Press Release: September 2009

TNTG Reports Strong Sales Growth and Announces Bradford Show.

The Needlework Trade Group has reported strong growth in sales following their summer 2009 shows in Falkirk, Warwick and Harrogate, confirming numerous reports that confidence is returning to the needlework retail sector.

Group organiser Simon Welsh of SoloCrafts is particularly pleased with the performance of the group's shows; "There are clear signs of an upturn in the needlework industry, particularly among the smaller independent retailers whose spending was pretty restrained earlier in the year. Our Harrogate show at the end of August was our most successful yet, and the overall picture is looking much more encouraging."

The group is now looking forward to a new show in Bradford in June 2010. This will be the first time the group has organised a two-day show. "The Bradford show is very exciting for us," explained group member Kate Midgley of Cleopatra's Needle. "Our last visit to Yorkshire, in Harrogate, was really positive and if the sector continues to grow like it has over the past couple of months then Bradford should be fantastic."

The TNTG shows, on June 20th and 21st at the Cedar Court Hotel, coincide with The UK Hand Knitting Association's shows at the same venue, giving craft retailers the opportunity to visit two shows in one weekend. "Obviously the needlecraft and knitting sectors have plenty in common, but don't really tread on each other's toes," explained Simon Welsh. "Having two shows running in tandem makes it more productive for everyone involved, whether they're exhibitors or retailers."

Further information about the show programme for 2010 and pre-registration details can be found by visiting www.theneedleworktradegroup.co.uk or by calling 01263 735852.

Press Release: July 6th 2009

TNTG Scottish Show A Great Success

The Needlework Trade Group's first Scottish trade show was held in Falkirk on July 5th and was hailed as a great success by both exhibitors and retailers.

Group organiser Simon Welsh of SoloCrafts was very happy with the show's sales figures. "It would have probably taken a week of travelling to achieve a similar sales result, and we wouldn't have been able to take the same displays and product samples with us," he explained. "More importantly, it gave us the opportunity to speak to customers without interruptions. We'd definitely like to come back to Scotland for a future show."

Kate Midgley, Director of Cleopatra's Needle was particularly pleased by the friendly nature of the show. "It was almost as much a social event as a trade show. We work in a generally very friendly industry, but that sometimes gets a little lost at the larger trade shows. It's great to have a show where everyone's meeting up with old and new friends."

Retailer June Stevenson of Nifty Needles in Linlithgow was similarly enthusiastic. "It was a brilliant show at a good venue, and with an excellent lunch provided too. We thoroughly enjoyed it, and we won a prize too, which really was the icing on the cake!"

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Press Release: April 30th 2009

The Needlework Trade Group Announces Three Summer Shows

Following highly successful shows in Gatwick and Bristol earlier this year, The Needlework Trade Group have announced three more shows across the UK this summer. The group will be bringing their trade show to the Inchyra Grange Hotel near Falkirk on July 5th, followed by shows in Warwick on August 2nd and Harrogate on August 23rd.

"We're really excited to be bringing our trade show to Scotland for the first time," said group member Simon Welsh of SoloCrafts. "It's also going to be our first visit to Harrogate, and we're particularly happy to return to The Honiley Court Hotel in Warwick. It was the second venue the group ever visited, and the feedback was so positive we had to go back again this year. We're looking forward to another great show there."

One of the main features of the shows will be the prize draws; four lucky buyers at each show will win prizes of £500 worth of needlework stock. "The prizes have been very popular at previous shows," explains Sid Swalwell of Derwentwater Designs. "We're very happy that we're continuing with them."

The group will be sending out invitations during May and June, and details of each show are available on the group's new website, www.theneedleworktradegroup.co.uk, or by calling Simon Welsh at SoloCrafts on 01263 735852.