Ironbridge Gorge Museums Trust contract local company for the 3rd year

Feb. 24, 2011 - PRLog -- The showcase event, which also incorporates a popular fine food fair, is held at Enginuity, Ironbridge each autumn, in partnership with the Ironbridge Gorge Museums Trust.  
The company was set up by Sophie Eades six years ago and she runs the business from her home near Much Wenlock.
Sophie, who is also chairperson of the guild, said: “The majority of my clients are designer makers so promoting such an event as ‘Gorgeous’ is really exciting for me."  
The organisation made the unusual decision last year to employ a new chair, in order to keep the guild in the limelight and moving forward. The idea was formulated by outgoing chairman and potter at Coalport China Museum, Ralph Jandrell.
“I was coming to the end of my time as chairman, and nobody within the group had stepped forward expressing a wish to become the new chair, so I decided to put the idea forward to pay a local marketing and PR company who we have worked with for a few years. Members of the guild don’t have the time to take on the job, as we are all working so hard on our own businesses, It made sense to employ someone to undertake the role for us,” he said.
Each county in England has its own type of craft guild or association, but to employ a chairperson is a first for Shropshire.
“I was very surprised but pleased to have been asked. I am very passionate about local crafts and small local businesses, so to have the opportunity to not only be paid but also to promote the group further is wonderful for my company,” said Sophie.
Paul Gossage, director of marketing and PR at the Ironbridge Gorge Museums Trust said: “We have worked with Sophie for a number of years and I am delighted to once again renew her contract to promote Gorgeous.
“Her understanding of the creative industries allied with her expert knowledge of the regional press, make her the perfect candidate to handle this prestigious contract.”
'Gorgeous' exhibitors are carefully selected each year to ensure there is a diverse range of products with both affordable and higher priced items across a range of disciplines; every item on display reflects an exceptionally high level of craftsmanship and design.
“Each year over 1,500 people attend ‘Gorgeous’. We always have demonstrations throughout the event, which really shows the visitors how and what our members and guest exhibitors create.” added Sophie.
“Sophie’s previous results speak for themselves and I am once again looking forward to seeing lots of coverage for the event in the press across the West Midlands,” said Paul.  
Sophie, who has promoted 'Gorgeous' for the last two years has many designer makers as her clients and is also committee member of the commercially creative networking group, Creative Shropshire.