Today we’re joined by the wonderful Faye Whitley, inventor and founder of Beevive and all round bee expert and activist! We first came across Faye and her product through the Gift of the Year awards where Faye was a finalist for multiple categories and made her mark by wearing a different outfit to each of the ceremonies! Beehive is a keyring that contains a lifesaving serum for tired bees. Learn all about it here on The Product-Cast!-----------------------Welcome to the Product-Cast, aka the Prod-Cast, brought to you by Gift of the Year and supported by the Giftware Association. The podcast shines a spotlight on the UK’s thriving gift industry, providing insight into all aspects of the creative and sales process, from concept to retail and everything in between.Each week you will meet a new key player from retail or supply and learn about their role within their business, their insights on the industry and, of course, to talk about their entry or previous winner in the Gift of the Year awards.The Prod-Cast is hosted by Alex Ryan - a marketing consultant and a gift/product marketing expert having spent 6 years as Head of Marketing at Paladone Products Ltd before launching his own agency, Marketing 101.The Gift of the Year awards are the most highly respected industry accolades, aimed at recognising the best new products, talent and inspiration in our industry each year.The Giftware Association is at the heart of the UK's gift and home industry with 70 unique years' experience. Listening to your needs and finding solutions to your problems. We can help you make money, save money and save time with our knowledge and contacts within the industry.LINKS;Guest; BeeviveFaye Whitley Host; The Product-Cast (website) The Giftware Association Gift of the Year Alex Ryan, Consultant Marketing 101, Agency The Gift StopInstagram;  BeeviveGift of the YearThe Giftware Association 

In this episode we welcome Julie and Karin from Hyve Group, the company behind some of the world's biggest events and trade shows, including landmarks of the gift industry, Spring & Autumn Fair. Today however, we only lightly touch on those events as we were keen to focus on their brand new wholesale market place that launched in May. It's been a roaring success so far, and no surprise - Hyve hold great trust within the industry and are perfectly positioned to match buyers to suppliers. -----------------------Welcome to the Product-Cast, aka the Prod-Cast, brought to you by Gift of the Year and supported by the Giftware Association. The podcast shines a spotlight on the UK’s thriving gift industry, providing insight into all aspects of the creative and sales process, from concept to retail and everything in between.Each week you will meet a new key player from retail or supply and learn about their role within their business, their insights on the industry and, of course, to talk about their entry or previous winner in the Gift of the Year awards.The Prod-Cast is hosted by Alex Ryan - a marketing consultant and a gift/product marketing expert having spent 6 years as Head of Marketing at Paladone Products Ltd before launching his own agency, Marketing 101.The Gift of the Year awards are the most highly respected industry accolades, aimed at recognising the best new products, talent and inspiration in our industry each year.The Giftware Association is at the heart of the UK's gift and home industry with 70 unique years' experience. Listening to your needs and finding solutions to your problems. We can help you make money, save money and save time with our knowledge and contacts within the industry.LINKS;Guest; Hyve GroupAutumn FairJulie DriscollKarin HausmannHost; The Product-Cast (website) The Giftware Association Gift of the Year Alex Ryan, Consultant Marketing 101, Agency The Gift StopInstagram;  Hyve GroupAutumn FairGift of the YearThe Giftware Association 

Today we welcome Stephen Spencer onto the Prod-Cast for a wonderful talk and some brilliant tips all about customer experience. Also a regular at The Gift Stop, Stephen has great insight into customer behaviours and how to treat them both online and in physical stores. We also learn all about Stephen's fascinating career prior to setting up his current business, including the launch of the first ever gift shop at Buckingham Palace!----------------------- Welcome to the Product-Cast, aka the Prod-Cast, brought to you by Gift of the Year and supported by the Giftware Association. The podcast shines a spotlight on the UK’s thriving gift industry, providing insight into all aspects of the creative and sales process, from concept to retail and everything in between.Each week you will meet a new key player from retail or supply and learn about their role within their business, their insights on the industry and, of course, to talk about their entry or previous winner in the Gift of the Year awards.The Prod-Cast is hosted by Alex Ryan - a marketing consultant and a gift/product marketing expert having spent 6 years as Head of Marketing at Paladone Products Ltd before launching his own agency, Marketing 101.The Gift of the Year awards are the most highly respected industry accolades, aimed at recognising the best new products, talent and inspiration in our industry each year.The Giftware Association is at the heart of the UK's gift and home industry with 70 unique years' experience. Listening to your needs and finding solutions to your problems. We can help you make money, save money and save time with our knowledge and contacts within the industry.LINKS;Guest; Stephen Spencer + Associates websiteStephen Spencer LinkedinHost; The Product-Cast (website) The Giftware Association Gift of the Year Alex Ryan, Consultant Marketing 101, Agency The Gift StopInstagram;  Stephen Spencer + AssociatesGift of the YearThe Giftware Association 

Recorded back in March 2020, today we welcome the wonderful Heather Watherstone, former MD of Lagoon Group and founder of Gift of the Year winner Whiz Kid Games. Hear about her journey through freelancing to joining Lagoon Group, growing that business over 2 decades before making the move to go it alone with Whiz Kid Games and their educational, environmentally friendly product offering.  -----------------------   Welcome to the Product-Cast, aka the Prod-Cast, brought to you by Gift of the Year and supported by the Giftware Association. The podcast shines a spotlight on the UK’s thriving gift industry, providing insight into all aspects of the creative and sales process, from concept to retail and everything in between.Each week you will meet a new key player from retail or supply and learn about their role within their business, their insights on the industry and, of course, to talk about their entry or previous winner in the Gift of the Year awards.The Prod-Cast is hosted by Alex Ryan - a marketing consultant and a gift/product marketing expert having spent 6 years as Head of Marketing at Paladone Products Ltd before launching his own agency, Marketing 101.The Gift of the Year awards are the most highly respected industry accolades, aimed at recognising the best new products, talent and inspiration in our industry each year.The Giftware Association is at the heart of the UK's gift and home industry with 70 unique years' experience. Listening to your needs and finding solutions to your problems. We can help you make money, save money and save time with our knowledge and contacts within the industry.LINKS;Guest; Whiz Kid GamesHeather WatherstoneHost; The Product-Cast (website) The Giftware Association Gift of the Year Alex Ryan, Consultant Marketing 101, Agency Instagram;  Whiz Kid GamesGift of the YearThe Giftware Association 

In this episode we're joined by Catherine Edly, founder of the Resilient Retail Club. We learn all about the path Catherine took to end up launching her business (including some time spend living in the USA) and, of course, all about the RRC -  a group dedicated to the growth of product businesses, from start-ups to SMEs. We also discuss the significant change in buyer behaviours throughout the C19 pandemic. Enjoy!  ------  Welcome to the Product-Cast, aka the Prod-Cast, brought to you by Gift of the Year and supported by the Giftware Association. The podcast shines a spotlight on the UK’s thriving gift industry, providing insight into all aspects of the creative and sales process, from concept to retail and everything in between.Each week you will meet a new key player from retail or supply and learn about their role within their business, their insights on the industry and, of course, to talk about their entry or previous winner in the Gift of the Year awards.The Prod-Cast is hosted by Alex Ryan - a marketing consultant and a gift/product marketing expert having spent 6 years as Head of Marketing at Paladone Products Ltd before launching his own agency, Marketing 101.The Gift of the Year awards are the most highly respected industry accolades, aimed at recognising the best new products, talent and inspiration in our industry each year.The Giftware Association is at the heart of the UK's gift and home industry with 70 unique years' experience. Listening to your needs and finding solutions to your problems. We can help you make money, save money and save time with our knowledge and contacts within the industry.LINKS;Guest; Resilient Retail ClubCatherine ErdlyHost; The Product-Cast (website) The Giftware Association Gift of the Year Alex Ryan, Consultant Marketing 101, Agency Instagram;  Resilient Retail ClubGift of the YearThe Giftware Association 

Today we're joined by the wonderful Louise Welsby, MD and Chief Motivator of creative agency Buy-From. We hear about Louise's fascinating career before Buy-From, the life-changing events that turned Louise in a new direction, and the way in which she has gone about setting up a business in which she is incredibly proud to work.  ------  Welcome to the Product-Cast, aka the Prod-Cast, brought to you by Gift of the Year and supported by the Giftware Association. The podcast shines a spotlight on the UK’s thriving gift industry, providing insight into all aspects of the creative and sales process, from concept to retail and everything in between.Each week you will meet a new key player from retail or supply and learn about their role within their business, their insights on the industry and, of course, to talk about their entry or previous winner in the Gift of the Year awards.The Prod-Cast is hosted by Alex Ryan - a marketing consultant and a gift/product marketing expert having spent 6 years as Head of Marketing at Paladone Products Ltd before launching his own agency, Marketing 101.The Gift of the Year awards are the most highly respected industry accolades, aimed at recognising the best new products, talent and inspiration in our industry each year.The Giftware Association is at the heart of the UK's gift and home industry with 70 unique years' experience. Listening to your needs and finding solutions to your problems. We can help you make money, save money and save time with our knowledge and contacts within the industry.LINKS;Guest; Buy-FromGareth RobertsonHost; The Product-Cast (website) The Giftware Association Gift of the Year Alex Ryan, Consultant Marketing 101, Agency Instagram;  Buy-FromGift of the YearThe Giftware Association 

Today we get creative with Design Pit and it's super-cool founder Gareth Robertson. With a unique perspective on the industry AND design, we learn about how Gareth ended up setting up  Design Pit, the wonders of packaging design, the importance of keeping a varied clientele, the key to happiness,  and I thoroughly enjoy hearing about his discomfort with the job title Creative Director that he chose for his Linkedin profile -  "Creative Directors don't drive pick-up trucks..." Enjoy!------  Welcome to the Product-Cast, aka the Prod-Cast, brought to you by Gift of the Year and supported by the Giftware Association. The podcast shines a spotlight on the UK’s thriving gift industry, providing insight into all aspects of the creative and sales process, from concept to retail and everything in between.Each week you will meet a new key player from retail or supply and learn about their role within their business, their insights on the industry and, of course, to talk about their entry or previous winner in the Gift of the Year awards.The Prod-Cast is hosted by Alex Ryan - a marketing consultant and a gift/product marketing expert having spent 6 years as Head of Marketing at Paladone Products Ltd before launching his own agency, Marketing 101.The Gift of the Year awards are the most highly respected industry accolades, aimed at recognising the best new products, talent and inspiration in our industry each year.The Giftware Association is at the heart of the UK's gift and home industry with 70 unique years' experience. Listening to your needs and finding solutions to your problems. We can help you make money, save money and save time with our knowledge and contacts within the industry.LINKS;Guest; Design PitGareth RobertsonHost; The Product-Cast (website) The Giftware Association Gift of the Year Alex Ryan, Consultant Marketing 101, Agency Instagram;  Design PitGift of the YearThe Giftware Association 

In this episode we're joined by the truly wonderful Therese Oertenblad, owner of the Small Business Collaborative and super active member of our wonderful community. Therese originally worked on the retail side with businesses like NPW, Sweet William and Paperstyle Books before deciding to go it alone as a business consultant, coach and mentor. As a true champion  of small businesses Therese has a fascinating take on various parts of our industry, including, of course, the current hot topic - trade shows!  ------  Welcome to the Product-Cast, aka the Prod-Cast, brought to you by Gift of the Year and supported by the Giftware Association. The podcast shines a spotlight on the UK’s thriving gift industry, providing insight into all aspects of the creative and sales process, from concept to retail and everything in between.Each week you will meet a new key player from retail or supply and learn about their role within their business, their insights on the industry and, of course, to talk about their entry or previous winner in the Gift of the Year awards.The Prod-Cast is hosted by Alex Ryan - a marketing consultant and a gift/product marketing expert having spent 6 years as Head of Marketing at Paladone Products Ltd before launching his own agency, Marketing 101.The Gift of the Year awards are the most highly respected industry accolades, aimed at recognising the best new products, talent and inspiration in our industry each year.The Giftware Association is at the heart of the UK's gift and home industry with 70 unique years' experience. Listening to your needs and finding solutions to your problems. We can help you make money, save money and save time with our knowledge and contacts within the industry.LINKS;Guest; Small Business CollaborativeTherese OertenbladHost; The Product-Cast (website) The Giftware Association Gift of the Year Alex Ryan, Consultant Marketing 101, Agency Instagram;  Small Business CollaborativeGift of the YearThe Giftware Association 

Today we meet a gentlemen on a very exciting journey - Greg Fraser, founder of The Bottled Baking Co. Whilst the business was first set up about 5 years ago, it's seen an incredible amount of growth in the last year, to the point at with Greg is now having to revisit the balance between his full-time day job and his baking business. We'll hear all about the struggles of work-life/work-life balance and Greg's plans for the future!  ------  Welcome to the Product-Cast, aka the Prod-Cast, brought to you by Gift of the Year and supported by the Giftware Association. The podcast shines a spotlight on the UK’s thriving gift industry, providing insight into all aspects of the creative and sales process, from concept to retail and everything in between.Each week you will meet a new key player from retail or supply and learn about their role within their business, their insights on the industry and, of course, to talk about their entry or previous winner in the Gift of the Year awards.The Prod-Cast is hosted by Alex Ryan - a marketing consultant and a gift/product marketing expert having spent 6 years as Head of Marketing at Paladone Products Ltd before launching his own agency, Marketing 101.The Gift of the Year awards are the most highly respected industry accolades, aimed at recognising the best new products, talent and inspiration in our industry each year.The Giftware Association is at the heart of the UK's gift and home industry with 70 unique years' experience. Listening to your needs and finding solutions to your problems. We can help you make money, save money and save time with our knowledge and contacts within the industry.LINKS;Guest; The Bottled Baking CoGreg FraserHost; The Product-Cast (website) The Giftware Association Gift of the Year Alex Ryan, Consultant Marketing 101, Agency Instagram;  The Bottled Baking CoGift of the YearThe Giftware Association 

The Giving and Living trade show is a true staple of the gift industry's calendar and focal point for coastal and tourism products. In this episode we meet MD Mike Anderson to behind-the-scenes and learn all about the small team that deliver such an impactful event. We get the low-down on the upcoming online event (10-12th May), get a full overview of the usual, real world event (for those of you that haven't previously attended) and we also learn a bit about Mike's non-work life, including his small-holding of pigs! ------  Welcome to the Product-Cast, aka the Prod-Cast, brought to you by Gift of the Year and supported by the Giftware Association. The podcast shines a spotlight on the UK’s thriving gift industry, providing insight into all aspects of the creative and sales process, from concept to retail and everything in between.Each week you will meet a new key player from retail or supply and learn about their role within their business, their insights on the industry and, of course, to talk about their entry or previous winner in the Gift of the Year awards.The Prod-Cast is hosted by Alex Ryan - a marketing consultant and a gift/product marketing expert having spent 6 years as Head of Marketing at Paladone Products Ltd before launching his own agency, Marketing 101.The Gift of the Year awards are the most highly respected industry accolades, aimed at recognising the best new products, talent and inspiration in our industry each year.The Giftware Association is at the heart of the UK's gift and home industry with 70 unique years' experience. Listening to your needs and finding solutions to your problems. We can help you make money, save money and save time with our knowledge and contacts within the industry.LINKS;Guest; Giving & LivingMike AndersonHost; The Product-Cast (website) The Giftware Association Gift of the Year Alex Ryan, Consultant Marketing 101, Agency Instagram;  Giving & LivingGift of the YearThe Giftware Association