Celebrate Christmas at the NEC with the Classic Antiques Fairs

The Classic Antique Fairs is going to help you celebrate Christmas by launching their second Christmas Fair at the NEC in Birmingham, located in Hall Ten, on Friday 29th November until Sunday 1st December.

(Opening Times 10am – 5pm Friday and Saturday, 10am – 4pm on Sunday. – Hall Ten is located on Pendigo Way, Marston Green, Birmingham B40 1NT.)

Classic Antique Fairs at the NEC offers the ideal venue for Christmas shopping either to find that perfect gift for family and friends or to fill a gap in your own collection. (There's nothing wrong with some self-gifting.)

The Fair offers in excess of 70 dealers from virtually every county all over the UK, including London, England, Scotland and Wales. Dealers from BADA, LAPADA and CINOA trade associations are to be well represented, ensuring expertise in all fields. The Fair is almost full, with a few spare stands available for dealers keen for pre-Christmas sales.

Pre-Christmas shoppers will be able to browse from the Roman period right up to the 1950s. A selection of disciplines and dealers include Tribal Art from Ian Shaw Tribal; Treen from Newsum Antiques; Jewellery from Plaza Jewellery, and Sue Brown amongst others.

Glass from Mark J West; Ceramics from Scottow Antiques, Porcelain from Marmaduke’s Emporium; Furniture from Ellis Fine Art ; Silver from Stephen Kalms Antiques; Watches from Scarab and Les Petits Tresors; Clocks from Kembery Antique Clocks; Tea Caddies from Mark Goodger Antiques.

 Select some fine art from Hickmet Fine Arts, Cambridge Fine Art and Garret and Hurst Sculpture. Design from the Art Deco period with Solo Antiques, Andrew Muir Decorative Arts and Design is well represented as is Scandinavian Design with Dansk Silver and Scottish and Scandinavian Design.

Says John Andrews of Classic Antique Fairs: “The November Fair at the NEC offers high quality pieces from every discipline to the discerning collector or the occasional bargain hunter. We feel it's the ideal opportunity to indulge your Christmas spirit.”

Looking to book a stand? It's not too late! You can contact David Evrall through www.classicantiquefairs.co.uk or DavidE@inlocoevents.co.uk

Here's an Interesting Idea: Why Not Set Up in Business as a Personal Christmas Shopper?

With Christmas just around the corner, many people find themselves struggling to keep up with the demands of the festive season. 

There are gifts to be bought, cards to be written, decorations to be hung, and social events to attend. The pressure to create the “perfect Christmas” can be overwhelming, especially for those with busy schedules or large families. 

So, what if you could offer a solution to ease this seasonal stress? That’s where the idea of setting up in business as a personal Christmas shopper comes into play.

Why the Demand for a Personal Christmas Shopper is Growing

The concept of a personal Christmas shopper is not as far-fetched as it may seem at first sight. In recent years, there has been a marked increase in the demand for personal shopping services, and it’s not limited to fashion or everyday items. The holiday season, in particular, is a time when many people need an extra pair of hands to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Time-poor professionals: Many professionals are swamped with work commitments during the final months of the year, making it difficult to find time to source the perfect gifts for family, friends, or colleagues.

Busy parents: Juggling children’s Christmas plays, family gatherings, and everyday chores can leave little room for thoughtful gift shopping.

The elderly or those with mobility issues: For some, the physical task of Christmas shopping can be overwhelming. A personal shopper can remove the need for venturing out into crowded stores or navigating tricky online shopping platforms.

What Does a Personal Christmas Shopper Do?

As a personal Christmas shopper, your role would be to provide a customised shopping experience, tailored to the needs of each client. Your services could include:

Gift sourcing and purchasing: Your primary responsibility would be to find the perfect gifts within the budget and preferences of your clients. Whether it’s the latest tech gadget, luxury cosmetics, or personalised items, your job is to ensure every present is just right.

Gift wrapping and delivery: Many people are not only pressed for time when it comes to buying gifts but also with wrapping them. Offering professional wrapping and even delivery to the client’s home could be a game-changer.

Decorations and Christmas cards: For an additional touch, you could help clients by sourcing festive decorations or even writing and posting Christmas cards on their behalf.

Last-minute shopping: Sometimes, no matter how organised we try to be, there’s always something we forget. A personal Christmas shopper can be a lifesaver for those last-minute purchases.

How to Get Started as a Personal Christmas Shopper

Define Your Services: Will you focus solely on gifts, or will you offer a more comprehensive service that includes decoration, wrapping, and event planning? You may also want to consider whether you’ll target a specific demographic, such as corporate clients or families.

Set Your Rates: Pricing will depend on the level of service you provide. You could offer different packages based on the time commitment, the number of gifts to be sourced, or the complexity of the request.

Marketing Your Business: Social media and local advertising will be your best friends. Create a website or a simple landing page outlining your services, and use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to reach your audience. Word of mouth will also be key, so ask your early clients for testimonials and referrals.

Network with Local Shops: Building relationships with local retailers, florists, and artisans could be mutually beneficial. You might even be able to offer exclusive discounts or unique items through these partnerships, giving your service an extra edge. You can also work with the catalogues of larger national stores such as Marks and Spencer, Fortnum and Mason, eBay and Amazon to ensure you have every Christmas gifting requirement of your clients catered for.

Prepare for a Busy Season: Christmas shopping tends to start as early as late October, so ensure you’re ready to go well before December hits. Create a calendar to manage client bookings, and consider hiring extra help if demand surges.

Benefits of Becoming a Personal Christmas Shopper

Low start-up costs: You don’t need a shopfront or large amounts of inventory to get started. A mobile phone, laptop, and good organisational skills are the main tools you’ll need.

Seasonal demand: While the Christmas season is your main target, you can also extend your services to other occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, and weddings, allowing for year-round income.

Flexibility: You can choose your hours and the number of clients you take on. It’s a business that can be run alongside other commitments, whether you’re looking for a full-time venture or a seasonal side hustle.

Rewarding work: There’s something uniquely satisfying about helping someone find the perfect gift, knowing that your service has made their Christmas a little more magical.

Final Thoughts

Setting up as a personal Christmas shopper is a creative, flexible, and potentially lucrative business idea. With more and more people looking for ways to reduce holiday stress, the demand for such services is only likely to grow. Whether you’re looking to start a full-time business or a seasonal side gig, this could be the perfect opportunity to turn your organisational skills into a festive enterprise.

So why not take the plunge? After all, who wouldn’t want to spread a little extra Christmas cheer while running their own business?

Alternatives to the Royal Mail for Christmas Gift Deliveries

As Christmas approaches, many of us find ourselves hunting for the perfect presents to send to loved ones. 

While the Royal Mail has long been a trusted service for delivering Christmas gifts across the UK, relying on just one service during the holiday rush may not always be ideal. 

There can be delays, missed deliveries, or higher costs for last-minute shipments. So, why not explore alternative delivery services to ensure your presents arrive on time and in good condition?

Here’s a look at some alternative courier services to consider this Christmas season:

1. Hermes (now Evri)

One of the most popular alternatives to the Royal Mail is Evri. Formerly known as Hermes, they offer affordable delivery services with the option for next-day delivery, which is ideal for last-minute shoppers. Evri is known for its wide network of parcel shops, making it convenient to drop off your package.

Evri also allows parcel tracking, giving you peace of mind that your gifts are en route to their destination. With competitive pricing and a reliable service, they’re a solid choice for many.

2. DPD

For those looking for a premium service, DPD is a great option. Known for its precise delivery windows, you can track your parcel in real time, and recipients are given a one-hour delivery slot, reducing the chances of missed deliveries.

DPD offers next-day delivery across most parts of the UK and has a strong reputation for customer service. While DPD is often more expensive than Evri or other budget couriers, the reliability and speed make it worth considering for valuable or time-sensitive gifts.

3. Collect+

Collect+ offers a convenient alternative, especially if you don’t want to queue at a post office. It partners with a network of local shops and supermarkets where you can drop off your parcels. With over 7,000 locations, you’re bound to find a Collect+ point near you.

This service is especially useful if you prefer sending packages in the evening or on weekends, as many Collect+ points have extended opening hours. The service is cost-effective, and parcels are fully tracked from start to finish.

4. Yodel

Yodel is another courier service that handles millions of parcels every week, including during the festive season. Known for its affordable rates, Yodel provides parcel tracking and a range of delivery options, from standard to next-day services.

Yodel’s delivery network covers the entire UK, making it a suitable alternative to the Royal Mail, especially for those sending parcels to rural or hard-to-reach areas.

5. Parcel2Go

If you’re unsure which courier service to choose, Parcel2Go acts as a comparison site, allowing you to compare prices from various couriers including DPD, Evri, and Yodel. This is particularly helpful when sending multiple parcels or larger items, as you can select the best service based on your budget and delivery requirements.

6. Amazon Shipping

For Amazon shoppers, Amazon Shipping could be the most straightforward choice. If your gifts are purchased through Amazon, their delivery service often offers next-day or even same-day delivery for Prime members. During the Christmas period, Amazon increases its shipping capacity to ensure timely deliveries.

7. UPS and FedEx

If you’re sending gifts abroad, particularly to the US or other international destinations, consider using UPS or FedEx. These courier services specialise in international shipments, offering fast and reliable delivery times. They also provide customs clearance assistance, which can be a huge help when sending gifts overseas.

Though typically more expensive than local couriers, their global networks and high delivery standards ensure that your parcels arrive on time, even during the holiday rush.

8. DHL

Another excellent option for international deliveries is DHL. DHL Express is known for its speed, offering next-day delivery to many European destinations and 2-3 days for farther locations. It’s an ideal service for sending gifts to family and friends abroad.

With real-time tracking and excellent customer service, DHL is a strong contender for those looking to ship internationally.

Why Consider Alternatives?

While the Royal Mail remains a reliable service for many, using alternative couriers can sometimes offer better pricing, faster delivery, or added convenience. Here are some key reasons to consider alternatives this Christmas:

Avoiding Delays: The Christmas period is exceptionally busy for the Royal Mail. Using a different courier may help you avoid delays and ensure your gifts arrive on time.

Cost: Some couriers offer more competitive rates for certain parcel sizes or weights, making it more cost-effective to use their services.

Convenience: With extended drop-off times and alternative collection points, some courier services may be more convenient for your schedule.

International Deliveries: While the Royal Mail offers international shipping, services like DHL or UPS may be faster and more specialised for sending gifts abroad.

Final Thoughts

Christmas gift-giving doesn’t have to be stressful, especially when it comes to delivery. With a range of courier services available, there are plenty of options to suit every need, whether you’re sending a small gift across the UK or a special present overseas. Explore these alternatives to the Royal Mail to ensure your gifts are delivered safely and on time this festive season.

Happy posting, and may your Christmas be merry and bright!

Highland Fine Cheeses unveils new gift boxes, delivering a Scottish cheese feast for Christmas

Highland Fine Cheeses, which is based in Tain, Scotland, has launched three Christmas gift boxes, all available for home delivery nationwide.

Showcasing its range of traditional, mould ripened, blue and washed rind styles of cheese, made in the heart of Scottish cattle country, these new gift boxes will certainly delight any fromage fan looking to expand their cheese horizons northwards this Chirstmas time.

The two smaller boxes allow customers to select three or six cheeses, so they can tailor the Christmas gift to suit the cheese loving recipient, while the largest gift box contains nine styles from Highland Fine Cheeses’ range of. Options include; Crowdie, a traditional fresh Scottish cheese; Minger, an orange annatto soft washed rind cheese; Morange Brie, a tranquil number with an edible white rind and rich creamy paste; and Fat Cow, a semi-hard washed rind cheese.

Completing each Scottish cheese feast is a carefully chosen line-up of pairings and accompaniments, chosen to complement the cheeses, delivering a truly special experience for cheese lovers, packaged up a in a brilliant pink box. Which will all make excellent Christmas gifts for the cheese lovers in your life.

Christmas Cheese Board includes; a choice of any three cheeses; a choice of Monbazillac Grange Neuve 2020 France (50cl) or Leith Pedro Ximenez, Portugal (37.5cl); Gavino Traditional Olive Oil Biscuits (180g); and a choice of Global Harvest Quince (200g), Spiced Apple (200g) or Fig (200g).

Price: £55

Christmas Cheese Party includes; a choice of six cheeses; Urban Park Montresor Rosso Appassimento 2019 (75cl); Gavino Traditional Olive Oil Biscuits (180g); and a choice of Global Harvest Quince (200g), Spiced Apple (200g) or Fig (200g).

Price: £70

Christmas Cheese Feast includes; nine cheeses from the Highland Fine Cheeses range; Krohn Lbv Port 2017, Portugal (75cl); Gavino Traditional Olive Oil Biscuits (180g); Global Harvest Quince (200g), Spiced Apple Mulled (200g) or Fig (200g).

Price: £90

Orders for Christmas delivery can be made online at hf-cheeses.com until Sunday 1 December, and delivery will take place between Monday 9 and Friday 20 December, excluding weekends.

FACTFILE:-

Highland Fine Cheeses

Highland Fine Cheeses is based in Tain, northeast Scotland, and produces a collection of artisan cheeses including Morangie Brie, Minger and Strathdon Blue. 

Taking inspiration from around the globe, second generation cheesemaker, Rory Stone remains true to the artisan processes that his parents implemented when Blarliath Farm was a smallholding of just 14 Shorthorn dairy cows, and a randy bull called Geordie.

The Highlands were traditionally referred to as cattle country, with every farm or croft having a house cow, to supplement their diet. After the cream had been ladled off the top of the milk to churn butter, the remaining milk’s cultures would slowly eat the lactose and multiply throughout, souring it by releasing lactic acid. 

Eventually the milk would set and form a curd, a bit like yogurt and the curd was scrambled like eggs and hung up in a pillowcase or a muslin to drain the whey. The final addition of salt resulted in Crowdie, a soft fresh cheese, traditional to Scotland.

Highland Fine Cheeses’ story began with the resurrection of Crowdie in the family bathtub, when Rory’s father, Reggie, complained that no-one was producing it anymore, and so his mother, Susannah set about making it. Crowdie is still made by Highland Fine Cheeses, albeit not in the bathtub, alongside its collection of award-winning mould ripened, blue and washed rind style cheeses.

Website: hf-cheeses.com

Instagram: @highlandfinecheeses

The NEC's Festive Gift Fair is back. And it's even bigger and better!

The four-day Festive Gift Fair runs over four days next month, Thursday 14th to Sunday 17th of November at Birmingham's NEC.

Now in its 28th year, it remains as one of the most popular Christmas Shopping events in the UK for very good reasons.

You'll find 325 stalls all carefully placed within one hall. Wanting festive foods? Stunning decorations? Stocking filler gifts? Tasty festive foods and drinks to try and buy? Then get on down to the NEC!

While browsing the stalls, finding something exciting around every corner, you’ll quickly get into a Christmas spirit. 

You'll be welcomed by Santa on his wonderful sleigh, why not see if you can spot The Grinch? See and hear dinosaurs, meet up with festive characters and enjoy live Christmas time music, including jazz, folk, choirs singing carols and much more besides.

This year you'll be able to enjoy over 100 new stalls that have never attended the fair.

Thursday 14th – Sunday 17th November at NEC, Birmingham

Open Daily 09.30 – 17.00.

GREAT VALUE! Advance adult tickets from just £7 (Plus transaction fee)

Take advantage of the ‘ Buy 3 and get 1 FREE OFFER’ 

https://www.festivegiftfair.co.uk

M&S launches festive recruitment drive to fill over 11,000 Christmas jobs

Marks & Spencer has announced it's recruiting in excess of 11,000 new Customer Assistants to support in stores all over the UK over the festive period. 

The retailer is recruiting even more colleagues than last year with over 1000 more vacancies available, reflecting the additional investment M&S is making in colleague hours to deliver exceptional customer service.  

A Customer Assistant at M&S is the first face of the business and is responsible for delivering a seamless shopping experience for customers, however and whenever they choose to shop.  

From serving customers on the shop floor and at service points, ensuring the shelves and rails are always stocked with exceptional products, to engaging with customers to understand their needs and make recommendations; a Customer Assistant role is varied and wide-ranging.   

Christmas colleagues will also play an integral role in delivering M&S’ Christmas Food to Order service, which launched this year on 24th September, ensuring millions of customers get their all-important festival essentials and treats on time.  

New colleagues will join M&S from mid November - with a range of start dates, variety of roles and flexible working patterns available. To apply, candidates can visit the M&S careers page and complete an application, before being invited to either a 1-2-1 interview or group assessment. 

M&S Support Centre colleagues continue to spend seven days in store each year to help store colleagues, with four of those completed in the lead up to Christmas. Last year, Support Centre colleagues spent 103,000 hours helping M&S stores and customers over the festive period. 

Sacha Berendji, who is the Operations Director at M&S, said: “Our fantastic store colleagues play such a big part in delivering the magic of M&S at Christmas to our customers. And this year we’re recruiting even more colleagues to ensure we’re closer to customers. 

“The Christmas period is a busy but exciting time for M&S and no two days are the same – in fact, many colleagues started their M&S careers at Christmas and after the festive period were invited to go onto our Stepping Into Team Manager programme. With a range of roles and flexible working patterns available, anyone who is interested in being part of something special this Christmas should visit our careers website to apply.” 

The Customer Service Assistant roles will span both Foods and Clothing & Home and are located all over the UK, with vacancies in every store. 

Doubtless my wife and I will be seeing some of the new M&S Christmas colleagues when we visit our local M&S branches!

https://www.marksandspencer.com

The Resurgence of Christmas Cards: Embracing Tradition in the Digital Age

In an era dominated by instant messaging, social media, and digital interactions, it might seem surprising that the tradition of sending Christmas cards, either electronically or via post,  is making a noticeable comeback. 

For many, this festive tradition seemed to be fading away, replaced by quick text messages, emojis, or even a mass holiday update on Facebook.

 However, the recent resurgence of Christmas cards tells a different story – one of connection, personal touch, and the preservation of meaningful traditions.

Why the Resurgence?

1. The Desire for Personal Connection

While digital communications are convenient, they often lack the personal touch that a carefully chosen card can convey. Whether sent electronically or by post, Christmas cards offer an opportunity to slow down and reflect on the recipient. Writing a thoughtful message, signing your name, and choosing a card that matches the personality or tastes of the recipient shows an extra level of care that a hurried text message just can’t replicate.

In a world where many feel increasingly disconnected, the return of the Christmas card reflects a collective desire for more personal, tangible forms of communication – ones that require time and thought.

2. The Nostalgic Appeal

For many, sending and receiving Christmas cards evokes a sense of nostalgia. The joy of opening an envelope to reveal a beautiful card with a thoughtful note inside reminds people of simpler times. This nostalgia taps into the human desire to hold on to traditions that are passed through generations. Many households still proudly display the cards they receive during the festive season, transforming their homes into a gallery of well-wishes.

Even e-cards, while digital, can bring a sense of nostalgia by allowing senders to choose classic Christmas designs, write heartfelt notes, and include personalised animations. They bring the charm of the old into the new digital format.

3. A Moment to Pause and Reflect

Christmas is a time for reflection, gratitude, and celebration. Sending a card offers a moment to pause in the hectic festive season and think of loved ones near and far. It encourages people to reach out, perhaps to those they haven’t spoken to in a while, and to extend a message of goodwill. This act of connection, however small, contributes to the joy of the season and strengthens the bonds between friends and family.

4. The Return of Craftsmanship

In recent years, there has been a growing appreciation for handmade and bespoke items, and Christmas cards are no exception. Many people are now opting for cards created by small, independent artists or even making their own. This movement towards craftsmanship reflects a broader cultural shift that values creativity and the personal touch. Whether it’s a hand-painted card or a unique design from a small business, sending such a card can feel more meaningful than something mass-produced.

Even digital Christmas cards have become more sophisticated and customisable, allowing people to add their own photos, messages, and even videos, making them just as thoughtful and personalised as physical ones.

5. Eco-Conscious Options

For those concerned about the environmental impact of sending physical cards, there are now plenty of eco-friendly options. Many companies are producing cards made from recycled materials, while others offer cards that come with the added bonus of planting a tree with each purchase. For the environmentally conscious, e-cards can also be a guilt-free way to send holiday cheer without creating waste.

6. A Sense of Tradition Amidst Change

The modern world is fast-paced, and traditions like sending Christmas cards can provide a comforting sense of stability. As technology continues to evolve, there’s a growing appreciation for maintaining certain timeless customs. Sending a card is one such tradition that hasn’t lost its charm. Whether it's a traditional handwritten message in a card that arrives by post or a beautifully designed e-card, the essence of the gesture remains the same: a moment of connection and thoughtfulness.

Conclusion

The resurgence of Christmas cards, both digital and physical, speaks to a larger desire for meaningful, personal communication in a world that often favours convenience over connection. Whether sent via post or electronically, these cards offer a unique opportunity to pause, reflect, and express appreciation for the people who matter most. In embracing this tradition, we preserve a small, but significant, ritual that continues to bring warmth and joy to the festive season.

As we approach another Christmas, why not consider sending a card to someone you care about? It could be just the touch of warmth and kindness they need this holiday season.