Visitor registration is officially open for London Stationery Show 2025, set to take place at the Business Design Centre in Islington, London, on Tuesday 13th and Wednesday 14th May. London Stationery Show 2024 was one to remember, crammed full of newness, chat, fun, gossip, creativity, deals, and competitions – as well as lots of business too over the two days. Visitor numbers were up 40% on the previous year, with many exhibitors and visitors agreeing that it was one of the busiest shows in recent years.
Posted: 21 January 2025
Koelnmesse, a global leader in organizing world-class events, is thrilled to announce the launch of the Fiber+Fabric Craft Festival, an exciting new consumer-focused extravaganza set to ignite the crafting industry. Scheduled for May 1–3, 2026, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention & Conference Center in Rosemont, Illinois, this festival is poised to become the ultimate destination for craft enthusiasts across North America.
Posted: 16 January 2025
Cats Protection is hosting a virtual craftalong on Saturday 22nd March where you can make your own set of cat-shaped magnets (see attached photos). You'll be able to unleash your inner artist and create personalised and fun designs with the polymer clay craft kit. It includes everything you need to complete a set of four magnets. You can make a replica of your favourite cat, mould a tribute of a past cat as a keepsake or simply handmake a gift for a loved one. A minimum of £10 from every kit purchased goes to fund the charity's vital work which helps to make a better life for cats.
Posted: 14 January 2025
Sara Davies, the entrepreneur and business mentor, has announced that she has stepped in to rescue Crafter's Companion ("the Company") – the business that she founded when she was still at university. Crafter's Companion had been put into administration by its current directors who had pursued an ambitious growth strategy, which had not succeeded. The Company had reached a point where it didn't have sufficient working capital to continue to operate, and it was put into administration on 7th January, 2025.
Posted: 9 January 2025
ICHF Events has confirmed the speaker line up for the UK's flagship trade show CHSI Stitches at the NEC Birmingham from 23rd to 24th February 2025 with topics including AI and social media marketing at the forefront of discussion. This year's line up reflects industry trends and opportunities, notably Generative AI, one of the fastest developing topics across the business landscape.
Posted: 7 January 2025
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), retail sales volumes (quantity bought) are estimated to have risen by 0.2 per cent in November 2024, following a fall of 0.7 per cent in October 2024. Greg Zakowicz, senior ecommerce expert at Omnisend shares his comments with Craft Focus. To read the full ONS report and study their findings, simply visit the website: https://www.ons.gov.uk/businessindustryandtrade/retailindustry/bulletins/retailsales/november2024
Posted: 2 January 2025
Spring Fair, the UK's most prestigious wholesale marketplace taking place 2nd – 5th February 2025 at NEC Birmingham, is proud to announce a new partnership with the Association for Cultural Enterprises. The collaboration reflects Spring Fair's commitment to supporting the evolving needs of cultural, heritage, and destination buyers - key players in the retail industry who balance the art of storytelling with the demand for innovation and sustainability.
Posted: 31 December 2024
Those looking to treat the fashionistas, dressmakers and crafters in their lives, need look no further than a handcrafted gift to indulge their passion, that will last a lifetime, from William Whiteley & Sons. Suppliers to Royalty and providers of luxurious excellence since 1760, these are gifts which are pieces of history from the oldest scissor smiths in the Western world.
Posted: 26 December 2024
Spring Fair, the UK's leading retail trade show for Home, Gift and Fashion, has announced the launch of a competition to win a sum of £1000 to spend at the February 2025 show. To be in with a chance to win, simply register for the show before 6th January 2025. The 75th anniversary show, takes place from 2nd to 5th February 2025.
Posted: 24 December 2024
Save our festive traditions! A new survey (across 3000 adults over the UK) reveals that nearly two thirds (63 per cent) of people in England are concerned traditional Christmas crafts and activities are at risk of dying out in modern times. Leading children's charity, The Children's Society, is calling on families to help preserve these cherished traditions by reintroducing festive crafts into their holiday celebrations.
Posted: 19 December 2024
