Attire Accessories - May/Jun 2018 (Issue 70)

18 ATTIRE BTAA News Chief executive Diana Blair brings us all the latest developments from the British Travelgoods & Accessories Association members INTERNATIONAL TIES The BTAA Chief Executive recently had the honour of being invited to the International Travel Goods Show (TGS), sponsored by the Travel Goods Association; our American counterparts.The show was held between 27 th February to 1 st March, 2018 at the Las Vegas Convention Centre, Las Vegas. TGS is one of the largest travel goods exhibitions in the world, boasting more than 300 exhibitors and a high calibre of visitors and buyers.The show also brings together travel goods retailers and manufacturers, as well as debuting many brand new and innovative travel products. TGS attracts some of the most powerful consumer influencers.These include travel journalists, television correspondents and online personalities, generating dozens of media hits for the industry, in the USA. For the first time this year, the TGS featured Launch Pods, which are designed to attract start-up companies with new travel products – from luggage that transforms into an electric scooter, to portable shelves that slot into a passenger’s flight window. The prestigious TGS Awards recognises individuals, companies and products that are changing travel and making the world a more portable place.The awards celebrate the most revolutionary new items with the Product Innovation Award, honours altruistic engagement with the Community Service Award, and also celebrates the winners of the Buzz Award and Best Booth Award. BTAA Chief Executive, Diana Blair commented, “As my first visit to an international trade show dedicated to the luggage, travel goods and accessories industry, it was really encouraging to see the enthusiasm shown by all exhibitors to be at the show, as well as the wide range of innovative products that were on display. Having the opportunity to meet with the Travel Goods Association President, Michele Pittenger and the Travel Goods Show Vice President, Cathy Hays, has begun the BTAA’s journey in strengthening its international ties.” The BTAA is excited regarding the newly formed partnership with the Travel Goods Association and is looking forward to working together for the benefit of our industry and to facilitate BTAA members wishing to explore exporting opportunities. A full report on the TGS will be available at btaa.org.uk . For those interested in exhibiting at the 2019 Travel Goods Show, contact the BTAA at info@btaa.org.uk FLYING THE FLAG British Jewellery & Giftware International is the department of the British Allied Trade Federation (BATF) that helps members to export and is the Federation that the British Travelgoods & Accessories Association sits within. We feel it is more important than ever to invest in sales opportunities – exporting represents a vital lifeline for many companies, and it is imperative that companies continue to pursue exports. A good base of international customers gives a company a broader sales base and offers better protection against economic volatility. The value of sterling makes British goods more affordable and competitive, but overseas exhibition stands more expensive. However, there are support schemes available for UK businesses, with one of these schemes provided by the Department for International Trade – the Trade Show Access Programme (TAP). The Tradeshow Access Programme provides funding in the form of grants for eligible businesses to attend overseas trade shows. TAP grants have been confirmed for the following shows: • Hong Kong Gift & Premium Fair, 27 th -30 th April, 2018 – grants set at £2,500 • National Stationery Show, 20 th -23r d May, 2018 – grants set at £1,000 • NY NOW, 12 th -15 th August, 2018 – grants set at £2,000 • Ambiente, Frankfurt, 8 th -12 th February, 2019 – grants set at £1,500 • NY NOW, 3 rd -6 th February, 2019 (tentative dates) – grants set at £2,000 For more information about funding and how British Jewellery & Giftware International and the Department for International Trade can help you to export, please contact Rebecca Gough on Rebecca.gough@batf.uk.com or by calling +44 (0)121 237 1119. LEATHER MATTERS With more than two decades of experience in manufacturing, Firelog has become one of the most recognised and respected names in the leather industry. The company sources and works with only the very best leathers to produce immaculately-made products. Firelog crafts some of the finest leather bags and accessories on the market, including everything from stylish holdalls and travel bags through to clutch bags, purses and bespoke corporate pieces. Quality remains at the heart of everything the company does and providing complete customer satisfaction inspires it to create new and exciting ranges every season. The products are made to withstand the rigours of everyday use while retaining its supple texture and classic style.The company offers a bespoke and corporate service and can work according to your budget.