Stationery Matters Spring/Summer 2025

Spring/Summer 2025

London International Stationery Show 2025 The biggest one yet, with over 150 exhibitors

Hands-on Creativity

The growth in the children’s arts and crafts category

Green Shoots for Stationery

How garden centres are blossoming into retail hotspots

Behind the Brand:

Manuscript Building on heritage and moving with the times

Bossing it with Stabilo

Strategy, innovation and the Dolce & Gabbana collab

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WELCOME

Stationery does matter

In this issue we have an exclusive interview with Horst Brinkmann, ceo of Stabilo.

Horst shares Stabilo’s bold new strategic plan, Stabilo 2030, outlining how the company is adapting to the changing needs of today’s consumers, as well as more on the iconic Dolce & Gabbana collab on pages 30-31.

There’s also an in-depth look at the growth of stationery and greeting cards in garden centres on pages 34-35.

As consumer habits evolve, garden centres are increasingly becoming lifestyle destinations. “Houseplants are attracting younger people,” says Peter Burks, chairman of the Garden Centre Association. “Likewise, so is the grow-your-own movement. All of this is driving a younger demographic to

editor Michelle Urquhart

michelleu@max-publishing.co.uk

garden centres, which is changing the product mix in gifting and stationery.”

In our Behind the Brand spotlight, we chat to Charlie Stockbridge, managing director of Manuscript Brands, learning how the company continually moves with the times, while staying true to its heritage. Read more on pages 22-23.

In addition, we take a look at the booming children’s arts and crafts sector, a category that continues to flourish, driven by creativity, education and screenfree time (pages 26-27) and we have an interview with Elliot Jacobs, ceo of a growing number of UOE Stores. Elliot has ambitious plans to expand from nine stores currently to 35+. Read how he plans to do this on pages 36-37.

Spring/Summer 2025

London International Stationery 25 Show 20 yet,

Hands-on Creativity

n’s The growth in the childre arts and crafts category

The biggest one with over 150 exhibitors

Green Shoots ery for Stations are

How garden centre hotspots blossoming into retail

Centre London’s Business Design Cover image: LISS25 at

May is a month of excitement and anticipation at Stationery Matters HQ as we count down to London Stationery Show, taking place over May 13 – 14 at the Business Design Centre in Islington.

This year’s event is set to be the biggest in the show’s 15-year history, with over 150 exhibitors bringing together the very best in writing instruments, notebooks, journals, paper, arts and crafts, design-led gifts and everything in between.

Whether you’re a retailer looking to discover the next big thing or a brand ready to make your mark, the show is guaranteed to be a dynamic hub of creativity, innovation and inspiration. Read all about the show on pages 38-39.

Editor’s Comment

Bossing it with Stabilo

Behind the Brand:

Manuscript

the Strategy, innovation and Dolce & Gabbana collab

Building on heritage and moving with the times

Max Publishing Ltd United House, North Road, London, N9 9DP e hello@max-publishing.co.uk w www.max-publishing.co.uk Subscribe at www.max-publishing.co.uk

As always, we have our round-up of industry news, keeping you informed on product launches, business updates and market trends (pages 7-17) and our retail outlook on pages 19-21.

Enjoy the read and if you’re heading to London Stationery Show, we’ll see you there!

Michelle Urquhart, editor

@StationeryMatters @StationeryMatters @StationeryMatters

TOP: Elliot Jacobs outside one of his nine UOE Stores.

@StationeryMatters

MIDDLE: The Dolce & Gabbana collab was a huge success for Stabilo.

BOTTOM: Manuscript has recently launched its new Tom Hessin brand.

features editor Tracey Bearton

traceyb@max-publishing.co.uk

group editor Samantha Loveday

saml@max-publishing.co.uk

@StationeryMatters

editorial director Jakki Brown

jakkib@max-publishing.co.uk

sales manager Chantelle White

chantelleb@max-publishing.co.uk

Publishers Jakki Brown, Warren Lomax, Ian Hyder, Rob Willis.

ISSN 3050-2144

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CONTENTS

Contents 7

This Issue 07-17

News: Company, brand, retail and more – the latest in the stationery sector.

19-21

State of the Nation: Retail viewpoint on the year to date.

22-23

Behind the Brand: Manuscript Pen Co’s growth and plans for the future.

26-29

In Focus: The growth of the children’s arts and crafts category.

30-31

15

Face to Face: With Horst Brinkmann, ceo of Stabilo.

9

32-33

Global Perspectives: How writing instruments change around the globe.

22

34-35

Sector Focus: The reinvention of garden centres as a retail destination.

36-37

Retailer Focus: The ambitious plans of Elliot Jacobs of UOE Stores.

38-39

29

Show Preview: London Stationery Show.

41-59

London Stationery Show exhibitor listings and floorplan.

61

The Last Word: With Chris Leonard-Morgan

32

26

Copyright 2025 Max Publishing. 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. Viewers or contributors do not necessarily reflect those of the publishers.

34 5

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‘Timeless Journeys’ a NEW style guide inspired by the National Railway Museum’s collection of vintage railway posters. It celebrates the beauty of Great Britain, showcasing its natural treasures, and is shaped around four key stories: Seaside, Coast, Countryside and London.

For Licensing Enquiries: licensing@sciencemuseum.ac.uk sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/brandlicensing

SHARE STORIES | IGNITE CURIOSITY | THINK BIG | REVEAL WONDER

NEWS

Celebrations For Finalists TOP STORY In Stationery Awards

The Journeyman from Wingback is up for the Writing Instrument of the Year (Over £25).

The finalists in the Stationery Awards are celebrating their nominations, with the winners announced Tuesday 13 May at London Stationery Show. The impressive line-up features products from 50 different brands, from the well-established to newbies on the scene.

“We’re super excited about this,” exclaimed Richard Henderson, head of strategic partnerships for Wingback, which creates functional stationery, leather goods and everyday carry accessories. “This is our first time exhibiting at London Stationery Show and to have three products nominated for awards makes us even more excited to be attending.”

Sinclair also has three nominations, including one in the coveted Icon Award for its Silvine Heritage Range. Gemma Bassett, brand manager said: “We’re absolutely thrilled and delighted to have three product collections as finalists in this year’s awards. With 188 years in the industry, it’s fantastic to be recognised for both new and heritage products.”

There was celebrations all round at Tom’s Studio when the team found out it was nominated in three categories

too. “It’s always a pleasure to be part of Stationery Awards and to be in the mix with so many inspiring brands,” said founder, Tom Gyr. “We’re particularly proud to see the Wren Refillable Writing Pen and the Studio Pad recognised – products designed to rethink the norm of disposable, single-use stationery.”

The products will be displayed in the Stationery Awards Showcase area on the Gallery level at London Stationery Show, offering visitors the chance to discover what’s making waves in the stationery world. The winners will be unveiled at the Awards Ceremony taking place at Jack‘s Cafe on the evening of Tuesday 13 May (after close of the show).

See the full list of finalists at stationerynews.net

The range launches with 15 key SKUs covering Back to School essentials, including: project books, revision cards, sticky notes, highlighters, ballpoint pens, pencil cases and document wallets.

“Big Riso reflects a wider movement toward expressive, tactile, print-inspired design and taps into current consumer trends around personalisation, creativity and individuality,” says Katie Brickle, brand and marketing manager.

The Studio Pad from Tom’s Studio made the list for Notebook or Journal of the Year.

Mann Inc Team Joined

By International Visitors

Go Back To School With Design Group UK Big Riso, Design Group UK’s newest stationery collection under its Edge brand, will launch exclusively at this year’s London Stationery Show. Inspired by risograph-style printing, Big Riso brings together classic patterns like stripes, checks and spots with a bold, modern twist.

Below: The Silvine Heritage Range from Sinclairs is in the running for the prestigious Icon Award.

Jeff Velker ceo/managing partner of Retro 51 will be joining the Mann Inc team on the stand at the show. Jeff will be on the stand both days to meet visitors and answer questions about the Retro51 portfolio. Also coming over from the States is Deana Velker the Retro 51 warehouse manager who has a wealth of Retro knowledge.

Dheeraj Nanduri co-founder of Endless Stationery will also be joining the team at the show on both days. He will be showcasing the new Endless pen, The Phantom.

Come and say hello to Jeff, Deana and Dheeraj on the Mann Inc stand M218.

See this and more from Design Group UK on stand M502.

Right: Back to School essentials in the Big Riso range.

Dheeraj Nanduri, Deana Velker and Jeff Velker

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THE GLOBAL GREETING CARD GATHERING OF PUBLISHERS, RETAILERS, OVERSEAS DISTRIBUTORS AND SUPPLIERS

Tuesday 3 June and Wednesday 4 June 2025

London’s Business Design Centre

An upbeat vibe, newness galore – and free refreshments, lunch and opening night party, PG Live 2025 is not to be missed!

Over 170 fabulous companies have already booked their stands… and there are plenty more in the pipeline.

PG Live has lots of great retailer fans…

“It’s such a great show,

full of such wonderful products and not just from the established publishers. So good to see so many ‘newer’ publishers flourishing.”

Mark Janson-Smith, managing director of Postmark

“What’s not to like about seeing the best publishers this industry has to offer along with new talent just starting out? There were so many exhibitors that caught my eye; there really was something there for every retailer.”

Andrea Pinder, owner Presentation Cards & Gifts, Barrowford

Don’t Miss Out… Book Your Free Tickets Registration is now live at: www.progressivegreetingslive.com Register now and be a part of it!

Call us on: (0) 7734 111633 or email: jimb@max-publishing.co.uk Follow us @PGLiveLondon #pglive2023

“There was a real air of

excitement and a great buzz to PG Live. As we continue to open more stores and cards are doing so well, it is a great opportunity to catch up with current suppliers and to be on the hunt for new.”

Kate Salmon, head of home and gift buying for Oliver Bonas

Want to know about exhibiting at PG Live 2025?

We have stand options available to suit all shapes and sizes, contact: Tracey Arnaud on 07957 212062 traceya@max-publishing.co.uk Warren Lomax on 07977 572086 warrenl@max-publishing.co.uk www.progressivegreetingslive.com

NEWS

New Faces On Show One of the best things about London Stationery Show is the chance to see new brands, with many using the show as a launchpad for new products.

Among the first-time exhibitors this year are: Divide and Rule, RebelJones, Wingback, The Gifted Stationery Co, Scentos, Quadrigloo, Pebeo, Panac Japan, Oli Olsen, Meriaki Notebooks, Main Paper, In Real Life and BlueSky Designs.

RebelJones (stand G110) will be showing its range of cute, whimisical, kawaiiinspired journals, die-cut stickers, sticker sheets, pencil cases, pens, notepads, pins, bookmarks and keychains for the first time at a trade show. Creator and owner, Rebecca Grainger says: “This is my very first trade show, and I’m beyond excited to be surrounded by fellow stationery lovers. I can’t wait to soak up all the knowledge, connect with incredible brands and companies - both big and small - and hopefully make some exciting connections along the way.”

Divide and Rule (stand G216) is another show firsttimer and will be showing its collection rules, triangles, squares, protractors and other

drawing aids that are all naturally intuitive.

Henry Tovey, founder says: “This is our first show, so we are just focused on the amazing opportunity to meet a huge range of stationery lovers from across the country. We can’t wait to show our unique collection of beautiful geometry tools designed to make the creative process as easy as possible, all made in the UK from sustainable materials, individually packaged with both the product and packaging being fully recyclable.”

TOP STORY highlights include the beautiful floral and butterfly design Flutter along with our always popular William Morris designs,” says Andrew Wilton, sales director. “We’re looking forward to meeting our existing customers and developing relationships with new ones as well.”

No stranger to the show circuit is The Gifted Stationery Company (stand M321), but this will be the company’s first time at London Stationery Show with its brand new 2025 stationery collections. “Our Divide and Rule’s precision geometry tools.

Pastel, kawaii-inspired journal from RebelJones.

The Gifted Stationery Company will show a selection of its best-selling stationery ranges.

Journals Made From Camel Fibre Debut At Show

Beyond Borders Trading Co. specialises in importing authentic, high-quality products crafted by skilled artisans in India. Its curated stationery collection reflects the rich heritage of Indian craftsmanship while promoting sustainable business practices.

“We’re thrilled to bring our ecofriendly stationery to London Stationery Show,” said Naman Chhajed. One of the key products on show will be journals made from ethically sourced camel fibre

and recycled cotton. These journals feature a soft, textured finish with intricate hand-binding.

Already stocked in and trusted by retailers Watkins Books, Lloyds of Kew, Wimbledon Books, and Amazon UK, Beyond Borders Trading Co. is helping bring artisanal Indian craftsmanship to a broader audience.

See the journals and other new products on stand G219.

9

The cover of the journal is made from camel fibre and recycled cotton.

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NEWS

Top Tips To Make The Most of National Stationery Week With National Stationery Week just around the corner (May 12 – 18), Karen Webber of Goodness Marketing (goodnessmarketing.co.uk) shares her top tips and ideas that retailers can easily implement to make the most of the buzz around National Stationery Week.

“National Stationery Week is a fantastic opportunity to engage with a readymade audience, and marketing around it doesn’t need to be difficult,” says Karen.

“Retailers already have everything they needs for effective marketing: their genuine enthusiasm and everyday moments. Sharing what’s on your desk or unboxing new stock is exactly what connects with customers.”

Karen’s top tips include: FOLLOW AND TAG: Make sure you are following @NatStatWeek and the sponsors.

When you post content, tag these accounts as well as use the hashtags #NatStatWeek #WritingMatters #LoveStationery. Like, comment and share posts from other accounts that are following the same National Stationery Week.

PLAN TWO OR THREE POSTS A WEEK: Go for everyday moments, posts don’t have to be perfect. Show your prep for NSW, snap your workspace, share your favourite pen, film yourself unboxing an order. People are nosey and love seeing behind the scenes. Don’t overthink your posts. People love raw and real, not over-polished. And remember to tag the campaign!

ENGAGE WITH OTHERS: Get your customers involved. Ask your followers questions – what is their favourite pen, favourite notebook, share photos of their desk, to-do list etc. Encourage them to tag you and @NatStatWeek and when they do tag you, don’t just like, you can re-share on your own account too. Run a giveaway. It doesn’t need to be a huge prize, it could be a mystery bag of older stock or samples.

USE THE PROMPTS: NSW is the perfect campaign to allow you to connect with big brands. Tag the daily sponsors and use the daily prompts for your own content.

Comment on the sponsors’ posts. This will

Countdown To National Stationery Week

Stationery lovers are in for a real treat over National Stationery Week (May 12 – 18) with the headline sponsors – Maped Helix, Pentel, Staedtler, Snopake, Zebra Pen and Exaclair – all geared up to spread the love at both retail and consumer level about all things stationery.

with entries on the competitions up 20% on last year,” explains Sarah Laker, owner of Stationery Supplies who is co-ordinator of NSW. “Brands have been using the countdown to promote new products and create a buzz leading up to the event itself.”

Over the past several weeks, retailers and the general public have been getting ready for NSW with a series of competitions and giveaways on social media from the countdown sponsors: Posca, eco eco, Pilot Pen, Exacompta, Manuscript Brands, Clairefontaine and The Art File.

TOP STORY

Karen Webber.

Left: An example of an easy post from Office Stationery (@officestationery): ask followers what their favourite colour pen is.

make your content more visible and expose you to another audience.

COLLABORATE IF YOU CAN: Tag and support other like-minded businesses. If you have a particular local supplier, ask if they’d like to get involved. You could host a creative activity in-store, run a competition, put together a window display. The campaign is a great way to come together with others who have similar goals.

New Drehgriffel Limited Edition From LEUCHTTURM1917 Drehgriffel Gradient limited edition ballpoint pen features a striking gradient design in four colourways: forest green/sage, port red/lilac, rising sun/lemon and navy/mint green.

The name of this design edition refers to the pen’s special lacquer finish. The colour progression is sprayed by hand and subsequently sealed with a clear protective coat. This process gives these writing instruments their unique look, so no two pens are alike.

The Drehgriffel Gradient Edition comes in a ballpoint pen (Nr. 1) crafted from precision-milled aluminium and brass. The pen features a springloaded twist mechanism and a replaceable largecapacity refill, writing in black ink and medium width.

See the new Drehgriffel on the LEUCHTTURM1917 stand M200.

The seven-week countdown started off with a bang, at the end of March. “The countdown has been extremely popular, Above: The themes for National Stationery Week.

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The Drehgriffel Gradient Edition

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NEWS

Trump’s Tariffs Cause Concern For British Business Trump’s 10% tariff on all UKmanufactured goods being exported to the US is causing unwelcome concern, complication and cost implications for British publishers and stationers.

The uncertainty is causing turmoil in world markets, as businesses around the world watch to see what Trump will do next.

The 47th American President made the decision to impose the import duties ranging from 10% to 54% to balance what he sees as unfair trade deficits, and the lowest rate, which affects the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Brazil among others, came into effect on Saturday 5 April.

Joppe Coelingh Bennink, co-founder of Yop & Tom is concerned about the changes. “A significant portion of our revenue comes from American customers, so any customs changes have a direct impact. What’s particularly challenging is the uncertainty. It feels like there is a new rule or change every day, which makes planning incredibly difficult.

Days later, the President announced a 90-day pause for roughly 60 of America’s trading partners hit by higher US tariffs, with Trump authorising a universal “lowered reciprocal tariff of 10%” as negotiations continued. However, China is excluded from this pause, with the President increasing the tariff on China to 145% and the cancellation of the American de minimis exemption where shipments under $800 (£622) aren’t subject to the extra duty.

“It also puts us in a tough position when it comes to deciding whether to invest further in the US market. We want to grow our presence there, but it’s hard to commit when the rules keep shifting beneath our feet. We have tried to find US manufacturers before but they don’t have the capability we require so it’s not just cost. Switching manufacturing bases takes time so these sweeping changes done so quickly will hurt both us and the American consumer.”

Nemo Office Club member, John Fitton, managing director of Office Supplies Now in Rochdale met local MP, Paul Waugh at a prize giving ceremony and took the opportunity to shine a light on the values behind the Keep It Local campaign.

“Meeting Paul Waugh was a fantastic opportunity to talk about what Keep It Local really means,” John said. “It’s not just a slogan – it’s a commitment to real relationships, trusted service, and keeping business and investment in our own communities.”

Paul Waugh (left), MP for Rochdale and John Fitton, managing director of Office Supplies Now.

No one knows what Donald Trump will do next.

Yop & Tom has a significant portion of sales from USA.

Make Your Own Kaweco Pen Events Return

MPs Back Nemo Office Club’s Keep It Local Campaign

The campaign to Keep It Local continues to gain momentum, with more businesses and community leaders recognising the importance of choosing local suppliers and services.

TOP STORY

After the success of the Kaweco DIY Sport in 2024, Kaweco has come up with a brand-new limited edition DIY Sport pen for 2025 in a colour called emerald eve.

In a show of support by Kaweco to bricks and mortar retailers, the Kaweco DIY Sport is only available for purchase exclusively in retailers running a Kaweco DIY event. The DIY events are promoted by Kaweco on its website, and participating retailers also have access to promotional graphics for social media and in-store displays provided by Studio Pens.

Many retailers have already booked in events including Squirrel Ulverston, Pen to Paper in Brighton, Hunter Paper Co in Belfast, Art From The Heart in Harrogate, Pens Plus of Oxford and many more. Analog Shop in Lancaster will be taking the pen press to StationeryFest in Wigan in July.

“The DIY events were so popular last year, with lots of retailers hosting the pen press in-store,” said Lizzie Atkins, marketing assistant at Studio Pens. “We are looking forward to this year’s events and we think customers are going to love the new emerald eve colour.”

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The Kaweco DIY Sport in emerald eve.

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Award-winning

LO NOW AVAILABLE IN 21 CO

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Unique gel ink, Writes on Photos Brilliant colours on light and dark coloured paper

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Great for bubble lettering, cartoons, drawings, journaling and comic book illustrations

Scan me to watch the video

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT MATTEHOP MERCHANDISING FROM YOUR PENTEL REPRESENTATIVE See us on stand M300 London Stationery Show

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INCLUDING NEW ENCHAN TMENT SHADES

NEWS

WHSmith High Street Stores To Rebrand As TGJones Hobbycraft’s owner, private equity firm Modella Capital has bought the high street arm of WHSmith for £76m. The deal, which was sealed end of March includes approximately 480 WHSmith stores across high streets, shopping centres, and retail parks in the UK.

needs of consumers while staying true to its community roots.

In a statement from WHSmith, the group revealed the Travel divisions will to continue to trade under the 230-yearold name in 32 countries, while the UK outlets will “operate for a short transitional period under the WHSmith brand while the business rebrands as TGJones”.

Retail pundits were less sure about the new name with Charlotte Black, the chief strategy officer at Saffron Brand Consultants telling The Guardian: “It feels incredibly close, a poor mirror of WH Smith and not necessarily very well thought through. I would say it feels hasty – an ‘insert here’ strategy – and a bit of a missed opportunity. Buying the high street stores could have been a blank sheet of paper to put a lot of meaning behind what the future offering might be for the public.”

A Modella spokesperson said “We are delighted to welcome the WHSmith high street business into our portfolio. With a rich heritage and prime locations across the UK, we see great potential in evolving the TGJones brand to meet the changing

Legami’s First Boutique Outside Italy The opening of the Legami boutique in the Val d’Europe Shopping Centre, just outside Paris, marks the beginning of Legami’s international expansion plans, with new boutiques in France and Spain due to open over 2025.

“The opening of our first monobrand boutique abroad marks a major milestone for Legami – a brand with Italian roots and a strong international calling,” says Massimo Dell’Acqua, managing director at Legami.

The boutique in Paris is the first monobrand boutique outside of Italy.

“TGJones feels like a worthy successor to the WHSmith brand. Jones carries the same sense of family and reflects these stores being at the heart of everyone’s high street.”

Weeks after the purchase of WHSmith’s high street estate, Modella Capital was

TOP STORY

WHSmith high street stores will rebrand to TGJones.

Nine Hobbycraft stores are closing this summer.

back in the news, with its restructuring plans for Hobbycraft, which will see the closure of at lease nine stores by midJuly, with maybe more to come if rent negotiations with landlords of 18 more stores are not successful.

Waterstones Opens Art The Pencil Case Celebrates Shop Within Flagship 11 Years In Business At the end of March, The Pencil Case Piccadilly Branch Waterstones continues on its growth trajectory, with the new Art Shop in its flagship Piccadilly branch. All 160 Waterstones shops stock arts and crafts materials, but the company has recently starting rolling out specialist Art Shops within several branches. These Art Shops stock a wider range of art materials for creating diverse and accomplished artistic projects.

The Art Shop at Piccadilly.

15

in Cowbridge, south Wales, celebrated its 11th birthday, with owner Sally Stephenson saying: “this is an achievement to be proud of, especially in the current climate. The retail landscape is very different now to what it was when I opened The Pencil Case back in March 2014.” The business has weathered several difficult storms over the last few years – Brexit, Covid lockdowns and the cost of living crisis to name a few – but thanks to the support of its wonderful customers, suppliers and team, it has been able to keep going and make it through each challenge.

Celebrations all round with balloons, cake and fizz for The Pencil Case.

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Visit Us STAND M400

exaclairlimited.com

enquiries@exaclair.co.uk

01553 696600

NEWS

Stationers’ Company Warrants Recognise Excellence The Stationers’ Company grants a limited number of warrants each year. They are granted based on a set of rigorous criteria including original design and high-quality manufacturing/production techniques, as well as factors such as appropriate and sustainable packaging and relevance to the industry or market sector.

Victor Stationery, Stone Marketing and The Stamford Notebook Company were among the 17 businesses recognised this year.

Victor Stationery was awarded two warrants, one for its Rhino tinted Paper SEN refill pads and school exercise books, and one for its Rhino flexiback notebook journals.

“We are incredibly honoured to receive the prestigious Stationers’ Warrant for not one, but two of our Rhino stationery product ranges,” said ceo, Robert Moore Victor. “This accolade is a proud moment for our entire team, serving as validation for the hard work we put into creating products that truly

Pilot Pen Competition Encourages Students To Write The Pilot Pen Dear Future Self competition invites students across Key Stages 2, 3, and 4 to write a handwritten letter to their future selves, capturing their hopes, dreams, and emotions on paper. By embracing the simple yet powerful act of handwriting, students can reflect on their growth and set intentions for the future.

A panel of judges will assess entries based on creativity, clarity, emotional impact, and structure. Six winners – two from each key stage – will be announced by 6 June 2025.

Each winning student will receive: a personalised hoodie, a published book featuring top entries, a personalised tumbler, headphones, a Polaroid camera, a bundle of Pilot Pen goodies and notebooks.

Above: The competition encourages students to express their hopes and dreams in a letter.

TOP STORY

stand out. It inspires us to continue pushing boundaries and delivering value to our customers through every product we design and manufacture.”

Stone Marketing received a warrant for the Tombow Mono 100 pencil and FaberCastell’s Textliner 46 metallic highlighters.

“It is a true honour to receive the Stationer’s Warrant for our Tombow and Faber-Castell Group products,” said Simon Stone, director.

“We’ve proudly been the UK distributor for Tombow since our business first began in 1989, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see the exceptional Mono 100 pencil receive this recognition. Faber-Castell’s metallic highlighters are truly one-of-a-kind, there’s nothing quite like them on the market.”

The Stamford Notebook Company was awarded a warrant for its range of notebooks, journals, diaries and lifestyle books. “We are incredibly honoured to receive this Warrant from The Stationers’ Company,” said Hugo

Castell Textliner 46 metallic highlighters.

Victor Stationery’s range of Rhino tinted Paper SEN refill pads school exercise books and Rhino flexiback notebook journals.

Stamford Notebook Company notebook.

Spiegl, managing director. “We believe in supporting British businesses and minimising our environmental impact. By using Britishmade paper, we are not only ensuring the highest quality for our notebooks but also contributing to the sustainability of local manufacturing.”

NEWS IN SHORT Manuscript Brands has had a branding refresh along with a new packaging design for its key ranges. The new branding is a reflection of Manuscript’s values: heritage, creativity, and adaptability, celebrating the brand history with a modern twist. Read more about Manuscript’s plans for the future on page 22.

Manuscript’s new logo

Creative Cove’s Sandra Jervis has been announced as the next candidate for the Welsh Liberal Democrats in the Ceredigion Benfro constituency. Following a ballot of party members in the constituency which covers Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire, including her home town of Lampeter, Sandra will be standing in the 2026 Senedd elections to join the Welsh devolved parliament.

From April, with every sale of Eye Rollerball Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity (GOSH Charity) branded packs, uni-ball will donate 10p to GOSH Charity. This partnership aims to provide essential support for the vital work GOSH Charity does for children and their families at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH).

A new crafting superstore has opened in York. Bugweeds previously traded from two locations in York, and now the business has brought its range of fabrics, haberdashery, yarn, sewing machines and other craft supplies all together in one location on the site of the former B&M building in Marrtree Business Park in York.

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top of the class 2026 Edition.

come & say hi

Stand M524

Pilot Stationery Matters Advert A4 - PRINT.indd 1

29/04/2025 16:04:14

04:14

STATE OF THE NATION

Paper, pens and predictions As business hits the mid-year mark, Stationery Matters asked eight retailers to share how business is shaping up in 2025 and what they’re excited about for the rest of the year, including the upcoming London Stationery Show in May.

Suzanne Hack,

David Goddard,

HEAD OF PURCHASING, LONDON GRAPHIC CENTRE

JOINT OWNER AND DIRECTOR, BIDDLES OF GUILDFORD

THE YEAR TO DATE: 2025 has kicked off on a real high for London Graphic Centre. We’ve just closed our most successful year ever, which is a fantastic milestone. Our stationery categories continue to see strong year-on-year growth, which is incredibly encouraging.

We’ve also got some exciting collaborations on the horizon with two of our biggest stationery brands. These will be launching in the coming months and include in-store events and bespoke installations, so definitely one to watch.

THE YEAR TO DATE: We celebrated 140 years of Biddles of Guildford in February, which is a proud milestone to reach. We are blessed with a reasonably sized shop near the centre of Guildford, and one of our USPs is that we have 30-40 chairs assembled in store ready to sit on and try. We have recently won a couple of bulk chair orders from walk-in customers, from that we have then developed a relationship which led to us supplying their stationery as well.

LOOKING FORWARD: We’re feeling really positive about the rest of the year. Our focus remains on being the go-to destination for stationery and art supplies, both in our Covent Garden store and online. Our reputation for design-led, especially Japanese, stationery continues to grow. Over the past year, we’ve added some brilliant new brands that have strengthened our unique and curated offer.

LOOKING FORWARD: There are bigger forces at play in the economy and worldwide which could have a negative effect on customer and businesses confidence to spend money. If the Government can find some positivity in the economy and not continue to raise costs then people and businesses might regain their confidence.

We have a lower cost base than many of the multinationals and are fluid with our purchasing. We are seeing more manufacturers making direct approaches to independents, as there are savings to be made dealing direct.

HOT SELLERS: Sticker packs and washi tape are absolutely flying out the door at the moment. The sticker trend has really taken hold over the last 12 months and shows no signs of slowing down.

It’s been great to see customers getting so creative with their journaling, scrapbooking, and customisation.

HOT SELLERS: Most independents would agree, we can’t get enough of Legami erasable pens, the Easter editions sold remarkably well. I would also say that our A4 paper – from the budget end to the premium Navigator brand - is still selling extremely well. We were told many years ago that ‘the paperless office’ will bring an end to paper sales, but we have never sold as much paper as we are selling now!

LONDON STATIONERY SHOW: It’s become my favourite trade show of the year. I’m really looking forward to exploring new ranges of inks and fountain pens this time around. And I’m always on the lookout for new stationery brands with something fresh and different on offer.

MY STATIONERY MUST-HAVE: That has to be my Traveler’s Company notebook. I love how you can customise it with inserts to suit your own style. It’s completely unique to you. It goes everywhere with me and has become my catch-all for lists, notes, sketches… basically everything.

MY STATIONERY MUST-HAVE: My 4 colour Bic (but with the pencil), ideal for all note taking.

The notebook selection at London Graphic Centre.

Window display at Biddles of Guildford.

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STATE OF THE NATION

Abel Dos Santos and Nicki Higgins FOUNDERS ALL THINGS ANALOGUE, EASTBOURNE

HOT SELLERS: Products that are doing well at the moment are those that combine form and function, especially when it comes to great quality paper.

LONDON STATIONERY SHOW: We will be heading to London Stationery Show. We’re not on the lookout for any particular product(s) but more generally for high quality, beautifully made, design-led products that fit the style THE YEAR TO DATE: The start of the year got off a slow start, with March in particular and ethos of our shop. being a bit of a stress with all the crazy goings on at the moment, but the sunshine HOT SELLERS: Our list of favourite has bought the sales as people venture back stationery is a pretty long one and both out into the world and we’ve been focusing being self-confessed stationery addicts I don’t think we could choose just one on what we love best - sourcing and curating a range of analogue tools, inspiring thing, but wherever we are you’ll always find us with people to write, draw and embrace a more Traveler’s Company notebook a Traveler’s analogue way of life. display at All Things Analogue.

Company notebook, LOOKING FORWARD: This year we a fountain are continuing to expand our events pen (Kaweco programming at the shop, introducing for Nicki, new events and workshops alongside Lamy for old favourites; creating a welcoming Abel) and a environment for people to come together Blackwing and get creative. Being part of the local pencil. community is one of the things we most love about being an independent, physical stationery shop.

Andy Foster, HEAD OF COMMERCIAL, CULT PENS CULTPENS.COM

THE YEAR TO DATE: We’ve had a solid start to the year. The landscape remains challenging, however everything we do is underpinned by our product knowledge and passion, speedy dispatch, breadth/ depth of range and a customer centric approach. Luckily that seems to keep people coming back!

Earlier in the year we launched a loyalty programme, Penpals, where customers earn ‘Penthusiasm Points’. It’s been really well received with customers receiving discounts, early access and delivery offers.

LOOKING FORWARD: 2025 marks 20 years of Cult Pens so it’s certainly an exciting year. We were founded in 2005 in the beautiful coastal town of Dartmouth, Devon. It all started with a box of 12 Pilot G-Tec pens and the idea that us stationery fanatics know exactly what we want but

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don’t always want to buy a box of 12.

So why not sell them as loose stock? It lent itself perfectly to an online store.

Fast forward to 2025 and Cult Pens has customers in 120+ countries worldwide, 30,000+ products from 100+ brands, all looked after by our dedicated expert team from our Tiverton HQ. We’re planning lots of limited edition exclusives to celebrate our 20th year.

These will be launching through the summer and will no doubt sell out very fast.

As well as continuing to bring our customers the usual favourites we’re now in the process of prepping the famous Cult Pens Advent Calendar. This year we’ll be taking you back to Japan with 24 items and a real show stopper behind the last window!

HOT SELLERS: The core product from our massive range of pens and fountain pen inks continue to perform really well. But our mystery boxes certainly cause some excitement, they’ve been known to sell out in minutes!

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Malcolm Adams, OWNER, STATIONERY HOUSE & GIFTS, SOMERTON AND CLEVELAND

THE YEAR TO DATE: 2025 trading has been a bit of a mixed bag. Functional stationery sales have stabilised following a tricky start.

Gift stationery, like photo frames, notecards etc seems to be growing in sales, but sales of notebooks has slowed. Storage boxes are also becoming more popular again.

HOT SELLERS: The biggest growth area is pens (led by Legami), colourful highlighters and fashion pens. Also because schools are not providing pens for students, sales of whiteboard markers and ballpoint pens are performing well. Artist materials continue to be sought after, especially Seawhite products and Uni-pin.

MY STATIONERY MUST-HAVE: A stapler and calculator.

Sales of stationery essentials are going well at Stationery House & Gifts.

LONDON STATIONERY SHOW: I’ll be there for both days. The show is a great opportunity to catch up with friends and colleagues in the industry as well as seeing what’s coming. Primarily we’re on the lookout for pens. However quality paper and interesting stationery are also on the radar.

MY STATIONERY MUST-HAVE: That’s perhaps the hardest question to answer of all. You can aways count on me to be carrying at least one pen. The one item that I do always have with me is my Faber-Castell e-motion ballpoint, it’s literally been all over the world. I love the shape, like a fat cigar, they are chunky and weighty yet elegant in design.

Andy is never without his FaberCastell e-motion ballpoint.

STATE OF THE NATION

Jane Rockett,

Lynn Cummings,

Andy Ross,

DIRECTOR, AXMINSTER PRINTING CO

MANAGER, JESPERS OF HARROGATE

OWNER, SUTTLES OF MALDEN

THE YEAR TO DATE: Trading conditions for retail, in our market town, have been very challenging with a decline in footfall and consumer spending, since last June. Our business consists of part retail, part B2B with stationery supplies and a full printing service. The print side is going very well.

THE YEAR TO DATE: 2025 has so far been an interesting year for us at Jespers.

We have found that customers are not only local, but are visiting us from many miles around. The trade pattern seems to differ week on week and no two days are the same. The Team at Jespers have been incredibly busy following visiting Spring Fair when we introduced 17 new companies.

THE YEAR TO DATE: We are seeing close to double digit sustained growth so far this year. We are 74 years young and celebrate 40 years on the High Street this year. We keep evolving our offering to meet our customers’ needs and wants.

LOOKING FORWARD: To try and combat a fall in retail sales I have been looking at other avenues, one of which has been janitorial and washroom supplies.

I have been approaching our existing business customers to showcase what other products we can supply apart from traditional office supplies, hoping to become their one stop shop for business supplies. I have rearranged the shop to showcase these products in a metre wide full display which although is not fancy stationery it is getting some impulse buys.

After all, everyone uses loo roll!

HOT SELLERS: Sketch books from Pink Pig are going well. They are attractive and colourful. Of course the Legami erasables are still popular. And art materials from Royal Brush also provide steady sales.

LONDON STATIONERY SHOW: I am looking forward to visiting the London Stationery Show this year. It looks like a really good line up of exhibitors, not forgetting it is a great chance to catch up with friends. You never know, I might find another favourite notebook. You can never have too many in my opinion.

Jane has diversified into janitorial and washroom supplies to become a one-stop business supply shop

We were excited to be crowned Independent Retailer of the Year in The Stray Ferret Business Award earlier this year. These awards recognise the best businesses Harrogate district.

LOOKING FORWARD: We have lots of plans ahead for 2025 including introducing new ranges and visiting the London Stationery Show, re-merchandising the store, reconnecting with suppliers and getting involved with local groups to name but a few.

HOT SELLERS: Legami erasable pens are always a top selling item and it fantastic to see all the different designs that are available now.

LONDON STATIONERY SHOW: We are looking to add to our extensive range of stationery products whether it be journals or fine writing products.

LOOKING FORWARD: The global media appears to control the purse strings of our customers, so we roll with the punches, ducking and diving but we are optimistic about 2025 and beyond.

HOT SELLERS: You can’t stop the onward advance of Legami. Its Kawaii range is a must have for most school children. We have also recently introduced Miffy by SC Brands into our offer and are repeat ordering already. Needoh is another product that everyone seems to love and we have done well with it so far.

LONDON STATIONERY SHOW: I will be visiting the show on the Tuesday. We will see what our existing suppliers are showing.

I want to see the extended range of Loqi from Stone Marketing. And we’ll be looking at a few new brands. We definitely want to add even more Japanese style stationery to our offering as that is growing nicely for us.

MY STATIONERY MUST-HAVE: My Filofax A5 organiser that I use every day and a Pilot Frixion erasable pen that is for taking notes.

Spring window at Jespers of Harrogate.

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Legami continues to be a top seller for Suttles of Malden.

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BEHIND THE BRAND: MANUSCRIPT PEN CO RIGHT: Manuscript is a name synonymous with calligraphy around the globe.

When Tradition Meets Modern Style With roots tracing back to 1856, Manuscript Pen Company is a key player in the global writing instruments industry, evolving with the times while staying true to its heritage. Stationery Matters catches up with Charlie Stockbridge, managing director, whose family has been instrumental in the company’s success.

M RIGHT: Charlie Stockbridge.

BELOW: Manuscript still make pen nibs at its Shropshire site.

anuscript Pen Company is a family business spanning five generations in the pen trade. “My great, great grandfather, Andrew Charles, founded our first pen business called T.Hessin & Co in 1870,” explains Charlie Stockbridge, managing director. “His son Thomas Hessin Charles, whom the business was named after, then took over the business which was based in Birmingham where over 70% of all pens were made for the global market.”

In 1947, after the war, Arthur Charles (Thomas’ son and Charlie’s grandfather) re-started the family pen business under the name Highley Pens, named after its

new location in Highley, Shropshire.

He then merged the business with renowned pen company D. Leonardt & Co in 1949, acquiring all its brand history dating back to 1856, which included the famous crown logo.

Arthur, and then his daughter, Malissa, and her husband Nicolas

A PLACE TO CELEBRATE

Stockbridge grew the business in automated piece part manufacturing during the 1970s and 80s, including the continuing production of pen parts. In 1989 Nicolas founded Manuscript Pen Company as the main brand within the group of companies owned by the family.

The new showroom allows Manuscript to showcase its full product range

In August 2024, Manuscript opened a new showroom to better serve customers and showcase its extensive product range. “The showroom is a valuable addition to our business,” Charlie says. “It allows us to present our entire portfolio to staff and customers in a dedicated space.

We wanted a place where we could celebrate the brands we represent and showcase the quality of the products.”

Retailers are welcome to book an appointment with the sales team.

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BEHIND THE BRAND: MANUSCRIPT PEN CO “My father started Manuscript due to a gap in the global market for everyday calligraphy products and school handwriting pens,” says Charlie. “I joined the company in 2009 and my main focus was to modernise and grow the Manuscript product range and appeal to a broader audience in the retail sector.”

The calligraphy market saw a significant boom in the 2010s, as social media platforms provided a space for creatives to share their art and tutorials. “Calligraphy, brush lettering and journalling really took off, helped by the growing popularity of social media,” Charlie recalls. “Calligraphy and other letter art became much more accessible, and there’s now a huge worldwide online community”.

Today, Manuscript Pen Company is not only a distributor of its own brand of calligraphy products worldwide, but also represents numerous luxury pen and stationery brands in the UK, including: Cross, Conklin, Diplomat, LEGO Stationery, Sheaffer, Monterverde, Tom’s Studio, Original Crown Mill, Kohinoor, artPOP and Visconti. It also has its own children’s stationery range, Lionheart, supported with YouTube animations called The Lionheart Tales.

All of the brands can be found beautifully displayed within the new showroom at Manuscript, which is open to visitors by appointment.

“We’re excited about the upcoming releases from the many brands we distribute, some of which we’ll be showcasing at London Stationery Show,” says Charlie.

One of the most exciting developments for Manuscript is the launch of the Tom Hessin brand, which carries significant personal meaning for Charlie. “Tom Hessin is a new brand for us, but it’s also an old one,” he shares. “It’s a nod back to our roots, carrying the same name as

NEW BRANDING

In May Manuscript announced a branding refresh along with a new packaging design for its key ranges. The new branding is a reflection of Manuscript’s values: heritage, creativity, and adaptability - celebrating the brand’s history with a modern twist.

the company did back when my great, great grandfather founded it in 1870.”

The Charles Collection is the first range from Tom Hessin and comes in four stunning resin colourways. “Each pen features a diamond design on the clip, representing five generations,” Charlie explains. “It’s a celebration of our family’s heritage, but it also speaks to the future of fine writing instruments. These pens are designed to appeal to anyone who values heritage, style, and functionality.”

While the Tom Hessin brand resonates with those who appreciate heritage, it also aims to attract a modern audience. “Our goal with Tom Hessin is to bridge the gap between modern design and traditional craftsmanship,” Charlie says. “The brand has been well received at retail, and we’re already in talks with larger retailers to expand its reach.”

With the Tom Hessin brand continuing to grow, Charlie is confident that its story will resonate with both consumers and retailers alike. “We’ll be expanding the Tom Hessin range with new collections coming soon as we continue to to be dedicated to telling the brand’s story.”

Charlie finishes by saying that despite the challenges faced over the

past few years, “the future is exciting for Manuscript Pen Company.

We’re adapting to the changing market, but we remain true to our roots. Our focus is on creating quality products, expanding our reach, and telling the story of writing instruments for the next generation. As a family we have produced and sold billions of pen parts over more than 150 years and we are so excited about writing the next chapter for our business.”

WORLD CALLIGRAPHY DAY Founded by Manuscript in 2017, World Calligraphy Day is a celebration of the wonderful calligraphy community, bringing together experts and novices from across the world, together to discuss, practice, learn and celebrate the art of calligraphy and creative lettering.

The event has really taken off in the past couple of years, and now encompasses a whole week of online activities, supported by retailers.

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ABOVE: The Charles collection from Tom Hessin celebrates the family’s history in the pen industry.

ABOVE LEFT: Last year calligrapher and lettering artist, Lucy Khanam ran an in-store demo at John Lewis Oxford Street for Manuscript to celebrate World Calligraphy Day. LEFT: T. Hessin & Co was founded in 1870

by Charlie’s great, great grandfather.

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DON’T MISS STAND M319 POSCA has been disrupting the market for over 40 years, often copied but never bettered.

Be the first to see the new campaign up close.

Stand M319 – see you there.

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P

MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE

BE THE FIRST TO SEE THE NEW UNI-BALL CAMPAIGN AT STAND M319 Pedro Márquez | uni-ball EYE

Explore our new Unique Perspectives campaign that’s about to hit the shelves – all created by artists using uni-ball pens.

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IN FOCUS – CHILDREN’S ARTS AND CRAFTS RIGHT: Crayola products encourage creativity and imagination BELOW RIGHT: The Kids Create brand from Design Group UK spans a large range of products.

As families embrace the importance of handson creativity, crafting is becoming a go-to activity for parents seeking to engage children in meaningful and educational ways.

T

he Covid pandemic played an important part in the growth of the children’s arts and crafts sector. With many families confined to their homes during lockdowns, crafting became a key activity for parents looking to keep their children entertained.

Baby Republic is the UK distributor for Little Brian Paint Sticks, a brand loved by Stacey Solomon and Mrs Hinch. Lewis Finch, joint managing director at Baby Republic, points out that: “Since the pandemic, parents and carers have seen the huge benefits of children’s crafts. While we know crafts have always been popular, everyone now truly understand the social and emotional benefits for children and so this has provided a massive boost for the sector.”

This renewed focus on creativity is driving demand for products that offer more than just entertainment.

Families are looking for meaningful, engaging experiences that encourage imagination, as Martin Duffy, head of category management for Europe, Africa, Middle East, Asia, and Australia at Crayola, explains: “The children’s crafting segment continues to see strong, consistent growth as creativity becomes increasingly central to how families, educators and retailers approach learning and play. We’ve also seen increased interest in repeat-play formats, with open-ended, hands-on crafting leading the way.”

Crafting Confidence

Crayola’s SuperTips markers remain a topperforming evergreen favourite, while Crayola Clicks joins the lineup to offer a unique, dynamic product experience. “Compounds have experienced significant global growth too, with Air Dry Clay and Model Magic

KEY TREND: COLLECTABILITY With the surging popularity of collectibles and blind bags Craft Buddy has worked closely with Disney to introduce an industry-first; the Crystal Art Pin Badge collection. “This is an innovative 2-in-1 Crystal Art product that taps into the latest must-have trend and showcases 15 iconic Disney characters including Mickey & Minnie Mouse, Stitch, Simba and Elsa that combines crafting with wearable fashion,” says Gary Wadhwani, director of Craft Buddy.

Craft Buddy’s new Crystal Art Pin Badge collection combines crafting and collectability.

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IN FOCUS – CHILDREN’S ARTS AND CRAFTS LEFT: Hunter Price’s Crayola x NSPCC Activity Tube for Lidl proved to be a successful collaboration.

KEY TREND: LICENSED PRODUCTS Collaborations with credibility are being well received in the market according to Katie O’Neill, head of product development at Hunter Price International. “Licensing collabs are doing well when they are created with authenticity. Ultimately, those which make sense to the consumer. One of our success stories is our collaboration with Crayola and the NSPCC for Lidl. Tapping into key trends, the Activity Tubes offered value, fun and were designed to give children a creative outlet for their emotions using colouring pencils, colouring rolls, foil art posters and stickers.”

continuing to expand,” says Martin.

“These unique materials allow creators to build textured, 3D surfaces they can colour, design and draw on.”

Design Group UK has seen steady growth in the children’s crafting category through its Kids Create brand, driven by the growing demand for creative, screen-free activities that offer both educational value and imaginative play. “Our range spans craft kits, paints, colouring pads, activity sets, stickers and more – all designed to be fun, affordable, and easy to use,” says Katie Brickle, brand and marketing manager at Design Group UK. “Tactile formats, educational crossover products and all-in-one activity kits are trending particularly well, with items like our Paint with Water, Canvas Painting Set, and Activity Craft Bag consistently ranking among our bestsellers.”

With an increased focus on school readiness, honing fine motor skills and hand eye coordination at home is becoming more important. A new product in this area comes from Craft Buddy. Perfect for the 4+ age group, Crystal Art Junior has bigger 10-12mm gems, and a larger pick-up pen that make it easier to pick up and place gems. “This range is our first ever range for younger crafters, developed with a specific focus on supporting hand-eye coordination of young children and little fingers,” says Gary Wadhwani, director of Craft Buddy.

Social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram and YouTube have made crafting more accessible and exciting for young audiences and parents to get inspiration. “Social media enables businesses to engage new and

existing audiences, particularly for those who wouldn’t typically describe themselves as ‘crafty’ to give new things a try,” says Katie O’Neill, head of product development, Hunter Price International.

Katie continues: “As a business, we certainly lean into the insights we learn from social media (as well as other sources), whether it’s short or longer-term trend spotting, new ways of using traditional crafting materials, hacks, tips and challenges. The digital platforms help fuel our product development and brand activations.”

It’s a similar story for Robert Frederick, with key account brand manager, Andrew Kersey commenting: “The last few years have seen a big increased in online crafting with many more children using YouTube to find inspiration and ideas on how they can get involved in crafting.

Our best sellers are the paint-yourown products we produce, which give children artistic freedom to create. We have recently introduced hanging decorations into our licensed collections which are proving popular.”

Crafting is also being embraced for its mental health benefits.

Amanda Williams, head of product development at Premier Stationery observes: “Products that combine fun with mental wellness are gaining traction, particularly those that incorporate themes of positivity, mindfulness and self-care. In particular, products like our chakra range, designed to promote balance and positivity, are resonating with both parents and children alike.”

Products that not only encourage self-expression, but also teach are proving popular in the sector too.

One of the stand out sellers for Maped Helix in the children’s crafting portfolio is the Maped Creativ Lumi Board, an award-winning drawing board that guides children through their drawing journey with varying levels of difficulty. “This item has seen high demand since summer 2024, and despite frequent out-of-stock periods, we are working diligently to keep it available for our customers this

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year,” says Lianne Fletcher, head of marketing.

Celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2025, Scentos continues to be a go-to brand for kids and parents.

DKB Toys & Distribution has taken on domestic distribution of Scentos from January, with James Luff, sales director commenting: “We’ve been eagerly anticipating the chance to bring this fantastic range to customers who may not have had access to it before, and the response so far has been great.”

It’s clear that the children’s arts and crafts sector is not just about making things, it’s about fostering creativity, encouraging self-expression and building skills that will last a lifetime. The combination of tactile play, emotional engagement and educational value makes crafting an essential part of childhood development.

ABOVE LEFT: Premier Stationery’s range of chakra stickers promote mental well-being LEFT: The Maped Creativ Lumi Board guides children through learning to draw.

RIGHT: Little Brian Paint Sticks are a mess-free way for kids to paint.

FAR LEFT: Paddington Paint Your Own hanging decorations from Robert Frederick are proving popular.

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Visit STAEDTLER at Stand M421 at the London Stationery Show, and discover our latest products and bestsellers

@staedtleruk

@staedtleruk

staedtler-uk

Email: sales.uk@staedtler.com

25_088_Staedtler RB Stationery Matters Advert A4 v2_PRINT.indd 1

10/04/2025 15:05

WHAT’S NEW – NEW PRODUCTS

What’s new in children’s arts and crafts?

Below: The Gruffalo plush notebook from Robert Frederick

Crystal Art Junior Craft Buddy A hero product launch for this summer is Craft Buddy’s first ever range for younger crafters, developed with a specific focus on supporting hand-eye coordination of young children and little fingers. Perfect for the 4+ age group, Crystal Art Junior has bigger 10-12mm gems, a larger pickup pen that make it easier to pick up and place with five fan-favourite characters in the introductory range.

craftbuddyshop.com

Above: Crystal Art Junior from Craft Buddy

Jungle Fever Creative Case Maped Helix

Gruffalo plush notebooks Robert Frederick Plush notebooks are the newest product line from Robert Frederick. This gorgeous notebook features a soft and cuddly plush cover with The Gruffalo character design. The soft feeling of the notebook has a calming effect on young children, helping with well-being and focused writing or drawing.

New for this year from Maped Helix is the Jungle Fever Creative Case, the ultimate creativity case with a wide variety of colourful contents designed specifically for children aged 2+. The Jungle Fever collection includes all the essential tools to learn how to draw, colour and paint. Designed for the little hands of young children, this collection is a real introduction to creativity and imagination.

mapedhelix.co.uk

Flip Paint Sticks

robert-frederick.co.uk

Little Brian

Studio Sensations Design Group UK Studio Sensations is a new artist-quality range designed for older hobbyists, students and creatives. The new capsule range includes sketchpads, pencils, watercolours and more and reflects Design Group’s broader ambition to expand into junior artist products under the Kids Create umbrella in the near future.

igdesigngroup.uk Below: The Studio Sensations range from Design Group UK.

Little Brian Flip Paint Sticks are a brand new launch from Little Brian. These ingenious double-ended paint sticks feature 24 different colours at the flip of a stick. The smooth, glide-on paint effortlessly glides across a wide range of surfaces, from paper to whiteboards. Quick drying paint and no need for messy brushes or water.

Right: Flip Paint Sticks from Little Brian.

babyrepublic.co.uk/collections/little-brian

PAW Patrol Washimals Crayola The Washimals range from Crayola is a consistent bestseller, letting children customise, wash and redesign their characters time and again. In 2025, these cute companions will enter the world of licensed characters with an exciting PAW Patrol collaboration.

crayola.co.uk

Above: PAW Patrol Washimals from Crayola.

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Below: Jungle Fever Creative Case from Maped Helix

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FACE TO FACE: HORST BRINKMANN, CEO OF STABILO RIGHT: The Stabilo BOSS has been synonymous with the brand since 1971.

The BOSS of bold moves RIGHT: Horst Brinkmann.

BELOW: The collaboration with Dolce & Gabbana was a huge success.

BELOW RIGHT: The EduPen is a digital pen that allows teachers to assess a student’s writing and provide feedback to help writing.

Horst Brinkmann, chief executive officer of Stabilo Group, highlights the company’s direction for the next decade. From embracing new technology to meeting changing consumer preferences, he tells Stationery Matters how Stabilo intends to stay ahead of the curve.

H

orst begins by acknowledging the current challenges facing the stationery market. “It’s a tough market at the moment. People are cutting back everywhere, and this includes pens,” he says, reflecting on the pressures within the mid-price segments that have been hit by a drive for lower prices. While the economic downturn has dampened demand in key European markets, Stabilo’s sales in its home market of Germany continue to grow. However, the company faces the reality of dealers sitting on large inventories, which impacts new business opportunities.

It is against the backdrop of these challenges the company has developed Stabilo 2030, a strategic roadmap that will guide the company

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through the complexities of the coming decades. “We asked ourselves which technological, social, ecological, political, and economic developments will shape the markets in the coming years,” Horst explains. “From this, we have identified three global macro trends: Edutainment and Lifelong Skill Development, Playful Creativity, and Social and Mental Wellbeing. These three trends influence our entire company; from the definition of new business areas, product development and brand communication through to production and personnel development.”

Edutainment and Lifelong Skill Development comes from the belief that the pen is the connection to learning. “Learning does not stop when we leave formal education, it stays with us throughout our lives,” Horst says.

This philosophy has been central to the

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company’s efforts to build products that inspire continued personal and professional development. “We talk about edutainment, where we want to entertain people as well as educating.”

With Playful Creativity, Stabilo is looking at all aspects of being creative.

“From creativity at work to creativity at home. We don’t want to just inspire people to create, we want to enable them to create,” says Horst.

This trend embraces gamification, using interactive experiences to encourage collaboration and creativity among users.

“We want people to collaborate, share, and interact with our products,” Horst adds. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok are becoming vital tools for reaching consumers in this new landscape. “We’ll continue to push creativity through these channels,

FACE TO FACE: HORST BRINKMANN, CEO OF STABILO operations, with particular focus on the UK. “We see a big opportunity in the UK. Our team there is working to increase our fanbase through social media and more in-store activations to really bring the brand to life” he says.

Asia continues to be another important market, especially with Stabilo’s long history of manufacturing products in the region since 1967. “The making sure our message reaches as Asian market is growing rapidly, and many people as possible.” we see significant opportunities for Social and Mental Wellbeing is expansion there,” Horst comments. a core value that Stabilo has long While North America presents championed. Horst refers to the challenges due to market saturation, company’s #HighlightWhatMatters the company is committed to growing campaign, which encourages young people to speak out about what matters its presence in the region.

E-commerce is another area of to them most. “There is a certain magic focus for Stabilo, with the company in writing. It’s something very special seeing a decisive contribution to sales and personal,” he explains. through digital platforms. “We are The collaboration between Stabilo already reaching consumers in around and Dolce & Gabbana stands as a 60 countries via social media such as prime example of how the company is TikTok and Instagram; social commerce pushing the boundaries of creativity. is becoming increasingly important, The partnership was initiated by especially in China,” Horst says.

Dolce & Gabbana, which sought to Digitalisation is having an impact bring its iconic designs to everyday on demand on analogue products, products. “Dolce & Gabbana had already had considerable success with a but Stabilo has already made strides collaboration with Smeg and a range of in developing digital products, such as kitchen appliances, so we jumped at the the EduPen, a smart teaching assistant designed to help students improve chance to work with the brand,” Horst explains. “Stabilo and Dolce & Gabbana their handwriting. The pen uses unique sensors to assess a student’s writing are two brands that go very well and provide personalised feedback together. Uniqueness, colourfulness through an app. “Digital products have and a strong identity are important great potential for growth, and we’re characteristics for both companies.” seeing an increasing demand for them,” The collaboration was a massive Horst adds. success, with the limited-edition The stationery industry, like many collection selling out in just days.

Looking ahead, Stabilo is open to more others, faces challenges in the speed at which products reach the market. such partnerships. “We’re exploring new collaborations, though we’ll always “We’re working to streamline certain processes, particularly in design, to ensure that they align with our brand bring products to market faster,” values,” Horst notes.

Speaking about the company’s plans Horst says. However, he stresses the importance of longevity, ensuring for growth, Horst shares that Europe that products remain relevant and remains the main pillar of Stabilo’s

START BEGINNING

TOP LEFT: Stabilo’s social media feeds are full of inspiration, such as this from @donnasaunders designs.

MAKING THE SWITCH TO BIO-PLASTICS The introduction of ISCC PLUS certified bio-based plastics in two key product families – the point 88 fineliner and the Pen 68 felt pen – marks an important milestone in Stabilo’s sustainability strategy.

This change affects a total of seven products with more than 1,000 items and a production volume of around 115 million pens per year.

Through the material switch, to 96% bio-based plastic for pen body and cap, Stabilo will save about 465 tons of ground-oil based plastic a year and reduce CO2 emissions by an impressive 850 tons. “The selected material offers numerous advantages without any compromises,” Horst points out.

“Our customers can count on our products having the same high quality and performance as before.”

INSET LEFT: The Pen 68 range is now made from 96% bio-based plastic.

functional for years. “Unlike the fashion industry, which operates on short seasonal cycles, we want to create products that have staying power.

We’re looking to develop products that will stay at market for a number of years, not months.”

As Stabilo looks toward the future, Stabilo 2030 makes sure that the company is ready to navigate the challenges ahead, ensuring that its products not only inspire creativity, but also promote personal growth and meaningful connections in an increasingly digital world.

ABOVE: The #Highlight WhatMatters campaign encourages young people to speak out about what matters to them most.

Start Beginning is Stabilo’s latest global campaign, inspiring people to take the first step, to explore, to learn, and to embrace the journey; to Start Beginning. It shows the beauty of beginning by working with many different kinds of beginners: from an enthusiastic child to a great established artist.

“Beginning sometimes feels like the most difficult part of a process, but it is often also the most beautiful and important part,” says Horst. “And you barely need anything for it. A simple piece of paper and a pen can be the start of a film, a book or a scientific breakthrough.”

LEFT: Stabilo’s new global campaign, ‘Start Beginning’, encourages people to take the first step in doing something new.

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GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES RIGHT: The market for Caran d’Ache’s writing instruments is stronger than ever.

Writing Around the World

From Tokyo to Tallinn, writing instruments not only serve as tools of communication but also mirror regional identities.

Insights from industry leaders at Kaweco, Pentel, Caran d’Ache and Staedtler reflect how these identities shape the pens we write with and why the future of handwriting is more vibrant and varied than ever.

W

BELOW: Kaweco products are appealing to a younger audience.

hen it comes to pen preferences, the globe is anything but uniform. For Isabelle Clerc-Gippet, chief sales and marketing officer at Caran d’Ache, regional nuances are both a challenge and an opportunity. “Writing modes vary from one continent to another but also within one continent,” she explains: “For example Korea and Japan like mechanical pencils whereas China likes rollerballs and India likes ballpoint pens.

Silver pen details are preferred almost everywhere, except in Asia, where gold is king.”

This sentiment is echoed by Olga Yakavenka, head of sales at Kaweco, who notes that nib sizes and pen shapes are regionally defined. “In Asia there is a strong demand for fine or extrafine writing experiences, as well as mechanical pencils and needle-point gel rollers, which cater to precision.

Simple, clean, and smart designs are also favoured. In the USA, ballpoint and rollerball pens sell more than fountain pens, with nib size preferences being quite diverse. In Europe, the demand for ballpoint pens is more prominent in

the northern and southern regions, while fountain pens are more popular in German-speaking countries.”

Wendy Vickery, marketing manager at Pentel UK, adds: “It’s interesting that even within the relatively close proximity of European countries there can be significant differences. For example, for Pentel in the UK the most popular pen tip size is 0.7mm which, for most users, gives a medium line width. In parts of Eastern Europe however, notably Poland, the preference is for 0.5mm tips that give a fine line. In terms of ink colour, black outsells all other ink colours significantly in the UK. But, across the water in the Republic of Ireland, blue ink tends to be more popular.”

While many writing preferences have held steady over time, some surprising shifts have emerged over the past decade. At Caran d’Ache, Isabelle points to a “rebirth of mechanical pencils in Japan and Korea, especially among younger generations” and a “switch from every day throwable plastic pens to refillable and metallic pens. People tend to buy less but higher quality products.”

Staedtler’s head of group corporate communications, Britta Ender describes how creative expression has remained universal

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and continues to grow. “Painting and creative design for children and adults is becoming increasingly popular. The hype of adult colouring almost 10 years ago was a special momentum for us as a pencil manufacturer. We have been extremely successful with our coloured pencils and fibre-tip pens in the adult colouring trend. One reason for this is the counter-trend towards analogue leisure activities in the age of digitalisation.”

Pentel saw a surge in creative writing and journaling tools postCovid, as people turned to creative hobbies for balance. “Sales of creative writing instruments and art materials in particular have increased as consumers seek new ways to achieve a better work-life balance. Hand lettering, journaling and drawing have stimulated an interest in colourful products with different tip styles and ink technology.”

Wendy says.

At Kaweco, a new generation is rediscovering handwriting as a form of mindfulness and expression. “Younger demographics have a renewed appreciation for handwriting,” notes Olga. “This resurgence has positively influenced our global sales, as our products are increasingly perceived not merely as writing tools, but as expressions of a lifestyle and personal statement.”

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES FAR LEFT: Mechanical pencils are popular in Asia for Kaweco.

WHAT’S NEW Caran d’Ache

There’s one theme that unites these brands and that is sustainability.

From materials to packaging, ecoconscious design is fast becoming a standard expectation.

“The future needs good ideas,” says Staedtler’s Britta. “For us, this means protecting our environment and handling our resources responsibly, but also treating each other responsibly.

Resource efficiency is not just a buzzword For Staedtler, but a key principle for our long-term success and responsibility to the environment and society.”

Step-by-step, Staedtler is switching to recycled materials. The housings of its plastic pens are made of 97% recycled plastic. Many products from the Lumocolor product family are already made from recycled materials.

In the future, the housings of the triplus fineliner, the triplus fibre-tip pens and the textsurfer will also be made from recycled plastic. The pencils and coloured pencils in the Made from Upcycled Wood range are made from wood chips that are waste products in the wood processing industry.

Packaging is carefully screened at Caran d’Ache, with Isabelle commenting, “consumers don’t like non-sustainable packaging anymore.

They favour packaging that has a real added-value, such as a metallic pen case. People also like products made from upcycled material. For example, our Nespresso collection made from recycled coffee pods.”

Kaweco approaches sustainability through quality and durability. “All of our products offer refill options, allowing users to enjoy their Kaweco pens throughout their lifetime,” says Olga. “We are also working on ecofriendly packaging solutions to reduce our environmental impact.”

At every level of its business, Pentel is working hard to help preserve and protect the environment, whether

Launched in March, Caran d’Ache’s Black Edition Collection celebrates the timelessness of the classic shade black. This exclusive set features six writing tools, including a ballpoint pen, mechanical pencil and fountain pen all designed with black elements - from the barrel to the buttons and the clips. that’s by using recycled plastic in its pens or introducing new cardboard packaging for customers. “In the UK we want to encourage everyone who buys a Pentel product that can be refilled to do just that,” says Wendy.

“So that’s why we’ve developed our message, ‘If You Love It, Refill It’, to help identify those items that can be used over and again.”

Despite the pace of change, handwriting is far from obsolete. “It’s easy to predict the demise of the writing instrument in an age where digital technology dominates,” says Wendy. “Daily habits may have changed over the decades, but the pleasure and convenience of putting pen to paper to express thoughts, feeling and ideas remains as compelling as ever.”

Olga agrees, “While we recognise the influence of digital, we remain convinced that the tactile experience of writing—of touch and feel—will continue to be essential for our happiness.”

LEFT: Staedtler’s Lumocolor products are made from 97% recycled plastic.

Caran d’Ache’s Black Edition features completely black components.

Staedtler

Norix is a new range of coloured and graphite pencils combining eye-catching design, ergonomic benefits and sustainability. At the centre of the new Norix range is a unique, ergonomic shape: not round, not square, but semi-circular and flattened on one side. The asymmetrical shape of the pencils ensures a high level of comfort and relaxed writing and drawing.

Pentel

Pentel will be introducing some exciting new products in 2025 in the gel pen, fine liner, permanent marker and pencil categories. The award-winning Mattehop gel roller family will be extended with the introduction of seven new colours, while the high quality Pointliner family will see further development.

There are new colours coming this year for the Mattehop from Pentel.

Kaweco

Kaweco is focusing on new materials and exciting colours/surface effects.

This will include an elegant matte finish in two classy colours for the aluminium Sport piston filler and a beautiful multi-colour surface effect for its Lilliput range.

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TOP LEFT: The adult colouring trend has seen sales of Staedtler’s coloured pencils surge.

LEFT: The 0.5mm tip size is popular in Pentel’s EnerGel range in Poland.

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SECTOR FOCUS: GARDEN CENTRES RIGHT: Ohh Deer refitted the greeting card and stationery space at Yarnton Garden Centre last year.

The Blossoming Garden Centre Trade Garden centres in the UK have reinvented themselves over the last decade. Once places primarily visited for plants, compost, pots and tools, garden centres are now blossoming into retail destinations with stationery, greeting cards and gifting ranges becoming a core component of the product offering.

G BELOW: Legami display at a Squires Garden Centre.

BELOW RIGHT: Yop & Tom is having great success with its new gardening journal.

arden centre operators continue to increase their revenue by diversifying away from traditional garden centre products. Gone are the days when sales revolved solely around the spring planting season. “It used to be that March, April and May were the big months in garden centres, but now there’s something of interest 12 months a year,” says Peter Burks, chairman of the Garden Centre Association (GCA).

This year-round appeal is thanks to non-horticultural categories, such as stationery, greeting cards and giftware. According to the GCA’s Barometer of Trade, gift sales (which include greeting cards and stationery) are up 6.75% yearto-date as of March.

“Greeting cards alone can represent up to 30% of total gift category sales, thanks to their high sales-persquare-foot ratio and strong profit margins,” states Peter.

“Our members tell us that they often hear

visitors saying they only came for a cup of coffee, but left with a selection of greeting cards,” reflects Peter.

And it’s not just greeting cards that customers are picking up as impulse purchases. As the stationery ranges have expanded - offering more highquality and varied products - garden centre visitors are increasingly finding themselves tempted by journals, pens, notebooks and even washi tape.

Laura Davies, head of gift sales at Stone Marketing, sees this shift as a key opportunity. “For us, garden centres are a growing channel within stationery, as more of them become a one-stop shop for customers,” she says. “We’ve found that our stationery brands Legami, Faber-Castell, Midori and mt Masking Tape work particularly well in this channel.

“Legami offers collectable pickup stationery lines that are hugely popular with children and adults alike, Faber-Castell’s classic and highquality stationery is great for gifting, Midori has both fun and functional Japanese stationery within its range that offers something different to the more traditional British brands and mt Masking Tape is perfect for art

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and craft projects or wrapping gifts,” Laura explains.

She emphasises that stationery in garden centres is being thoughtfully integrated and often merchandised in creative ways. “The stationery product mix tends to be very varied and is often displayed in a less traditional way, sometimes merchandised alongside plush toys or even plants.”

Part of what makes stationery such a growth area in garden centres is its cross-generational appeal. “With consumers of all ages now spending time most weeks in garden centres, I see stationery sales in this sector continuing to grow,” says Laura.

It’s a sentiment shared by Caroline Chatwin, buyer for toys and recreation at Dobbies Garden Centres, one of the UK’s leading chains. She points to a shift in

GARDEN CENTRES FAR LEFT TOP:

preferences post-Covid, as consumers seek stylish but budget-friendly options. “While we were all working from home during Covid, there was a real trend for beautifully styled desks with high-end stationery,” she says.

“But this year, we’ve seen a noticeable shift towards more budget-friendly options, with under-£10 ranges proving especially popular.”

While luxe designs like the V&A collections and tech tidies in the £20 - £30 bracket were big hits in the earlier stages of this trend, Dobbies customers are now leaning into stationery that feels both affordable and joyful. “Our classic florals, William Morris prints and garden and birdthemed designs are firm favourites,” says Caroline. “Garden journals and seed organisers are among our bestsellers, while everyday essentials like notecards, shopping list pads and pen sets - remain solid

mt Masking themed journals are proving a good fit Tape among the to offer something unique and relevant wrap offering at for a price point under £20.”

Garsons.

Mark Callaby, managing director LEFT TOP: Seasonal events and co-founder of Ohh Deer, speaks like Mother’s Day about the strong brand partnerships are big drivers driving stationery sales in garden for sales in gifting ranges for centres. “Garden centres are Dobbies. definitely growing for us and Yarnton FAR LEFT Garden Centre really helped us kick LOWER: Floral start that growth when we refitted its designs do well at Dobbies stationery and greeting card space.” favourites for our customers.”

Garden Centres.

Mark continues: “We’re seeing great Seasonal stationery has also LEFT LOWER: success with our Cath Kidston and V&A become a growth driver, particularly Ohh Deer’s Cath ranges in garden centres but our more for gifting occasions like Valentine’s Kidston range is popular with humour-based ranges including Ken the Day and Mother’s Day. “Gift bags garden centres.

Cat perform really well and this does and wrap for occasions have seen fantastic growth,” Caroline notes. “Our match what we’re seeing across other areas, including book stores.” classic wrap range remains a strong Ohh Deer has been working with performer too, with RHS designs several other garden centres on refits standing out as customer favourites.” “as they’re noticing a shift in behaviour This growth in gift wrap and with their customers to wanting more packaging is also noted by Katie contemporary, trend-led ranges aimed Brickle, brand and marketing at younger generations. Stationery manager at IG Design Group UK. and cards seem to be performing “The garden centre sector is an particularly well within the younger important part of our business. We generations at the moment which is have seen considerable growth from great for us,” exclaims Mark. this sector in our everyday ranges Garden centres have become including stationery, craft activities full-blown day-out destinations, and gift packaging supported by innovative displays and great in-store complete with food halls, cafes, soft play and festive attractions, as merchandising to help promote well as everything customers could the products. Garden centres have possibly need to make their outdoor developed over recent years to become a family shopping destination living space perfect. It makes sense that customers want to take a piece and the product ranges offered have of that joy home with them, often in evolved in line with this.”

Peter Burks agrees: “We see a lot of the form of a beautifully designed young people and families coming into journal, pen set or gift wrap. As Peter garden centres prior to Christmas to go puts it, “Garden centres are no longer a place you go just to buy plants. to ice skating rinks or Santa’s grotto.”

They have become a day out in Facilities like soft play areas, cafés and themselves.” events are bringing in a new audience.

“Houseplants are attracting of 18–24 year olds younger people,” says Peter. would rather go to a garden centre than a “Likewise, so is the grow-your-own nightclub movement. All of this is driving a (Source: Draper Tools, younger demographic to garden 2021) There were 203 million centres, which is changing the estimated visits to garden centres product mix in gifting and stationery.” in 2024 Stationery is a perfect match for LEFT: Shopping 68% of UK adults said they visited a this audience. Modern, quirky and list pads from garden centre at least once in 2024 design-led ranges are resonating with Wrendale are top sellers at younger shoppers. Joppe Coelingh There are an estimated 1500 garden Dobbies.

Bennink, co-founder of Yop & Tom, says centres and retail nurseries in the UK BOTTOM LEFT: its gardening and recipe journals have Greeting cards UK consumers spent £2 billion on struck a chord in this environment. can account for outdoor plants in 2023 30% of sales “Garden centres and farm shops are an within the gift Source: HTA Environmental Horticulture and Industry exciting and growing market for us. Our category.

54%

FACTS AND FIGURES

Insights 2025

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RETAILER FOCUS – ELLIOT JACOBS, UOE

RIGHT: Elliot Jacobs outside UOE’s Crouch End store, which like all of its the shops features an old typewriter in homage to the business’ roots.

BELOW RIGHT: One of the many old typewriters that Elliot has collected for display instore to hark back to the days when it was a typewriter maintenance company.

Type Cast

If the photocopier had not broken that day, Elliot Jacobs may never have reconnected with his Saturday job owners, let alone buy the UOE business, become a non-exec director of the Post Office or won the most recent BOSS Best Independent Stationery Retailer Award.

With an ambitious plan to expand to 35+ stationery and Post Office stores, Stationery Matters hot-footed it to meet the man with a large typewriter collection.

I BELOW: The majority of UOE’s stores are open seven days a week and, having a Post Office means they are a hub for the community.

BELOW RIGHT: Supporting the local community is something Elliot is planning to do more of with UOE and is currently recruiting for an outreach community manager.

f you have a disused typewriter looking for a new home, Elliot Jacobs could well take it off your hands. He needs to build up his collection, in readiness for the planned expansion of his UOE business into what he is aiming to become “The number one national stationery retailer” trading from up to 40 stores.

So, what’s with the typewriters, and why is there one in every UOE store? It is in homage to the company’s origins, something of which Elliot has first-hand knowledge.

As a young lad, he used to cycle up to UOE’s shop in London’s East Finchley to get some photocopying done for his Dad. Then, at the grand old age of 14 he clinched a Saturday job working at what was the former typewriter maintenance company that had evolved into the rather

grand sounding Universal Office Equipment business selling all manner of stationery and office supplies.

It was many years later, when working in the computer sector that a broken photocopier prompted Elliot to visit to his erstwhile employers where he learned of their plans to retire.

“It does rather sound like a Victor Kiam story,” joked Elliot recalling the catchphrase of the outspoken American entrepreneur who liked the Remington shavers so much, he bought the company. Elliot then developed UOE’s B2B online operation while the retail side ticked along.

“It got to 2013 and high street trading was tough, but I just loved retailing. I knew I either had to become a proper retailer or get out of it,” revealed Elliot. “I then spotted that the Post Office was franchising out branches and recognised how bringing retailing together with the services a Post Office offers would

drive footfall and increase sales.”

Elliot was successful in his bid for the Post Office in East Finchley.

“Our business went boom overnight,” recalled Elliot, with Potters Bar, Hertford, Muswell Hill, Stoke Newington and Crouch End branches following suit in quick succession.

“During Covid, though it was challenging, we were able to continue trading, further cementing our relationship with the community,” explained Elliot.

After opening in Ware (together with a banking hub), last October hearing of the owners plans to retire, Elliot was able to acquire the popular First Stop Stationers shop in Reigate, which served to further underline the growth of UOE.

RETAILER FOCUS – ELLIOT JACOBS, UOE

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL SM put Elliot Jacobs in the stationery hot seat…

Can you share an early stationery retailer recollection: “It was being taken to WHSmith in Brent Cross as a boy for me to choose a new pencil case for school. One of the treats in life is a brand new pencil case!”

Share your pen history: “I have fond memories of the green barrelled Pentel R50s coming on the scene… and we still sell them.

The first ‘proper’ pen I ever owned was a red Lamy Safari that I filled with purple ink, which got me into trouble at school.

I now have four or five ‘proper’ pens and love them all. My favoured one would be my Caran d’Ache Léman fountain pen. It just feels like a proper event when you write with it! It is the stationery equivalent of a black tie gala!”

Are we undergoing a stationery renaissance? “Stationery has never gone away, but today’s consumers are enjoying the wealth of choice on cards and stationery products. Diaries are experiencing a renaissance in our stores. With social planning on the up we’ve sold 100% more diaries this year, while the whole arts and crafts scene for children and adults is continuing to proliferate, whether for mindfulness reasons or as an alternative to screentime for kids.”

What is the power of the handwritten card, note or letter? “When you mean it, you write it. In a world in which is largely instant, receiving a handwritten card or letter means so much more. It is an intentional show of care and thought, and it is tangible. It is the opposite of easy, which makes it so much more special.”

“First Stop Stationers is a fantastic store and we are delighted that all of the team have joined us,” said Elliot. “We already have a couple more potential acquisitions in the pipeline and hope in these cases too that we can retain the team and their customer knowledge.”

Elliot recognises that having a Post Office in each store gives UOE a footfall advantage that other retailers do not have.

“In the last year we served two million customers in the Post Offices in our nine stores. A customer’s prime purpose of coming in may have been to send some post or do some banking, but with an alluring selection of stationery, cards and gifts sold in an attractive retail environment, our plan is to disrupt their mission and persuade them to buy something else too,” freely admits Elliot. It is a strategy that is working as 25% of all UOE customers also buy something from the retail side during a visit.

Currently UOE’s largest revenue generator on the product front is packaging, which Elliot freely describes as a “less sexy area” compared to its stationery, greeting card and gift selections. The selection of boxes, envelopes, packing items, augmented

by UOE’s own brand products makes it easy for customers to post anything.

On the general stationery front, Elliot has adopted a three tiered “good, better, best” approach to the product selection, sourcing from all manner of brands, catering for office, educational, gifting and crafting needs.

Greeting cards is a fast-growing area for

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the group, now the second highest value category for UOE. “Our greeting card sales have tripled over the last two years, and having expanded our selection by 30%, now stocking over 1,100 different designs, all from independent publishers, we expect this number to continue to grow,” predicts Elliot.

While acutely aware of the tricky Royal Mail situation and the challenges the Post Office has faced of late, Elliot (a non-exec director of the Post Office) is steadfast in his belief that a Post Office is and should remain at the heart of the community.

“As well as Royal Mail, we also offer DPD, Amazon, DHL services.

We have to, it’s what the public wants. Our sacks of letter post have reduced, but the number of bags of parcels have increased massively.

And with banks closing many of their branches, we are a lifeline on that front too,” believes Elliot. “In many instances we are the glue that keeps the high street together, which is something we take very seriously. It is both a privilege and a responsibility,” adds Elliot.

ABOVE LEFT: MT Washi tape workshops instore were backed up by window displays.

TOP: Already a quarter of UOE’s customers buy something when they come in to use the Post Office services, with greeting card sales being one of the fastest growing areas.

ABOVE: Elliot has adopted a ‘good, better, best’ approach to his stationery selection to cater for all customers’ needs.

LEFT: Moleskine is among the many brands stocked by UOE.

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LONDON INTERNATIONAL STATIONERY SHOW 2025

All The Write Moves

ABOVE: The show is a great place to see new products and catch up with friends.

BELOW: Many exhibitors will be demo’ing products at the show.

BELOW CENTRE: Don’t miss the Stationery Awards feature, with all the finalists on display.

London Stationery Show takes place on 13 – 14 May 2025 at the Business Design Centre in London. Returning in what will be the show’s largest format in its 15 year history, this year’s event features over 150 exhibitors, hundreds of brands and an abundance of opportunity.

L

ondon Stationery Show is the UK’s only exhibition dedicated to the stationery, arts, crafts, paper and writing instruments sectors.

As well as the exhibitors, there’s an enticing programme of talks, demos and workshops, Stationery Awards and networking opportunities galore.

It is the place to be for anyone and everyone who doesn’t want to miss out on this lucrative and ever-evolving product area.

Everything is well underway for the event which attracts buyers from grocers and large multiples such

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as Ryman, Hobbycraft, WHSmith, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Harrods and TK Maxx, as well as plenty of indie retailers.

From the biggest UK and international brands, through to exciting new designers and innovative start-ups, they’re all under one roof giving visitors the chance to explore an exciting edit of new products and names alongside recognised bestsellers, making the London Stationery Show the place to discover the hundreds of additional items that work perfectly with a retailer’s core ranges.

Among the wealth of many leading brands on board are Blueprint Stationery, Carousel Worldwide, Craft Buddy, Crayola, Daler Rowney, Edding, Exacompta Clairefontaine,

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IG Design Group, Jakar International, Kaweco, LEUCHTTURM1917, Manuscript Brands, Maped Helix, Mitsubishi Pencil Co, Nu:notebooks, Paperblanks, Pentel, Portico Designs, Premier Stationery, Puckator, Pukka Pads, Royal & Langnickel, Royal Talens, Silvine/Artgecko, Snopake, Stabilo International, Staedtler, Stone Marketing, Tallon International, The Pilot Pen Company and Zebra Pen UK. With global and consumer trends quickly reflected in the stationery industry, the show’s Boutique Collection allows retailers to find something original as this carefully curated section is centred around innovation, with quirky, independent suppliers presenting their product offerings, including Amy Britton, Andhand, Beyond Borders Trading Co, Biembi Srl, Charfleet Book Bindery, Church House Partners, Coffeenotes, Divide & Rule, Dodolulu, Emily May, Fab Dab Do, Forma House, Good Tuesday, Hadley Paper Goods, House of Tula, Huunuu, In Real Life, Intelligent Change, Jaffe Feathers, Makers Cabinet, Meraki Notebooks, Mum’s Office, Oh Laura, Raspberry Blossom, Rebel Stationery, RebelJones, Storigraphic, Studio Frewb, Sylvia Prince, The Inspired Stories, Tom’s Studio and Trixie.

LONDON INTERNATIONAL STATIONERY SHOW 2025 In addition to the exhibitor delights on the show floor, the finalists of the Stationery Awards will also be showcased with the winners announced at a free-to-attend event at the end of the first day.

Workshops and talks are a key highlight of London Stationery Show, with the 2025 roster offering yet another fresh set of opportunities to get up close to product, learn from the experts and get new perspectives on business. This year the workshops and talks will be hosted in the gallery, alongside new exhibitors, refreshments and the Stationery Awards 2025 Showcase.

Key speakers this year include Helena Mansell-Stopher, founder and ceo at Products of Change who will host ‘Lunch and learn – Sustainability in Stationery’ on day one. Special guest, TV personality Kate Ferdinand will also be present on the first day to discuss how stationery has played a pivotal role in family life, looking at the wider social aspect of the sector’s products.

Martha Keith owner of stationery brand, Martha Brook also returns to discuss her latest tips for utilising the power of online marketing. Retail will be further discussed and debated at the popular Independent Retailers Panel on day two.

Over at the workshops, practical demonstrations can be seen from exhibitors including Royal Talens, Jakar International, Craft Buddy, Huunuu, Fab Dab Do and more.

Looking forward to this year’s show, event manager Chantelle White summed up: “We’re really excited about bringing the London Stationery Show 2025 to life. With the wealth of new product launches, the programme of workshops and talks and the Stationery Awards event at the end of the first day of the show, the activity will be full on stationery, and certainly not stationary!”

LEFT TOP: Martha Keith will give a talk on getting the most from social media.

LEFT 2ND: It’s a great chance to touch and feel products.

SHOW ESSENTIALS

LEFT 3RD: Paul Sacki of Jakar International cut a dashing figure at last year’s show.

WHEN: Tuesday and Wednesday, 13-14 May 2025 WHERE: Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, London, N1 0QH OPENING HOURS: 9.30am-5pm Tuesday, 9.30am-4pm Wednesday

LEFT BOTTOM: Stabilo will be exhibiting at the show again this year.

WEBSITE: stationeryshowlondon.co.uk ENTRY: FREE for bona fide stationery buyers, retailers, wholesalers, licensors and licensees. Register at stationeryshowlondon.co.uk SCAN QR CODE FOR MORE INFO:

LEFT: The Business Design Centre will once again play host to over 140 exhibitors.

INSET BELOW RIGHT: Theo Paphitis at the show in 2024.

TOP TIPS FOR VISITORS: THEO PAPHITIS, OWNER, RYMAN “If you’re a retailer, it’s of course all about the product. You want to see a product first hand, stay ahead of trends, touch and feel before you buy and discuss it with the suppliers. It’s always going to be a very useful, and often lucrative day out of the office. Get there on time and pack in as much as you can. Cover both show days if you can. Keep an eye out for talks and workshops where you may have a chance to learn what’s hot, or a key industry issue such as information on sustainability. You want to make it worth your while in every aspect.”

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Big Riso Our boldest Edge collection yet!

Exclusively Launching at the London Stationery Show 2025, this coordinated back-to-school range is packed with vibrant colour, geometric prints, and all the formats students love.

To see our

NEW RANGE Please come and visit us on the mezzanine Stand: M502

For further information please contact us, info@igdesigngroup.uk.com www.stationerynews.net

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Designed to pop on shelf | Perfect for the back-to-school shopper | Retail-ready and value-driven

LONDON STATIONERY SHOW 2025 - EXHIBITOR PREVIEW

London Stationery Show EXHIBITOR PREVIEW

Find out more about just some of the exhibitors who will be attending the show over the next few pages. For the full list of exhibitors, please visit www.stationeryshowlondon.co.uk.

Alligator Products

Ashridge Arts & Crafts

Biembi Srl

Alligator Products is one of the leading producers of children’s colouring and activity products, both in the strongest current licenses such as Barbie, Bluey, Crayola, Hello Kitty, Gabby’s Dollhouse and Paw Patrol, and generic ranges, such as unicorns, dinosaurs, puzzle books and educational books.

Ashridge creates beautifully crafted notebooks, diaries and art products that excite the creative mind. Its notebooks come in a range of contemporary hues and have printed edges, robust closures and matching ribbon markers. The art products includes a vibrant range that both professionals and hobbyists will enjoy and at truly affordable prices.

Biembi is an Italian company specialising in premium cards, wrapping paper, giftbags, notebooks and bookmarks, featuring its own brand, Da Vinci.

Stand M412

Stand G202

Stand M610

BIGSO Andhand Andhand is an independent British pen and stationery brand established in 2021. It believes in well-designed products that will stand the test of time and stay true to the buy-once philosophy. All its pens and stationery are designed in the UK by its award winning team.

Stand G120

Avery UK With 90 years of expertise, Avery has expanded far beyond traditional mailing labels, offering a diverse portfolio that includes protection and security labels, name badges and wristbands, personalised stickers, food labelling solutions, and precision cutting tools like trimmers and guillotines.

Since 1963, Bigso has evolved from creating practical storage products from recycled fiberboard to designing solutions that blend aesthetics and utility for homes and offices worldwide. Its expertise extends to highend luxury packaging, serving renowned brands with innovation and adaptability.

Stand M231

Stand G236

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Artgecko This year Artgecko turns 10 years old. For a decade, its sketchbooks have held wild ideas, quiet mindful moments, brilliant messes and it’s all down to the artists who brought them to life.

Stand M210

Blueprint Collections Beyond Borders Trading Co Beyond Borders Trading is a UK-based company dedicated to curating and supplying distinctive, ethically sourced stationery, gifts, and lifestyle products from around the world. Its mission is to celebrate craftsmanship, support small-scale artisans, and bring beautiful, meaningful products to the UK market that tell a story.

For over 25 years Blueprint Collections has strived to create beautiful and stylish licensed stationery, gifts and bags to retailers in the UK and Ireland. License permitting it will also supply across Europe, the Middle East and America.

Stand M423

Stand G219

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LONDON STATIONERY SHOW 2025 - EXHIBITOR PREVIEW

BlueSky Designs

Charles Birch

Craft Buddy

Blue Sky Studios is a design-led stationery company which creates licensed collections with a focus on style and innovation. Blue Sky Studios partners with globally recognised brands like Harry Potter, Hello Kitty, Kuromi, Wednesday and SpongeBob to deliver unique stationery and lifestyle products.

Charles Birch will present three brands at the show: Angelus Acrylic Paint, the no 1 leather paint; Spree Stationery Products, with a great range of back to school lines and acrylic paint pens; and Rit Dye, the world famous fabric dye which works on natural and synthetic materials.

Craft Buddy is back this year with a dazzling array of newness for the second half of 2025 to cater for fans, families and gift-givers. The company will unveil a raft of AW25 launches which include Care Bears, The Grinch, Cat in the Hat and Elf.

Stand M228

Stand M214

Carchivo

Coach House Partners Limited

Carchivo offers a wide range of high-quality products presented in elegant collections, including notebooks, planners, folders, and file organisers. It takes pride in exclusively working with top-quality European materials, such as cardboard, polypropylene, and FSC-certified paper.

Stand M205

Coach House Partners Limited designs and creates notebooks, greetings cards, wrapping paper, books, jigsaw puzzles, model kits and drinks coasters, predominately aimed at the men’s gifting market. Focussing on transport, history, military history, hobbies and sport.

Stand G222

Carousel Worldwide Carousel Worldwide is the fusion of Carousel Calendars, the largest publisher and distributor of calendars and diaries, and a joint project with Go!Retail, the largest retailer of calendars in the US. The publisher offers a one-stop-shop for all calendar and diary needs, as well as more recently adding notebooks to its collection.

Stand M323

Coffeenotes Genuinely sustainable stationery, designed and manufactured in Dorset, UK. Notebooks, notepads, planners, social stationery and sketch books made from recycled coffee cups and other repurposed waste. High quality, cream paper which is fountain-pen friendly and acid free.

Stand G200

Charfleet Book Bindery Charfleet Book Bindery offers expert bookbinding services for various brands and products, such as diaries, calendars, notebooks and address books.

Stand M515

Stand G234

Crayola Crayola is a globally recognised brand dedicated to inspiring creativity in children and adults alike through its innovative and high-quality arts and crafts products.

Founded in 1885, Crayola has become synonymous with vibrant crayons, markers, paints, and a wide range of creative tools designed to unleash the imagination.

Stand M325

Daler-Rowney First founded as a pigment company for wigs in the UK, Daler-Rowney has grown into an internationally renowned fine arts manufacturing company with colours and pigments still at its core. From paint, brushes and surfaces to accessories, luggage and easels, Daler-Rowney produces and sells products for artists of all experience levels.

Stand M402

Deli Europe Collins Debden The first Collins diaries for the mass market were published in 1819. Over the following 200 years, the company has continued to pioneer the paper and stationery industry, creating modern, stylish products that have never wavered on quality or functionality.

Deli is a market leader in multiple industry segments.

From stationery products to creative and cultural items, and even advanced technologies, Deli connects global industries by delivering top-quality products and services.

Stand M130 + M526

Stand M513

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14x14cm

RRP £27.38* *Inc VAT

New for 2025!

100% Cotton Hahnemühle Watercolour Book Deckle Edge Give your customers the opportunity to create memories and masterpieces, in this uniquely beautiful book, available in five sizes.

Each of the 30 sheets, are 250 gsm matt and are surface-glued front and back, creating a reassuringly crafted easy to use watercolour book.

For Trade enquiries please contact hello@hahnemuehle.com Or to see the Deckle Edge Watercolour book at the London Stationery Show please visit our partners RK Burt at Stand M224 www.hahnemuehle.co.uk www.stationerynews.net

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LONDON STATIONERY SHOW 2025 - EXHIBITOR PREVIEW

Diarpell

Edding UK

Gilded Words

Diarpell produces high quality customised leather goods such as notebooks, diaries, planners and address books. Founded on the 52-years experiences of Florentine artisan companies, Diarpell combines Italian craftsmanship with the use of advanced production technology to create products that have the soul of paper and the body of leather.

Edding inspires creativity and individuality with premium-quality writing, drawing, and marking tools.

From permanent markers to innovative art and craft solutions, Edding products are designed to fuel imagination and deliver outstanding results.

Gilded Words specialises in designing pieces to enhance the experience of readers and writers. By creating beautiful, quality notebooks, pen cases, planners and other accessories, at a wide price range, we give both practical and luxurious options to everyone.

Stand M310

Stand G231

Stand M226

Exacompta Clairefontaine Divide & Rule design and makes a unique collection of rules, protractors, squares and other drawing aids all from its Wiltshire based studio and workshop.

ExaClair, the UK subsidiary of the Exacompta Clairefontaine group, will showcase several new products including: Darwi For You collection of acrylic paints, brushes and colouring pencils; Marbel universal markers, Rhodia notebooks and a selection of new sustainable Exacompta filing and desktop accessories.

Stand G216

Stand M400

Divide & Rule

Good Tuesday Good Tuesday is a UK based startup and certified B Corp. A female-led brand that creates stationery for people who want to organise in all areas of life, in style.

From design-led annual calendars to diaries, weekly planners and notebooks, printed in England and created in a sustainably conscious and ethical way.

Stand G210

East Link London A trusted brand that offers high-quality and affordable products through popular Japanese retail lines.

Specialising in everyday essentials, from home goods to accessories, designed to enhance convenience and style.

Stand G233

Exerz Exerz Limited is a UK-based company dedicated to creating high-quality, thoughtfully designed products that inspire creativity, learning, and organisation.

Through its trusted brands - Artme, Topglobe, and Exerz - the company serves a diverse audience ranging from artists and students to professionals and explorers.

Stand M324

Endless

Fab Dab Do

Endless is known for its Phantom and Captiva pen lines, Alchemy inks, Companion pouches and Explorer notebooks. Meet the co-founder, Dheeraj Nanduri on the Mann Inc stand.

Fab Dab Do is excited to introduce a new line of themed t-shirt painting kits, featuring over 40 stencil templates and 15 vibrant paint dabbers. These all-inclusive kits allow customers to purchase themed boxes or select individual paints and stencils to unleash their creativity.

Stand M218

Stand G226

Grupo Erik UK Grupo Erik has been creating stories for over 26 years designing best in class stationery, merchandise and gifts for lovers of pop culture, hot brands and people who just love great product. It works with brands like Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Netflix, Peanuts, Universal, Pusheen and many more.

Stand G232

Hainenko Hainenko is one the UK’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of quality, first-price stationery goods to business, education and promotional companies. It works with wholesalers, dealers, contract stationers and buying groups, distributing product all across the UK and Europe.

Stand G228

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Stationery Icons A4 advert CMYK FLAT.indd 1

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LONDON STATIONERY SHOW 2025 - EXHIBITOR PREVIEW

Huunuu

Jaffé Feather Pens

Kaweco

Huunuu believes in inspiring choices to create your life story. Our range of journals, books and cards are designed to inspire reflection on life and legacy, creating a sense of purpose and positive action.

As the UK’s only remaining feather manufacturer and dyer Jaffe supplies a wide range of feather pens. It offers a unique in-house branding service using its ground-breaking etching and printing facilities. The factory in Devon sells everything from shop packaged to corporate gifts.

Kaweco’s most famous pens are probably the Kaweco Sport family of pens, which were designed with an oversized cap in the 1930s to be small in the pocket but large in the hand. The Sport range still forms the backbone of Kaweco’s product offering and is available in a wide range of colours and materials.

Stand G118

Stand M510

Jakar International Limited

Leathersmith of London

Jakar is a family run company who has been supplying artist materials, stationery and craft products for over 75 years. It is the sole distributor for Caran d’Ache colour ranges throughout UK and Ireland. It also stocks the Rosa range of watercolour, oil and acrylics as well as the German-made M+R Stationery products.

Made in the UK using traditional British skills, craftsmanship and materials, Leathersmith of London’s range includes diaries, journals, notebooks, stationery and business accessories and gifts. All its leather diaries and journals are hand bound in its Canvey Island Bindery in Essex.

Stand M514

Stand G108

Stand G126

IG Design Group Design Group UK designs, manufactures, and sources celebrations, creative, home and office, and away from home products for leading retailers in the UK and beyond. It has strong partnerships with major licensors worldwide, allowing it to bring beloved characters to life through various product formats.

Stand M502

Image Stationery

Jiangyin Merry International Trade Co.

Manufacturers of waterproof non-tear papers made from recyclable polyester film coated paper.

Jiangyin Mary International Trade Co. specialises in the production of various types of sticky note products.

Stand G235

Stand M531

LEUCHTTURM 1917 The LEUCHTTURM1917 range of notebooks ranges from A6 through to Master A4+ and with up to four rulings and a colourful choice of colours. These are complemented with the award winning Drehgriffel pens and mechanical pencils.

Stand M200

In Real Life In Real Life is a UK start-up founded in 2024 by Clare and Kitty, who bring over 20 years of experience developing products for brands like Paperchase. Its growing collection includes over 300 greeting cards and 25 thoughtfully designed notebooks and planners, made for people’s real life needs.

Stand G204

JPT Europe

Love Writing Co

JPT Europe offers an ever-evolving selection of beautifully crafted stationery, innovative lifestyle products, and high-quality homeware, all thoughtfully curated and directly imported from Japan. See exclusive Japanese stationery brands and products that are often not available anywhere else in the UK or Europe.

Fun range of educational writing resources developed to make learning to write easier, quicker and fun with a range of educational workbooks and writing tools with two licences: Paw Patrol and Paddington Bear.

Stand M104

Stand M308

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LONDON STATIONERY SHOW 2025 - EXHIBITOR PREVIEW

LSM Consumer & Office Products

Maped Helix

Nahvalur Pens

LSM is a long-established supplier of well-known stationery brands such as HP, Genie, Olympia, Stikky Tape, Blick, Stephens, Jolie, Conceptum and now its new eco-brand, Leefi.

Maped Helix is exhibiting its newest take on its traditional Oxford brand. The show will be the range’s debut to buyers anywhere. It will also showcase its Neon and Kidy Learn Concentration ranges for the first time ever and the popular Jungle Fever range will be seen at the show for the first time.

Founded and owned by fountain pen enthusiasts, Unibrands is a pen manufacturer and distributor. Its first pen brand Nahvalur launched in 2019. Since then it has expanded its brand lineup to include OMAS and WahlEversharp.

Stand M416

Stand M424

Main Paper SL A Spanish-based company offering products in: school supplies, stationery, crafts and fine art.

Stand M118

Meraki Notebooks Meraki Notebooks is a UK-based brand renowned for its bespoke wooden-covered notebooks, journals, and diaries that seamlessly blend sustainability with elegance. Each product is meticulously crafted using recyclable materials, ensuring a minimal environmental footprint while delivering premium quality.

Stand G330

Ningbo Guangbo Import & Export Co Guangbo Group develops creative, low-carbon and diversified stationery products and exports around the world.

Stand M426

Stand G213

Makers Cabinet Makers Cabinet creates high quality drawing and writing tools that last a lifetime or more. Its products are crafted using the highest quality materials and are designed to improve with time and use.

Ningbo HaiGong Printing Co.

Stand G220

Mitsubishi Pencil Co UK Founded in Tokyo in 1878, Mitsubishi Pencil Company, the parent of POSCA and uni-ball, has a long-standing legacy of innovation, precision, and creativity. Its pens are trusted worldwide by professionals and hobbyists alike for their quality, consistency, and design.

Ningbo HaiGong Printing Co.is a large printing enterprise producing books, brochures, paper products, paper cards, self-adhesive labels and other printing products.

Stand M532

Stand M3193

Manuscript & Manuscript Brands

nu: Notebooks High quality, affordable and sustainable stationery for everyday use. At nu: notebooks offers high quality, innovative, fashionable and functional products. A key focus for the company is sustainability.

Manuscript Brands represent a collection of iconic fine writing and stationery names. Visit the stand to explore Manuscript’s latest releases, take a closer look at its brand refresh and see its calligraphy products in action with calligrapher Lyndsey Gribble of Wild Sea Calligraphy.

Stand M110 & M212

Stand M600

N Smith Box N Smith Box are experts in the design, development, print, manufacture and fulfilment of corrugated cardboard temporary displays, FSDUs, CDUs and printed packaging.

Stand M407

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LONDON STATIONERY SHOW 2025 - EXHIBITOR PREVIEW

O’Color

Papirny Brno A.S.

Pen Paper Gift

O’Color is a French manufacturer of paints and adhesives and distributes a large range of art and craft for schools.

A key manufacturer of school exercise books, notebooks and notepads, which has been operating in the Czech and Slovak market for almost three quarters of a century.

Selling old and new style pen kits, pen making tools, pen making accessories, pen making materials, abrasives, adhesives, as well as an exciting range of pen display and storage items. Perfect for all those wanting to craft their own pens.

Stand M411

Oh Laura

Stand M307

Stand M414

Penac Japan PBS Polska

Founded in 2014 and based in Sheffield, Oh Laura is on a mission to make being organised more fun. Bursting with colour, humour, and just a dash of sarcasm, Oh Laura’s range of notepads, memo pads, notebooks, and planners offer brain-friendly ways to tackle to-do lists with ease.

PBS Connect Poland is the Polish Division of PBS Holding – the European leader in the production and wholesale distribution of office and school supplies.

It manufactures, imports and distributes branded stationery, office and school supplies.

Stand G218

Stand G325

Penac GB is the UK extension of Penac, a brand of the Kotobuki Company. Penac will launch the CCH-3 gel pen in a new width at 0.38mm. This is a super thin gel pen equipped with fast-drying ink, allowing for precision in writing or draughtsmanship.

Stand M405

Pentel (Stationery) Oli Olsen

Pebeo UK

Specialising in unique design-led gifts, stationery and homeware, Oli Olsen distributes Éccolo, Metalmorphose, Dhink, Canar, KIDYWOLF, Sliwils, Flow Amsterdam, Helio Ferretti & The Gift Label in the UK and Ireland.

For over a century, Pebeo has been a leading innovator in the world of art supplies, dedicated to providing high-quality products that inspire creativity. With a passion for colour and innovation, it crafts materials that empower artists of all levels - from beginners to professionals - to bring their visions to life.

Stand M220

Creator of some of the world’s favourite writing instruments, Pentel is proud to return once again to the London Stationery Show, where visitors will be able to see and try exciting new products, including a fantastic selection of items from its parent company, PLUS Corporation, ideal for arts, hobbies and everyday use.

Stand M300

Stand M602

Paperblanks Paperblanks creates high-quality, visually stunning products that bridge art and everyday life. Committed to crafting its products using premium, sustainable materials, it empowers individuals to express themselves and to celebrate diversity through art.

Pelltech Ltd

Stand M108

Pelltech Brands at this year’s show include: Schneider, Dahle, Apli Kids, Miquelrius, Djois and Home Hobby.

Stand G241

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LONDON STATIONERY SHOW 2025 - EXHIBITOR PREVIEW

Pink Pig

Premier Stationery

Quadrigloo

Notebooks and art books made by hand, with 7,000 different options to choose from. Working with independent retailers as well as larger retail stores direct, giving the best quality and price around.

This family-run business has supplies stationery and artists products including: office supplies, manuscripts, storage wallets, desktop organisation, brushes, paints, paper, canvas, colouring books, colouring pencils, watercolour paint palettes, gel pens, chalk and play dough.

The UK’s first ever fully Square Glue Sticks! Designed to glue corners and edges precisely unlike the round glue stick.

Perfect for schools, students, scrapbooking and more.

Stand M210

Stand G239

Stand G240

Plus Plus UK & Ireland The one shape design, open ended play pattern and the availability in a world of colourful pieces, makes Plus-Plus appeal to all ages and abilities. Kids can create mosaics in 2D, 3D animals and characters and even curves thanks to its unique design and one shape.

Stand M208

Quanzhou Haslor Bags Co. Puckator This year Puckator is introducing fresh and innovative products, including its brand-new sLickers pens, uniquely designed highlighters and fun erasersharpeners. Its erasable pens and eternal pencils, which made a huge impact last year, are returning with exciting new styles to keep up with the latest trends.

Quanzhou Haslor Bags is a professional bag manufacturer. Its main products are school bags, laptop bag, sport bags and travels bags.

Stand M234

Stand M318

R.K. Burt & Co Pop-Up Frames

Pukka Pads

Pop-up Frames can be assembled in a few minutes to multiple sizes from 15cm up to 92cm with just a pair of scissors. They’re also lightweight so can be hung and rehung using the supplied adhesive pad without damaging walls. The frames and their packaging are both made from 100% FSC certified and sustainable materials.

Pukka Pads is a global manufacturer and supplier of high quality, paper based items. It has been supplying stationery lovers all over the world with its signature notebooks for over 25 years now, recently diversifying into new categories such as party supplies, desk accessories, planners and more.

Stand G237

Stand M410

RK Burt & Co. offers a wide variety of traditional fine art papers suitable for watercolour, sketch and drawing, mixed media, pastel, book binding, oil and acrylic and printmaking, as well as products such as beautiful notebooks, cards & envelopes and printed Nepalese tissue.

Stand M224

Rebel Stationery Portico Designs Established over 35 years ago and based in the UK, Portico Designs is an independent publisher and wholesaler of design-led stationery and gifts. It partners with some of the most exciting global brands.

Stand M316

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Pularys Pularys are the wallets of a new generation. A generation that does not intend to stand still, but boldly discovers the world, taking it as it is. Thanks to RFID protection, it uncompromisingly protects your identity and money, in an elegant and modern style.

Stand M218

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Rebel Stationery is the sustainable luxury diary and notebook brand that gives back. Designed and manufactured in London, it supports women working in textiles around the world.

Stand G208

LONDON STATIONERY SHOW 2025 - EXHIBITOR PREVIEW

RebelJones

Royal & Langnickel

Seethetape

RebelJones is a kawaii stationery wonderland, bursting with cute, colourful, and creative goodies. From luxury journals to playful stickers and enamel pins, every piece is designed to spark joy and add a little magic to your day.

Royal & Langnickel provides art brushes, art sets, art materials, craft materials and art activities to professional artists, hobbyists, crafters, students, schools, and for the creative gift market.

Seethetape is the world’s first clear adhesive tape with patented visible edge technology.

Stand G110

Retro 51 Retro 51 is on a quest to bring enjoyment, energy, vibrancy, excitement and value to the world of writing instruments. The team comes together to create designs that have made people smile for over 30 years.

After all, life is too short to carry an ugly pen!

Stand M218

Strand M415

Stand M304

Royal Talens Royal Talens offers a diverse range of high-quality products for artists, from paint to stationery to art and deco. Its brands include: Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Amsterdam Acrylics, Sakura, Bruynzeel, Talens Art Creation, Talens | Pantone, Ecoline, Cobra and Golden.

Stand M314

Robert Frederick

Scentos (DKB Toys)

Robert Frederick has developed a wide selection of quality, on-trend stationery products from notebooks and journals to pens and craft kits. It also works with popular licenses like Paddington, The Gruffalo, Peter Rabbit and Elmer to create a fun selection of children’s stationery items.

Known for its vibrant colours, signature fruit scents, and engaging creative kits, Scentos has become a household name for kids and parents around the world. Celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2025, Scentos continues to turn everyday play into sensory adventures that ignite kids’ imaginations and delight the senses.

Stand M413

Stand M422

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Semikolon Semikolon products are made using traditional craftsmanship with high quality materials and a range of selected colours. Semikolon preserves your most valuable moments and helps you tell the story associated with every photo, word or keepsake that has entered your life.

Stand M102

Shachihata EU Shachihata will show two of its most successful brands at the show. Designed for professionals, students, artists, and everyday users, Artline and Xstamper products are built to inspire confidence and creativity.

Stand M616

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LONDON STATIONERY SHOW 2025 - EXHIBITOR PREVIEW

ShenZhen UCI Magnet And More Co. UCI Magnet is a professional manufacturer and solution provider of magnetic and removable products for office, home, school and kids early learning. It will show its innovative Uni-Felt products that can can stick on almost any wall surface with no damage to the wall.

Snopake

Stone Marketing

Snopake offers a wide range of filing, organisation and desktop products for use in the home, school and office. Under its Swordfish brand it also provide a range of paper shredders, laminators, paper trimmers and desktop sharpeners. Also see the Platignum range of affordable writing instruments.

Stone Marketing offers a carefully curated selection of premium and innovative stationery and gift products from world-renowned brands, including Faber-Castell, Legami, Caran d’Ache, Tombow, MIDORI, MD Paper, Traveler’s Company, mt masking tape, and its newest brand Iwako.

Stand M504

Stand M512

Stand M233

Storigraphic Signature Workshop Limited With over 30 years of expertise in crafting premium commercial stationery, Signature Workshop has created a new line of uniquely designed products for sale directly to customers. The range features journals, notebooks, planners, portfolios, pouches, iphone jackets and paper bags.

Stabilo International Come and see the new START BEGINNING campaign, designed to inspire everyone to take that first step toward their goals. With the message, “If you don’t begin, there’s nothing,” Stabilo is making it easier for anyone to start something new, whether it’s writing, drawing, or creating.

Storigraphic is a Cambridgeshire based independent design studio and brand founded by lifelong best friends and designers, Nic and Roz. Launched in 2020, its vision is to transform the everyday by producing sustainablyled, exclusively designed, high-quality products, accessible to everyone.

Stand G100

Stand M206 & M302

Stand M351

Sylvamo UK Staedtler Silvine Visit the stand to discover refreshed Silvine branding and the latest creations which include the Silvine Senses collection using tinted pastel paper tones to aid creativity and clarity. Also on show are Artgecko sketchbooks and the Pink Pig brand of hand-made sketchbooks and notebooks with unique finishes.

Staedtler is one of the world’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of writing, colouring and drawing instruments, as well as premium quality modelling and polymer clays, applying centuries of experience and expertise in the development of innovative stationery.

Sylvamo is a paper company, that can supply both private label and branded paper options on a single supply chain.

Stand M317

Stand M421

Stand M210

Sylvia Prince Sylvia Prince is delighted to introduce her Afrocentric range of greeting cards and gifts. Inspired by her children and their friends, the range features characters in various shades of black and brown, including those living with vitiligo, albinism, and alopecia. This level of inclusion cannot be found anywhere else.

Stand G112

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LONDON STATIONERY SHOW 2025 - EXHIBITOR PREVIEW

Tallon International

The Inspired Stories

Trodat UK

Supplying wholesale and retail markets with one of the largest ranges of stationery and seasonal products, Tallon International is thrilled to be back at LSS with some exciting new product launches.

Lifestyle stationery designed to help you find focus, daily inspiration and mindfulness.

Trodat is excited to present its retail collection at this year’s show, featuring innovative products designed for convenience and creativity, including ID Roller Stamps, Stamp N’ Stick range, Pixel Stamp as well as a selection of vintage-style stamper sets, including homemade and birthday themes, ideal gifts for any crafting enthusiast or creative spirits.

Stand G206

Stand M604

Stand G340

The Crafty Kit Company Nestled on a working farm in East Lothian, Scotland, The Crafty Kit Company creates kits for needle felting in both 2D and 3D kits, cross stitch, embroidery and felt craft kits. It also works closely with some of the world’s most renowned nostalgic brands like Beatrix Potter, Moomin, Paddington and Miffy.

Stand G238

The Pilot Pen Company (UK) Pilot Pen is a world-renowned leader in innovative writing instruments, combining Japanese craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. From smooth gel pens to eco-friendly refills, Pilot offers high-quality solutions for every writing need. Visit us at the London Stationery Show to discover our latest collections and experience the art of writing.

Stand M524

Turnaround Turnaround represents a great assortment of brands from all over the world: including timeless classic Italian design brand Moleskine, Japanese lifestyle stationery Mark’s Inc., Korean designs from Paperways and Pansy Daisy, notebooks for creatives from Hoxton Mini Press and smart and funny stationery from The Unemployed Philosophers Guild.

Stand M111

The Gifted Stationery Company

Tom’s Studio

The Gifted Stationery Company has become one of the fastest growing businesses in the stationery sector.

It currently produces over 500 new products every year, including bestselling ranges across gift stationery, calendars and diaries.

Calligraphy and fountain pens, designed in England

by Tom Gyr. Made sustainably and built with care and craftsmanship to last a lifetime. Its latest launch is a pen made from discarded pens. It’s called the Wren WriteOff and is the company’s latest initiative to push back on the 9 billion pens thrown away every year.

Stand M321

Stand G227

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Ultratape Ultratape are the one source for all your adhesive, tape and twine requirements. The products are quality, fit for purpose across the following brands: Ultratape, UltraStick, Ultratwine, Ultimate, BioTape and Rhino.

Stand M420

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Framing reframed See how at Stand G237

Pop-up Frames assemble in a few minutes and adapt to multiple sizes from 15cm up to 92cm with just a pair of scissors. The cardboard engineering makes them suprisingly sturdy, yet they are so lightweight, they can be hung and re-hung using the supplied sticky pad without damaging walls.

Pop-up Frames are flat-packed so significantly reduce the POS and storage space normally required.

Both our frames and their packaging are made from 100% FSC certified and sustainable materials.

UK Patents: GB2559609B GB2572341B US Patent: US10,588,434 EUIPO Trademark 17868192 ©Differentiate Design Limited www.stationerynews.net

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LONDON STATIONERY SHOW 2025 - EXHIBITOR PREVIEW

West Design Products

Wingback Limited

Yop & Tom

West Design Products is the exclusive UK distributor for Faber-Castell (art), Copic and Speedball, and manufacture creative products in its our own brands and licensed RHS and Natural History Museum brands.

An award-winning independent design studio based in the heart of London, Wingback stands for an alternative to mass production and disposable culture.

From stationery to luggage, everything it makes is a celebration of functional design, exceptional materials and British manufacturing.

Yop & Tom is a UK based, design-led stationery brand.

It creates thoughtfully designed paper notebooks, planners and journals that combine style with functionality. From vibrant colour palettes to innovative features, every detail reflects its passion for creating products that enhance everyday life.

Stand M322

Stand M306

Yiyang Twingo Stationery Co.

Zebra Pen UK

Stand M417

Whitefurze Whitefurze Ltd was formed in 1978 by owner, Philip Lanni. The company has grown from selling a small range of plastic consumer products to a successful and dynamic business with comprehensive ranges in the food storage, gardening, general storage and housewares.

Stand M116

Yiyang Twingo Stationery Co. is a professional stationery manufacturer in correction tape, glue tape and correction rollers.

Stand M530

Zebra Pen UK is a subsidiary of one of the world’s largest writing instrument companies. Known in particular for its bestselling Z-Grip and Mildliner brands, its pens are well designed and affordable, using leading technology for a smooth, free-flowing effortless writing experience that sees ideas come to life.

Stand M500

12-13 MAY 2026 BUSINESS DESIGN CENTRE ISLINGTON, LONDON

The ultimate destination for stationery products

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 12-13 MAY 2026 www.stationeryshowlondon.co.uk 55

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LONDON INTERNATIONAL STATIONERY SHOW 2025

STATIONERY AWARDS SHOWCASE

SEATING

G106 G107 G108 G110

STATIONERY AWARDS SHOWCASE

G112

G305

G210

G219

PS3 PS4

G220

G213 G214

G208

PS2

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

G216

PS1

M104

M106

M205

M204

M200 M206

M302

G212

G205 G204

G104

G320

G325

G330

M108

M110

M300 M304

M208

M2 M212

M210

M218

M306

M310

M307

M308

M314

G237

M404

M410

M407 M406

G232

G233

G236

M500

G238

G235

M504 M502

G241

M600

G224 G223

M506

M5

M510

M508

M602

M6

M604

G222

Company Name

Stand

Craft Buddy

G234

Hainenko

G228

A-Journal

G350

Crayola

M325

Hebei Chinjoo Art Materials Technology Co.

M534

Acmeliae

M230

Cre8 Direct

M404

House of Tula

G214

Akademi Cocuk

M106

Daler Rowney

M402

Huunuu

G126

Alligator Products

M412

IG Design Group UK

M502

Amy Britton

G212

Deli Europe

M130 & M526

Image Stationery

G235

Andhand

G120

Designworks Inc

M606

In Real Life

G204

Anhui Qitian Stationery MFG Co.

M632

Diarpell

M226

Inspire Education

G230

Ashridge Arts & Crafts

M610

Divide & Rule

G216

Jaffe Feather Pens

G118

Avery UK

G236

Dodolulu

G114

Jakar International

M514

Baby Republic

G229

Dogan Zarf

M406

Jiangsu Animal By-Products Import & Export Group Corporation

M350

Beijing Talent Expo Co

M426

East Link London

G233

Jiangyin Merry international Trade CO.

M531

Beyond Borders Trading Co

G219

Edding (UK)

M310

JPT Europe

M308

Biembi Srl

G202

Emily May

G124

Kaweco

M510

BIGSO

M231

Episode Stationery

G310

Leathersmith of London

G108

Blueprint Collections

M423

Exacompta Clairefontaine

M400

LEUCHTTURM1917

M200

BlueSky Designs

M228

Exerz

M324

Love Writing Co

M104

Carchivo

M205

Fab Dab Do

G226

LSM Consumer & Office Products

M416

Carousel Calendars

M323

First International

M204

Luxor International Private

M618

CCA Occasions

M216

Forma House

G104

Main Paper SL

M118

Centrum

M525

Gilded Words

G231

Makers Cabinet

G220

Charfleet Book Bindery

M515

Global Notes

M506

Mann Inc

Charles Birch

M214

Good Tuesday

G210

M218

Manuscript & Manuscript Brands

M212 & M110

Coach House Partners Limited

G222

Grupo Erik UK

G232

Coffeenotes

G200

Guangdong Zhaoqing Red Eagle Science & Technology Co.

M628

Maped Helix

M424

Collins Debden

M513

Hadley Paper Goods

G224

Meraki Notebooks

G213

www.stationerynews.net

M41

G240

BOUTIQUE COLLECTION G225

M402

M400

G239

G228 G230

G229

G227

G231 G234

G340

M1

M405

G226

MAIN ENTRANCE

BOUTIQUE COLLECTION

M102

G218

G124 G126

G206

G100

G118 G120

G200

G315

G114

BOUTIQUE COLLECTION

G202

G310

CAFE

Show Floor Plan

56

LONDON INTERNATIONAL STATIONERY SHOW 2025

M108 M108

M110 M110

G340 G340

M111 M111

208 208

M210 210

M112 M112

M214 M214

G355 G360 G355 G360

307 307

M308 M308

M405 M405

M410 M410

M407 M407 M406 M406

M226 M226

M228 M228

M220 M220

M316 M316

M318 M318

M317 M317

M319 M319

M321 M321

TALKS TALKS THEATRE THEATRE

M130 M130

M233 M233

M230 M230 M224 M224

M314 M314

WORKSHOPS WORKSHOPS sponsored sponsored by by Craft Craft Buddy Buddy

SALES SALES LOUNGE LOUNGE

M118 M118

M216 M216

M218 M218

M310 M310

G365 G365

M116 M116

M212 M212

06 06

M231 M231

M232 M232

M234 M234 M236 M236

M322 M322 M325 M325

M411 M411

M412 M412

M413 M413

M324 M324

M416 M416

M417 M417 M415 M415

M420 M420

M323 M323

M422 M422 M423 M423

M421 M421

M414 M414

M426 M426

M424 M424

M506 506

M512 M512

M510 M510

M513 M513

M514 M514

M515 M515

508 508

M606 M606

M604 M604

M526 M526

M530 M530

M532 M532

M525 M525

M531 M531

M533 M533

M628 M628

M630 M630

M524 M524

M534 M534

M616 M616

M610 M610

M618 M618

M551

M550

404 404

G345 G350 G345 G350

M350

G330 G330

M351

G325 G325

CAFE

Here’s a handy guide to the layout of London International Stationery Show 2025. Whilst this was correct at the time of press, small alterations or additions may have happened - we’re so pleased there is so much for you to see this year.

M632 M632

Mitsubishi Pencil Co UK

M319

Pyramid International

M232

Tallon International

M604

Mum’s Office

G205

Quadrigloo

G239

The Crafty Kit Company

G238

N Smith Box

M407

Quanzhou Haslor Bags Co.,

M234

The Gifted Stationery Company

M321

Nahvalur Pens

G330

R.K.Burt & Co

M224

The Inspired Stories

G206

New Change Co.

M236

Raspberry Blossom

G223

The Pilot Pen Company

M524

Ningbo Guangbo Import & Export Co.

M426

Rebel Stationery

G208

The Qraft Store

G345

Ningbo HaiGong Printing Co.

M532

RebelJones

G110

Tianjin Honest IMP/EXP Enterprise Co.

M533

Nu:notebooks

M600

Robert Frederick

M413

Tom’s Studio

G227

O’Color

M411

Royal & Langnickel

M304

Trixie

G225

Oh Laura

G218

Royal Talens

M314

Trodat UK

G340

Oli Olsen

M220

Scentos

M422

Turnaround

M111

Paperblanks

M108

Seethetape

M415

Ultratape

M420

Papirny Brno A.S.

M307

Semikolon

M102

West Design Products

M417

PBS Polska

G325

Shachihata EU

M616

Whitefurze

M116

Pebeo UK

M602

ShenZhen UCI Magnet And More Co.

M233

Wigston Paper

M112

Pelltech

G241

Signature Workshop

M351

Wingback

M322

Pen Paper Gift

M414

Silvine/Artgecko/Pink Pig

M210

Yiyang Twingo Stationery Co.,

M530

Penac Japan

M405

Snopake

M504

Yop & Tom

M306

Pentel (Stationery)

M300

M500

M208

M206 & M302

Zebra Pen UK

Plus Plus UK & Ireland Pop-Up Frames

G237

Staedtler

Portico Designs

M316

Premier Stationery

G240

Puckator

M318

Studio Frewb

G107

Pukka Pads

M410

Sylvamo UK

M317

Pularys

M508

Sylvia Prince

G112

Stabilo International

Zhejiang Baiyi Stationery Co.

M550

M421

Zhejiang Kamei Stationery Co.

M630

Stone Marketing

M512

Zhejiang Qingyuan Xianfeng Stationery Co.

M551

Storigraphic

G100

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ENJOYING THE READ? THIS MAGAZINE HAS LANDED ON THE DOORSTEPS AND DESKS OF RETAIL BUYERS ACROSS THE STATIONERY WORLD. These include specialist independent retailers, online retailers, right up to major retailers including names at Aldi, Asda, Fortnum & Mason, Nemo, Ryman, Tesco, Viking, WHSmith, Waitrose, Waterstones, and many more.

The next edition will be published in Q4, ahead of the all important selections season. It’s a fantastic opportunity to get your brands and products in front of buyers outside of our beloved trade show the conversation continues via our media channels…

To be included, contact Chantelle White – chantellew@max-publishing.co.uk

DIGITAL TOO...

IN ADDITION TO THIS MAGAZINE, STATIONERYNEWS.NET WAS LAUNCHED IN 2024 AND HAS BEEN HUGELY SUCCESSFUL IN SHARING THE INDUSTRY’S NEWS, VIEWS, ANALYSIS AND EVERYTHING IN-BETWEEN. Advertisers can enjoy having their visuals land in nearly 15,000 inboxes, three times per week. These adverts can link to wherever you wish... your website, an email address, online catalogue, social media –or anything else.

To be included, contact Chantelle White – chantellew@max-publishing.co.uk

THE LAST WORD WITH CHRIS LEONARD-MORGAN

The Last Writing a New Chapter

WORD

By Chris Leonard-Morgan,

Founder of London Stationery Show and National Stationery Week

M

y stationery journey began early, as it nearly always did and still does for many children: discovering the joy of being wildly creative with pencils, crayons and a sheet of paper.

I still remember my first stationery gift of pencils with my name on, later moving on to a Platignum pen. I was probably around seven years old, and thought it was the most wonderful thing. I felt very grown up. A few years later, I graduated to a Parker 51, a treasured gift from my parents. I still have it to this day, as well as a few other wellknown brands.

In school, I spent a lot of time with a pen in my hand. I regularly practised my handwriting, often in detention, rewriting the same lines over and over again for alleged misdemeanours. Those repetitive lines were probably more helpful than they were meant to be.

That early fascination and pleasure from stationery never left me. It eventually became part of my professional life when I launched Stationery Matters magazine and London Stationery Show 15 years ago and I have had the privilege of contributing to their growth and direction ever since. Along the way, I have worked with many dedicated and inspiring companies and people.

This is my final Last Word but I’m not leaving the stationery world.

My next chapter is publishing a beautiful coffee-table book later this year called Stationery Icons which celebrates stationery and many of the world’s most loved stationery brands. The idea has been with me for over a decade, inspired by the remarkable brands and passionate people who drive this global, multibillion-pound industry, and by a lifelong fascination with branding.

Even now though, I’m baffled by how a product loved and used by so many millions of people worldwide

– stylish, functional, and full of personality – can be underestimated by some, sadly often in the media.

See you at London Stationery Show, probably with a pen in my hand!

Chris’ new book explores the stories of brands like Montblanc.

ABOVE: Chris outside London Stationery Show in 2014 in a branded black cab.

LEFT: An advertisement from FaberCastell in the 1960s.

LEFT: In his role as sector champion for stationery and greeting cards at The Stationers’ Company, Chris worked hard to promote the benefits of handwriting. He is pictured here with Amanda Fergusson of the Greeting Card Association at London Stationery Show 2023.

A Smythson notebook, Parker 51 and Kaweco are must-haves for Chris.

STATIONERY ICONS Stationery Icons is a beautifully designed 200+ page coffee-table book, by Chris Leonard-Morgan, which celebrates stationery and the world’s most loved stationery brands. It traces their development and role in the growth of literacy, creativity and communication over the last 300 years and examines their continuing relevance in an increasingly digital world.

From writing paper, notebooks and diaries to pens, pencils and markers, stationery is a testament to tradition and a great forward-looking example of how an industry can adapt and balance heritage with changing times and needs, innovation, environmental responsibility ...and style. Lots of it!

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LEFT: Scheduled for publication at the end of 2025, Stationery Icons will be a captivating and inspiring read for stationery lovers.

www.stationerynews.net

www.stationerynews.net

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