Publishers love behind-the-scenes tour at paper merchant G.F Smith
Paper is one of the most important elements in greeting cards and a select handful of publishers recently had the benefit of a behind-the-scenes tour at Hull-based paper company G.F Smith to find out all about this vital component for their businesses.
The factory tour and presentation on the paper merchant’s history since its founding in 1885 by travelling stationery salesman George Frederick Smith went down a storm with the visitors from Bexy Boo, Dandelion Stationery, Paper Salad, Studio Boketto and Western Sketch.
“The enthusiasm our clients brought to the tour was brilliant,” G.F Smith’s greeting card champion Mark Jessett told PG Buzz. “It was difficult to tear them away from making their own handmade envelopes, and the forklift truck experience was a definite hit!
“The most fulfilling aspect of the visit, as hosts, was seeing the interaction between established and newer publishers, the sharing of stories, advice and ideas was brilliant.”
Having set up in London, the company was a pioneer of the paper industry and is now based in Hull becoming a certified B Corp in June 2023 as the biggest living wage employer in the Humber area, and for its offer of papers and board which are used to drive innovation across the creative sector.
Known for its work with the greetings industry, G.F Smith is a committed sponsor of The Henries, The Ladder Club and PG Live as well as a big supporter of the GCA, and offers a special collection of papers exclusively available for the card market in its unique swatch book.
Bexy Boo’s founder and creative mind Bex Hassett said: “What we took most from the day is not just the excellence of G.F Smith’s paper and prestigious products, but experiencing the culture and foundation on which they build their business.
“There’s a magnetism and camaraderie that pulls people together to create an incredible team. It’s maybe why some have happily worked there for 50-plus years. Everyone has a story to tell, giving depth and history to an incredible business.”
And Western Sketch’s owner Melissa Western commented on the importance of “understanding the full circle of production” as the paper is a key factor that binds everything together.
She added: “I very much appreciated being invited. As a small publisher, it was amazing to have been asked and included alongside much larger and more experienced publishers. It was a very interesting day for me, learning and gaining insights from their businesses.”
The insight into the processes was an eye-opener for Olivia Penny, co-owner of Studio Boketto, who loved how the whole team was “so passionate about the product” and care for their customers.
With more factory days planned Mark concluded: “It’s exciting for us to know we can provide a friendly and inspiring space for exchanging knowledge and forming relationships. We look forward to organising more of these events for the industry!”
