As Talking Tables proudly celebrates the company’s 25th anniversary in 2024, founder Clare Harris tells GiftandHome.net about the importance of sponsoring a Greats Award this year.
“Gift giving and receiving are one of life’s pleasures,” states Clare. “We are therefore very pleased to recognise and come together to celebrate our industry’s positive impact, and to sponsor The Greats Best Non-Specialist Retailer of Gifts category, which represents such a wonderful diversity of stores. Well done to all the finalists!”
Talking Tables’ 25th milestone anniversary was celebrated at the company’s HQ last Thursday (18 April), with the Talking Tables team coming together with colleagues from the past, and friends who have helped build the business.
Suppliers from China and Poland, who have worked with the company for 18 and 12 years respectively, joined family, former art workers, finance staff, photographers and more in the celebrations. Also attending were agents, again, some of whom like Tracy Osborne, have been with the company almost from the beginning, and senior industry figures to include The Giftware Association’s ceo Sarah Ward.
It was fitting that the birthday was celebrated in this way, as founder Clare Harris pointed out: “That was the inspiration behind Talking Tables… that time together, playing games, sharing food, is a way to build bonds, memories and enduring friendships.”
She added: “When I set the business up, there were no gold party poppers on the high street. There were no matching party crackers, napkins, and tablecloths. That is now the norm. But family time and those magic moments are as important now as they ever were. Bringing people together, those friendships and family gatherings – you celebrate those moments and those are the things people remember. Creating and sharing those magic moments around a table and trying to create them as a business team… that’s what keeps going. It’s those moments that makes us human.”
Talking Tables join an impressive roster of sponsors of The Gift Awards, which includes: Allsorted, Ambiente, Aspin, Autumn Fair, British Allied Trade Federation (BATF), Candlelight, Cardgains, Carte Blanche Greetings, Cotton & Grey, DKB Toys & Distribution, Exposé Travel, Gift Republic, The Giftware Association (GA), Gisela Graham, Harrogate Christmas & Gift Fair, Home & Gift – Harrogate, Henry & Co, LicensingSource.net, Life Charms, Lifestyle (Motivates), London Stationery Show, Messe Frankfurt, N Smith, Progressive Gifts & Home, Progressive Greetings Live, Scotland Trade Fair, Source Home & Gift, Spring Fair, Toy Fair (BTHA), Top Drawer and Widdop & Co.
For more information about The Gift Awards, or to book tickets, visit www.thegiftawards.com.
Top: Talking Tables founder Clare Harris, with director and partner Mark McCormack, at the company’s 25th anniversary celebrations.
