17 INDUSTRY NEWS Industry news Latest news from the craft industry Anti Copying in Design (ACID) announces 25 years ACID’s trailblazing work and ongoing campaigning has been a game changer in championing designers and the importance of their intellectual property rights’ protection. This has influenced and brought about positive change in the legal and political landscape. The Design Economy is one of the success stories of the UK contributing nearly £100bn to the UK’s GVA and the protection of its intellectual capital is critical. In its 25th year, they want to shine a light on, and celebrate with everyone the huge success that has been achieved since the organisation was co-founded by Dids Macdonald (a designer maker) and Simon Clark (an IP lawyer and Partner of Bristows). From a round table action group it has grown to be a key influencer in design law reform over many years. Dids Macdonald OBE., CEO and Co-founder of ACID, said, “Little did I know that when I was copied so much as a designer it would change the course of my life. I vowed I would try and hold those that steal to account. One of the greatest accolades was when one of the directors of a serial retail copyist called me ‘that troublesome woman from ACID!’ However, there’s still much to be done to change the pervading culture of design theft. UK designers are some of the best in the world and the zeitgeist of tomorrow’s innovation and I look forward to ACID continuing to make waves in the fight for IP respect, ethics, and compliance. My thanks go to Simon Clark for being such a champion for change in the early days and to Nick Kounoupias, ACID’s legal counsel for his tireless dedication and advocacy for ACID members and the broader design community’s IP rights.” It’s a time to celebrate, but also an opportunity for a call to action, a reminder to all that ACID’s work remains more crucial than ever as the infringement of original work is an ongoing crisis. Check out www.acid.uk.com Statement from Autumn Fair on Connect Spring and Autumn Fair and Glee, owned by Hyve Group, has announced that its connections programme, Connect, will not be running in 2024, while the business collaborates with the industry and key partners to create better shows and experiences for the future. Nicola Meadows, Divisional Managing Director, Hyve Group says, “I would like to thank our exhibitors for reaching out to us with their candid feedback on this year’s Autumn Fair. As a business, our purpose is to help our customers to succeed by helping them meet with new and existing buyers. We understand better than most that face to face is the best way to make meaningful business connections, discover new products, and build relationships in the world of retail. We don’t take our responsibility - to help this community thrive - lightly. We know how important these shows are to the sector, much of which is made up of independent businesses which are the pride of the nation. “I recognise that, during what are increasingly challenging times for everyone in retail, the introduction of Connect did not add value in the way we expected it to. Whilst for most the Autumn Fair was successful and produced great outcomes, it is clear that Connect became a distraction and cause of disruption. Up to now, our shows have been highly reliant on an analogue format which has remained the same for decades. We introduced Connect with the aim of improving how buyers and sellers do business at our events in a way which makes the most of time and resources. We hold our hands up that we fell short on executing this at Autumn Fair. For that reason, we will not be running Connect in 2024 at Spring Fair, Autumn Fair or Glee. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank our customers again for their patience during this time and the continued support of these historic shows. We have listened to what they have to say, and we care about getting this right.” Looking ahead, Meadows says there’s an opportunity to provide the industry with a considerably better show which delivers increased return on investment through the smart use of data and technology. Committed to innovating and finding ways to improve the show while making an increased effort to keep exhibitors and visitors at the heart of its decision making, they have announced the introduction of working groups to help shape the future of the shows. Exhibitors and buyers are invited to get involved to share their views and opinions by emailing SpringAutumnFairMarketing@hyve.group.
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