|
The Birchcraft name is synonymous with beautiful, hand crafted decorations, gifts and home wares. Each product lovingly designed in-house to appeal to those who are looking for something a bit different...that special, timeless mix of quality, subtle charm and originality.
Founded in 2000 by Carol Smith and Mary Stone in the little Cambridgeshire village of Barnack, Birchcraft is a small, design led company that has grown in reputation and sales both nationally and internationally, into a well respected company renowned for its unique brand and personal service.
The team has also grown. Joining Mary Stone in the creative team is designer, Helen Fitzjohn…and new to the business team is Marketing Executive, Shani Wray-Jenkins who joins Carol Smith (Business Manager) and Lis Faulkner (Sales) working ‘behind the scenes’.
We are constantly working on new and exciting products…this new year will see the launch of the eagerly awaited Spring and Easter ranges which were previewed at Top Drawer Autumn and loved! With our trademark ‘hand-crafted’ style combined with fresh and pretty colours, we think this range is destined to be a winner with all our customers…and yours!
If you’re already looking at Christmas 2008 – don’t miss Spring Fair at the NEC in February where we launch the new Birchcraft Christmas Collection…a combination of rustic charm and folkloric influences with an original twist…simple, subtle, different!
Birchcraft customers range from small independent retailers to mail-order companies, galleries and specialist chains. All of whom choose our products because they appreciate the unique, hand-crafted quality and originality of our designs.
If you think our products would sell well in your shop, please contact us for details of how to become a reseller. As a small company, we endeavor to treat our customers well, offering a personal service where your business and our promises really mean something!
We are looking to increase our export sales and welcome interested resellers from Europe and North America.
Carol Smith
Carol has had a varied background which included teaching Science in Secondary Schools and running her own photographic business. Carol initiated the founding of Birchcraft. It is her motivation and her skills in sales, marketing and finance which have allowed Birchcraft to grow.
Birchcraft exhibit at a number of trade fairs every year and Carol is often present on the stand to meet customers. Carol’s role is to manage and develop the business. She also takes an active role in assisting Mary to plan future product ranges. Carol is married and has three children.
Mary Stone
Mary comes from a design background having a degree in silver-smithing. Mary has worked in the jewellery retail business where she was responsible for window displays, assisting in the workshop and dealing with customers. She has also been involved in various aspects of the antiques trade. This interest in antiques is often an inspirational source of her designs.
It was the popularity of her hand made decorations at local fairs and fetes that was the inspiration to start the business. Mary‘s role is predominately in the design of the product range. Her skills in sample production enable Birchcraft to achieve the right end result. Over the past five years she has drawn on her passion for folk-art. She has always had a love of beads, jewellery, fabrics, colours, paints and textures. Mary uses various materials to create individual pieces; these are modified and gradually evolve into a Birchcraft product range.
Mary has many ideas and it is her style of painting and metal work that is highly appreciated by Birchcraft Customers. Mary is married and has two children.
Lis Faulkner: Sales / Administrator
Lis is involved in the sales and marketing of our products. She is often present at exhibitions and is in the office to help with orders.
Helen Fitzjohn: Designer
Helen has recently joined the design team to assist Mary and create new products which complement and enrich the Birchcraft range. Helen comes from a design and craft background and has plenty of creative flair.
Tracy Green: Accounts
Tracy is responsible for the accounts and debt.credit control.
Shani Wray-Jenkins: Marketing and New Business Executive
Coming from a creative design and marketing background, Shani joined us in August 2007 to help us enhance and present the qualities of the Birchcraft brand to the retail market – creating the new brochures, newsletters and updating the website. She is also responsible for new business and will be present at many of the trade fairs to liaise with existing and new customers.
|
