We recently exhibited at the Stationery Show, held at the Business Design Centre in Islington, north London. Described by the organisers as 'Fashion meets Function', we felt that we fit the bill and decided to showcase our latest pens and journals. The venue certainly matched the exhibition's slogan, with its huge mezzanine space, large ceiling and natural light throughout (unusual for an exhibition venue!) and the same could be said for many of the products on offer, reflecting the new lifestyle status of cool stationery products and writing instruments with consumers. The show also happens to coincide with National Stationery Day on April 24th, which was devised to encourage people to put pen to paper. A hand-written note tells the recipient that you really care; whilst handwriting and an authentic signature hold incredible power. The atmosphere at the show was business-like but with good fun and camaraderie. We'd foolishly forgotten our stapler, so a huge thank you to BDS Office who were generous enough to  provide us with a PaperPro stapler.  This nifty bit of kit is power-assisted with a spring mechanism for ease of use and it's certainly the most efficient stapler that we've ever used!

What we liked

Dodo-Pad had a fabulous collection of notebooks, organisers and diaries with an emphasis on humorous practical gifts. It also offers a package of our Swarovski Crystal Pencils with various notebooks and diaries. At the GBA stand, we had an interesting meeting with Beverlee Dacey, the president of Amodex Inc. We were given a very impressive demonstration of its ink and stain remover, more on that coming very soon. The Stone Marketing stand was just opposite us, where it was showcasing Faber-Castell, Schneider and Sheaffer pens amongst others. We were particularly pleased that it is now offering the popular Sheaffer VFM pens in a fountain and ballpoint set.

How did we fare?

On our own stand we were kept on our toes with diverse enquiries from small independents to well-known high street retailers. There was particular interest in our new Ohto Dude - an unusual hexagonally-shaped rollerball pen as well as our new silver feather calligraphy set. Our brand new limited edition Diamond Jubilee leather journal was also met with a good share of enthusiasm and razzmatazz. Ohto Dude Rollerball pens: Queen's Diamond Jubilee Leather Journal:

In conclusion

Many congratulations to the organisers LMC Media for organising a buzzy and successful event. And as to the future, well we will be back, see you next year.