Craft Focus - Apr/May (Issue 72)

7 INDUSTRY NEWS Industry news MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS FOR CRAFTER’S COMPANION Crafter’s Companion has revealed that it will be moving its TV presence to the Create & Craft channel this spring. The partnership was announced by founder Sara Davies via email and social media, marking the end of a three-year partnership with Hochanda. The firm is celebrating the move with a slew of product launches including extra items for the Spectrum Noir range and a brand-new papercraft line, Nature’s Garden. “We are thrilled to be moving to Create & Craft and can’t wait to work closely with the team to pave the way for lots of exciting opportunities,” explains Sara. “We’ve been really impressed with its recent drive to grow the UK craft market through innovation, demonstrations and an increase in product variety, and I’m delighted that Crafter’s Companion will be part of this. We want to support this vision and our aim is to work with Create & Craft to engage with a wider crafting community.” Jamie Martin, managing director at Create & Craft, adds: “Having previously worked with Sara and her team at Crafter’s Companion, I have first-hand experience of how well-regarded and inspirational they are as a company, so I am over the moon to have them on board.” Crafter’s Companion has also announced the appointment of Ross Brown as its new head of commercial. “I have known and worked with Ross for a number of years now, so I know he is a perfect fit,” continues Sara. “His ideas and understanding that we place the consumer at the heart of our business, as well as his vast range of experience in the craft sector means he is well-placed to share our vision. I’m thrilled that he will be joining us and helping to continue our growth strategy.” Ross brings a vast knowledge of the craft market and years of experience in TV shopping to the role. His key achievements include helping to launch Hochanda TV, establishing it as a major industry player within the space of three years. “I am extremely excited to be offered the opportunity,” he explains. “Having worked indirectly with the team, it is a privilege to be a direct part of such a dynamic and successful company. My priority is to lead by example and to invest my time and knowledge to develop and support everyone fully.” Crafter’s Companion enjoyed sales growth of 38 per cent over 2018, with an export increase of 59 per cent over the same period. Visit crafterscompanion.co.uk for more information. Bosal Foam makes new UK appointment Bosal Foam and Fibre has announced the appointment of Sharron Belcher to its UK and European division. Sharron has spent over 25 years in the fashion, fabric production, clothing manufacture and craft industries, and brings a wealth of experience and specialism in interfacing for dressmaking, crafting and bag-making. Bosal manufactures a wide range of products including its Inrform, Jelly Roll Rug, Craf-tex and Katahdin batting. The products have been popular in the US and are now gaining popularity in the UK, thanks in part to YouTube and social media channels. Sharron will work closely with distributors and retailers in the UK and Europe to promote the creative possibilities of the company’s range. Go to bosalonline.com for details. Messe Frankfurt switches to renewable energy Show organiser Messe Frankfurt will be switching entirely to renewable energy from 2020. This includes the power supply for the stands, halls and exhibition grounds at its Frankfurt base. The company has described the move as a milestone in implementing long-term sustainability measures. The organiser, which runs the Creativeworld, Paperworld and Christmasworld events, estimates that its energy needs are comparable with that of a town of 40,000 inhabitants. “As a partner, we are acting on the desire among our exhibitors and guest organisers for an environmentally friendly approach to trade fair management,” says Uwe Behm, member of the Executive Board. Messe Frankfurt has been a member of the United Nations Global Compact since 2010 and was the first German trade fair firm to join its ranks. Go to messefrankfurt.com for information. Latest news from the crafting industry 