Henries judges hoof it to pick winners and enjoy Romans’ legacy
Road trips had a different meaning back in Roman times as the efficient movement of troops and goods was the aim, and chariots and foot the only way to travel.
As The Henries judges hit the road last month to reach the in-person judging event at London’s Business Design Centre, they had time to reflect on this year’s ancient Rome theme for the awards event, and gird themselves to face the lions in the shape of the contending ranges.
As the 40-plus retail judges cut the hefty shortlist down to the finalists’ list, they were also put to the test with a series of question which revealed that roads, newspapers, sanitation, pizza, coins and calendars are among the favoured inventions bequeathed by the gladiators, centurions, and senators, as PG kept them in fighting form by asking:
Roman triumph: “What have the Romans ever done for us?” is a phrase from Monty Python’s Life of Brian film. Revered for their many achievements from roads to sanitation, trademarks to fast food, what do you think is the best thing the Romans have done for us?
Mother of invention: The Romans were acclaimed for their inventions, but what do see as the best innovation in the greeting card industry?
Fighting talk: Roman gladiators fought against beasts, criminals and other gladiators. What fight would you like to see gladiators take on for the benefit of the greeting card industry?
Here, in the last of the series, we feature the responses from Etcetera, Scribbler, Cardies, Red Card, Little Boat Gifts, In Heaven At Home, and Moonpig…
Katrina Raill, director of Etcetera, Hitchin
Roman triumph: “Florentina pizza and Gavi.”
Mother of invention: “The improved selection of sustainable giftwrappings, plus the lower cost of entry thanks to digital printing means there are more smaller, independent publishers.”
Fighting talk: “Lower business rates and councils to introduce free parking.”
Ruth Taylor, merchandise and buying administrator of Scribbler
Roman triumph: “Loos and sanitation, wine and roads.”
Mother of invention: “The reduction of glitter and foil, increase in plastic-free packaging such as corner tabs.”
Fighting talk: “Stamp prices.”
Jo Sorrell, owner of Cardies, Stevenage
Roman triumph: “Building straight roads that last forever.”
Mother of invention: “Die-cutting, foiling, embossing and digital printing.”
Fighting talk: “Slay traffic wardens.”
Sally Matson, owner of Red Card, Petworth
Roman triumph: “Currency…dated coinage to mark the various eras and to give us the ability to purchase and trade in services and goods. Let’s hope we’ll never lose actual physical currency.”
Mother of invention: “Getting rid of cellos is the best change, but I really love cold foiling!”
Fighting talk: “The most important challenge we face is keeping a reliable and affordable postal service that supports our fabulous greeting card industry.”
Kaye Thurgood, owner of Sincerely Yours, Hornchurch and Shenfield
Roman triumph: “The calendar…I run my life by it.”
Mother of invention: “The Retas awards. They bring the industry together at a great networking event that celebrates the leading retailers in our sector, especially the independents.”
Fighting talk: “We need those gladiators to eradicate shoplifters!”
Peter Reilly, co-owner of Little Boat Gifts, Brightlingsea
Roman triumph: “While not Roman, I want to pay tribute to the goddess that was Lynn Tait who defined my entire greeting card career. She introduced me to design and the wholesaling of greeting cards through The Ladder Club, provided me with masses of support and introduced me to the Progressive Greetings team…sadly no longer with us, she will be remembered as a real Roman hero of the industry.”
Mother of invention: “Digital printing has enabled so many designers to publish on a smaller scale, meaning we retailers have so much choice and smaller artists are supported.”
Fighting talk: “Although it has revolutionised communication, I’d like a gladiator to eradicate email, especially at Christmas as the reduction in Christmas card sending has really hit the industry.”
Sarah Laker, chief stationery geek of Stationery Supplies, Marple and Wilmslow
Roman triumph: “It has to be newspapers. The Romans were the first to distribute a form of daily news to citizens via handwritten publicly-displayed sheets.”
Mother of invention: “I love the diversity and inclusion of new publishers who are bang on tackling subjects never seen before on cards, such as mental health and the menopause. The industry is exciting and innovative, and each year it gets better and better.”
Fighting talk: “Royal Mail. We need a reliable, trustworthy service of posties marching around the UK delivering our mail for an affordable price.”
Anne Barber, owner of In Heaven At Home, Market Harborough
Roman triumph: “The calendar as we know it today and Roman numerals.”
Mother of invention: “The evolution of humorous cards for all tastes. There is nothing better than hearing people laughing and seeing the smiles humorous cards bring to their faces.”
Fighting talk: “I’d love to see a special reduced-price Christmas stamp, which people could only use for sending Christmas cards. Costing 50p or less it could take four to five days to be delivered. It would make posting Christmas cards more affordable and encourage people to post early.”
Dale Boreham, head of cards, Moonpig
Roman triumph: “Infrastructure, which is the key to everything.”
Mother of invention: “Online sites to reach digital-age senders thereby working in conjunction with traditional shops to sustain the joy of giving and receiving a card.”
Fighting talk: “Sort out Royal Mail, reduce postal charges and speed up delivery.”
All winners of The Henries 2024 will be announced from the list of finalists and Best Service To The Independent Retailer shortlist on Thursday, October 3, in the Nine Kings Suite at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel, at what is the greeting card industry’s big night.
There’s a cocktail reception at 6.45pm, dinner and the awards ceremony from 7.20pm, then from 11pm it’s time to schmooze and dance the night away in your toga or gladiator’s kilt and sandals – or black tie and posh frock, if you prefer.
To book tickets click here. It will be a fabulous opportunity for the greeting card community to get together and celebrate its creative excellence as well as its strong sense of camaraderie.
These views also appeared in the September edition of Progressive Greetings magazine which can be read online here or you can subscribe here to receive the magazine by post each month.
