The Gift-Cast

In our second live recording from the wonderful London Stationery Show we were joined on the Retail Matters stage by someone who was introduced to us as the VOICE of independent stationers - owner of 'Stationery Supplies' in Marple and Wilmslow, Sarah Laker. In this episode we hear all about why Sarah feels so passionately about bricks and mortar, independent stationery shops and the work she's been doing to support those retailers and bring awareness to their needs.

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Welcome to the Product-Cast, aka the Prod-Cast, brought to you by Gift of the Year and supported by the Giftware Association. The podcast shines a spotlight on the UK’s thriving gift industry, providing insight into all aspects of the creative and sales process, from concept to retail and everything in between.

Each week you will meet a new key player from retail or supply and learn about their role within their business, their insights on the industry and, of course, to talk about their entry or previous winner in the Gift of the Year awards.

The Prod-Cast is hosted by Alex Ryan - a marketing consultant and a gift/product marketing expert having spent 6 years as Head of Marketing at Paladone Products Ltd before launching his own agency, Marketing 101.

The Gift of the Year awards are the most highly respected industry accolades, aimed at recognising the best new products, talent and inspiration in our industry each year.

The Giftware Association is at the heart of the UK's gift and home industry with 70 unique years' experience. Listening to your needs and finding solutions to your problems. We can help you make money, save money and save time with our knowledge and contacts within the industry.

LINKS;

• Guest; 
  • Stationery Supplies Wilmslow
  • Sarah Laker
• Host; 
  • The Product-Cast (website) 
  • The Giftware Association 
  • Gift of the Year 
  • Alex Ryan, Consultant 
  • Marketing 101, Agency 
  • The Gift Stop
• Instagram;  
  • Stationery Supplies Wilmslow
  • Gift of the Year
  • The Giftware Association 

This week on the Product-Cast we are joined by Evan Lewis, a social and environmental entrepreneur and owner of VENT for Change, a stationery supplier with ethical design and social responsibility at it's core.

Recorded live on the 'Retail Matters' stage at London Stationery Show, we learn all about how Evan found himself so invested in ethical design over a decade prior to it's current global focus, as well as hearing about the various ways in which Evan has strived to ensure that VENT for Change delivers on it's environmental and social goals.

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Welcome to the Product-Cast, aka the Prod-Cast, brought to you by Gift of the Year and supported by the Giftware Association. The podcast shines a spotlight on the UK’s thriving gift industry, providing insight into all aspects of the creative and sales process, from concept to retail and everything in between.

Each week you will meet a new key player from retail or supply and learn about their role within their business, their insights on the industry and, of course, to talk about their entry or previous winner in the Gift of the Year awards.

The Prod-Cast is hosted by Alex Ryan - a marketing consultant and a gift/product marketing expert having spent 6 years as Head of Marketing at Paladone Products Ltd before launching his own agency, Marketing 101.

The Gift of the Year awards are the most highly respected industry accolades, aimed at recognising the best new products, talent and inspiration in our industry each year.

The Giftware Association is at the heart of the UK's gift and home industry with 70 unique years' experience. Listening to your needs and finding solutions to your problems. We can help you make money, save money and save time with our knowledge and contacts within the industry.

LINKS;

• Guest; 
  • VENT for Change
  • Evan Lewis
• Host; 
  • The Product-Cast (website) 
  • The Giftware Association 
  • Gift of the Year 
  • Alex Ryan, Consultant 
  • Marketing 101, Agency 
  • The Gift Stop
• Instagram;  
  • Vent for Change
  • Gift of the Year
  • The Giftware Association 

On the Prod-Cast this week, we have our very first returning guest! Courtney Wood the CEO of Bubblegum Stuff - a wonderful gift and game company based in London is making a return to talk to us about how they were able to use crowdfunding, more specifically the website Kickstarter to make the launch of their board game Plant Based Riot a huge success. If you're considering running your own crowdfunding campaign then grab a notepad - plenty of tips and trick within, plus a few hazards to avoid!

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Welcome to the Product-Cast, aka the Prod-Cast, brought to you by Gift of the Year and supported by the Giftware Association. The podcast shines a spotlight on the UK’s thriving gift industry, providing insight into all aspects of the creative and sales process, from concept to retail and everything in between.

Each week you will meet a new key player from retail or supply and learn about their role within their business, their insights on the industry and, of course, to talk about their entry or previous winner in the Gift of the Year awards.

The Prod-Cast is hosted by Alex Ryan - a marketing consultant and a gift/product marketing expert having spent 6 years as Head of Marketing at Paladone Products Ltd before launching his own agency, Marketing 101.

The Gift of the Year awards are the most highly respected industry accolades, aimed at recognising the best new products, talent and inspiration in our industry each year.

The Giftware Association is at the heart of the UK's gift and home industry with 70 unique years' experience. Listening to your needs and finding solutions to your problems. We can help you make money, save money and save time with our knowledge and contacts within the industry.

LINKS;

• Guest; 
  • Bubblegum Stuff
  • Courtney Wood
• Host; 
  • The Product-Cast (website) 
  • The Giftware Association 
  • Gift of the Year 
  • Alex Ryan, Consultant 
  • Marketing 101, Agency 
  • The Gift Stop
• Instagram;  
  • Bubblegum Stuff
  • Gift of the Year
  • The Giftware Association 

This VERY exciting episode was recorded live on stage at the Inspiring Retail corner of the Autumn Fair. Our host, Alex Ryan was joined by Hyve's own Head of Content Suzanne Ellingham, and from The Giftware Association, MD Sarah Ward and Head of Marketing Chris Workman.

We review day 1 of the show, discuss our highlights and 'must see stands', learn all about the changes that Hyve have made since AF2019, and talk about the key themes that keep cropping up in our conversations from the aisles. Enjoy this great live and informal chat - we certainly did!

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Welcome to the Product-Cast, aka the Prod-Cast, brought to you by Gift of the Year and supported by the Giftware Association. The podcast shines a spotlight on the UK’s thriving gift industry, providing insight into all aspects of the creative and sales process, from concept to retail and everything in between.

Each week you will meet a new key player from retail or supply and learn about their role within their business, their insights on the industry and, of course, to talk about their entry or previous winner in the Gift of the Year awards.

The Prod-Cast is hosted by Alex Ryan - a marketing consultant and a gift/product marketing expert having spent 6 years as Head of Marketing at Paladone Products Ltd before launching his own agency, Marketing 101.

The Gift of the Year awards are the most highly respected industry accolades, aimed at recognising the best new products, talent and inspiration in our industry each year.

The Giftware Association is at the heart of the UK's gift and home industry with 70 unique years' experience. Listening to your needs and finding solutions to your problems. We can help you make money, save money and save time with our knowledge and contacts within the industry.

LINKS;

• Guest; 
  • Suzanne Ellingham
  • Sarah Ward
  • Chris Workman
  • Autumn Fair
• Host; 
  • The Product-Cast (website) 
  • The Giftware Association 
  • Gift of the Year 
  • Alex Ryan, Consultant 
  • Marketing 101, Agency 
  • The Gift Stop
• Instagram;  
  • Autumn Fair
  • Gift of the Year
  • The Giftware Association 

This week on the Product-Cast we're joined by the wonderful Helena Mansell-Stopher, founder and CEO of Products of Change, an organisation dedicated to building sustainable change in the licensing and consumer products industry through a collaborative approach from it's members who operate at every level of our trade. Join us for this fascinating insight and unique way of looking at the way we develop and manufacture products.

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Welcome to the Product-Cast, aka the Prod-Cast, brought to you by Gift of the Year and supported by the Giftware Association. The podcast shines a spotlight on the UK’s thriving gift industry, providing insight into all aspects of the creative and sales process, from concept to retail and everything in between.

Each week you will meet a new key player from retail or supply and learn about their role within their business, their insights on the industry and, of course, to talk about their entry or previous winner in the Gift of the Year awards.

The Prod-Cast is hosted by Alex Ryan - a marketing consultant and a gift/product marketing expert having spent 6 years as Head of Marketing at Paladone Products Ltd before launching his own agency, Marketing 101.

The Gift of the Year awards are the most highly respected industry accolades, aimed at recognising the best new products, talent and inspiration in our industry each year.

The Giftware Association is at the heart of the UK's gift and home industry with 70 unique years' experience. Listening to your needs and finding solutions to your problems. We can help you make money, save money and save time with our knowledge and contacts within the industry.

LINKS;

• Guest; 
  • Products of Change
  • Helena Mansell-Stopher
• Host; 
  • The Product-Cast (website) 
  • The Giftware Association 
  • Gift of the Year 
  • Alex Ryan, Consultant 
  • Marketing 101, Agency 
  • The Gift Stop
• Instagram;  
  • Products of Change
  • Gift of the Year
  • The Giftware Association 

Welcome to episode 41 of The Product-Cast where we are joined by the wonderful Craig De Souza - regular panellist of The Gift Stop and founder of The Creative Industry Association - an organisation who supports the UK's thriving craft industry. Today we'll learn all about Craig's passion for this wonderful industry and the ways in which his organisation works to help businesses within it thrive, through Covid and beyond.

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Welcome to the Product-Cast, aka the Prod-Cast, brought to you by Gift of the Year and supported by the Giftware Association. The podcast shines a spotlight on the UK’s thriving gift industry, providing insight into all aspects of the creative and sales process, from concept to retail and everything in between.

Each week you will meet a new key player from retail or supply and learn about their role within their business, their insights on the industry and, of course, to talk about their entry or previous winner in the Gift of the Year awards.

The Prod-Cast is hosted by Alex Ryan - a marketing consultant and a gift/product marketing expert having spent 6 years as Head of Marketing at Paladone Products Ltd before launching his own agency, Marketing 101.

The Gift of the Year awards are the most highly respected industry accolades, aimed at recognising the best new products, talent and inspiration in our industry each year.

The Giftware Association is at the heart of the UK's gift and home industry with 70 unique years' experience. Listening to your needs and finding solutions to your problems. We can help you make money, save money and save time with our knowledge and contacts within the industry.

LINKS;

• Guest; 
  • Creative Industry Association
  • Craig De Souza (Linkedin)
• Host; 
  • The Product-Cast (website) 
  • The Giftware Association 
  • Gift of the Year 
  • Alex Ryan, Consultant 
  • Marketing 101, Agency 
  • The Gift Stop
• Instagram;  
  • Creative Industry Association
  • Gift of the Year
  • The Giftware Association 

In this, episode 40 of The Product-Cast we talk to a true legend of the industry - someone that has been championing the craft sector for over 30 years - Margeret Bunn. Join us as we learn all about Margeret's fascinating journey into the world of crafting before taking over The British Craft Fair, one of the highlights of the exhibition calendar.

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Welcome to the Product-Cast, aka the Prod-Cast, brought to you by Gift of the Year and supported by the Giftware Association. The podcast shines a spotlight on the UK’s thriving gift industry, providing insight into all aspects of the creative and sales process, from concept to retail and everything in between.

Each week you will meet a new key player from retail or supply and learn about their role within their business, their insights on the industry and, of course, to talk about their entry or previous winner in the Gift of the Year awards.

The Prod-Cast is hosted by Alex Ryan - a marketing consultant and a gift/product marketing expert having spent 6 years as Head of Marketing at Paladone Products Ltd before launching his own agency, Marketing 101.

The Gift of the Year awards are the most highly respected industry accolades, aimed at recognising the best new products, talent and inspiration in our industry each year.

The Giftware Association is at the heart of the UK's gift and home industry with 70 unique years' experience. Listening to your needs and finding solutions to your problems. We can help you make money, save money and save time with our knowledge and contacts within the industry.

LINKS;

• Guest; 
  • British Craft Trade Fair
  • Margeret Bunn 
• Host; 
  • The Product-Cast (website) 
  • The Giftware Association 
  • Gift of the Year 
  • Alex Ryan, Consultant 
  • Marketing 101, Agency 
  • The Gift Stop
• Instagram;  
  • British Craft Trade Fair
  • Gift of the Year
  • The Giftware Association 

Today we’re joined by the wonderful Faye Whitley, inventor and founder of Beevive and all round bee expert and activist! We first came across Faye and her product through the Gift of the Year awards where Faye was a finalist for multiple categories and made her mark by wearing a different outfit to each of the ceremonies! Beehive is a keyring that contains a lifesaving serum for tired bees. Learn all about it here on The Product-Cast!

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Welcome to the Product-Cast, aka the Prod-Cast, brought to you by Gift of the Year and supported by the Giftware Association. The podcast shines a spotlight on the UK’s thriving gift industry, providing insight into all aspects of the creative and sales process, from concept to retail and everything in between.

Each week you will meet a new key player from retail or supply and learn about their role within their business, their insights on the industry and, of course, to talk about their entry or previous winner in the Gift of the Year awards.

The Prod-Cast is hosted by Alex Ryan - a marketing consultant and a gift/product marketing expert having spent 6 years as Head of Marketing at Paladone Products Ltd before launching his own agency, Marketing 101.

The Gift of the Year awards are the most highly respected industry accolades, aimed at recognising the best new products, talent and inspiration in our industry each year.

The Giftware Association is at the heart of the UK's gift and home industry with 70 unique years' experience. Listening to your needs and finding solutions to your problems. We can help you make money, save money and save time with our knowledge and contacts within the industry.

LINKS;

• Guest; 
  • Beevive
  • Faye Whitley 
• Host; 
  • The Product-Cast (website) 
  • The Giftware Association 
  • Gift of the Year 
  • Alex Ryan, Consultant 
  • Marketing 101, Agency 
  • The Gift Stop
• Instagram;  
  • Beevive
  • Gift of the Year
  • The Giftware Association 

In this episode we welcome Julie and Karin from Hyve Group, the company behind some of the world's biggest events and trade shows, including landmarks of the gift industry, Spring & Autumn Fair. Today however, we only lightly touch on those events as we were keen to focus on their brand new wholesale market place that launched in May. It's been a roaring success so far, and no surprise - Hyve hold great trust within the industry and are perfectly positioned to match buyers to suppliers. 
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Welcome to the Product-Cast, aka the Prod-Cast, brought to you by Gift of the Year and supported by the Giftware Association. The podcast shines a spotlight on the UK’s thriving gift industry, providing insight into all aspects of the creative and sales process, from concept to retail and everything in between.

Each week you will meet a new key player from retail or supply and learn about their role within their business, their insights on the industry and, of course, to talk about their entry or previous winner in the Gift of the Year awards.

The Prod-Cast is hosted by Alex Ryan - a marketing consultant and a gift/product marketing expert having spent 6 years as Head of Marketing at Paladone Products Ltd before launching his own agency, Marketing 101.

The Gift of the Year awards are the most highly respected industry accolades, aimed at recognising the best new products, talent and inspiration in our industry each year.

The Giftware Association is at the heart of the UK's gift and home industry with 70 unique years' experience. Listening to your needs and finding solutions to your problems. We can help you make money, save money and save time with our knowledge and contacts within the industry.

LINKS;

• Guest; 
  • Hyve Group
  • Autumn Fair
  • Julie Driscoll
  • Karin Hausmann
• Host; 
  • The Product-Cast (website) 
  • The Giftware Association 
  • Gift of the Year 
  • Alex Ryan, Consultant 
  • Marketing 101, Agency 
  • The Gift Stop
• Instagram;  
  • Hyve Group
  • Autumn Fair
  • Gift of the Year
  • The Giftware Association 

Today we welcome Stephen Spencer onto the Prod-Cast for a wonderful talk and some brilliant tips all about customer experience. Also a regular at The Gift Stop, Stephen has great insight into customer behaviours and how to treat them both online and in physical stores. We also learn all about Stephen's fascinating career prior to setting up his current business, including the launch of the first ever gift shop at Buckingham Palace!

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Welcome to the Product-Cast, aka the Prod-Cast, brought to you by Gift of the Year and supported by the Giftware Association. The podcast shines a spotlight on the UK’s thriving gift industry, providing insight into all aspects of the creative and sales process, from concept to retail and everything in between.

Each week you will meet a new key player from retail or supply and learn about their role within their business, their insights on the industry and, of course, to talk about their entry or previous winner in the Gift of the Year awards.

The Prod-Cast is hosted by Alex Ryan - a marketing consultant and a gift/product marketing expert having spent 6 years as Head of Marketing at Paladone Products Ltd before launching his own agency, Marketing 101.

The Gift of the Year awards are the most highly respected industry accolades, aimed at recognising the best new products, talent and inspiration in our industry each year.

The Giftware Association is at the heart of the UK's gift and home industry with 70 unique years' experience. Listening to your needs and finding solutions to your problems. We can help you make money, save money and save time with our knowledge and contacts within the industry.

LINKS;

• Guest; 
  • Stephen Spencer + Associates website
  • Stephen Spencer Linkedin
• Host; 
  • The Product-Cast (website) 
  • The Giftware Association 
  • Gift of the Year 
  • Alex Ryan, Consultant 
  • Marketing 101, Agency 
  • The Gift Stop
• Instagram;  
  • Stephen Spencer + Associates
  • Gift of the Year
  • The Giftware Association 

Recorded back in March 2020, today we welcome the wonderful Heather Watherstone, former MD of Lagoon Group and founder of Gift of the Year winner Whiz Kid Games. Hear about her journey through freelancing to joining Lagoon Group, growing that business over 2 decades before making the move to go it alone with Whiz Kid Games and their educational, environmentally friendly product offering. 

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 Welcome to the Product-Cast, aka the Prod-Cast, brought to you by Gift of the Year and supported by the Giftware Association. The podcast shines a spotlight on the UK’s thriving gift industry, providing insight into all aspects of the creative and sales process, from concept to retail and everything in between.

Each week you will meet a new key player from retail or supply and learn about their role within their business, their insights on the industry and, of course, to talk about their entry or previous winner in the Gift of the Year awards.

The Prod-Cast is hosted by Alex Ryan - a marketing consultant and a gift/product marketing expert having spent 6 years as Head of Marketing at Paladone Products Ltd before launching his own agency, Marketing 101.

The Gift of the Year awards are the most highly respected industry accolades, aimed at recognising the best new products, talent and inspiration in our industry each year.

The Giftware Association is at the heart of the UK's gift and home industry with 70 unique years' experience. Listening to your needs and finding solutions to your problems. We can help you make money, save money and save time with our knowledge and contacts within the industry.

LINKS;

• Guest; 
  • Whiz Kid Games
  • Heather Watherstone
• Host; 
  • The Product-Cast (website) 
  • The Giftware Association 
  • Gift of the Year 
  • Alex Ryan, Consultant 
  • Marketing 101, Agency 
• Instagram;  
  • Whiz Kid Games
  • Gift of the Year
  • The Giftware Association 

In this episode we're joined by Catherine Edly, founder of the Resilient Retail Club. We learn all about the path Catherine took to end up launching her business (including some time spend living in the USA) and, of course, all about the RRC -  a group dedicated to the growth of product businesses, from start-ups to SMEs. We also discuss the significant change in buyer behaviours throughout the C19 pandemic. Enjoy!
 
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 Welcome to the Product-Cast, aka the Prod-Cast, brought to you by Gift of the Year and supported by the Giftware Association. The podcast shines a spotlight on the UK’s thriving gift industry, providing insight into all aspects of the creative and sales process, from concept to retail and everything in between.

Each week you will meet a new key player from retail or supply and learn about their role within their business, their insights on the industry and, of course, to talk about their entry or previous winner in the Gift of the Year awards.

The Prod-Cast is hosted by Alex Ryan - a marketing consultant and a gift/product marketing expert having spent 6 years as Head of Marketing at Paladone Products Ltd before launching his own agency, Marketing 101.

The Gift of the Year awards are the most highly respected industry accolades, aimed at recognising the best new products, talent and inspiration in our industry each year.

The Giftware Association is at the heart of the UK's gift and home industry with 70 unique years' experience. Listening to your needs and finding solutions to your problems. We can help you make money, save money and save time with our knowledge and contacts within the industry.

LINKS;

• Guest; 
  • Resilient Retail Club
  • Catherine Erdly
• Host; 
  • The Product-Cast (website) 
  • The Giftware Association 
  • Gift of the Year 
  • Alex Ryan, Consultant 
  • Marketing 101, Agency 
• Instagram;  
  • Resilient Retail Club
  • Gift of the Year
  • The Giftware Association 

Today we're joined by the wonderful Louise Welsby, MD and Chief Motivator of creative agency Buy-From. We hear about Louise's fascinating career before Buy-From, the life-changing events that turned Louise in a new direction, and the way in which she has gone about setting up a business in which she is incredibly proud to work.
 
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 Welcome to the Product-Cast, aka the Prod-Cast, brought to you by Gift of the Year and supported by the Giftware Association. The podcast shines a spotlight on the UK’s thriving gift industry, providing insight into all aspects of the creative and sales process, from concept to retail and everything in between.

Each week you will meet a new key player from retail or supply and learn about their role within their business, their insights on the industry and, of course, to talk about their entry or previous winner in the Gift of the Year awards.

The Prod-Cast is hosted by Alex Ryan - a marketing consultant and a gift/product marketing expert having spent 6 years as Head of Marketing at Paladone Products Ltd before launching his own agency, Marketing 101.

The Gift of the Year awards are the most highly respected industry accolades, aimed at recognising the best new products, talent and inspiration in our industry each year.

The Giftware Association is at the heart of the UK's gift and home industry with 70 unique years' experience. Listening to your needs and finding solutions to your problems. We can help you make money, save money and save time with our knowledge and contacts within the industry.

LINKS;

• Guest; 
  • Buy-From
  • Gareth Robertson
• Host; 
  • The Product-Cast (website) 
  • The Giftware Association 
  • Gift of the Year 
  • Alex Ryan, Consultant 
  • Marketing 101, Agency 
• Instagram;  
  • Buy-From
  • Gift of the Year
  • The Giftware Association 

Today we get creative with Design Pit and it's super-cool founder Gareth Robertson. With a unique perspective on the industry AND design, we learn about how Gareth ended up setting up  Design Pit, the wonders of packaging design, the importance of keeping a varied clientele, the key to happiness,  and I thoroughly enjoy hearing about his discomfort with the job title Creative Director that he chose for his Linkedin profile -  "Creative Directors don't drive pick-up trucks..." Enjoy!

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 Welcome to the Product-Cast, aka the Prod-Cast, brought to you by Gift of the Year and supported by the Giftware Association. The podcast shines a spotlight on the UK’s thriving gift industry, providing insight into all aspects of the creative and sales process, from concept to retail and everything in between.

Each week you will meet a new key player from retail or supply and learn about their role within their business, their insights on the industry and, of course, to talk about their entry or previous winner in the Gift of the Year awards.

The Prod-Cast is hosted by Alex Ryan - a marketing consultant and a gift/product marketing expert having spent 6 years as Head of Marketing at Paladone Products Ltd before launching his own agency, Marketing 101.

The Gift of the Year awards are the most highly respected industry accolades, aimed at recognising the best new products, talent and inspiration in our industry each year.

The Giftware Association is at the heart of the UK's gift and home industry with 70 unique years' experience. Listening to your needs and finding solutions to your problems. We can help you make money, save money and save time with our knowledge and contacts within the industry.

LINKS;

• Guest; 
  • Design Pit
  • Gareth Robertson
• Host; 
  • The Product-Cast (website) 
  • The Giftware Association 
  • Gift of the Year 
  • Alex Ryan, Consultant 
  • Marketing 101, Agency 
• Instagram;  
  • Design Pit
  • Gift of the Year
  • The Giftware Association 

In this episode we're joined by the truly wonderful Therese Oertenblad, owner of the Small Business Collaborative and super active member of our wonderful community. Therese originally worked on the retail side with businesses like NPW, Sweet William and Paperstyle Books before deciding to go it alone as a business consultant, coach and mentor. As a true champion  of small businesses Therese has a fascinating take on various parts of our industry, including, of course, the current hot topic - trade shows!

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 Welcome to the Product-Cast, aka the Prod-Cast, brought to you by Gift of the Year and supported by the Giftware Association. The podcast shines a spotlight on the UK’s thriving gift industry, providing insight into all aspects of the creative and sales process, from concept to retail and everything in between.

Each week you will meet a new key player from retail or supply and learn about their role within their business, their insights on the industry and, of course, to talk about their entry or previous winner in the Gift of the Year awards.

The Prod-Cast is hosted by Alex Ryan - a marketing consultant and a gift/product marketing expert having spent 6 years as Head of Marketing at Paladone Products Ltd before launching his own agency, Marketing 101.

The Gift of the Year awards are the most highly respected industry accolades, aimed at recognising the best new products, talent and inspiration in our industry each year.

The Giftware Association is at the heart of the UK's gift and home industry with 70 unique years' experience. Listening to your needs and finding solutions to your problems. We can help you make money, save money and save time with our knowledge and contacts within the industry.

LINKS;

• Guest; 
  • Small Business Collaborative
  • Therese Oertenblad
• Host; 
  • The Product-Cast (website) 
  • The Giftware Association 
  • Gift of the Year 
  • Alex Ryan, Consultant 
  • Marketing 101, Agency 
• Instagram;  
  • Small Business Collaborative
  • Gift of the Year
  • The Giftware Association 

Today we meet a gentlemen on a very exciting journey - Greg Fraser, founder of The Bottled Baking Co. Whilst the business was first set up about 5 years ago, it's seen an incredible amount of growth in the last year, to the point at with Greg is now having to revisit the balance between his full-time day job and his baking business. We'll hear all about the struggles of work-life/work-life balance and Greg's plans for the future!

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 Welcome to the Product-Cast, aka the Prod-Cast, brought to you by Gift of the Year and supported by the Giftware Association. The podcast shines a spotlight on the UK’s thriving gift industry, providing insight into all aspects of the creative and sales process, from concept to retail and everything in between.

Each week you will meet a new key player from retail or supply and learn about their role within their business, their insights on the industry and, of course, to talk about their entry or previous winner in the Gift of the Year awards.

The Prod-Cast is hosted by Alex Ryan - a marketing consultant and a gift/product marketing expert having spent 6 years as Head of Marketing at Paladone Products Ltd before launching his own agency, Marketing 101.

The Gift of the Year awards are the most highly respected industry accolades, aimed at recognising the best new products, talent and inspiration in our industry each year.

The Giftware Association is at the heart of the UK's gift and home industry with 70 unique years' experience. Listening to your needs and finding solutions to your problems. We can help you make money, save money and save time with our knowledge and contacts within the industry.

LINKS;

• Guest; 
  • The Bottled Baking Co
  • Greg Fraser
• Host; 
  • The Product-Cast (website) 
  • The Giftware Association 
  • Gift of the Year 
  • Alex Ryan, Consultant 
  • Marketing 101, Agency 
• Instagram;  
  • The Bottled Baking Co
  • Gift of the Year
  • The Giftware Association 

The Giving and Living trade show is a true staple of the gift industry's calendar and focal point for coastal and tourism products. In this episode we meet MD Mike Anderson to behind-the-scenes and learn all about the small team that deliver such an impactful event. We get the low-down on the upcoming online event (10-12th May), get a full overview of the usual, real world event (for those of you that haven't previously attended) and we also learn a bit about Mike's non-work life, including his small-holding of pigs!

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 Welcome to the Product-Cast, aka the Prod-Cast, brought to you by Gift of the Year and supported by the Giftware Association. The podcast shines a spotlight on the UK’s thriving gift industry, providing insight into all aspects of the creative and sales process, from concept to retail and everything in between.

Each week you will meet a new key player from retail or supply and learn about their role within their business, their insights on the industry and, of course, to talk about their entry or previous winner in the Gift of the Year awards.

The Prod-Cast is hosted by Alex Ryan - a marketing consultant and a gift/product marketing expert having spent 6 years as Head of Marketing at Paladone Products Ltd before launching his own agency, Marketing 101.

The Gift of the Year awards are the most highly respected industry accolades, aimed at recognising the best new products, talent and inspiration in our industry each year.

The Giftware Association is at the heart of the UK's gift and home industry with 70 unique years' experience. Listening to your needs and finding solutions to your problems. We can help you make money, save money and save time with our knowledge and contacts within the industry.

LINKS;

• Guest; 
  • Giving & Living
  • Mike Anderson
• Host; 
  • The Product-Cast (website) 
  • The Giftware Association 
  • Gift of the Year 
  • Alex Ryan, Consultant 
  • Marketing 101, Agency 
• Instagram;  
  • Giving & Living
  • Gift of the Year
  • The Giftware Association 

Finally, we manage to grab an hour of the wonderful Jeremy Corner's time! Not only is he MD of Blue Eyed Sun (winner of 5, yes FIVE, Gift of the Year awards in 2021), but he also an Export Champion for the Department of International Trade, a member (and ex-chairman) of the Giftware Association's National Committee, and recipient of the Queens Award for International Trade which means he's actually met Her Maj!

Join me on this extra special, extra long episode of the Product-Cast as we get to learn all about Jeremy's business, experience in the world of cards and gift, and his fascinating outlook on our industry.

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 Welcome to the Product-Cast, aka the Prod-Cast, brought to you by Gift of the Year and supported by the Giftware Association. The podcast shines a spotlight on the UK’s thriving gift industry, providing insight into all aspects of the creative and sales process, from concept to retail and everything in between.

Each week you will meet a new key player from retail or supply and learn about their role within their business, their insights on the industry and, of course, to talk about their entry or previous winner in the Gift of the Year awards.

The Prod-Cast is hosted by Alex Ryan - a marketing consultant and a gift/product marketing expert having spent 6 years as Head of Marketing at Paladone Products Ltd before launching his own agency, Marketing 101.

The Gift of the Year awards are the most highly respected industry accolades, aimed at recognising the best new products, talent and inspiration in our industry each year.

The Giftware Association is at the heart of the UK's gift and home industry with 70 unique years' experience. Listening to your needs and finding solutions to your problems. We can help you make money, save money and save time with our knowledge and contacts within the industry.

LINKS;

• Guest; 
  • Blue Eyed Sun
• Host; 
  • The Product-Cast (website) 
  • The Giftware Association 
  • Gift of the Year 
  • Alex Ryan, Consultant 
  • Marketing 101, Agency 
• Instagram;  
  • Blue Eyed Sun
  • Gift of the Year
  • The Giftware Association 

It's with HUGE relief that we begin to see the confirmation of various trade shows and exhibitions throughout the rest of 2021 and London Stationery Show was one of the very first to confirm their dates (5th-6th October '21). The show (the largest dedicated stationery show in the UK) is overseen by the Event Director, Alex Butler, who joins us on the show today.

We learn about what Alex and her team delivered in place of the show in 2020 and what they have in store for us at the 2020 show. We, of course, also learn a bit more about Alex and the company that owns London Stationery Show - Ocean Media Group.

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 Welcome to the Product-Cast, aka the Prod-Cast, brought to you by Gift of the Year and supported by the Giftware Association. The podcast shines a spotlight on the UK’s thriving gift industry, providing insight into all aspects of the creative and sales process, from concept to retail and everything in between.

Each week you will meet a new key player from retail or supply and learn about their role within their business, their insights on the industry and, of course, to talk about their entry or previous winner in the Gift of the Year awards.

The Prod-Cast is hosted by Alex Ryan - a marketing consultant and a gift/product marketing expert having spent 6 years as Head of Marketing at Paladone Products Ltd before launching his own agency, Marketing 101.

The Gift of the Year awards are the most highly respected industry accolades, aimed at recognising the best new products, talent and inspiration in our industry each year.

The Giftware Association is at the heart of the UK's gift and home industry with 70 unique years' experience. Listening to your needs and finding solutions to your problems. We can help you make money, save money and save time with our knowledge and contacts within the industry.

LINKS;

• Guest; 
  • Alex Butler
  • London Stationery Show
  • Ocean Media Group
• Host; 
  • The Product-Cast (website) 
  • The Giftware Association 
  • Gift of the Year 
  • Alex Ryan, Consultant 
  • Marketing 101, Agency 
• Instagram;  
  • London Stationery Show
  • Gift of the Year
  • The Giftware Association 

Winner of the coveted 'under £15' Gift of the Year award 2021, Craft & Crumb join us today on the Product-Cast! Louise Nicholson, proud co-founder, tells us all about her thrilling journey, starting with setting up shop with her business parter Kate back in 2016! With steady growth since and some fortuitous product development, Craft & Crumb were ready to pivot when the C19 pandemic struck, switching focus from their roaring party bag trade to their home baking offering!

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 Welcome to the Product-Cast, aka the Prod-Cast, brought to you by Gift of the Year and supported by the Giftware Association. The podcast shines a spotlight on the UK’s thriving gift industry, providing insight into all aspects of the creative and sales process, from concept to retail and everything in between.

Each week you will meet a new key player from retail or supply and learn about their role within their business, their insights on the industry and, of course, to talk about their entry or previous winner in the Gift of the Year awards.

The Prod-Cast is hosted by Alex Ryan - a marketing consultant and a gift/product marketing expert having spent 6 years as Head of Marketing at Paladone Products Ltd before launching his own agency, Marketing 101.

The Gift of the Year awards are the most highly respected industry accolades, aimed at recognising the best new products, talent and inspiration in our industry each year.

The Giftware Association is at the heart of the UK's gift and home industry with 70 unique years' experience. Listening to your needs and finding solutions to your problems. We can help you make money, save money and save time with our knowledge and contacts within the industry.

LINKS;

• Guest; 
  • Craft & Crumb website
• Host; 
  • The Product-Cast (website) 
  • The Giftware Association 
  • Gift of the Year 
  • Alex Ryan, Consultant 
  • Marketing 101, Agency 
• Instagram;  
  • Craft & Crumb
  • Gift of the Year
  • The Giftware Association