Craft Focus - Apr/May (Issue 72)

51 PREVIEW Page turners Stationery Show London returns this month with a raft of inspirational designs to tempt buyers. Here’s what you need to know IN THE KNOW Stationery Show London 30 th April – 1 st May Business Design Centre, London stationeryshowlondon.co.uk Since it began in 2011, Stationery Show London has grown steadily to become a major trend showcase, where innovative start-ups rub shoulders with well-known brands. This year’s event will take place on 30 th April and 1 st May and promises to deliver an inspiring mix of paper and writing instruments for the stationery, gift and fashion sectors. “Stationery is a core product for many retail stores,” explains Hazel Fieldwick, event manager. “It fulfils the role of an everyday essential, an ‘on-trend’ impulse buy, a stylish and useful gift and just as importantly, a carefully chosen personal accessory. The product mix reflects this broad appeal and offers visitors depth of choice and knowledge from all corners of the market.” READY TO LAUNCH Highlights will include the show’s annual LaunchPad competition, where 12 hopefuls will display their work for the first time. This will be the fourth edition of the contest, which has already showcased the work of 30 companies including Back Pocket Notebook, Peace & Blessings, Paper Mirchi, Type and Story and Batch.Work. This year’s winners will receive a free display at the event, joining 50 first-time exhibitors and more than 100 show regulars. “I had a taste of trade show life at the Stationery Show and I loved every second of meeting 