Month: July 2024

It may seem somewhat counter-intuitive to begin planning for Christmas in the middle of the summer holiday season. However, there are a number of reasons why it can in fact be good to do so. Firstly, as we discussed in a previous post, time out and about, away from the routine jobs and inspired by new places, spectacular scenery or gentle countryside, can be a great springboard for fresh creativity and also provide some headspace to begin thinking forward to Christmas stock. Secondly, the Christmas buying season, as we all know, begins well before December and being organised will maximise sales. Thirdly, as you juggle a business with home and personal life, a little advanced organisation will help you to approach the holiday season with less panic and more excited expectation, less exhaustion and more joy. So, while we hope you are taking a well-earned break and enjoying some summer beauty, good food and stimulating culture and history, we hope this blog post will give you some ideas to mull over for when you get back to work. We have put together a list of suggestions to help you in your Christmas planning. Some will be relevant and some not; take what is useful to you and use it as a prompt to build a planning framework for your unique business.

Start by taking a look at last year’s Christmas sales. When were the peaks, when did the sales begin, if you sell online can you learn anything from promotions, postage practicalities or customer feedback?

Have a think about your customers. Has anything changed since last year? Have you enlarged the scope of your customer base ie. reaching out to teens as well as children? How has the current economic climate affected your target audience?

Once you have completed a thorough overview, it is time to create your own Christmas crafting calendar. You could include dates by which you would like to have certain stock completed, dates by which you aim to have Christmas stock uploaded on your website, dates for sending out emails to your customer base, dates for markets and fairs, and don’t forget to book a date for a Christmas work celebration!

Christmas is an excellent time to sell at fairs and markets so take a look at what is around and book yourself in. You could also start thinking about any attention-grabbing displays or offers which will make your stall stand out for the others. If you will need help for the day, it might be advisable to find someone soon as we all get so busy in the lead-up to Christmas.

With craft fairs in mind, it is good to ensure you have the correct insurance in place. This will depend on how and what you sell. To illustrate this, we will take jewellery as an example. Your first question might be “What are the legal requirements of selling jewellery UK?” There are no legal requirements for selling jewellery or any other hand-crafted item at fairs, but many organisers will ask for it. You may sell online or have other retailers sell your stock and wonder “What are the legal requirements of selling jewellery UK?”. Again the answer is that there are none, but that we strongly advise that you have both product and public liability in place if you are selling in any way to the public. While you will put everything in place to avoid any potential problems, the whole purpose of insurance is that it covers you for the unexpected, for those situations you cannot possibly foresee. As a small family business, we place high value on our own customer relationships and communicate directly with each of you. So, as you start the countdown to Christmas, drop us a line or pick up the phone and either Naomi or Sam will be here to answer your questions about insurance, including “What are the legal requirements of selling jewellery UK?” and enable you to get this one ticked off your “to do” list.

Once some of these structural foundations are in place, you can start getting creative! What are you going to sell this year? Will you have some seasonal themes and limited edition products? What message are you wanting to portray? For example, if you make bath products you may focus on self-care with a good conscience; if you make candles, you may have a cosy vibe; for those who create ceramic tableware, you may want to convey the homely message of families gathering round the dinner table over Christmas.

As you come up with a marketing strategy you might consider what promotions or giveaways you could offer. For example, could you include gift wrapping if the orders are in by a certain date? If you decide to do this, make sure you have the required gift wrap in plenty of time; any leftover can be used for your own wrapping, or saved until next year.

If you sell online, you could consider gift vouchers. If you are selling at fairs locally, you could think about offering workshop vouchers to be used in the New Year.

Finally, as you release your stunning and unique products into the world over Christmas, you can have the satisfaction that they will bring delight to those who receive them, they will have a longevity which their mass-produced counterparts may not and they will have been produced locally and with a care for the natural world in which we live. As well as all this, you could think about giving a donation to a charity from each sale. If you do this, make sure you put details and a link to your chosen charity on your website, and if you sell at fairs, have some handy information at the ready.

We hope this has offered you a few prompts to set you on course for some great Christmas sales. In the meantime though, make the most of and enjoy all that the great British summer has to offer!

Holidays can be a wonderful source of inspiration for our creativity; the combination of time away from the ordinary, mundane tasks of life, away from the usual frantic connectivity of our modern lives and the richness of seeing and experiencing new places all blend together to produce fertile soil for new ideas. With the advent of cheap air travel and low-cost package holidays in the 1970’s, many of us choose to leave our green and pleasant land for a summer holiday, and while this will almost certainly guarantee better weather, it can mean we have overlooked some of our own nations’s fascinating history, rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes and unique regional variations.

Just let your mind wander with me for a moment over the majestic mountains and lochs of the Scottish highlands to the wild Atlantic coastline of Cornwall, from the wide skies of the Norfolk Broads to the sandy, windswept beaches of west Wales, and from grand old period homes and medieval castles oozing with history to quiet country lanes and gently flowing rivers. What a feast our nation offers with an infinite number of opportunities to explore, admire, learn and be inspired. The huge geographical variety within one small island is quite remarkable and it is little wonder that this abundance has inspired so many artists, writers and composers over the centuries.

In the nineteenth century, John Constable, for example, took inspiration from the tranquil landscape of his native Suffolk, producing the picturesque pastoral scenes familiar to so many. A couple of decades later, JW Turner’s paintings combined this traditional landscape of England with the rapidly changing scenery introduced by the Industrial Revolution, giving us a unique insight into how these changes were perceived by the population. For example, his “Fighting Temeraire” depicts an old sailing galleon being towed up the Thames for scrap by a new, steam-powered tug. His stunning sunsets alongside the then new steam trains are now iconic and can be contrasted with the quietness and slowness of pace depicted in Constable’s paintings just a few decades earlier.

Staying with the theme of the Industrial Revolution, we can trace the growth of the Staffordshire Potteries from the early eighteen hundreds right through to the mid-twentieth century. The regional availability of clay, coal and other natural minerals led to the building of hundreds of fairly small factories and kilns producing ceramics which have become synonymous with the area, such as Spode and Wedgewood, and have made their way into homes across our own nation and beyond. Today a visit to the heritage ceramic factories to learn their history is a truly inspiring experience for potters or anyone interested in the craft.

On a much smaller scale, the peaceful wetlands of the Somerset Levels have delivered a plentiful supply of willow for weaving into baskets, trugs and hampers for centuries. Traditional techniques combined with innovative modern design, inspired by the serene natural beauty of the area have ensured this ancient craft continues to thrive.

A little further north, the gently rolling hills and butter colour cottages of the Cotswolds provided the backdrop to the Arts and Crafts movement. Influenced by his Cotswold country retreat, William Morris and his friends began a movement in home decor based on traditional craftsmanship and inspired by nature. The Cotswolds remain a much sought-after, if increasingly pricey, holiday destination with their quaint villages and snug pubs and cafes.

Travelling the spectacular western coast of the the Scottish islands and highlands is guaranteed to be a memorable holiday as vista after vista open up of wild, often untamed landscape, looming mountains and windswept fishing villages. For knitters, these hold a special interest as it was in these very communities that the tradition of Scottish knitting patterns for jumpers originated. The Fairisle and the Sanquhar are both patterns which continue to be used as a springboard for designs with a modern twist. Journeying around this area it is easy to see how the original “gansey” jumper was created out of a need to keep the fishermen warm and how the many subsequent patterns were inspired by the tones and hues of the surrounding seascape, moorland and mountains.

A holiday in Wales will guarantee a rich helping of culture and history, an abundance of green hills and quite possibly a few showers of life-giving rain. Dotted over these hills are a plentiful supply of sheep, so it is no surprise that Wales produces woollen garments which are sold all around the world. Traditional techniques can still be seen in a heritage mill where it is possible to watch the weavers at work, making these unique blankets, throws and bags. Or, why not visit the National Wool Museum where you can chart the journey of fleece to fabric?

Having had some time away and been re-inspired by all you have imbibed, you will be busy creating new stock, maybe looking towards Christmas sales. There are many markets and fairs at this time of year, and if this is your first time selling face to face you will need to consider one-off event public liability insurance. If you are planning on selling throughout the year, then you will need cover for the whole twelve months, but if you are just planning on a few events, then one-off event public liability insurance may be the most economical option. Either way, as a family business we value and talk directly with our customers and will do our very best to ensure you get the best deal for your business. So pick up the phone or drop us a line and either Naomi or Sam will be here to guide you through which insurance is best for you; one-off event public liability insurance or annual cover.

In the meantime, we hope you are able to take some time out to visit one of the many unique regions of our nation where natural beauty and fascinating history collide to inspire creativity.

There can be few things which, throughout history, have captured the essence of summer as much as the archetypal English country garden. Music has been composed, paintings created and both poetry and prose written, all inspired by this rural idyllic. We will all have a unique image spring to mind when we think of an English country garden. For some of us, it will be a formal garden, with sweeping lawns overlooking wide open spaces of wheat-filled fields, beautifully planted wide herbaceous borders guaranteeing a feast for the eyes, spacious paths leading to carefully planned vistas and quiet benches overlooking pools or fountains. For others of us, it may be the jolly scramble of a cottage garden, where blowsy flowers compete with an array of vegetables, hens peck around under an apple tree and sweetly fragranced roses tumble over the doorway of a thatched cottage.

However we perceive an English country garden, flowers will be central; early in the year, this will be tiny snowdrops poking their white heads up in the depths of winter to herald the coming of spring, followed by cheery yellow daffodils and then by bright red tulips standing tall as soldiers. As spring gives way to summer, bold pink magnolias burst forth, bluebells sway daintily in the warming breezes and daisies run wild and wonderfully uninvited over our lawns. Summer brings the greatest display of floral abundance as annuals such as blue cornflowers appear, competing with lavishly trailing red and yellow nasturtiums. Bold perennials such as geraniums and phlox make themselves at home in our borders and hollyhocks and delphiniums tower over them all. Roses in all their abundance and glory reign in our summer gardens, with their sweet fragrances and delicate petals of all colours and sizes. The variety and beauty of flowers are truly breathtaking so it is little wonder they have inspired so many artists from all walks of life over the years.

Current crafters are no exception and summer sees a proliferation of handmade gifts with a floral theme. Maybe you work with textiles and create beautiful and colourful knitted or crocheted flowers which are used to embellish bags, garments or blankets. Maybe you work with needle felting and create stunning pictures encapsulating the essence of an English country garden in full bloom. Or you might embroider pictures of a summer flower border with the intricate detail your skill allows. With an increase in interest in learning crafting skills, home kits can also be a great option to add to your stock. If you sell online, needle felting and embroidery kits are popular, as well as folded origami kits to make flower-themed decorations. These all make thoughtful gifts, offering both a stunning end product and also the satisfaction of learning a new skill.

In an age of quick-fire texts and messages, the art of letter writing has seen a decline. However, it seems we are missing this form of communication and it is slowly seeing a resurgence as we realise the value of “snail mail”. We all love to receive a card, with a personal message inside and it’s even better if the picture is a gorgeous floral illustration which can be popped in a frame and enjoyed for years to come.

With the summer wedding season in full swing, flowers will take centre stage in the decoration schemes of many venues. However, weddings at other times of year need not miss out, with dried flowers making unique and environmentally kind wedding favours, stunning botanically inspired bunting bringing a touch of outdoors inside and floral table runners and napkins to bring beauty and colour to each table.

With all this abundance of creativity, you will need to find an outlet to sell your amazing stock. This could be online, at craft fairs and markets, or other local events. All of these will involve some financial layout, as well as a consideration of product liability insurance costs. When you are weighing up product liability insurance costs, keep in mind that this kind of insurance covers you for any complaint a member of the public may make about one of your products and will cover your legal defence costs. While these situations are not a regular occurrence in your crafting business and you will do all you reasonably can to avoid them, it is exactly the unpredictable nature of complaints for which we have insurance in place. We call it “sleep easy” insurance; you know you are covered, so you can dismiss any concerns from your mind and focus on the important matters of creating your stock and building your business.

As a family business ourselves we place a high value on our customers and work hard to ensure they get the best deal possible, both financially and with the service we give. We are sure that as you compare product liability insurance costs you will find our quotes very competitive. In addition, we are always at hand to talk with you; either drop us a line or pick up the phone and either Naomi or Sam will be here to chat. We look forward to talking with you and hearing about your business.

With all the activity that summer brings, we hope you find time to be inspired by the floral abundance of the season. Pick any wayside flower, a daisy or buttercup will do, and take a few moments to study the intricacy of its design and beauty. Maybe too, you can pack up a flask and a picnic and head out for the day to a garden open to the public. Allow your eyes to feast on the colours and variety of the floral displays and let the beauty of nature calm your busy souls.

This month of July (for both the UK and the US) is a celebration of a cherished body of people who contribute so much to the economy and to their local communities – it’s Independent Retailers Month. As providers of craft business and artist insurance we understand the vital role that independent retailers play when it comes to creating jobs and adding to the richness and diversity of our communities.

Independent retailers contribute so much to the unique character and cultural fabric of our communities, giving us shopping destinations that reflect our local tastes and traditions. Our independent retail outlets are in fact deeply rooted in community as they offer us a more unique selection of products, often sourced from other local suppliers. As well as this, they often participate in local events and support local causes, which in itself fosters a sense of community and loyalty.

Independent retailers embody the entrepreneurial spirit, founded and run by passionate individuals who bring their unique visions and dedication to their businesses. How dull our lives would be without these brave individuals who bring their creative genius to brighten and enrich our marketplace!

Independents account for something in the order of 65% of the approximately 290,000 retail outlets in the UK and there are fundamental reasons why they are described as being “the heart of the community”. One is that the money that is spent locally tends to stay in the local economy, supporting local jobs and businesses, leading to a stronger, more vibrant community. A US study showed that each dollar spent at an independent business returned three times more money to the local economy than a dollar spent at a national chain and that whereas big businesses had a tendency to eliminate jobs, small businesses had a tendency to create jobs.

https://www.indieretailermonth.com/statistics

With retail spending under pressure, never have independent retailers needed our support more. It’s time to return the favour, as it were, for the aspect of community that independent retailers have created. It’s worth noting that the mere existence of independent retail outlets leads to personal relationships that enrich our lives. These relationships, built between independent retailers and customers deserve the loyalty that they generate. That high level of personalised service they provide, taking the time to get to know customers and catering to their specific needs is worth celebrating and that’s what this month is all about!

It’s not been an easy period to stick it out as an indie retailer either, what with the restrictions of the pandemic, the difficulties of lockdown and increases in energy bills, all in addition to the normal overheads of paying tax and craft business or artist insurance. It’s time to recognise and celebrate their stickability with our repeat custom and frequent word-of-mouth referrals.

Independent Retailer Month kicks off with Independents’ Day UK which usually happens around July 4th and this year is stretched across a full weekend, on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th July. Independent’s Day UK have appealed via their website for the support of the general public…

How can retailers get involved?

Independent retailers can use Independent’s Day UK to promote their own businesses online and in their own communities by:

• Following and engaging with the campaign across social media platforms. 
• Sharing news of the campaign taking place with fellow retailers and customers.
• Downloading the Independents’ Day UK logo and sharing it on your website, on your own social platforms and in your shop windows to show that you are taking part.
• Getting in touch with Independents Day UK (https://www.independentsdayuk.org/get-involved) so that they can tell your story.
• Doing something special for the Independents’ Day weekend, like a unique offer/promotion, product launch or event with another local business to bring people into your shop (particularly those who may not have visited before)

How can shoppers get involved?

• As a shopper, you can show love for the independent retailers you value most both in your local communities and online by:
• Following and engaging with the campaign across social media platforms. 
• Sharing the campaign with your family and friends.
• Give a shout-out on social media to the independent retailers you love and value most and tag Independent’s Day UK in any post using the hashtag #ukindieday.
• Ask the independent retailers you visit or know if they are involved with Independents’ Day UK – if not, why not direct them to our website
• Make a list of one or two independent retailers that you’ve never visited before, or even local favourites you’re familiar with and pledge to spend some money with them on Independents’ Day weekend – your visit will make a world of difference.

We all want diversity in our high streets and the distinct character and service that independent retailers give to our towns. It would be a very sad state of affairs if the individualistic vibrancy and quirkiness of our independent retail outlets, both in our towns and online, were forever lost to the same lineup of chain stores.

As providers of craft businesses and artist insurance, we stand with our independent retailers and we look forward to brighter days together. Please do get in touch with us if you are looking to sell your handcrafted items in an independent retail outlet as we have had several decades of experience of working with crafters to ensure they have the correct cover. The easiest way to find out more about craft business insurance is simply to drop us a message or pick up the phone and either Naomi or Sam will be here to help answer your questions.