PG Live 2014

I cannot believe it has been a year since I did PG Live. Back for a second year I was ready on time and was pretty calm during the set up (except for the driving in London!)

Once again I produced a mock up before I went so once we got there it was just a case of following the plan and my husband quickly had all the shelves up and the stand was ready for the start of the show, thank you Richard!

It was an early start on the Tuesday and when I got to my stand unfortunately some of the signs had fallen and got damaged but once up again you could not notice but it was such a shame.

It was a busy first day and I took a few orders, some of which were from repeat customers which was really nice to know the cards are selling well. I also met several brand new customers plus some export interest which is always exciting and had a photo call for an exciting Christmas card project I have been involved in (more about that in another post)

The new range 'Top dog' got good feedback with a few of the designs being added to the orders.

I also got to meet some Minions (secretly very excited!)

The second day was another photo call for all Ladder Club Members, this is such a great group started by Lynn Tait and helps fellow publishers on their road to success.

Photo by www.eddiemacdonald.co.uk

The rest of the day seemed to go by pretty quick, again I met some lovely new customers and got a lot of positive comments. Then before you knew it we were packing up to go home.

I had some great neighbours too Libby McMullin, I Drew This, Come for a dream, Your Life Tile and Wolf Whistle who were a pleasure to be around. It is such a lovely industry to be a part of.

All in all the show was a success for Red Berry Hill new stockists and some exciting opportunities!

Last but not least I must also give a big thank you to the tea/coffee lady who visited us very half an hour she was so helpful, always had a smile and remembered what you ordered, definitely the star of the show!

It's been a while

Wow where has the time gone. It has been three months since Spring Fair and this weekend I am preparing to exhibit and the next trade show PG Live at the Design Centre in Islington, London which starts on Tues 13th May until Weds 14th May. It is the second time I have exhibited at this show so I know what to expect, in fact I am all packed, ready to go and feel quite calm which is a little worrying!

All ready for PG Live

I have been very busy in the studio over the last three months getting together a new range to launch at the show. I can't say too much about it at the moment but here is a sneak peek at what is to come.

©Red Berry Hill

I will be back in the next few days to report on the setting up and thoughts on PG Live plus a post about the launch of the new range.

Spring Fair International 2014

Back to normality now after a busy week at my very first Spring Fair at the NEC. We arrived on Sat afternoon to my 3m x 1m space and my home for the next five days.

We got to work preparing the space which only took around 3hrs in the end

The finished product all ready for Sunday, so glad I had my little mock up!

After a relaxing evening (an anniversary meal out with my husband) we arrived nice and early on Sunday at the NEC to start the show.

I must admit it was a very long day but we met some really nice people and got a lot of interest in the cards including some agents

On Monday I was on my own so was a little nervous but it all went well I took some orders including a big one to Singapore and had some really great comments about the card designs.

Tuesday was another busy day with positive feedback, more orders, interest from agents and maybe a licensing deal too. Plus my friend also turned up today to help me for the rest of the week, it was good to see a friendly face and gave me a little break.

It was a long and tiring week but I really did enjoy it and I have signed up again for next year. Now lots of work to do fulfilling al the orders!

It was good to be home and I had a nice surprise when I got there of a sign made by my daughter two for the price of one as it also celebrated my wedding anniversary!

I would like to thank all my family and friends for helping me last week it was very much appreciated and could not have been done without you all.

Jubilations and Celebrations!

Introducing 'Jubilations' a bright new range from Red Berry Hill.

Celebrating male and female milestone ages from 18 to 70 the big bold numbers are illustrated with quirky patterns and collage. The range comprises of 16 designs, 150mm square, printed on a lightly textured board and cello wrapped with a brown kraft envelope.

They will be launched at Spring Fair International next week. Hall 4 Stand 4K24.

If you are interested in stocking this new range, please email Nicole on info@redberryhill.co.uk for more information.

Spring Fair Preparations

Preparations are going well for Spring Fair and for once I am ahead of schedule, although now worried I have forgotten something important! It is the first time I have done Spring Fair so I am excited to see how it differs from Top Drawer and PG Live that I did last year. It is a longer show (5 days) so hopefully I will meet plenty of new suppliers.

I decided to do a small scaled mock up of the stand so I can see exactly what it will look like and help me when I am there. I did one last year and it was really helpful when I got to the show to follow.

The brochures also arrived today so I feel like it is all finally coming together!

Spring Fair is at the NEC, Birmingham and is Europe's definitive gift trade fair. It starts on Sunday 2nd February until Thursday 6th February. There is still time to register for free ticket here.

Red Berry Hill will be in Hall 4 Stand 4K24 and I will post a full report of the show when I return.

2014 Wish List

A few days ago I was looking back at my posts from January last year when I remembered that I created a list of goals for the year. This was the list.

1. Exhibit at Top Drawer
2. Get my ranges into retailers
3. Get agents
4. Raise my profile (Press etc)
5. Design Occasions/Ages
6. Exhibit at PG Live (May)
7. Submit entries to the Henries
8. Design new Everyday ranges
9. Attend the Ladder Club (Sept)
10. Design Christmas ranges

I was pleased that I have achieved most of the list and I have certainly learned a lot (mainly through a few mistakes) and gained a lot of knowledge about the industry.

The trade fairs were my biggest learning curve. If I am honest when I set out to do Top Drawer I was filled with all sorts of romantic ideas that everything would go right and how things would take off but I have to say it was hard and you have to keep at it and promote your company again and again to get the results.

One of the biggest advantages last year was that I got an agent it certainly took a lot of the stress of out 'selling' my cards. I also gained a lot of knowledge through talking to other publishers who were more than happy to give me the advice I need.

So with all that in mind I have decided do do another wish list for this year

1. Exhibit at Spring Fair and PG Live
2. Increase sales
3. Get more agents
4. Look into export opportunities 
5. More press coverage
6. New Male range
7. New Art range
8. New Occasion range
9. New designs to existing ranges
10. Studio re-vamp

This year I want to concentrate more on designs and maybe look at a different style for an summer art range I am keen to produce.

Better get on then!

2013 Highlights

Well 2013 was certainly a busy year

January - My very first trade show, Top Drawer in London, where I launched new ranges Metro and Marigold

 

February - I had an unusual exhibition in a phone box!

Was featured in the local press

Cards on display in a local bookshop

May -  Another trade show, PG Live,  where I launched the "mad about…" range

June - A local show at the Ely Flower Festival for four days

September - I took on my first agent in the South East 

October - I sent my first export order to Hong Kong

November - I was back in Ely Cathedral for the Christmas Craft Fair

And now for 2014.