SCOTLAND’S TRADE FAIR ATTRACTS GOOD MIX OF NEW, ENTREPRENEURIAL COMPANIES

Launching to the trade for the first time are companies such as Made in Heaven, who are introducing premium toiletries with a contemporary twist, Stable Cottage Designs’ beautiful and playful cards, and artist Marion Adie who is unveiling her range of bright and bold carnival-style, home and giftware products.

New to the Show are exhibitors such as Craig Fellows whose award-winning, designer scarves and textiles were reported as “ones to watch” by Vogue magazine, Folly & Desire, who produce tasteful and funky Scottish souvenirs, and Heartwarmers’ humorous and sentimental giftware, who are launching a Scottish range at the Fair.

It is encouraging to see that entrepreneurship is thriving and some people are taking the opportunity of the recession to start their own companies or to expand into new markets. Scotland’s independent gift retail sector is seen as an important market for many producers from Scotland and beyond, which has meant a growth in new companies at Scotland’s Trade Fair.

Mark Saunders, of Springboard Events who organise the Show said: “We have had a healthy interest from new, young design-led companies as well as some more established companies who have never yet ventured into the Scottish gift market. Our Launch Gallery will have about 25 innovative companies who are under two years old and in specially created stands will be able to showcase their products to the trade, many for the first time. For many retailers this is their first stop at the Show are they are keen to see what’s new and unique.

“Scotland is well known for its entrepreneurial spirit and we believe this Show will reflect this.”

Becky Walker from Stirlingshire’s Green Gallery commented: “It’s encouraging to see the attitude of “Let’s get creative and carry on” rather than “Keep calm and carry on”. The number of new products and new companies makes the Show a ‘must visit’ for many retailers .”

Scotland’s Trade Fair takes place at the SECC in Glasgow from 22-24th January 2012 .
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Note to Editors:
Scotland’s Trade Fair, Spring – 22-24 January 2012, SECC, Glasgow
Organised by Springboard Events - Tel: 01877 385772
www.scotlandstradefairs.co.uk

List of New Exhibitors:
Launch Gallery
Stable Cottage Design
A brand new venture producing contemporary, unique greetings cards, sometimes with a Scottish twist, Stable Cottage Design will be launching the company at Scotland’s Trade Fair, Spring. Not previously available to retailers, the greetings card range includes the exciting and innovative “Fake Flowers” where floral motifs are created using repeat images of household objects. With a passion for design, cards from Stable Cottage are both beautiful and playful.
Contact: fionaboyteryoung@googlemail.com

Louise Nelson
An “applied artist” working in the coastal town of Prestwick, Louise found her passion for glass during a part-time job in a stained-glass factory in 1995. Since then she has been obsessed with glass. Exploring various combinations of stained glass, fusing and lampworking techniques, Louise produces unique pieces that can be utilised, worn or just admired.
www.louisenelson.co.uk

Michelle Hewitt
Working from a converted stable, Michelle Hewitt is a self taught wildlife artist who paints in different mediums and transfers her images into affordable products suitable for the gift market. Wildlife is her passion and her interpretation into art is remarkable.
www.michelle hewitt.com

Orli Massage Candles
Established in 2011, Orli Massage Candles produce a range of luxury massage oil body candles made from 100% natural superior skin nourishing ingredients. Combining fragrances with carefully selected essential and/or fragranced oils, their candles are proving popular with spas as well as being a fantastic unique gift for any occasion. A small family business based in Edinburgh and sourcing top quality ingredients from Scottish suppliers, Orli Massage Candles also offer a bespoke service with private labelling. Their ‘candle chef’ is continually creating new concoctions of candles.
www.massagecandles.co.uk

Catriona Archibald
Based in Carlisle Catriona Archibald is a new company with the ethos that everything is a 100% handmade. Catriona produces a range of bespoke textiles from vintage, recycled and mixed fabrics, as well as a range of functional and decorative ceramic wares. Textures from lace and fabrics features on her ceramic work and these elements naturally link back to her textile pieces.
www.catrionaarchibald.co.uk

Cherith Harrison
Cherith Harrison produces a range of items, mainly for the home such as cushion covers, tea towels and bunting but also sells purses, kilt pin brooches, greeting cards, hand-printed notebooks and tote bags too. Inspired by creatures (particularly Scottish), Cherith also produces screen printed artwork.
www.cherithharrison.com

Made in Heaven
New Glasgow based contemporary toiletries company, Made in Heaven is launching three brand new innovative ranges at the Show. From their roots in Scotland and Yorkshire, the creators take their inspiration for their products from the great outdoors, the beauty of it and the people who enjoy it in so many ways. Contemporary packaging design, paraben-free formulations and new exciting concepts ensure all the ranges are fabulous gifts to give (and to keep).
www.madeinheavenuk.co.uk

Marion Adie
Marion Adie is launching her range of bright and bold home and giftware products. As a Scottish painter who already produces original paintings and limited edition prints, her new product line will add interest to every home. Her inspiration comes from the adoration of old ladies which Marion
remembers vividly from her childhood. She uses carnival-like colours to represent these upbeat, formidable characters.
www.marionadie.com

Main Show
Bothy Knits
A new business which is launching at Scotland’s Trade Fair 2012 Bothy Knits produces hand framed knitwear using natural fibres. Solely designed and produced by Jackie Smith, this small and select collection captures the very essence and colours of Scotland.
bothyknits@googlemail.com

Sophie’s Wild Woollens
Established in 1982, Sophie’s Wild Woollens produces individually made designer knitwear. Launching at Scotland’s Trade Fair, Spring will be a wonderful new collection incorporating creatively felted collars and pockets. Passionate about knitwear and proud to be manufacturing in Britain, the team at Sophie’s Wild Woollens are really excited about their new venture.
www.sophieswildwoollens.co.uk

Folly and Desire
Established in May 2010, Folly & Desire produce low-cost, well designed, tasteful and funky souvenirs of Scotland. The range includes roaring stags, Scottie dogs and jolly bagpipers laser cut from Perspex. Products feature key rings, kilt pins, bag charms, jewellery and bookmarks and are all made in Scotland. Retailing for under £10, all products fit in a rotating counter-top Perspex display stand and are presented on retro cardboard-style packaging. The combination of traditional cardboard, gingham ribbon and funky Perspex makes for a cool little gift.
www.follyanddesire.com

Heartwarmers
Established in 2003, Heartwarmers has built a reputation for humorous and sentimental giftware, becoming a leading supplier to the UK. They aim to launch a brand new range of Scottish themed products at January’s Show.
www.heartwarmers.co.uk

Hanlin
With current trends in fashion showing a steep rise in the use of natural materials, Hanlin’s animal hide products are highly popular. At Hanlin’s, all products and hides are a bi-product of their industry and 100% ethical and legal. Hanlin’s Luxury Living range consists of high quality footwear, produced from grade A quality sheepskin and as an all year round product, it’s become a popular choice for retailers.
www.hanlin.co.uk

The Just Slate Company
The Just Slate Company have launched a heart shaped cheeseboard and mezze set which will be the focus of their range in January. These new and exciting products that have already received fantastic reviews.
www.justslate.co.uk

Craig Fellows
Described as “one to watch” by Vogue.com, this award-winning and successful textile designer is bringing new season prints to Glasgow with a preview of his new collection being available exclusively for Scotland’s Trade Fair in January. Combining his fine art talents with his love of fashion prints and textiles, Craig Fellows uses traditional, contemporary and digital printing techniques to transform his stunning illustrations into beautiful fashion and interior pieces, with every piece being designed and made in the UK (even the silk used for the scarves comes from Macclesfield!).
www.craigfellows.co.uk

Emma Ball Ltd
Emma Ball designs and produces greeting cards, stationery, calendars, books, prints and various fabric ranges. Many of Emma’s designs are even used on mugs and Melamaster products. Emma Ball will be launching their 2012 range at Scotland’s Trade Fair and are excited about getting into the Scottish market.
www.emmaball.co.uk

The Highland Soap Company
Based in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, The Highland Soap Company is a small family-run manufacturing business produces natural skin care products that are handmade with an emphasis on organic, fresh wild harvested ingredients and herbal therapy. Whilst already wholesaling to prestigious locations, Scotland’s Trade Fairs will give them the chance to exhibit a number of new products to existing customers as well as showcasing their product range to potential new stockists.
www.highlandsoaps.com

Buffers
A small family run business based in Monmouth on the Welsh Borders, Buffers has grown from an idea by couture designer Philippa Barter, to combine the wonderful qualities of polyester fleece with her bespoke designs. Beautiful and versatile swing jackets will be showcased alongside a complementary range of cosy accessories, including wristwarmers, scarves and hats. All available in a rainbow of colours and made locally in small factories.
www.buffersfleece.com

Julia Smith Ceramics
With her Blue Tit ceramics being featured in Vogue and Grazia’s Christmas editions, Julia’s work is about contrast and balance; a combination of raw and refined finishes that produce unique handmade pieces for everyday use. Her current range includes mugs, bowls, jugs, sugar pots and spoons.
www.juliasmithceramics.com

For further press information, please contact:
Fenella Taylor at Fenella Taylor PR
Tel: 01389 830390 Mobile: 07721 324696
Email: fenella@fenellataylorpr.co.uk