Artists’ champion concentrates on SmithTaylor white label and bespoke manufacturing
That’s a wrap for the wholesale and trade side of Wraptious as founder Simon Wadsworth has decided to concentrate on the firm’s white-label manufacturing arm SmithTaylor and bespoke side.
Having worked to champion artists for over a decade, he’s now working and exhibiting under the SmithTaylor name with the next outing at PG Live on 3-4 June, following his debut at Spring Fair.
“It’s not a decision we’ve taken lightly,” Simon told PG Buzz. “Wholesale’s been central to our growth since 2013 but, over the past year, our other two divisions SmithTaylor and Bespoke have grown rapidly – up 45% year-on-year – and it became clear that we couldn’t do all three well.
“It’s bittersweet. Although it’s sad of course as trade was our first love after markets, it’s also really positive as we’re growing and moving in a very positive direction too. I adore the artists we support, and have really good relationships with, that’s the saddest bit for me.”
SmithTaylor, which was started in 2012 by Peter and Sue Smith, became part of Wraptious in 2021, producing goods bearing the Made In Britain mark in Pershore with an eco emphasis and a tree planted for every order – over 120,000 since 2019.
The white-label manufacturing arm produces various items including coasters and placemats in the UK with no minimums, short lead times and design flexibility, and Simon added: “It’s geared towards independents, makers and brands, especially those keen on sustainability and not wanting to purchase from China.
“Our Bespoke service is similar, where we help artists, retail attractions and retailers to create tailored ranges. This combines with both our SmithTaylor side, and also other UK manufacturers we work with, to create personalised products using our customers’ own artwork or collections.
“By focusing on these two, we’re building a stronger manufacturing business allowing us to support far more artists than we ever could through Wraptious Trade. We’re also relocated the business to our SmithTaylor site in Pershore to support this.”
All trade customers have received an email detailing the 40% discount on everything left online, but the business is continuing to support and work with many of the Wraptious artists through the bespoke side, including running its regular competitions bringing attention to different designers.
SmithTaylor will be among the 200+ companies exhibiting at PG Live on June 3 and June 4 at London’s Business Design Centre. To register for the show and see the fabulous exhibitor line-up click here.
