www.toyworldmag.co.uk
Humbrol, the UK modelling brand owned by Hornby Hobbies, has moved over 60% of its model and craft manufacturing back to the UK from China. Humbrol originally moved manufacturing from Hull to China in the early 2000s. Hornby Hobbies has relocated Humbrol’s manufacturing back to improve supply from a location nearer to its base in Margate. Dale Luckhurst,
@toyworldmag Humbrol returns to the UK
The organiser of Christmas in July has confirmed next year’s date as July 2nd 2013. Last year’s event saw over 25 exhibitors come together at a London venue to demonstrate their Christmas toys and gifts to more than 200 members of the press. Each year the event is sold out, with returning exhibitors and new companies wanting to take advantage of seeing so many media contacts in one day. Claire Taylor of Evolution PR, organisers of
news Christmas in July names the date
product manager for Humbrol, said: “It’s been a busy 18 months relocating products back to the UK, especially our largest range, enamel paints. Our entire colour range has been reformulated and colour matched back to original Humbrol standards. "Over the next year, Humbrol will be growing as a model and craft brand.
We will continue to support Airfix and our sister brands: Hornby, Scalextric and Corgi. However, we have released a number of new products targeting the fast-growing craft and DIY market. More and more people are taking up craft- based activities and as a brand we are listening to that trend. We’ve developed a number of new products to meet demand, and as most of our manufacturing is now based in the UK, we can work faster at giving retailers and consumers what they want.” Humbrol’s range of enamel paint, as well as its new acrylic sprays, is now
produced in London and Manchester. Humbrol produces over 460 different products and accessories; new products include a Humbrol Work Station, additional spray paints, and new weathering powders.
the event, said: “We are delighted to formally open the books for next year’s Christmas in July. We already have many returning exhibitors on board and we look forward to even bigger and better numbers in 2013. The event venue has yet to be confirmed as last year we had to turn away companies wishing to join the line-up. However we can confirm it will be central London with easy access for exhibitors and press.” Social media will be at the forefront, with tweeting live from the event using hash tag brand names throughout the day.
Stan Alton to retire
Stan Alton has decided to retire after 50 years in the industry, finishing with Revell in January. Stan said: “I have been in management of sourcing,
importing, distribution, marketing, sales, retail distribution, retail buying and store management. In other words, for the last fifty years I have worked on both sides of the fence. I must say that the last three years with Revell have been thoroughly enjoyable and it’s been great working for a company that really does understand its sector.”
Newsinbrief
Wooky Europe has announced that the Mathable game is now available as a new App for the iPad. With other versions coming soon, the Mathable App lets you play in single mode or with up to three friends. Mathable App has easy-to-follow tutorials, two levels of difficulty, timer options, and a ‘Best Moves’ button.
ABA Brands has been appointed as the sales agent for Spiegelburg toy products in the UK. ABA Brands, based in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, is now the UK sales agents for creative brands such as Capt’n Sharky, Princess Lillifee, Friendly Seven and Felix Rabbit, and can offer the full range of Spiegelburg products.
London toy company Arklu has been awarded three Platinum Best Toy Awards for its recently launched Lottie doll brand at the US Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Awards 2012. The Platinum awards were awarded to the Pony Flag Race, Snow Queen and Spring Celebration Ballet Lottie dolls.
Conways Toymaster has announced the opening of two new stores and two Christmas lets. The two new stores are located at 32-36 Milton Pavement, The Grange Shopping Centre, Birkenhead, and 219 Lord Street, Southport. The Christmas lets are at 21 St Michaels Square, Chester, and 12-14 Market Place, Charter Walk Shopping Centre, Burnley.
A Girl for All Time has recruited Emmy-and- BAFTA nominated Caroline Harris as costume designer for the next release in its award-winning range of historical English dolls. Caroline has been head of costume design on several Hollywood blockbusters, including ‘A Knights Tale’. She will design costumes for the company’s next doll, Clementine Your 1940s Girl.
The ‘Sylvanian Families Art’ exhibition opened in London on Monday 29th October with a reception for VIPs, press and artists. The weeklong event, hosted by the Strand Gallery in London’s Art District, was commissioned as part of the brand’s 25th anniversary celebrations. Free for visitors, it featured almost 60 pieces of art donated by artists and amateurs.
Bin Weevils has been declared winner of the BAFTA Kids Vote for ‘Best Website’ at the Children’s BAFTA Awards held at the London Hilton, Park Lane. The prize was voted for over five weeks by children nationwide. It is the second year running that Bin Weevils has won this category.
Bigjigs Toys will give away one of its top 10 toys per day from December 1st on its social networking pages, amounting to over £350 worth of toys being given away in 10 days before the festive period.
Peter and Andrew Brown of GP Flair have been acknowledged for their charitable achievements at the 2012 Toy and Games Industry Awards. The event was held at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago on Friday 16th November 2012, where the duo was presented with the Hassenfeld Family Humanitarian Award, for their contribution to The Toy Trust.
Wired Magazine has given MakieLab its own bricks and mortar shop in Regent Street’s Quadrant Arcade for one week, from Thursday 29th November to Wednesday 5th December. The shop will have pre-made Makies for sale, demos running and gift certificates available.
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