WEST DESIGN front cover_CRAFT BIZ 04/03/2020 17:19 Page 1 2000 - 2020 MARCH APRIL 2020 ISSUE 146 £3.50 CraftBusinessCRAFTBUSINESS.COM BEST FOR NEWS, COMMENT & BUYING IDEAS FOR CRAFT RETAILERS JAKAR page_CRAFT BIZ 06/03/2020 14:54 Page 1 MARCH APRIL 2020 ISSUE 146 £3.50 CraftBusinessCRAFTBUSINESS.COM BEST FOR NEWS, COMMENT & BUYING IDEAS FOR CRAFT RETAILERS H+H COLOGNE CANCELLED DUE TO CORONAVIRUS FEARS The world’s biggest trade fair for creative handicraft and hobby supplies will relaunch in March 2021 Following intensive estimated that so far, the virus event based on the current consultation and in has infected at least 95,000 recommendation of the agreement with the people worldwide and killed Robert Koch Institute (public participating industry more than 3,200, raising serious health institute in Germany). persuaded us, with a Koelnmesse is continuing its association, Initiative doubts over the suitability “In view of this current heavy heart, to push for a preparations for the following Handarbeit e.V., Koelnmesse of all craft trade shows in background, it is not possible postponement of the trade fair trade fairs as planned. GmbH has decided to the upcoming months. for us to provide a functioning until next spring,” said Hedi As before, it will evaluate postpone the trade show The management team at trade fair as a place to Ehlen, managing director of the recommendations of the h+h cologne 2020 until Koelnmesse who is responsible experience industry highlights initiative at Handarbeit e.V. responsible authorities regarding 26th-28th March 2021. for organising h+h is following and a forum for international As the world’s largest major events for each event This announcement comes the recommendation issued business contacts,” said ordering platform of this type, and make further decisions as the rapidly spreading by the Crisis Team of the City Koelnmesses’ chief operating over 400 sewing, crocheting, after careful consideration. coronavirus continues to cause of Cologne after its meeting o cer Oliver Frese. knitting, embroidery and outbreaks around the world, on 4 March 2020. The decision “Worries about potential handicrafts exhibitors from FOR MORE INFORMATION creating major concerns over was taken against the backdrop quarantining which could over 40 countries and around regarding next CB the health and safety of visitors of a risk assessment carried bring businesses to an 16,000 trade visitors had been year’s show go to and exhibitors to the event. It is out individually for this entire standstill additionally expected at h+h cologne 2020. www.hh-cologne.com THE KNITTING NETWORK OWNERS WELCOME FORMER SIRDAR CHIEFS TO THE BOARD The Knitting Network owners, TXN Limited, recently announced the appointment of Russell and Emma Morris as shareholders and directors to the board As prominent fi gures in industry. The team at The the hand knitting industry, Knitting Network have done Russell and Emma bring a a fantastic job over the last wealth of market knowledge couple of years and our and experience to knitting investment recognises the CRAFTER’S COMPANION suppliers The Knitting potential for the business to Network. Former managing continue to develop and grow. WELCOMES FIRST LEAD director and owner of Sirdar, Russell and I are very much Russell served more than 28 looking forward to joining the years with the UK’s biggest board and getting “stuck in” to TV PRESENTER yarn brand until 2018, during add value wherever we can.” Crafter’s Companion is With nine years’ experience in which time he also chaired the Originally founded in 2016, expanding its in-house TV the TV shopping industry, Joe UK Hand Knitting Association The Knitting Network has team with the appointment brings a wealth of expertise between 2005 and 2018. Emma been growing rapidly since of its fi rst lead presenter. to his new position. Crafter’s is a well-known fi gure in the TXN Limited acquired the Joe Remblance has joined Companion currently produces industry, previously holding a business in July 2018. This the team to host the schedule six weekly shows and employs number of senior roles including growth has been driven by of shows on Crafter’s TV. nine craft experts to present commercial director of Coats directors Steve Hollis, Adrian Joe’s role will involve guiding product launches, inspirational Crafts UK and sales director of Booker and Amy Last, who his craft expert co-stars projects, demonstrations, Sirdar. She has over 15 years’ between them have extensive and viewers through the giveaways and special live o ers. experience in the sector. knowledge of the industry and programme, driving the social To catch up on the latest Emma said: ”We’re delighted its consumers. Go to www. conversation and interacting episodes go to www. to be back in the hand knitting theknittingnetwork.co.uk with the audience live on air. crafterscompanion.co.uk 4 WELCOME EDITOR’S LETTER Contents Spring is in the air, and CRAFT INDUSTRY TOP STATIONERY USE CREATIVITY TO with new beginnings NEWS TRENDS: HAND SPARK CHILDREN’S come plenty of 5 The latest products, insights and 22 LETTERING 31 CURIOSITY AND opportunities to take statistics to be released in the Author and artist Cindy CONFIDENCE your business to new world of crafts Guentert-Baldo explains the The founder of The Creation heights. A great way to THE CRAFT BUSINESS reasons behind this technique’s Station and multi-award-winning be inspired is to look to AWARDS 2020 relentless popularity entrepreneur is gunning for crafting gold with her Guinness the best and brightest 10 The winners of the Craft THE HOTTEST World Records brands in the industry, and Business Awards announced! STATIONERY PRODUCTS the winners of The Craft Plus comments from our 23 Take inspiration from these CASH IN ON CROCHET Business Awards 2020 will star-studded panel of judges irresistible products that Tap into the success of this show who are the ones to including Julie Peasgood, Sarah have taken the stationery 32 popular craft with industry ideas watch this year. You can Cressall and Debbie Bliss MBE. world by storm from author Emma Varnam fi nd the full list of winners KEEP IT CLOSE TO JAKAR ON THE ROAD RETAIL on page 10. HOME INTERNATIONAL: Unleash the money-making Myself and the rest of 17 Jo Bray, managing director of 24 CELEBRATING 70 34 potential of crafting getaways the Craft Business team sales and marketing of West YEARS OF SUCCESS that will take your business to are excited to attend the Design explains the value Managing director of Jakar new heights London Stationery Show of local manufacturing in a International Ltd. Paul Sacki BOOKSHELF from Tuesday 21st to globalised market reveals how his fl ourishing arts The latest craft titles that will Wednesday 22nd April, and crafts business has stood the THE LATEST 36 inspire and guide potential which celebrates its 10th test of time PRODUCTS FROM customers anniversary this year. 19 ROYAL TALENS UK FRISK ESSENTIALS HOW TO BUILD A Stationery’s popularity Delve into the newest and most A NEW PLAYER LOYAL CUSTOMER BASE shows no sign of slowing exciting stationery from one of 25 ON THE BLOCK Managing director Daniel down, so don’t miss out the biggest UK suppliers Sam Kemp, sales director at 37 Newhouse provides a masterclass on this valuable chance to Artcoe, talks to us about the THE LONDON on business expansion with learn about key trends that key products his company will STATIONERY SHOW Hunkydory’s dynamic marketing will appeal to this insatiable be focusing on at The London Maximise your business strategy 20 Stationery Show type of crafter. To highlight opportunities at this extensive HOW TO BUILD all the wonderful elements trade show for the UK’s biggest THE TOP 20 MOST of creative stationery, a YOUR BRAND retailers, infl uential buyers and INFLUENTIAL THROUGH large part of this issue is brands 38 26 WOMEN IN CRAFT SOCIAL MEDIA dedicated to all elements Key female fi gures in the industry, RICO DESIGN’S Owner of Crafter’s Companion that make up this sector. from successful entrepreneurs to NATURE MATTERS and businesswoman Sara Davies Discover an insightful fl ourishing artists 21 COLLECTION explains why all companies preview of what you can Organic structures, beautiful KNITTING AND should prioritise their online expect from the London textures, natural colours and a CROCHET NEWS presence Stationery show (page diversity of fl ower designs – all 30 Latest product releases and 20), our collection of the SHOW FOCUS: these elements come together sta changes from the world of CREATIVEWORLD 2020 hottest stationery products in an utterly inspiring medley knitting and crochet Discover all the key fi ndings (page 23), an interview with 39 from the world’s biggest and artist and author Cindy most important trade fair for Guentert-Baldo (page 22) the DIY craft sector and so much more! To give you ideas for your next business move, this month’s Top 20 Series is focused on the most infl uential women in craft (page 26). This star-studded collection of female artists, entrepreneurs, buyers and 20 39 more showcases what a booming industry craft truly is. I hope you enjoy this issue! EMILY PEAGRAM Editor CB [email protected] 19 10 26 WEST DESIGN front cover_CRAFT BIZ 04/03/2020 17:19 Page 1 2000 - 2020 MARCH APRIL 2020 ISSUE 146 £3.50 CraftBusinessCRAFTBUSINESS.COM DOING THE BUSINESS… BEST FOR NEWS, COMMENT & BUYING IDEAS FOR CRAFT RETAILERS EDITOR ADVERTISING MANAGER HEAD OF EDITORIAL: CRAFT PUBLISHED BY: DISCLAIMER:The views expressed in this Emily Peagram Danielle Harris Lynn Martin Aceville Publications Ltd publication are not necessarily those of the 01206 508623 01206 505954 21-23 Phoenix Court, publishers.