Hot News
New Sponsor - CBG Healthcare
CBG Group have confirmed their sponsorship of the Body Mind and Soul category of the 2008 Gift of the Year awards. As an expanding group CBG understands Private Healthcare is a highly specialised market, which offers a wide choice of covers and options. CBG have a dedicated Healthcare team, with many years of specialist experience, who are able to advise and recommend on specific plans to meet all client’s demands and needs, in a personal and professional manner. Visit www.cbg-group.co.uk for further information.
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Gift of the Year 08 officially launched at Spring Fair, Birmingham
The 29th edition of the highly respected annual product awards for the gift and home industry was launched at Spring Fair, Birmingham - the UK's premier retail buying event - with each of the thousands of exhibitors receiving information about the awards and many judges being present at the show.
The winners and highly commended products of 2007 were showcased in the entrance to one of the main gift halls in the Giving area of the show, providing a focus for buyers looking to source some of the latest and most commercially viable products.
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2008 Flyer now available
Key information about the competition is now available at your fingertips to keep on your desk and refer to. Click here to download the competition 'Call for Entries' flyer detailing award categories, entry fees, showcase and promotion updates and more.
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New Judges Announced
A fantastic and highly experienced panel of judges for the 2008 Gift of the Year awards are waiting in anticipation to see what exciting entries the competition will bring.
Independent retailers joining the judging panel for the first time in 2008 include Angel Monzon, founder and art director of Vessel, London's store cum gallery now established as a leading authority in contemporary design and Jenny Lockton, of Edinburgh's destination stores Bliss and Bohemia. Jenny says "I am always looking out for new, well designed and innovative product to keep myself and our customers interested. I think the Gift of the Year awards are great for drawing attention of the creativity, imagination and business capabilities of the best British companies".
From the big name department stores, John Lewis' buyers for Stationery and Beauty Self Selection and Debenhams senior gift buyer are also joining the 2008 Gift of the Year judging panel.
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Entries have begun for 2008
The Gift of the Year website is now open for entries for the 2008 awards. Companies are invited to start entering their new product items and ranges by clicking on the Enter Now link at the top of the page and completing the online form. The Gift of the Year awards encourage new talent to emerge with the competition giving established companies and fledgling businesses equal exposure and promotion to retailers large and small. Remember - you must be in it, to win it!
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New Sponsor Announced
Booksellers Carriage have confirmed their sponsorship of the Occasions! category of the 2008 Gift of the Year awards. For all companies who move parcels, Booksellers Carriage offer a fast reliable service and highly competitive rates. Booksellers Carriage move thousands of parcels each week from warehouse to high street, across the UK and their additional level of customer service gives a first rate experience to all clients. www.booksellerscarriage.com
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Focus on Product Showcases - no Black-Tie Awards Ceremony
The main focus of the Gift of the Year awards 2008 will be to showcase and promote fantastic product!
Instead of a black tie celebrity awards ceremony to announce the Gift of the Year winners, in 2008 the GA will be revealing the 16 category Winners and Highly Commended products in a superbly designed showcase in the heart of Summer Fair, the emap tps show for inspirational gifts and home fashion taking place at London's ExCeL from 22 - 25 June 2008.
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New Categories for 2008
Four new award categories announced for 2008.
Card and Wrap - stylish, innovative cards and wrap for any occasion aimed at independent gift and greeting card shops
Stationery - diaries, calendars, note books, scrap books, photo albums, notelets, pens...
Premium/Luxury - more expensive luxury gifts for those for whom money is no object!
Outdoor Living - any accessories for alfresco living
Click here for the full list of 16 award categories for 2008 - there is sure to be one to suit your winning product!
