Factsheet on accessing new markets
Hidden Art has a comprehensive online directory including services available to members, information on the pool of specialists and a searchable list of press contacts. It also has a section on international design markets, which aims to give a snapshot of each major region or country's design scene including market reports, details of design organisations, major trade fairs, retailers and designers.
The Directory can be found in the members’ area of the Hidden Art London website and can be accessed by Hidden Art Cornwall members.
Metropolitan Works is London's leading Creative Industries Centre, helping designers, artists and manufacturers develop ideas and bring new products to the market place through access to digital manufacturing, workshops, knowledge transfer, advice, courses and exhibitions. The centre is part of London Metropolitan University.
Contact: London Metropolitan University, 41 Commercial Road, London, E1 1LA. Tel: 0207 3201827, web:
www.metropolitanworks.org
Funding sources to assist with international exhibitions
The British Council administers the Grants to Artists scheme. This scheme helps with the costs of transporting work to an exhibition in a gallery abroad and is open to all those working in the visual arts and the crafts who fulfil certain criteria. The scheme is competitive and is administered by the Visual Arts Department.
UK Trade and Investment provides ongoing funding opportunities to research export markets and exhibit internationally for new and experienced exporters. It is delivered by Cornwall and Devon Business Link on behalf of UK Trade and Investment
International consultants
Randa Massot offers French market development for contemporary craft and design, to facilitate a designer-maker’s development in France or Francophone markets. Services include advice on selling to France, market research, marketing and PR and an agency service.
Randa Massot can identify and contact press, retailers or galleries, organise and follow-up meetings with press, retailers or galleries and facilitate trade show presence.
Contact: Randa Massot, 5 rue de l’Echelle, Paris, 75001, France. Tel: +33 615 148135, email:
rlmassot@yahoo.co.uk
Buying Consultants
Buyerlogical Ltd is a solution-based advisory resource to the retail and wholesale trade, specifically catering for start up and small-to-medium businesses. Key areas of expertise are Retail Buying, Sourcing, Range Strategy, Brand Strategy and Communications.
Buyerlogical has expertise in a wealth of product areas, including design-led gifts, homeware, gardening, accessories and beauty. The company was founded by professional Senior Buyer, Sasha Bruce who is a product savvy, naturally logical buying authority.
Contact: Buyerlogical Ltd, Studio 8, 2-4 Southgate Road, London N1 3JJ. Tel: 0207 812 9609, web:
www.buyerlogical.com
Buying Vision Ltd are product strategy specialists aiming to bridge the gap between designer-makers and buyers. With a combined 20 years of Senior Buying experience, the team at Buying Vision Ltd knew many products didn’t reach their target markets simply because those selling the products had not properly prepared their selling pitch, understood their target and had little understanding of the UK buying process used in many retail operations. Buying Vision was created to help avoid the pitfalls and enhance the chances of retailing success.
Elliott Associates specialises in retail consultancy, with an emphasis on buying and product development. The company offer designer-makers advice on how to approach retailers and how to maximise profit, as well as advice on marketing and business development. Elliott Associates are also able to provide a commercial evaluation of a product range, and its most appropriate audience.
