Paperlink Bolsters Its ‘Creative Power’ With Clare Sturgess Joining

Paperlink has strengthened its senior management team with experienced industry exec Clare Sturgess having joined the company this week as creative director.

Clare, who has worked in the greeting card and gift industry for 19 years, notably with UK Greetings and Watermark (the latter role involving product development for Paperchase and Clintons) told PG Buzz that she is “absolutely thrilled” to have joined the Paperlink team. “I’ve always admired the product and I’m really looking forward to being part of the next phase of growth, developing the brands and pushing the boundaries,” Clare added.

Above: Clare Sturgess is bringing a wealth of industry experience to her new role at Paperlink. — **Above:** Clare Sturgess is bringing a wealth of industry experience to her new role at Paperlink.

Clare’s joining coincides with the company founder Louise Tighe moving into the CEO role with Emma Young, who has worked at Paperlink for 29 years, becoming managing director. Emma was latterly operations director.

In addition, Frankie Ellis is now taking on a multi-faceted role which encompasses strategic development and creative development.

As creative director and new business strategist, Frankie will also be running the Meraki division of the Paperlink group.

Above: Frankie Ellis now has a dual role, spanning new business strategy and creative direction. — **Above:** Frankie Ellis now has a dual role, spanning new business strategy and creative direction.

“It is all about moving forward rather than standing still,” said Emma Young about the company’s strengthened structure. “I feel very honoured to now have the role as managing director of the company. Having worked here for 27 years I am very passionate about Paperlink. We are delighted to have Clare on board, her experience in greeting cards as well as retail knowledge make her a perfect addition to our team.”

Above: One of the designs in the new Funny Business contemporary humour range. — **Above:** One of the designs in the new Funny Business contemporary humour range.

As Emma elaborates, while the coronavirus has brought its challenges, necessitating new ways of working, she says “We love a challenge! It was a little different having to put a major product launch of new ranges and designs, to bed virtually, but we got there and are delighted with the resultant ranges,” she added.

Above: There’s sassy and savvy female humour in the new Happy Hour collection. — **Above:** There’s sassy and savvy female humour in the new Happy Hour collection.

In addition to Paperlink’s Christmas launch, the company is also releasing 87 new occasions and relations designs, four brand new everyday ranges as well as additions to its current model line.