Blue Eyed Sun

Blue Eyed Sun - gorgeous greetings cards

BES Blog

  • Award Winning Advice for the Henries and other awards

    Click here to see the Finalists of this year's Henries

    In my younger and more impressionable years my wife gave me some award winning advice that I have been grateful for ever since. Having always set myself goals for the business and personal achievements, Jo noticed that I had listed ‘winning an award with Blue Eyed Sun’ as one of my objectives. She wisely pointed out that this was not a goal that was within my control and, as such, was likely to cause me problems.

    It’s an easy mistake to make. As an athletics fan, I had watched the Olympics since I was a boy. I loved sharing the thrill of athletes winning medals and realising their dreams after all of their hard work. I was also a film fanatic, keeping tabs on the Oscars, the Golden Globes and the Palme d’Or and dreaming of film making glory.

    Over the years I merged these two ‘award winning’ ideas in my mind as I dreamt  of the trophies I too would hopefully one day win. I was never going to be a world class athlete but, as many of us are prone to do, I always hoped I’d go on to create something special with my life and an award would most certainly be evidence of this 'specialness'.

    Perhaps you can already sense the danger with this line of thinking. In fact, these problems would be worse still if, as I was known to do at the time, one made the mistake of linking one’s self worth to achieving such goals.

    The truth is, not even world class athletes like Usain Bolt get drawn down this slippery slope. When interviewed by reporters, nearly all of them will rightly focus on doing their best. For that is all they have the power to control in their race. If your opponent is stronger, or is more naturally talented and has trained harder then you, then it is possible you may not win. The only thing any athlete can do is to leave the very best of themselves out on the track.

    What’s more important to realise is that in our business we are not athletes and we are not in a race. The awards we may be nominated for are not medals. If you have ever been a finalist at one of our greeting card industry awards for retailers or publishers (like the Retas, the Greats or the Henries) it is easy to lose sight of this.

    We recently made the final short list of the Henries for the eighth and ninth times and we have still yet to win (It may have been more if we hadn’t taken a hiatus of not entering for three or four years). I have a running joke with friends that Blue Eyed Sun are like the Alfred Hitchcock of the card industry. Hitch, famously having never won an Academy award.

    Woody Allen, who won 4 Oscars and was never been present to collect them (choosing instead to play in his jazz band), has these wise words to say on our type of awards:

    “I think what you get in awards is favouritism, I mean people can say ‘oh my favourite movie was Annie Hall.’ But the implication is that it’s the best movie and I don’t think that’s possible. I don’t think you can make that judgement. Except for track, track and field, you know where one guy runs and you see that he wins. Then it’s ok. I won those when I was younger and those where nice, because I knew I deserved them.”

    I think the only thing we can share with athletes (and great film makers for that matter) is to give our best every day. To step up and be accountable. Which means focussing on your own performance and what is most important to you (that’s within your control). For us it’s making gorgeous handmade cards, for you it may be having a great shop or running your business well.

    So why enter awards at all? Because it’s fun, it pushes you out of your comfort zone and a nomination or win is always good for marketing and PR. These days the main reason I enter the Henries is to get our products in front of the great line up of industry buyers who judge them. That’s within in my control.

    Good luck to all of the finalists in this year’s Henries. See you there. I’m taking the night off from my jazz band... just in case ;-)

    Read my blog post for Sage on Top tips for awards success: How to enter and win awards for your business

    Click for the latest news on the The Henries Awards

    October 2013 - Blue Eyed Sun finally win their first Henries Award. Click here to see which one and which range won...

    Watch this funny short youtube clip that includes Woody Allen making the quote mentioned above:

  • New Mothers Day cards for 2014 from Blue Eyed Sun

    Daisychain by Blue Eyed Sun

    With Mothering Sunday on Sunday 30th March 2014, it's time for retailers to start thinking about getting their Mothers Day cards and Valentines Day cards ordered before Christmas. Here's what's new from Blue Eyed Sun for Mother's Day 2014...

    Pictured above are the latest Mothers Day cards in our new Daisychain range based on original hand stitched embroideries by Jo Corner and embossed to give a realistic relief effect. Produced on FSC board, these cards are 160mm square, blank inside and hand finished with jewels.

    Below is a new range of Mothers Day cards called Cabaret which are based on watercolour and hand stitched mix media original artworks that are embossed and then hand finished with jewels in our Brighton workshops. Produced on FSC board, these beautiful greeting cards are 160mm square and blank inside.

    Sold in sixes to trade buyers only, both ranges of Mothers Day cards are barcoded and cello-wrapped with a matching envelope. Retailers can order online from our  large selection of designs in the trade only section of our site. You can also click here to see our 2014 Valentine designs.

    To stock these ranges in your shop click here. If you'd like to see them in your local shop please tell them and point them in the direction of  www.blueeyedsun.co.uk or you can recommend a shop to us by clicking here. You can also visit our stockists page to find a store near you that may be selling them.

    Click here to see these Mothers Day cards in person at Autumn Fair 2013 - Stand 4D15

    Click to read: Scientists prove that greeting cards are good for your Mother

    Cabaret by Blue Eyed Sun
  • 15 Top tips for using LinkedIn for your business

    Blue Eyed Sun on LinkedIn

    Following on from my earlier blog post on How to get started on LinkedIn, the professional social media network, here are my top tips for using LinkedIn for your business:

    1. Use a professional looking photo not a company logo for your personal profile

    People do business with people, particularly in our industry, so be sure to use a nice photo of yourself on your profile. Logo’s are impersonal and that’s what Company pages are for on LinkedIn. So don't use a logo and avoid leaving this part of your profile blank. Your photo is a way of people in your network ensuring the profile is yours and your connections dramatically increase with a nice picture.

    2. Use your full name - it’s makes you easier to find and you won’t look like a spammer

    Similarly don't use abbreviations. If you are known as Steve Smith avoid setting up your account as Steve J Smith, Stephen Smith, Mr Smith or worst of all S. Smith. Stick to the name people are most likely to search for when looking for you.

    3. Don’t just connect with anyone. Build a network that is strong and relevant to you.

    I once accepted an invitation from a fellow wedding industry pro on LinkedIn via our wedding stationery business Ivy Ellen. He then proceeded to work his way through my connections inviting them all to connect like one might do on Twitter. As in life, this is a big no-no on LinkedIn. The etiquette is to ask to be introduced by your mutual acquaintance if you'd like to connect with someone on LinkedIn that you haven't met before.

    4. If you’re not a friend, don’t say you are. People don’t like it and tend not to accept.

    Similarly, if you are not a friend then don't say that you are just to connect with someone. These days you can follow LinkedIn profiles and companies until you are introduced by a mutual acquaintance or meet the person you are trying to connect with.

    5. Customise your connecting invitations and make them relevant to the person you are inviting.

    The standard invite if you don't amend it says "I'd like to add you to my professional network." It's much nicer to receive a request saying "Hi Jeremy, It was great to meet you at Spring Fair. I'd love to add you add you to my professional network." I think we all find it helpful when we have reminder of how we know the person (unless of course it's your spouse ;).

    6. Personalise your LinkedIn url

    This is also known as a vanity url and the result looks like this in your web browser: www.linkedin.com/in/jeremycorner It's good for making yourself easy to find on Google (ie. SEO). To do this move your cursor over Profile at the top of your homepage and select Edit Profile. Click Edit next to the URL under your profile photo. In the Your public profile URL box in the bottom right, click "Customize your public profile URL". Type the last part of your new custom URL in the text box. Click Set Custom URL.

    7. Avoid linking your tweets to LinkedIn

    The majority of LinkedIn users are not time rich and appreciate good quality content that relates to their career and business interests. If you link your Twitter feed to your LinkedIn profile you can end up filling the latter with a load of useless garbage. The networks have different uses and users. Use them accordingly.

    8. Only post relevant links to your groups

    As per the last post, respect other people's time. If the blog post you've just worked so hard on is not relevant or useful to one of the LinkedIn groups you've joined, then don't post it to that group. Similarly if you find something that other members of your group might find helpful do post a link in your feed and to any groups that might benefit from it. Over time you will become a trusted and valued member of the group by doing this.

    9. Engage with others on your network

    Social networks are all about engagement. They are not about blasting your message out there with a loud hailer. So interact by answering people's questions and by posing questions. Respond to any comments on links you post and remember to thank people if they share, comment or like what you do.

    10. Double check your spelling and grammar before posting

    It's a professional network so do your best to look professional. If you are dyslexic then have a friend review your profile and fix any typos for you. Always read through your comments before posting them to correct and minimise any errors.

    11. Make your skills and expertise key-word relevant

    LinkedIn is one of the top twenty most visited websites in the world so it's strong for SEO on Google. If you want people to find you for the things you do make sure you get those search terms into the skills and expertise section of your profile (and elsewhere if possible).

    12. You have an invitations limit of 3,000 - use them wisely

    Amazingly you currently only have 3,000 invitations that you can send out so be sure to focus on inviting people that you know and will be relevant to the network you are trying to build online.

    13. Make sure that you complete your LinkedIn profile

    Almost half of LinkedIn profiles are 100% complete which is hugely helpful for those who want to follow you or connect with you for business opportunities. You'll need to ask some people for written referrals. Endorsements are actively encouraged on LinkedIn and are easy to do for others. I find that the more I recommend others for things the more I am endorsed in return.

    14. Set up your Company Page

    Setting up your company page is useful for anyone looking to find your business online. I think it's especially useful if you don't have a website as it's a quick, easy and free way of your business having a web presence online. People who like your business can even recommend you and you can post dynamic up to date contact on your company page too. Here's an example of a LinkedIn business page: http://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-eyed-sun-ltd/

    15. Regularly visit the LinkedIn site

    Check in with your groups each week and comment on posts in your group. You can also post links to your blog posts and update images of your product offering. If you keep your profile up to date and accurate and over time your business will naturally begin to see the benefits.

    Once you are up and running with LinkedIn it is extremely powerful for targeting prospects, suppliers and business opportunities. You'll see what I mean once you get going with it. In the meantime, I hope you find this blog post useful and look forward to connecting with you on LinkedIn if we already do business together or have met through the industries I am involved in.

    How to get started on LinkedIn

    How to set up a Twitter page for your retail business

    How to set up a Facebook page for your retail business

  • The Henries Awards 2013 Finalists Announced

    The Henries Awards Finalists 2013

    We are delighted to announce that Blue Eyed Sun have reached the finals of The Henries 2013 in two categories: with Gorgeous Christmas for the Best Christmas Counter Range and with Gorgeous Everyday in the best Cute Range.

    Over 14,000 cards were entered into the Henries this year and these were judged by an impressive Judging Panel, made up of 40 top retailers (including buyers fromJohn Lewis, WHSmith, Tesco, Paperchase, Scribbler, Card Bar, Joy, Asda, Squires Garden Centres, Waterstones, Funky Pigeon as well as many leading independents). We are very proud to have made it through to the finals.

    Plus, following a poll involving 1,500 independent greeting card retail stockists, Blue Eyed Sun were 18th for Best Service to the Independent Retailer ahead of competitors like Five Dollar Shake and Bellybutton Designs.

    The Henries Finalists 2013 are:

    Most Promising Young Designer or Artist 2013

    Claire Louise Hill of Claire Louise

    Jessica Hogarth of Jessica Hogarth Designs

    Helen John of Hotchpotch

    Cameron Pitcairn of Urban Twist

    Jo Rose of Deer Little Forest

    Anna Wise of Rachel Ellen Designs

    Best Children’s Range

    Belle & Boo Playtime from Nineteen Seventy Three

    Glitter Ball from Five Dollar Shake

    Hug Cards from Pango Productions

    Jellybomb from Urban Graphic

    Wobbly Eyed from Stripey Cat Cards

    World of Fairies from GBCC

    Best Christmas Counter Range

    Christmas from ArtPress

    Christmas 2013 from The Art Group

    Gorgeous Christmas from Blue Eyed Sun

    Marmalade from Belly Button Designs

    Sparkle Sheep from Cherry Moon

    Starlight and Snowfall from Five Dollar Shake

    Best Christmas Box Or Pack

    Drama Queen from Cardmix

    Help Cards Christmas Pack from Noel Tatt

    Madeleine Floyd Wallet Cards from GBBC

    Quentin Blake from Woodmansterne Publications

    Snow Stories from Five Dollar Shake

    Waitrose Christmas luxury Christmas cards from UKG

    Best Words & Sentiments Range

    Field Study Eye Test from Portfolio

    Happy Jackson from Pigment

    Scrawl from Urban Graphic

    Sentiments from Sarah Ray

    Therese Sennerholt from Lagom Design

    Tranquility from UK Greetings

    Best Contemporary Trend Range

    Alice Scott from Pigment

    Crafty from bric-a-brac

    Debbie Powell from Lagom Design

    Piano - The Keys of Life from Hammond Gower

    Portfolio from Bug Art

    Sasparilla from Think of Me Designs

    Best Cute Range

    Feltipips from The Art Group

    Gorgeous from Blue Eyed Sun

    Me to You 3D Photo Finish from Carte Blanche Greetings

    Moggies & Doggies from Fourth Wall Brands

    Valentine’s or Anytime from Laura Skilbeck

    Wobbly Eyed from Stripey Cat Cards

    Best Handmade or Hand-Finished Range

    Countryside from The Red Corvid

    Handstamped from Emmeline Webb

    Paloma from Belly Button Designs

    Pretty In Love from Stop The Clock

    Say It With Lace from Image Plus

    The Fitzgerald Collection from Five Dollar Shake

    Best Photographic Range

    1000 Words from Urban Graphic

    Aspects from Abacus Cards

    Dante from Odey Publications

    Loose Leashes from Woodmansterne Publications

    Minimiam from Holy Mackerel

    Norman Parkinson from ArtPress

    Best Humorous Card Range

    Drama Queen from Cardmix

    Fleet Street from Pigment

    Frankie Dog from Frankie Whistle

    Genius from Woodmansterne Publications

    Good Things from Redback Cards

    Reincarnation Is Cool from Splimple

    Best Art Range

    Alice Scott from Pigment

    Billy Showell from Glebe Cottage

    Letterpress from Archivist

    Sonia Marialuce Possentini from Signature Studios

    The Country Set from Wrendale Design

    Toasted from Urban Graphic

    Best Licensed Range

    Janet Hill from Hallmark

    Julie Dodsworth from Tracks

    Kirstie Allsopp from Cardmix

    Laser Cut Cards from Danilo

    Moomin from Hype Associates

    Mr. Men and Little Miss from Gemma

    Best Wholesale Range

    Dazzle from Hambledon Studios

    Glitz from Simon Elvin

    Isabel's Garden from Simon Elvin

    Mixed Favourites from Gemma

    Special Occasions from Hambledon Studios

    Trendy Pops from Xpress Yourself Cards

    Best Giftwrappings Collection

    Dixie from Think of Me Designs

    Happy Jackson from Penny Kennedy

    Kelly Hyatt Collection from Lagom Design

    Tea & Roses from Hallmark

    Toasted from Urban Graphic

    Vintage Romance from Hallmark

    Best Male Range

    Collaboration from UK Greetings

    Jubilee from Hotchpotch

    Just My Type from The Great British Card Company

    Mustard from Cinnamon Aitch

    Stamped from Allihopa

    Trinkets + Trumpets from The Art File

    Best Relations & Occasions Range

    Occasions from Roger la Borde

    Pizazz Baby Boutique from Nigel Quiney Publications

    Platinum from Belly Button Designs

    Sooshi Occasions from Sooshichacha

    txt msg from Urban Twist

    Uppercase from Hotchpotch Publishing

    Best Spring Seasons Range

    Carlton Contemporary Father’s Day Collection from UK Greetings

    Decoupage Collection Easter from Laura Darrington Design

    Jardin De Roses Mother’s Day from Five Dollar Shake

    StardustMother’s Day from Janie Wilson

    Sweet Tooth Valentine’s Day from Fay’s Studio

    The Perfect Match Valentine’s Day from Megan Claire

    The Henry Cole Classic Award

    (This award is for ranges that have stood the test of time. The winner will join the Henry Cole Classic Hall of Fame with the previous winners which are Bestie from Paperlink, Eric the Penguin from GBCC, Forever Friends from Hallmark, On The Ceiling from Emotional Rescue, Me to You from CBG, Medici Cards Blue Label from GBCC)

    Quicksilver from Wendy Jones-Blackett

    Ribticklers from Pigment

    Second Nature Pop Ups from Second Nature

    Spring Chicken from Peartree Heybridge

    The Funny Side Of Life from Rainbow (Ling Design)

    Woodmansterne Fine Art from Woodmansterne Publications

    Best Service To The Independent Retailer Award

    Abacus Cards

    Carte Blanche Greetings Group

    Hallmark

    International Cards and Gifts

    Jonny Javelin

    Nigel Quiney

    Noel Tatt

    Paperlink

    Second Nature

    The Great British Card Company

    UK Greetings

    Woodmansterne Publications

    The winners of all the Henries award categories will be revealed at a spectacular Calypso Carnival-themed Henries Ball on Thursday 10 October at the Lancaster London Hotel, overlooking HydePark.

    See all of the the Henries Awards winners 2013 by clicking here.

    Read some award winning advice for the Henries and other awards here. 

  • Autumn Fair 2013 - See Blue Eyed Sun on Stand 4D15

    How to find Blue Eyed Sun at Autumn Fair

    If you are visiting Autumn Fair International this year, please do come and find us in Hall 4 on Stand 4D15 near the front of the hall and view all of our latest ranges in person. We'd love to see you there.

    Our MD and Greetings Today columnist, Jeremy Corner, will be speaking on Trend Insights in the Greeting Card, Stationery and Gift Markets at the NEC Autumn Fair Trend Theatre on Monday 2nd September at 10:30am. For more details click here.

    What's new from Blue Eyed Sun at Autumn Fair

    We are officially launching all of our Spring 2014 designs are on display including our stunning new Valentines Day cards. You can also top up on any last minute Christmas card orders and see our 41 new designs in our Gorgeous and Vintage ranges.

    For FREE ENTRY to Autumn Fair please click here.

    About Autumn Fair

    Autumn Fair International runs from Sunday 1st September until Wednesday 4th September from 09:00 - 18:00 and brings together an inspirational showcase of over 1,600 British and international exhibitors at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) Birmingham. It attracts buyers from all over the world and is a leading showcase of innovation and creativity in the global Greetings Card market. Autumn Fair attracts over 32,000 buyers and features a massive range of products, so don't miss it!

    A Spring Fair App has just been launched to make your visit easier. Download the Autumn Fair App for your phone or iPad here.

    Where to Stay at Autumn Fair

    Accommodation is a lot easier to find at Autumn Fair than Spring Fair and prices tend to be cheaper too. There are now several hotels on the NEC site, including Holiday Inn Express, The Hilton Metropole, The Arden, Ramada Encore and a Premier Inn. Click here for more accommodation options at Autumn Fair.

    Where to Eat at Autumn Fair

    If you are looking for somewhere to eat at the Autumn Fair check out our 5 Great Restaurants near the NEC Birmingham blog post.

    How to get to Autumn Fair

    Travel to the show is easy with excellent rail and motorway links. The NEC post code is B40 1NT (if you use a sat nav). You can park for free in several car parks on site, all of which have free shuttle buses to take you around the complex. Birmingham International Rail Station is a 5 minute walk from the show as is Birmingham International Airport. It is an 80 minute train ride from London Euston Rail Station. You can also click on the map below to plan your journey.

    When you get to Spring Fair do remember to come and say hi to us on Stand 4D15.

    For FREE ENTRY to Autumn Fair please click here.

    Can't make the show? Click here to request access all of our designs online.

    Watch the video below to find out more about the show and see Blue Eyed Sun's interview with the show organisers:


    View Larger Map

  • New Valentines Day Cards for 2014 from Blue Eyed Sun

    Gorgeous Valentines Cards by Blue Eyed Sun

    Blue Eyed Sun have launched two new ranges of Valentines Day Cards for 2014. Valentine's Day falls on Friday 14th February 2014 and you can order from us right up until the last minute, but lines do sell out so don't leave it too late! Here's what's new from us...

    Pictured above are our Gorgeous Valentines Day Cards based on original hand stitched embroideries by Jo Corner and embossed to give a realistic relief effect. Produced on FSC certified board, these cards are hand finished with jewels in the UK. These cards are all 160mm square and come with a red envelope.

    Below are our new, smaller Loved Up Valentines Day Cards foiled on watercolour board and hand finished with jewels. These cute cards are 120mm square and come with a red envelope.

    Sold in sixes to trade buyers only, both ranges of Valentines Day cards are barcoded and cello-wrapped and blank inside. There is still time to order these cards for your store and we have a large selection of designs online in the trade only section of our site.

    To stock these Valentines Day Cards in your shop click here. If you'd like to see them in your local shop please tell them and point them in the direction of  www.blueeyedsun.co.uk or you can recommend a shop to us by clicking here. You can also visit our stockists page to find a store near you that may be selling them.

    You can also see these Valentines Day cards in person in Birmingham at the Autumn Fair NEC trade show in Hall 4 on Stand 4D15.

    Loved Up Valentines Cards by Blue Eyed Sun

  • How to get started on LinkedIn

    Blue Eyed Sun on LinkedIn

    Recently we looked at how to get started on Twitter and how to set up a Facebook page for your business. Today I want to show you how to get going on LinkedIn.

    I think LinkedIn is the most under rated social media tool available. It’s an incredibly powerful way of connecting with literally millions of professionals. It’s also easy to use and has recently become a lot more content rich with the ability to add images, video and other media to your individual or company profile. In effect, it’s a great way to have a free website representing you and your company in a professional way online. People can follow you, connect with you, send you messages and it’s a great source of business information. You can also recommend companies and users and build a profile that grows your credibility within your industry. Greeting Card Agents and Card Retailers in particular would benefit greatly from this free platform.

    Before you start, make sure you have a nice professional looking digital photo of yourself, a digital copy of your company logo and some images of your shop or product offering. Then head over to www.linkedin.com and enter your contact details and a password to get started. Complete your details on the next page including the company you currently work for and click Create My Profile. On the next step you can add your email address so that LinkedIn can easily connect you with people already in your email system. They won’t do this without asking you first and you can skip this step. Next confirm your email address. You can also tweet or facebook message that you are on LinkedIn and invite people to connect with you. The penultimate step allows you the option of signing up to the premium service should you wish to. Lastly you can improve your profile by updating your experience, education, photo, skills and expertise and details.

    The most important parts of your profile are your photo and your current workplace. I recommend keeping your profile focused on industries relevant to your current businesses and keywords for SEO purposes. Your education, etc is only relevant if you’d like to reconnect with old school friends in a more formal way than via Facebook. You can customise yourLinkedIn account at any time by hovering your mouse over the Account & Settings icon at the top right and selecting Privacy & Settings.

    To add a company page to LinkedIn, move your mouse over the Interests menu at the top and select Companies. Click Add a Company at the top right of the next page if your business is not already listed. Follow the instructions and once you have set up your company page you can add a nice image of your shop or products. See our Blue Eyed Sun page here for an idea of how it can look: http://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-eyed-sun-ltd/

    Good luck setting up your LinkedIn profile and company page. Have fun playing with it and if we do business together or have met through the industry do connect with or follow me at http://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremycorner

    15 Top Tips for Using LinkedIn for your Business

    To find out more about setting up your company page you might like to watch the LinkedIn training video below:

  • 4 Great Restaurants near the Harrogate International Centre

    Restaurants near Harrogate International Centre

    I have exhibited at trade shows in Harrogate for many years and have tried all sorts of restaurants near the Harrogate International Centre during that time. The list that follows is not exhaustive as there are plenty of good restaurants in Harrogate, these are just a handful that I enjoyed eating at and hope that you do too.

    Giannis Brio Restaurant Harrogate

    Gianni's Brio Restaurant & Pizzeria

    The staff are lovely in this large Italian, which is a popular restaurant near the Harrogate International Centre (it's right across the road). They even prepared a spaghetti aioli for me, which is my favourite and wasn't on their menu. Service is swift, attentive and the food is lovely. It's family friendly and there are plenty of options for vegeterians.

    Click here to book a table on Brio's website

    Bed Restaurant Harrogate

    Bed

    It's a little bit saucy arranging to meet people for dinner in Bed and it's a fun place to eat. The atmosphere is positively buzzzing across all three floors across the road from the Harrogate International Centre. The food is tasty English fayre and there are some good options for veggies as well as a delicious chocolate brownie waiting for you at the end. 

    Visit Bed's website by clicking here

    Timberlakes Restaurant Harrogate

    Timberlakes Bistro

    Simple British cooking in an intimate restaurant that's very popular. The menu offers freshly prepared food made from local produce with vegeterians and gluten free diets catered for by the accomplished husband wand wife team that run it. It's a short and very worthwhile walk from the Harrogate International Centre and worth booking in advance.

    Check out Timberlakes menu online

    Sukhothai Restaurant Harrogate

    Sukhothai

    This Thai restaurant is really near the Harrogate International Centre and one of the nicest in Harrogate. Part of a small popular independent Yorkshire chain of Thai restaurants, the food is really tasty, there are plenty of fresh options for vegeterians and the staff are very sweet. A good choice if you like Thai food.

    Book a table at Sukhothai by clicking here

    See Blue Eyed Sun in Harrogate at Home and Gift trade show on Stand H61 - 13-16 July 2014

    Can't make the trade show? Click here to request access all of our designs online.

    If you like this blog post, you might also like these:

    5 Great Restaurants near the NEC in Birmingham

    5 Good restaurants near the Business Design Centre in London

    5 Great Restaurants near Earls Court Exhibition Centres in London

  • Blue Eyed Sun's Everyday Summer 2013 Supplement is out now

    Blue Eyed Sun Everyday Supplement 2013

    Blue Eyed Sun's Everyday 2013 Supplement of gorgeous handmade greeting cards for design-led retailers is out now. If you are a current customer, your copy was mailed to you this week so do look out for it.

    It features our stunning new hand stitched Gorgeous cards additions, half a dozen new designs in our best selling Vintage range and all of our latest, best selling everyday handmade cards. With over forty stunning new creations to choose from we reckon it's one of the best selections of designs we've ever produced and we can't wait to hear what you think.

    All of our new designs are available to order online, through the brochure, at our next trade shows and via our UK Sales Agents.

    You can see all of our current ranges in person this Sunday 14th to Wednesday 17th July in Harrogate at Home & Gift.

    Click here to find out more about Blue Eyed Sun's stand H90 at Home & Gift.

    To request for more information or a copy of Blue Eyed Sun's new brochure please click here.

  • The Retas Greeting Card Retailer Award Winners and Finalists 2013

    The Retas Awards Winners 2013

    Congratulations to all of the finalists and winners of the Retas Awards 2013 celebrating Greeting Card Retailing in the UK. We would especially like to thank all of you who stock our cards! We consider ourselves very privileged to be serving such a fine host of retailers. For those of you we are not supplying, what are you waiting for?! Click here to stock us.

    Our lovely customer Paperchase wins The Reta for Greeting Card Retailer of the Year

    The Retas Awards Winners 2013 are:

    Just Write, Wood Green & North Finchley, won Best Independent Greeting Card Retailer - London (Inside M25)
    Finalists:
    B Cards, Forest Hill
    Greetings, East Dulwich
    New Frames, Soho

    The Stationery & Gift Boutique, Ampthill, won Best Independent Greeting Card Retailer - Home Counties

    Finalists:

    Bearing Gifts, Horsham

    Best Wishes, Bishops Waltham

    The Gift & Card Co, Lewes

    The Village Gallery, Hook

     
     

    Love It, Bury St. Edmunds & Stamford, won Best Independent Greeting Card Retailer - East Anglia

    Finalists:
    Natural Edge, Leigh-on-Sea
    Sincerely Yours, Shenfield
    Simply Cards, Beccles
    Snape Maltings, Near Aldeburgh
    The Card Collection, Bath, Salisbury, Oxford & Hereford won Best Independent Greeting Card Retailer - South West
    Finalists:
    Forget Me Not, Stubbington
    Hallmark & Thorntons, Shaftsbury & Blandford Forum
    Sentiments, Burnham-on-Sea
    Tidings, Cirencester
     
    RSVP Greetings, Porthcawl & Caldicot won Best Independent Greeting Card Retailer - Wales and the Midlands
    Finalists:
    Best Wishes, Ashbourne
    Celebrations, Stourbridge
    Sugar 'n' Spice, Sutton Coldfield
    Unit 7 Cards & Gifts, Birmingham & Manchester
     
    Dragonfly Cards & Gifts, Knaresborough won Best Independent Greeting Card Retailer - North and Northern Ireland
    Finalists:
    Hallmark, Belfast, Lisburn & Portadown
    Magpie Cards, Nantwich
    Mantons, Isle of Man
    Something Special, Widnes & Rainhill
     
    Bijou, Elgin won Best Independent Greeting Card Retailer - Scotland
    Finalists:
    Conochies, Lerwick
    J & G Innes, St. Andrews
    Kairds, Kirkwall
    Marshmallow, Cumbernauld
     
    Gill Morrison, Sales Advisor for Fenwick Brent Cross, London is Greeting Card Retail Employee of the Year
    Finalists:
    Kitt Bellamy, manager for Greetings Galore, Bristol
    Glen Gibbs, team leader for stationery, The Wisley Shop, Woking
    Lauren Keen, manageress for Sentiments, Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset
    Lisa Gilbert, manager of House of Cards, Tring
    Rachel Neilson, manager for Unit 7 Cards & Gifts, Manchester
    Susanna Rodriguez-Ortega, senior sales assistant for New Frames, Soho, London
     
    SWALK, Lindfield won Best Greeting Card Retailer Newcomer - South
    Finalists:
    i candy Cards and Gifts, Hatfield & Ilford
    Maddy Moos, Totton
    Paper Gangsta, Bristol
    Someone Special, West Wickham
    Wish, Leeds won Best Greeting Card Retailer Newcomer - North
    Finalists:
    Austin & Co, Malvern
    Don't Forget Cards and Gifts, Accrington
    N V us cards, Newark
    The Wishing Tree, Codsall
     
     
    The Wisley Shop, RHS Wisley, Woking won Best Non-Specialist Independent Retailer of Greeting Cards

    Finalists:
    Armstrong Ward, Kendal
    Frame of Mind, Illminster & Wellington
    Homewares and Gifts, Brentwood
    Watlington Post Office, Watlington

     
    House of Cards - 7 shops in the South of England won Best Greeting Card Small Multiple
    Finalists:
    Between The Lines - 12 shops in the South East
    Funky Pigeon - 16 shops in London
    I & A Group - 7 shops in Scotland
    M & P Cards and From The Heart - 6 shops in the South of  England
     
    De Gruchys, Jersey won Best Department Store Retailer of Greeting Cards

    Finalists:
    Daniel Department Store, Windsor
    Fenwick, Brent Cross
    John Lewis, Oxford Street
    Liberty, London

     
    Tesco won Best Supermarket Retailer of Greeting Cards
    Finalists:
    Asda
    Morrisons
    Sainsbury's
    Waitrose
     
    National Trust - 200+ stores (inc. 15 high street shops) nationwide won Best Non-Specialist Multiple Retailer of Greeting Cards

    Finalists:
    Gee Tee's - 5 stores in the North
    Huttons - 9 shops in London & the South East
    Joy - 22 shops nationwide
    WHSmith - 586 travel outlets and 611 high street stores nationwide
     
    Paperchase - 100+ branches won Best Specialist Multiple Retailer of Greeting Cards

    Finalists:
    Card Bar - 24 stores
    Cards Galore - 50+ branches
    Clintons - 350+ branches
    Paper Kisses/ Card Zone/ Special Occasions - 65 branches
    Scribbler - 24 branches
    Card Factory - 596 stores
     
    Garden & Leisure won Best Garden Centre Retailer of Greeting Cards

    Finalists:
    Frosts, Woburn Sands
    Brookfields Garden Centre, Nottingham
    Ruxley Manor Garden Centre, Sidcup
    Whitehall Garden Centre, Laycock & Whitchurch
     
    B Cards, London - for its Totally Locally Forest Hill and Fiver Fest activity won Best Greeting Card Retailer Initiative
    Finalists:

     

    Postmark, London - for its Postal Promotion
    Celebrate, Scunthorpe - for its Desperate Dan Day
    The Secret Garden, Borough Green - for its marketing programme including its Letter to Santa initiative
    To Be Established, London - for its annual Breast Cancer Charity Event

     
    Crosswear Trading, Enfield won Best Greeting Card Service Based Wholesaler
    Budget Greeting Cards - 7 branches throughout the UK & Ireland
    Eltham Greeting Cards, Eltham
    Jacksons, Sheffield
    Rupert Magnus Trading, Acton
     

     

    NB: Wherever possible the names of the shops are clickable for you to be able to see finalists website and social media links.

    Now in their ninth year, The Retas Awards are established in recognition of the tremendous contribution that retailers - both large and small - make to the success of the greeting card industry. Launched by Progressive Greetings magazine in 2005, The Retas recognise and celebrate not only the top independent and multiple greeting card retailers regionally and nationally, but also the new generation of retailers as well as employees of outstanding excellence.

    This year the Retas Awards, the ‘Oscars’ of greeting card retailing, were held at at a Roaring Twenties themed luncheon at at The Dorchester Hotel on Wednesday 10 July, where the winners of 2013 were announced. Congratulations to all of the winners and finalists!

Items 321 to 330 of 411 total

Page:
  1. 1
  2. ...
  3. 31
  4. 32
  5. 33
  6. 34
  7. 35
  8. ...
  9. 42