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The Giftware Association is excited to announce it has formed a partnership with designGAP. DesignGAP was founded by Shirley Frost and is now a sister association to the Giftware Association specialising in supporting designer makers. Recognising first-hand the many difficulties in surviving as an artist or designer, Shirley Frost set up designGAP in 1980 to assist high quality, innovative, contemporary UK artist-makers and designer-producers with the promotion of their work.

The Partnership has come about because of a need for a home for the designGAP day to day administration. The GA being a larger organisation is able to offer a much wider variety of benefits and services, though members of designGAP will still continue to have access to the benefits they previously enjoyed. Members of the designGAP will also be able to take advantage of the Gift of the Year competition with their member’s products being exposed to the many leading trade buyers who act as judges.

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Shirley Frost, the founder of designGAP, says of the partnership will give members “a much wider variety of benefits and services.” Recognising the importance of the partnership she continues, “Regarding new services, designGAP members will benefit from increased negotiating power that a substantial organisation commands.”

Sarah Ward says, “We are proud to partner with designGAP and reiterate the importance of these two associations coming together for the good of all its members, with added benefits and a greater voice for all.”

The Giftware Association and designGAP will both be located in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter at Federation House and are both excited about this new collaboration and new opportunities in the future for all its members.

For further information please contact enquiries@ga-uk.org.