The Giftware Association is taking over the operational, management and memberships activities of the Creative Industry Association. Both have huge synergies with their respective industries which, with newly added skills and resources, will benefit members of both associations
The Creative Industry Association and its members will become part of a much larger organisation, which will help secure the Association’s future, with greater resources, greater support, and opportunities for all members and vice versa.
“This is not only an exciting opportunity for both Associations to strengthen one another, it also cements our commitment in offering members new routes to market and new opportunities for growth, which is needed now more than ever,” states Sarah Ward ceo of The Giftware Association.
“Having worked with Craig De Souza over the last 24 months, it became clear that we should be working together more closely. The Creative Industry Association holds the same values as The GA. I’m looking forward to developing this important collaboration and, in due course, welcoming members old and new.”
Sarah remains ceo of The Giftware Association, and will be taking on the ceo role of the Creative Industry Association.
Craig De Souza, ceo and founder of the Creative Industry Association, comments: “I am a great believer in collaborations and opportunities that help members levitate themselves. When Sarah and I first spoke, we could see straight away how aligned our Associations are. Everything we do is for the betterment of our members.”
Continued Craig: “under Sarah and her team, The Giftware Association have, and are, doing some inspiring things, most recently the amazing Gift Awards, and I know the Creative Industry Association and its members will flourish. With The Giftware Association’s, BATF’s and members help and support, together we can do great things!”
Craig De Souza will be an ex-officio member of The Giftware Association’s national committee, as well as helping Sarah and her team with the smooth transition of the Creative Industry Association.
Gert Schyberg, board member of the British Allied Trades Federation (BATF), and deputy chair of The Giftware Association, adds: “At the BATF, we actively seek good associations with strong ethics and vision for future growth. As a collective, led by myself, we could see the vast potential to bring the Creative Industry Association into our group. We also value the importance of having key personnel like The Giftware Association’s ceo Sarah Ward, which is why we will be retaining Craig De Souza’s services, on a part time basis, for the next two years. Having two influential ceo’s working together offers strength in skills, insight and knowledge which will be vital for this important collaboration.”