CONSUMER BRANDS TAKES UP NEW PREMISES Morphy Richards licensee Consumer Brands is taking up new premises at Whittle Court, in Hanley, investing a six-figure sum into refurbishing the building. The headquarters will be home to the company’s sales & marketing teams, alongside customer service staff. In August 2023, Consumer Brands Limited became the official licensee of Morphy Richards and is currently situated at the Smithfield Works in Hanley. A warehouse facility and distribution centre is located in Chesterfield as well as a testing site in Leeds. Now 18 months later, Consumer Brands has reaffirmed its commitment to Stoke-on-Trent, by taking on new headquarters which will lead to a local recruitment drive. Some employees from Chesterfield and Leeds will also be moving to Stoke-on-Trent once the new base opens in April. Consumer Brands has also said it is hoping to increase employee numbers from 31 to 53 this year. Managing Director Rob Wileman said: “We are keen to stay within Stoke-on-Trent. The quality of staff that we have in the city is excellent and we didn’t want to lose them by moving away. The city also represents great value for money.’’ Rob added: “The Morphy Richards brand is instantly recognisable, and we think it is great for Stoke-on-Trent to have it here.” Consumer Brands will be moving into space totalling 7,400 sq ft, which was formerly the headquarters of social housing and supported accommodation provider Brighter Futures. The units have been sold to NLC Group of Companies, which Consumer Brands is part of, by property company Sandyford Properties. www.morphyrichards.co.uk THE GIFTWARE ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES LEADERSHIP TRANSITION The Giftware Association (GA) announces Sarah Ward has stepped down as CEO, creating a pivotal opportunity to move the association forward. Tom Jones, CEO of the British Allied Trades Federation (BATF), will step in as interim CEO, ensuring continuity and supporting the GA’s mission to serve its members during this critical time. The giftware industry is undergoing significant change, with new opportunities and challenges emerging daily. At this critical juncture, the GA remains committed to its mission of providing resources, connections, and advocacy to help members thrive in a competitive global marketplace. With a renewed focus on inclusivity, innovation, and sustainability, the GA aims to drive growth and continued success for the industry and its members. The GA would like to extend its gratitude to Sarah for her leadership and the valuable contributions during her time as CEO. Tom Jones has a wealth of experience in supporting trade associations. His strategic vision and expertise in the sector will ensure that the GA continues to deliver on its mission while navigating this important transition. Tom Jones, Interim CEO The Giftware Association: “I am honoured to step into the role. The industry faces numerous challenges, but I am confident that with the Gift Association’s renewed focus on inclusivity and innovation, we can continue to support our members and ensure that the association remains at the forefront of the giftware sector. I look forward to working alongside the Board and our members to ensure the ongoing success of the Giftware Association.” Mark Jones, Chair of The Giftware Association: “We are incredibly grateful to Sarah for her leadership and the significant contributions she has made to the Giftware Association. As we move forward, we are excited to have Tom step in as interim CEO. His extensive experience and leadership within trade associations will ensure a smooth transition and continued focus on our strategic goals. We remain committed to our mission of supporting the giftware sector, driving growth, and enhancing inclusivity as we evolve with the changing industry landscape.” As part of the ongoing evolution of the GA, the association is focused on enhancing its support for members by strengthening relationships with importers, wholesalers, and retailers. The GA’s new strategic vision is designed to foster innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability across the sector, positioning the association to better serve its members and support the growth of the giftware industry. “As we face a rapidly changing world, the mission and vision of The Giftware Association remain central to our work,” says Tom. “It is crucial that we support our members in navigating these challenges, and I am committed to ensuring that we continue to deliver valuable resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities,” he continues. www.giftwareassociation.org TOYS UNDER £15 ACCOUNT FOR ALMOST HALF OF UK SALES IN 2024 Annual figures released by the British Toy & Hobby Association (BTHA) and Circana, have revealed that toys under £15 continue to rise in popularity in today’s challenging economic climate. Officially unveiled at Toy Fair at Olympia London, the latest statistics show that 47 percent of the UK toy market in 2024 was dominated by sales under £15, which equated to 80 percent units overall. Meanwhile, Pocket Money toys costing less than £10 took up 28 percent of market share. These are predominantly made up of classic lines like Paw Patrol Vehicles and Pup from Spin Master Toys, Dobble from Asmodee, and Sea Monkeys from Bandai. The increasing popularity of Collectibles was important for driving sales of Pocket Money toys throughout the year, with the overall Collectibles sector generating 1 in 5 toy sales last year, with an average price of £7.59. Commenting on the key report findings and insights, Kerri Atherton, Head of Public Affairs at the BTHA, said: “With consumers still being budget-conscious, the latest statistics show there is high demand for a wide range of smaller, more affordable options on the market. “We look forward to seeing how Collectibles perform this year, particularly the rise of Micro Collectibles, as we have seen a lot of excitement for these tiny toys that offer a significant cute factor minus the hefty price tag.” Melissa Symonds, Executive Director UK Toys at Circana added: “Collectibles continue to evolve into different categories, areas and sizes such as Micro Collectibles. Over the past year, these segments have outperformed the market, and we anticipate this trend of innovation to accelerate even further.” www.toyfair.co.uk 10
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTA0NTE=