MAX PUBLISHING HAS ACQUIRED LONDON STATIONERY SHOW Max Publishing, known for its strong roster of B2B retail trade media and awards, as well as its Progressive Greetings Live trade show, has acquired London Stationery Show from Ocean Media Group. London Stationery Show is the UK’s only event dedicated to the stationery, arts, crafts, paper and writing instruments sector. Founded in 1990, Max Publishing is an independent media business, wholly owned and run by its four directors, Warren Lomax, Jakki Brown, Ian Hyder and Rob Willis. “We are absolutely delighted to welcome London Stationery Show into the Max Publishing family and look forward to really getting to know the stationery community. Ocean Media Group has done an outstanding job in the last few years, elevating the London Stationery Show as the most important event in the stationery industry’s calendar. I would like to thank Ocean’s CEO Robert Brighouse, and CFO Declan Cassidy, for their cooperation throughout the transaction,” commented Rob Willis, COO of Max Publishing who concluded the acquisition with Ocean Media Group. “Every market has its own nuances, but with us at Max Publishing being so entrenched in affiliated retail sectors through awards and PG Live, notably greeting cards, gifts and licensing, this wonderful synergetic opportunity to extend into the wider stationery field was too good to miss. We are already overflowing with ideas and can’t wait to get deeply involved in this fascinating and fast-moving retail sector,” added Jakki Brown, cofounder of the company. London Stationery Show 2024 will take place, as planned, 14th - 15th May at London’s Business Design Centre and Chantelle White has joined the Max Publishing team from Ocean Media to continue as its Event Manager. “I love the stationery industry and am so happy to be continuing in my role,” said Chantelle. “Max Publishing is the perfect home for London Stationery Show, Stationery Matters and National Stationery Week, especially given the company’s Progressive Greetings Live exhibition and its trade awards programmes,” she added. As well as further developing London Stationery Show, Max Publishing is fully committed to elevating National Stationery Week, which falls 13th -19th May 2024. Sarah Laker, owner of Stationery Supplies, the award-winning indie retailer, with stores in Marple and Wilmslow is to continue to head up the promotional and PR activities for this celebratory week of all things stationery. “I totally believe that under the ownership of Max Publishing, London Stationery Show and National Stationery Week will really flourish,” commented Sarah Laker. “I have had the good fortune to have known Jakki Brown and Warren Lomax, the co-founders of Max Publishing for several years, and am in no doubt that they will embrace the stationery community and make good things happen, just as they have in the greeting card sector. Bring it on!” London Stationery Show 2024 already has a very impressive line-up of exhibitors, covering writing instruments, gift stationery, office supplies and arts & crafts. Among the many leading brands already on board are Crayola, Stone Marketing, ExaClair, Daler Rowney, Royal Talens, Leuchtturm1917, Manuscript Brands, Jakar International, Studio Pens, Pentel, Snopake, Staedtler, Sinclairs, Stabilo, Pukka Pads, Edding, Hahnemuehle, Ultratape, The Pilot Pen Co, Zebra Pen, Nu:notebooks, Tallon International and many more. To find out more about stands and sponsorship opportunities contact Chantelle White on chantellew@max-publishing.co.uk or +44(0)7795 951 244. Spring Fair and Autumn Fair strengthen leadership team with new appointments Hyve Group has announced the appointment of two new leaders to the team, Jackson Szabo as Portfolio Director for Spring Fair and Autumn Fair and Soraya Gadelrab as the new Event Director for Spring Fair and Autumn Fair. The two senior appointments to the team will strengthen and revitalise the leadership team for Retail’s definitive wholesale shopping destinations, shaping the future of the industry. Nicola Meadows, Divisional Managing Director for the Retail, Manufacturing and Engineering Division says: “We’re thrilled to introduce our two new leaders Jackson Szabo and Soraya Gadelrab who are joining our team. Their fresh perspectives and wealth of experience will undoubtedly invigorate our sector. Bringing together years of experience with a track record of innovation and success, these talented individuals will propel the team forward setting new standards within our industry. “Jackson and Soraya are brimming with exciting ideas that will inspire. Their vision and creativity will shape our future endeavours, fostering growth and excellence. With their arrival, we’re embarking on an exciting chapter; together, driving positive change and achieving remarkable results.” Szabo adds: “I’m absolutely delighted to be joining Spring Fair and Autumn Fair, brands that are aspirational for anyone in the UK events industry. Spring Fair is coming up to 75 years old and was the first show to call the NEC home as well as being the largest show in Europe. Spring Fair and Autumn Fair exist to serve the retail industry – an industry fuelled by Britain’s entrepreneurs, bellwethers and creative minds and I very much look forward to working with this incredible community to ensure that the shows do everything they can to drive value to retailers and suppliers alike while serving and supporting both exciting, new businesses and institutional incumbents.” Gadelrab says, “I’m incredibly excited to be joining the team at Spring Fair & Autumn Fair. I look forward to working with this passionate team to drive forward these heritage events, ensuring we evolve them to reflect the ever-changing retail sector which we serve.” Spring Fair takes place on the 4th - 7th February 2024 and Autumn Fair from 1st – 4th September 2024, both at NEC Birmingham. Visit www.springfair.com 15 NEWS & EVENTS
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