The Craft Network Our vision is to bring the world of crafts together
through networking, mentoring
and knowledge sharing.
About us

Bringing the B2B world of crafts together through

The Craft Network has been launched by ICHF Events and Bert & Gert’s to provide the UK craft industry a joined-up and credible approach to help stimulate and sustain the market.

With an existing B2B network representing over 1,000 dedicated craft companies, The Craft Network will be run by a steering committee of industry professionals representing the creative market.

Click Images Below For Bios

ICHF Events Head of Sales & Craft Network Chair

Steve Mitchell
Director Bert & Gert’s & Craft Network Deputy Chair

Mark Wilkes
ICHF Events MD

Simon Burns
Director Bert & Gert’s

Jason Wilkes
ICHF Events Head of Marketing

Jordana Johnson

ICHF Events Head of Sales & Craft Network Chair

Steve Mitchell

Having studied Politics at University Steve started his career in the classified advertising section at IPC Media working across the music and lifestyle portfolio. Quickly progressing through the ranks to Head of sales on the Country Pursuits titles, he then made the move to Regional press with Archant as Publishing Director.

Having been born in the West Country the plan was always to move back and the opportunity to head up the sales team at ICHF Events was to good to turn down. Steve has been in charge of the sales operation at ICHF Events for nearly three years and has been successful in building strong client relationships developing the shows to incorporate a broader range of exhibitors across the portfolio.

ichfevents.co.uk

Email:steve@thecraftnetwork.org

Director Bert & Gert’s & Craft Network Deputy Chair

Mark Wilkes

Mark takes the lead on the non craft side of the Bert & Gert’s activities, looking after the organisational management of the business, with a track record in logistics and site management. Mark has been the driving force in expanding the business into Event Management, Site Management and Equipment hire. That expansion has seen Bert & Gert’s acquire a Marquee Hire Business adding to the portfolio of event options.

Mark is a strong advocate of the power of networking and recognises it has been instrumental in how Bert & Gert’s has grown, enabling us to work with likeminded businesses to the benefit of all concerned.

Bert & Gert’s products can be found on Create and Craft TV and are available direct from bertandgerts.co.uk.

Email:mark@thecraftnetwork.org

ICHF Events MD

Simon Burns

After returning to the UK from travelling in August 1995, Simon started working for ICHF Events, a local events company who needed a Marketing Manager to help them out for the show season. On an initial four-week contract, Simon was part of a team of five who all got involved in every aspect of each show. He loved it, so he stayed. Fast forward 25 years and Simon is now the Managing Director and has a team of 25 staff who work across the companies portfolio of 20 events.

In his role as MD he has launched new events, diversified existing exhibitions into new territories, achieved commercial success across the portfolio and grown the team and company. Simon’s strong leadership, knowledge and enthusiasm are the perfect balance to ensure ICHF Events stay at the top of a thriving craft industry.

ichfevents.co.uk

Email:simon@thecraftnetwork.org

Director Bert & Gert’s

Jason Wilkes

Jason has been crafting since he was small boy, learning many different crafts from his grandmother Gert, or as he would call her Nan. Taking up an interest in paper crafting over 20 years ago lead to the establishment of Bert & Gert’s.

In 2013 they launched Bert & Gert’s Merchant Stores to bring Jason’s designs and own craft products to the crafting market. Starting with rubber stamps, the collection has grown to include, stencils, paper packs, MDF, paints and much more.

Bert & Gert’s products can be found on Create and Craft TV and are available direct from bertandgerts.co.uk.

Email:jason@thecraftnetwork.org

ICHF Events Head of Marketing

Jordana Johnson

Having studied Marketing and Psychology at university, Jordana started her career in the publishing and events industry focusing on the motoring market and became responsible for marketing and operations on the portfolio of consumer car events at IPC Media.

This kick started her career working for some of the most notable event organisers in the UK including Clarion Events, Faversham House, Mash Media and finally ICHF Events. Jordana has been the Head of marketing at ICHF Events for two years and has used her experience across a broad range of B2B and B2C events to drive forward the portfolio or craft, hobby and lifestyle events.

ichfevents.co.uk

Email:jordana@thecraftnetwork.org

Mission
Our mission

Changing the way
crafters network

The Craft Network strives to be the industry leader for all creative crafts, and provide a joined-up, credible approach to help stimulate and sustain the market. To create the feeling of community, togetherness and inclusivity – everyone is welcome. With a collaborative approach to build partnerships and grow the creative industry.

To Become The Industry Leader

The Craft Network strives to be the industry leader for all creative crafts, where businesses can share ideas, best practice and network with industry peers.

Create A Crafter In Every Household

By providing memorable experiences for our members including workshops lead by industry experts, opportunities to develop skills and learn about new trends.

Create A Feeling Of Community

Togetherness and inclusivity. Everyone is welcome. Whether you have been a part of the industry for some time or are just starting out, there is valued place for all.
Experience
Member Experience

The all members
club for B2B craft professionals.

The Craft Network has been built to develop connections, drive stimulation, increase mental and physical wellbeing and provide inspiration. Ranging from networking events to demonstrations and industry education to experience led content.

Networking

Networking

A programme of opportunities curated by The Craft Network to allow your business to connect with peers form both inside and outside of the creative craft industry.

Demos

Demos

Providing the opportunity for you to showcase your products to prospective customers. By allowing prospective customers the chance to see and touch, your demo becomes an effective sales tool.

Education

Education

Knowledge sharing from peers both from within the craft industry and across industries. Access to thought leaders and educational content to help companies grow and overcome business challenges.

Experience

Experience

Crafting is all about the experience, The Craft Network can help you to create your brand experience and be part of creative craft industry experience such as events.

Tiers
Membership Tiers

All tiers gain

Access To Networking Events | Monthly E-newsletter | Mentoring Opportunities With Industry Leaders | Complimentary Inclusion In The Buyers Guide For Chsi Stitches** | Exclusive Member Discounts: Insurance – Web Design – Printing

Silver

£49
per year
  • Access To Networking Events
  • Quarterly E-newsletter
  • Mentoring Opportunities With Industry Leaders
  • Complimentary Inclusion In The Buyers Guide For CHSI Stitches**
  • 5% Discount On Stands / Sponsorship Opportunities at Ichf Events
  • £250 Social Media Package across the ICHF platforms
  • Exclusive Member Discounts: Insurance – Web Design – Printing
  • Complimentary listing of up to 10 products or bundles in the ICHF shop for 3 months
  • Full access to The Craft Report
Start Now

Gold

£199
per year
  • Access To Networking Events
  • Quarterly E-newsletter
  • Mentoring Opportunities With Industry Leaders
  • Complimentary Inclusion In The Buyers Guide For CHSI Stitches**
  • 10% Discount On Stands / Sponsorship Opportunities at Ichf Events
  • £500 Social Media Package across the ICHF platforms
  • Exclusive Member Discounts: Insurance – Web Design – Printing
  • Complimentary listing of up to 10 products or bundles in the ICHF shop for 3 months
  • Full access to The Craft Report
Start Now

Platinum

£249
per year
  • Access To Networking Events
  • Quarterly E-newsletter
  • Mentoring Opportunities With Industry Leaders
  • Complimentary Inclusion In The Buyers Guide For CHSI Stitches**
  • 15% Discount On Stands / Sponsorship Opportunities at Ichf Events
  • £750 Social Media Package across the ICHF platforms
  • Exclusive Member Discounts: Insurance – Web Design – Printing
  • Access to VIP Buyers Lounge at CHSI Stitches
  • 2 x VIP Tickets to ICHF Consumer Shows
  • Complimentary listing of up to 10 products or bundles in the ICHF shop for 3 months
  • Full access to The Craft Report
Start Now

Complimentary

Free
for exhibitors*
  • Access To Networking Events
  • Quarterly E-newsletter
  • Mentoring Opportunities With Industry Leaders
  • Complimentary Inclusion In The Buyers Guide For CHSI Stitches**
  • Social media package ratecard
  • Exclusive Member Discounts: Insurance – Web Design – Printing
Start Now

*Complimentary silver membership is provided for all exhibiting companies from ICHF Events and Bert & Gerts, with additional enhanced membership options available.

**CHSI Exhibitors only, subject to availability

Contact
To discuss membership options please contact the team on

+44 (0)1425 460 811

contact@thecraftnetwork.org

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