Ling Design and GBCC (both part of the Swan Mill group) are embracing the ‘back to work’ thrust by putting considerable investment in 11 new ranges as well as launching a 50% sale for retailers to help them get off to a good start as stores reopen on June 15.
“We decided early on in lockdown that we wanted to be ready with a host of new ranges from both GBCC and Ling so that retailers would have something fresh and new when they re-opened,” said David Byk, ceo of the Swan Mill Paper Group.
There are six new ranges that have just launched from Ling Design and five from GBCC, which echo the sentiments of the current time.
Among these is ‘A Million Little Things’, a brand new card range from GBCC which is being published as part of a partnership with NHS Charities Together. The sale of each card will see 10% of the recommended retail price (including VAT) donated to this worthwhile cause, which helps support NHS staff, volunteers and patients impacted by Covid-19 across the country. The initial collection comprises 12 cards covering birthday, blank cards, Just for you, Thinking of you, Thank you and support captions.
“The range brings a fusion of illustration styles and techniques, capturing subject matter that includes the beauty of the outdoors and our communities, hobbies and activities that we love or creative narrative that supports us through challenges we face. Each illustration incorporates a rainbow image or colours that symbolises hope and motivation to support every one of us through this pandemic,” explains Clare Twigger, group head of design for GBCC, Ling Design and Penny Kennedy.
Among the other new ranges is a new humour collection from GBCC called Topikality which feature the lighter side of life in lockdown.
Both Ling and GBCC have launched a ‘Back to Work’ 50% off sale offering retailers the chance to order occasions, relations and general birthday cards across a wide breadth of price points and styles from both publishing companies.
Pastures new for Nick Adsett
After 12 years with GBCC heading up its creative design team, Nick Adsett has amicably left the company, but is keen to remain within the industry.
“I enjoyed 12 good years at GBCC, but it was time to call it a day. I am now looking for my next creative challenge within this wonderful industry,” said Nick.
Nick was integral to the transformation of the GBCC creative portfolio which included the restoration of the Medici Cards under licence as well as nurturing licensing relationships with Moonpig, Simson Cards and Avanti and Design Design in the States. Nick also steered the development of the Oxfam everyday card portfolio and creation of GBCC’s Christmas range over the last ten years.
“These are difficult times for our country and I’m hoping to be able to give something back to the trade in some form or another, be that in permanent, freelance or consultancy roles. I would love to get back to nurturing and developing creative talent, which along with licensing remains my principal interest” said Nick.
Nick can be contacted on nickadsett@mac.com or 07500 526818.
Although Clare Twigger is the group’s overall head of creative, in order to maintain GBCC’s own flavour, the company is currently recruiting a head of design for the Gloucester-based publishing company.
Top: Eric the Penguin (published on cards by GBCC) is a big supporter of the NHS!
