it was great to return to the business of Trade Fairs this week, with a trip to London to visit Top Drawer.

This fair has been an important fixture in the Paper Tiger calendar for decades, and I was so happy to be back in the marbled halls of the Earls Court, meeting up with suppliers old and new. 

We have been busy updating our ranges and product selections right the way through the last 20 months of the pandemic, but no amount of websites, catalogues and online meetings can replace the buzz of a fair, the feel of product in your hand, and the gentle persuasion of the sales team!

More importantly, a trade fair exposes me to a vast array of products from hundreds of suppliers. Many of them have no bearing on Paper Tiger, or sell products that are suitable for our stores, but the effect of seeing all of that creativity, inspiration and effort provides a huge sensory synergy to sustain what we do. And despite some misgivings and a sleepless night, it was great to travel down to London.

I can't wait to go back.