Tag Archives: gifts

News

Risque greetings card company to open new HQ and printworks after pandemic sales surge

A POPULAR greeting cards company is celebrating expansion plans after a pandemic business boom.

Based in Colwyn Bay, Lima Lima was launched by Carly and James Brands in 2015 and got off to a flying start, producing and selling daring and risqué gifts and cards that quickly gained popularity and began selling the world over.

The impact of Brexit that same year took its toll on the company, notably in Europe, but the couple have diversified and bounced back.

They achieved a significant rise in turnover, sell more than 550,000 items annually, and now employ up to 10 full and part-time staff.

As they prepare to move to new, larger premises in the seaside town, they have big plans for the future and a fresh selection of product ideas.

Mum-of-three Carly, who has decades of experience in marketing, entertainment, and digital media, said their end-to-end approach has worked well since day one, though they are now also collaborating with established partners to scale-up and grow further.

“We work with local companies and sell a lot of our items and cards direct, but also via some of the major online platforms like Etsy and Amazon given demand internationally,” she said.

“When we launched it was a leap of faith as we had never done anything like this before, but because our range was very niche it immediately captured the imagination and things really took off.

“Brexit did have an effect, not only on European sales, but on the price of stock, supplies, and the effect of import taxes, but when Coronavirus took hold in the UK our sales went through the roof.

“People were in lockdown, and we tailored a lot of merchandise around that, creating light-hearted bespoke cards and gifts – including mugs, pens, and balloons – which brought some light relief at a time when people really needed it.

“I even wrote a little lockdown-related ditty for a greeting card, and we ended up selling more than 25,000 of them – the response was phenomenal.”

Carly added: “From there we started to grow and diversify – into content marketing and digital advertising – and we have big plans for when we move into the new building. It’s a case of watch this space!”

Novelty candles manufactured and distributed by Lima Lima – named after the firm’s LL postcode – are among the items they are looking to introduce in the coming months.

“What was a big step for us both, starting our own company after years of paid employment, ended up being the best thing we ever did,” said James.

“Carly and I have so many ideas and are always thinking big, we are excited to relocate and to see how we can take Lima Lima to even greater heights.”

For more information, visit the website www.limalima.co.uk or email hello@limalima.co.uk.

News

James McGoldrick discusses the personal benefits of office working

As more and more Britons receive vaccinations and lockdown restrictions continue to ease, employers and employees alike are grappling with the decision to return to the office, or to continue to encourage staff to work from home.

As the managing director of online gift retailers Bradfords Bakers, Send Them Balloons, and Send Them Cupcakes, James McGoldrick has always been able to keep his staff onsite as it is vital to remain operational. He has happily kept all his staff present onsite, and has taken hygiene precautions to keep all his staff safe from COVID-19.

He recognises the benefits office working has on his staff, especially during the pandemic. Here, James discusses the advantages of office working for his employees.

  1. A chance to be social

“At the height of the pandemic, it was really difficult to see friends and family we don’t live with as everyone was isolating, and social environments like cafes were closed. It was a really lonely time for a lot of people, so any excuse for a chat and social interaction with someone outside of the household became very valuable.

“It’s easy to get frustrated with the people you spend all your time with, so a break and a chance to discuss different things with different people is important.

“Going to a safe workplace is an excellent opportunity to do just that. While not everyone enjoys going to work, going to see a friend can be really beneficial on the psyche.”

  1. An excuse to exercise

“People have put in so much effort into working out at home or taking up jogging while gyms have been closed, but when you’ve got limited space, or neighbours to worry about hearing you, or distractions, exercising at home can actually be very difficult to get stuck into.

“When working at home, a lot of people end up remaining in an office chair, or a couch, or bed, for a full day. Although your staying at home, working in your own house can still be mentally tiring, and not everyone will have the energy to be active after a shift.

“The commute is a good chance to exercise, even if it’s just a walk to the bus stop. Then being at the office and walking around doing things keeps you moving and on your feet. You still may not have the energy to do a workout after work, but it’s still a positive thing, having a reason to move about.”

  1. Change of scenery

“Staring at the same four walls of our home’s day in, day out, can be draining. The days can become monotonous and plain boring when working from home, especially as the boundary between the place where you rest and the place where you work becomes blurred, and it’s difficult to turn off and settle into your free time after your shift.

“Your workplace may not be extremely exciting to behold, but it can still be a breath of fresh air to spend some time somewhere different. And again, the commute serves a positive purpose here as you drive, travel, cycle, or walk, you may encounter different people and scenes that can be unique and exciting.”

 

“Of course, the decision of whether to come back to the office or remain working from home should be a collaborative one made by the employee and employer both. If a workplace cannot be considered safe while COVID-19 is still a threat, then staff should absolutely remain working from home. But as the world reopens we should pay attention to the wants and needs of our employees, and come to the decision that is best for them.”