business Archives - Giftware blog

June 6, 2018June 5, 2018 gaukorg GIFTWARE

ATTEND OUR AGM AND MEMBERS DAY – 20TH JUNE, BIRMINGHAM

The Giftware Association AGM and members day is just around the corner featuring a day of education, networking, and fun. The event will be held on the 20th June at the Mockingbird Cinema, in the heart of the creative quarter of Digbeth, Birmingham, a fitting area for our industry. Timings for the day will start from 10.30am and approx finish at 3.30pm

The theme surrounding this year’s members’ day will focus on preparing your business to be fit for the future, whether that means keeping up to date with the latest compliance and regulations or your journey to introducing your product range to market. We will have the experts, competition winners and member companies talking about their experiences in the home and giftware world. We will also be appointing our new Chairperson.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided, networking with your industry peers as well as a wealth of knowledge shared with you, and we are even offering you a treat and a chance to sit back and relax at the end of the day with a discounted screening of a new film,Studio 54: the Documentary. Please note this will be charged separately on the day, for only £3.

Tickets to the event will be £25 only for members and £50 for non-members.

HEADLINE SPEAKER – MICHAEL WEEDON

Michael Weedon established Exp2 to carry out research and transformation projects for businesses. His background encompasses journalism, publishing, data analysis, IT development, board-level trade association roles, media commentary and lobbying – also, helpfully, public speaking.
Born over the shop that his Dad ran, he has a lifelong fascination with retail, an industry central to commerce, the economy, communities across the country and society in general.
He says: “Retail is changing fast. It spans cash-in-a-till shops and artificial intelligence and robotics. Paradoxically, Britain leads the world in the adoption of ecommerce, yet retail lags all other industry sectors in the share of business it does online – so there is much more room left for change to happen.”

The rest of the day will feature panels allowing you to ask experts and fellow members your questions on topics such as GDPR, Marketing and PR, entry to Amazon and the importance of entering industry awards. Make sure to book your place now.

For more information about the day simone.rose@ga-uk.org or chris.workman@ga-uk.org

June 5, 2018June 4, 2018 gaukorg GIFTWARE

EXHIBIT WITHIN THE UK PAVILION AT ONE OF THE LEADING TRADE SHOWS IN THE USA

UK Businesses have been given the opportunity to seek out and pursue new opportunities in the US Market with the ability to export goods from the UK to the USA at a more cost effective rate. There’s no time like the present for proactive businesses to take advantage of the potential to succeed in the largest and most competitive economy in the world.

Twice a year, an outstanding array of the world’s best home, gift and lifestyle resources converge at NY NOW. Offering an incredible selection of exceptional merchandise in one convenient, well-organised marketplace.

British Jewellery & Giftware International in conjunction with Department for International Trade will again be organising a UK pavilion at this hugely popular show. British Jewellery & Giftware International has supported new and established businesses at NY NOW for over 10 years now. More than 20,000 buyers from all 50 states and more than 70 countries worldwide are expected to attend NY NOW this Summer.

With the added support provided by BJGI and DIT, achieving success in the US market has been made easier.

Be part of the UK pavilion and take advantage of the following benefits:

Exhibit within the UK pavilion in the extremely desirable Gift & Lifestyle Hall
Pre-show management and on-site support
Extensive marketing and promotional activities to promote the UK pavilion
Full 110sqft stand package to include: Hardwalls, carpet, lighting, table and two chairs
Full use of shared facilities
BJGI experience and expertise

Eligible UK exhibitors can receive a grant of £2000.00.

For further information please contact Rebecca Gough: Rebecca.gough@batf.uk.com, 0121 237 1119.

May 15, 2018May 15, 2018 gaukorg GIFTWARE

LOCAL DESIGNER CHARLOTTE HUPFIELD CELEBRATED AT BCTF

Daventry ceramicist, Charlotte Hupfield, was recognised for the superb quality of her work at the British Craft Trade Fair (BCTF), which took place from April 8 – 10 at The Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate.

The show organisers held their annual awards ceremony on Monday April 9 after the show closed for the day, presenting talented local girl Charlotte with The Giftware Association Award for Excellence.

Charlotte graduated in 2008 with a BA (Hons) in Surface Decoration, and developed her business from her home studio. Her product range includes one-off stoneware vases and vessels, bowls, hanging decorations, tea light houses, coasters, clocks, and greetings cards, all inspired by the natural world and using real flowers that she hand picks from British hedgerows.

Pictured below Charlotte Hupfield: www.charlottehupfieldceramics.com

After winning the award, Charlotte said: “BCTF was my first ever trade show. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience and am thrilled to have won an award. I still can’t stop grinning!”

She joined more than 400 other designers at the popular trade exhibition, where thousands of retailers came to view the cream of British jewellers, artists, ceramicists, sculptors, greeting card designers and other artisan suppliers.

There was a fantastic community feel and buzz about the show, which welcomed visitors from all corners of the UK and Ireland. They came to source from the thousands of exclusively British designed and made new products which make BCTF such a unique special event in the exhibition calendar.

The full list of winners, highly commended and commended exhibitors includes:

BCTF Award For Excellence, sponsored by PSM Ltd: Winner – Anderson Creations, Highly Commended – Albert And Alfred, Commended – Sarah Saunders Ceramics
Best Newcomer Award, sponsored by Craftanddesignonline: Winner – Charlotte Wilkinson Glass, Highly Commended – Rouaida Jewellery
Giftware Association Award For Excellence: Winner – Charlotte Hupfield Ceramics, Highly Commended – Ann Charlish Studio, Commended – Rachel Thornton
Award For Excellence In Jewellery sponsored by the National Association Of Jewellers (NAJ): Winner – Ellen Monaghan, Highly Commended – Caroline Finlay
Greetings Card Award sponsored by Greetings Today: Winner – Faye Stevens, Highly Commended – Rhombus And Pineapple, Commended – Artinker, The DM Collection, Catherine Kleeli Cards. Greetings Today editor, Tracey Bearton, gave her ‘Just Because’ award to Rhian Winslade Ceramics, which produced a lovely range of cards for the show.
Wow Factor, sponsored by DesignGap/ArtGap and voted for by exhibitors: Joint winners – Joanna Coupland and Albert & Alfred.

BCTF organiser, Margeret Bunn said: “The 2018 show has had a great buzz and positive, upbeat atmosphere with many top-end buyers in attendance. This is our second year in the new hall, a wonderful, purpose built venue which provides the perfect environment for buyers to source new products. Feedback from both exhibitors and buyers has been overwhelmingly positive and we are delighted at how the show has been received, a good time has been had by all.”

The next edition of the British Craft Trade Fair will take place from April 7-9 2019, for more information visit the website: www.bctf.co.uk

April 17, 2018 gaukorg GIFTWARE

THE WORLD WANTS QUALITY UK GOODS AND SERVICES

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Export Broadcast

All the latest news and events from the Department for International Trade in the West Midlands…

Learn more about upcoming events, trade visits and masterclasses supporting West Midlands businesses in going global…

Doing business in the USA

Come along to this event on 24 April at Molineux Stadium during the Black Country Business Festival to learn more about setting up a presence in the USA.

Hosted by AVITUS Group this event will address the following points along with the chance to ask questions to the panel which includes senior representatives from Avitus, Santander, State of Georgia, State of Kentucky, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and UK based Brackley Attorneys – experts in USA immigration.

what entity to set up
where to locate
tax planning
recruitment
opening a bank account
tax incentives
visa and immigration issues

Click here to book your free space.

Business Culture in Scandinavia

Exporting to Scandinavia? This group of countries including Denmark, Norway, Sweden & Finland might be a great target market for your product/service.

Learn more about this fascinating region by joining our free session on 26 April at KMPG, Birmingham. The masterclasses will cover:

different business and economic environments
business cultures: religion, language, values, and customs
business communication and negotiation styles
understanding and overcoming common trade barriers / pitfalls
e-commerce strategy
case studies and how to deal with tricky situations

Click here to book this session or to view future dates covering markets such as France, Benelux and Germany.

Trade visit to Le Mans, France

Last call to join an ERDF financed trade mission to Le Mans in western France from 12-15 June for high profile B2B meetings and networking. This visit is open for eligible West Midlands registered SMEs in the motor sport, automotive supply chain, transport technologies or plastics and composites sectors.

Click here to learn more about the programme and register your interest in attending.

Export Growth Masterclasses

Whatever your size or sector, the rewards from selling your products or services overseas can be huge. Why not join a series of three masterclasses running throughout 2018 in the West Midlands to help you on your export journey.

1. How to increase your export sales

2. International negotiation skills

3. Pitching your business to an international audience

You can join one or all three, it’s a totally flexible programme to meet your business needs.

Click here to view the next series which is starting in Birmingham on 19 April. Further dates and locations can be found here.

More dates for your diary

27 April, Get On Track for Rail – At the Innotrans Exhibition Germany – Learn all about Innotrans, a biennial Exhibition in Berlin, Germany in September, the largest rail event in the calendar attracting exhibitors and visitors from over 65 countries.

27 April, Exporting is the key to Rural Growth – Based in Shropshire and want to learn more about the support out there to help you grow internationally? Jump aboard the Export Hub which will be parked up at the Ludlow Nut Company, one of the regions successful exporters. You’ll also have the chance to meet local MP Phillip Dunne.

Click here to view a full list of upcoming events.

Want to speak to an adviser?

E: info@tradewm.co.uk

T: 0345 222 0159

W: www.great.gov.uk

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April 12, 2018April 12, 2018 gaukorg GIFTWARE

MERCHANT MONEY

FLEXIBLE BUSINESS FUNDING

Looking to buy stock, refurbish or promote events? Merchant Money offers a flexible solution for businesses that accept card payments, the ‘Business Cash Advance’:

Specifically designed for businesses that accept card payments
Ideal solution for clients with seasonal fluctuations in sales
Flexible alternative to traditional loans
Apply today, 24-hour decision
Special rates for GA members, contact us for more information

How does it work?

Get up to 120% of your monthly card turnover upfront
Repayments based on a % of future card transactions, until the total amount has been repaid
No fixed term, you only repay when you trade

Qualifying criteria

To UK based limited companies, sole traders and partnerships
Minimum trade: 6 months
Minimum average card turnover: £5,000

Working example

Advanced to you: £5,000
Total repayable: £6,000 (actual charge will vary), to be repaid via a % of future card transactions.

Contact us

For applications or more information, please visit the Merchant Money website and fill out the short quote form. They will contact you within the hour to discuss your requirements.

What other customers are saying:

Dominic Boyett, director EU Coffee Roasters:

“Our recent experience with Merchant Money was faultless from start to finish. Their plain speaking and simple approach to our needs, gave us the confidence that we were working with a finance house that genuinely wanted to go that extra mile in helping us find the best solution in the most cost-effective way possible.”

Martin Horner, director The Borough:

“Fortunately, Merchant Money understands my business and have assisted me in improving my facilities several times. The process is fast and simple, and the Merchant Money team is great to deal with. I will partner with them again.’’