uk T: 01785 250511 Contacts: Malcolm or Davinia Richardson 90

PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE

on to Su lin the bs cr e n at ew ib PG s e Bu flas zz h .n et From the team behind Progressive Greetings Worldwide, PG Live, The Retas and The Henries, PGBuzz.net has launched as the new online central resource for the greeting card sector online... ●

Twice weekly newsflash delivered to over 9000 inboxes

●

Regularly updated jobs-board

●

The very latest news, views, articles and analysis

●

Digital issues of Progressive Greetings Worldwide

News, Editorial and Content Opportunities: Jakki Brown Joint md & editorial director jakkib@max-publishing.co.uk Michelle Board News editor michelleb@max-publishing.co.uk

Advertising, Recruitment and Sponsorship Opportunities:

●

Dedicated pages for the GCA and The Ladder Club

Warren Lomax warren@max-publishing.co.uk

●

Up to date information on PG Live, The Retas, and The Henries

Tracey Arnaud traceya@max-publishing.co.uk

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