Publisher flies the flag for the British greeting card creativity, exporting to 30 countries
The Art File, the Nottingham-based publisher of contemporary greeting cards, wrap and stationery has won the 2017 Queen’s Award for International Trade. The news was announced this morning (April 21), the Queen’s birthday.
“Naturally, we’re absolutely thrilled with the news, and it is also good news for the whole greeting card sector,” commented Ged Mace, managing director of The Art File who worked with his son James on the application, which not only had to be considered by an exacting panel, but was approved by the Prime Minister.
“As a company we’ve always recognised the opportunity to export our award-winning products to as many overseas territories as possible. With all of our products being designed here in the UK, it’s also a fantastic feeling to be showcasing the exceptional quality and creative talents of British designers to the world.”
James adds: “With the added challenges, due to recent events in the UK such as Brexit, this shows that British products are still attractive to export markets.”
The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are the UK’s most prestigious business awards, celebrating and encouraging business excellence in the UK. As winners, The Art File has demonstrated outstanding results in international trade, successfully exporting British-made products to around countries around the world, working with many “supportive distributors and retailers,” according to Ged. This is the second year in succession that the UK greeting card industry has been feted with this prestigious export award as Blue Eyed Sun was feted in 2016 for its success overseas.
The Art File is able to show the Queen’s Award emblem on its product for the next five years, giving added kudos and weight to its brand, both domestically and overseas. “We are also able to have a flag, but I don’t think we will be taking up that option,” said Ged.
There were over 1700 entries from businesses throughout the UK, all of which are vetted by the Queen’s Awards Board, with the finalists passed onto Her Majesty The Queen for approval. Both Ged and James will be going to Buckingham Palace later this year to collect the award from Her Majesty.
Pictured at top: James (left) and Ged (right) Mace from The Art File.
