Harrogate Christmas & Gift show: Hall C, Stand C19
These days technology might be fast-paced, but there’s a lot to be said for slowing down for beautiful stationery. That’s certainly the view of Tallon International’s Creative Director, Barry Heath…
With more than 50 years of expertise, Tallon International are most certainly ‘the stationery people’ – a company strapline that has now become a registered trademark.
Founded back in 1972, the company remains family-owned and now employs over 50 dedicated staff at the Coventry base. Tallon has grown to become one of the leading suppliers of stationery, arts and craft supplies, seasonal products and diaries and calendars in the UK.
Plus, with the brand’s full in-house studio there are perfectly placed to help other companies plan own-label projects. But for Harrogate Christmas & Gift and Spring Fair, it’s all about show-casing their stylish collections. CinJ spoke to Creative Director, Barry Heath, to find out more…
The Tallon team is back at Harrogate for the 2026 show. What are you looking forward to?
We can’t wait to showcase our new collection in its entirety, and for this year, our ever-growing range of cards, wrap, bags and Christmas Artbox.
What exciting product ranges can visitors to your show stand expect to see?
We have just launched a brand-new Christmas Artbox collection featuring all kinds of creative play and activity products which are best sellers from our Artbox colour and activity everyday range, giving customers a very good sell-through and profit options.
A reputation for being environmentally aware has been key to your success in recent years – how are you expanding on this?
We’re fully EUDR ready, and continue to be FSC certified on virtually ALL paper product across our range of 2500 SKUs. We implemented the OPRL recycle nomenclature over two years ago so are more than ready for the new regulations on recycling symbology for 2026.
Which ranges tend to sell well for you each year for Christmas?
Our extensive collection of gift bags but our Christmas activity collection is definitely set to cause a stir!
Stationery has historically and continues to be an important part of Christmas for consumers – with Christmas cards still really popular in an increasingly tech-driven world. Why is this the case?
I feel technology is outpacing the needs of the general consumer so stationery is still a simple and functional part of everyday life, both at Christmas and all year round. We are ‘the stationery people’ – a strapline we have adopted over the past three years and it is now a registered trademark.
Finally, what does Christmas mean to you personally?
I’m a traditionalist so it means family time, relaxation and reflecting on the year past and the year ahead.
For more information visit: www.tallon.co.uk
