Press Room: 07 Jul 10
PEOPLE
Pushpa has a baby girl
Long-term stalwart of The GA team, Pushpa Patel, has given birth to a daughter - Maya. The baby who is already something of a show stopper, was born at 8.04 am on 4 June, weighing in at a healthy 7lb 2oz. Pushpa told giftwrap that she is loving being a Mum and that the early days are going by extremely quickly.
Emily Charlotte Betson wins GA prize at Pewter Live
Emily Charlotte Betson, a student at Sussex Coast College Hastings has been praised for “the potential commercial viability” of the design that won her The Giftware Association’s Pewter Gift prize at Pewter Live, the annual design competition staged by The Worshipful Company of Pewterers.
Speaking after the judging which took place at Pewterers’ Hall, in the City of London in June, GA chief executive, Isabel Martinson, said that Emily’s clutch handbags, made of sheet pewter with images of children’s book covers, stood out for reflecting the current trend for nostalgic and personalised fashion accessories. This year’s Pewter Live awards were presented by internationally renowned designer, retailer and Chairman of Christie’s Viscount David Linley.
Malin Ohlsson, a student at Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College, was Highly Commended by The Giftware Association for her Alice in Wonderland inspired ‘Tea for 2’ pewter cake stand.
‘Hero’ Bryn wins Honorary Achievement Award
The Giftware Association’s Honorary Achievement Award at ‘The Greats’ Award ceremony found a truly worthy recipient this year - Bryn Parry, of Bryn Parry Studios and founder of the charity ‘Help for Heroes’.
Bryn, an ex-army officer turned cartoonist, artist and gift producer was described by Michael Sweeney, chairman of The GA, who presented him with the award, as “an exceptional person who has not only contributed to the gift industry, but also to a much wider community. “This special individual is a real ‘doer’, a true master of the gift of giving – someone whose actions speak louder than mere words themselves; someone who has strong beliefs deep within and acts upon them,” he said.
Michael told the audience how, following a visit to Selly Oak Hospital, with his wife Emma, three years ago, Bryn took the decision to launch ’Help for Heroes’ an outstanding charitable initiative that provides practical, monetary support for British men and women wounded in the line of duty during the current conflicts.
In less than three years the charity has raised over £50m for Britain’s war wounded to enable them to receive the very best care and every single penny raised by the charity through its merchandise, and its initiatives – which range from coffee mornings around the country to major events – goes back into the Help for Heroes coffers to support the injured.
In his presentation address Michael Sweeney described Bryn as a man with true entrepreneurial spirit who has seen the industry from a number of sides – as an artist, retailer and supplier. “He has demonstrated a passionate belief and commitment to those less fortunate than ourselves, giving up much personal time and almost putting to one side his own business to launch one of the fastest growing charities ever established. He gives a new meaning to the word ‘hero’”, he said.
GA team cycling to Help Heroes
GA chief executive Isabel Martinson and chairman Michael Sweeney are to get on their bikes for the charity ‘Help for Heroes’ – which so ably supports members of the armed forces injured in Afghanistan and other current conflicts.
The two have pledged to cycle 350 miles around Belgium in just seven days (about 70 miles a day) and are currently in the process of getting fit. Their ‘A Bridge too Far – Arnhem Bike Ride’ will take place from 13-19th September, 2010 and they are hoping that members of The GA will support them in this extremely worthwhile venture.
Izzy, who herself served in the Royal Navy for over twenty years, comes from a strong military line and many members of her family including her husband, brothers, father, uncles, aunts and cousins have all seen, or are currently in service.
“You may ask why I’m doing this,” she told giftwrap. “Well my gorgeous brother Christian was murdered by terrorists in the Bali bombing in 2002 at the tender age of 30. He had been an Army Officer and I know he would be supporting this cause if he were still alive. So I’m doing this challenge in memory of him.”
Michael Sweeney has taken up the challenge having met Bryn Parry - the founder of Help for Heroes - at the recent Greats Awards where he presented him with The GA’s Honorary Achievement Award for his outstanding work in this respect.
“I feel it is the very least I can do to give up some of my time to help raise money for the many young men and women who have lost limbs and have suffered other serious injuries fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, and are having to cope and adjust to a different way of life. I have no idea how fit/unfit I am, but the random training sessions I will be able to fit in around my working life should improve matters over the coming months,” he says.
There are corporate sponsorship opportunities available to companies wishing to raise their profile further by supporting Izzy and Michael’s participation in this challenge – see details here. To discuss further please e-mail: Isabel.martinson@ga-uk.org, call her on 0121 237 1103 or see her at Harrogate via the GA stand in Hall A, 26.
To support Izzy and Mike please go to www.justgiving.com/Isabel-martinson and www.justgiving.com/chairmanmichael
A big ‘thank you’ to Mike Burgess
Mike Burgess, MD of Parlane International, stepped down from his role as Chairman of The GA at the ‘Away Day’ in May after two hectic, and not always easy, years in the role.
Michael Sweeney, the in-coming chairman, took the opportunity to thank him on behalf of everyone in the gift and home industry all of whom have, knowingly or unknowingly, benefitted from his stewardship and vision.
This is what he said:
“As Mike Burgess becomes Deputy Chairman we cannot let this opportunity pass without acknowledging his enormous achievements over the last two years.
Mike has been a recognised leader in the gift and home industry for over 40 years and his development of Parlane as a ‘stand-out’ brand for style, quality and commercial success is an inspiration.
Originally qualified as a designer he joined The GA 45 years ago when he was a retail buyer. His experience of being involved in different aspects of the gift and home industry, including running a market stall, being a window dresser for Lewis’ in Manchester, a sales rep for large and small companies, wholesaling, importing and exporting has been an enormous asset to The GA and he was an obvious choice to be elected as Chairman. His wide experience means that he has a deep knowledge and understanding of the very diverse nature of the companies involved in our industry and the differing needs of our members. He can relate to and engender the respect of the largest commercial businesses and the individual craftworker. During his time as Chairman he has attracted some significant players into the Association as well as offering generous support to young companies just starting up.
His passionate belief in the value of being a member of The GA has been infectious. He has been tireless in promoting The GA as a huge family of like minded entrepreneurs, who learn from each other and exchange ideas, problems and solutions. He has particularly stressed the unbiased and professional nature of the association and confidential reassurance that can be found at the end of the phone.
He has provided strong leadership to the industry during the deepest recession known to many and his positive approach to the challenges that have faced us over the last couple of years has been an excellent example to all. While the industry has seen some consolidation, which inevitably impacted on GA membership, he has led something of a revival and we have started this year with growth.
That he has achieved all he has for The GA while simultaneously taking private ownership of Parlane and further growing that business into a worldwide recognised brand is quite astonishing.
In spite of working crazy hours and travelling the world for many months of the year, he has very evidently relished his time as Chairman, particularly helping others towards success.
Please join me in applauding Mike for his great contribution to The GA.”
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