Pictured (left to right): Brian Mountford, Tracy Benbow with
Paul McAllister
A Coventry-based artist and craftsman has seen his work selected
for a prestigious showcase event in London - and he's now looking
to break into the New York market.
Paul McAllister has been running his ceramics business from the
Canal Basin for a year and also teaches part-time at Coventry
University.
His most recent work includes handmade cups and teapots, and now
his pieces have been chosen for the highly-regarded Origin
Contemporary Craft Fair, which is taking place at the Old
Spitalfields Market from September 22 to September 28.
Paul, who has been receiving business assistance from the
Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said it would
provide a major showcase for his work.
He said: "I did Origin last year and hadn't expected it to go so
well. Only around 200 exhibitors are selected to exhibit and it's
one of the top events of its kind so can act as a real launch pad
for exhibitors.
"Thousands of people from all over Europe will be attending and
I'll be working on pieces to take right up until the event as you
have to take the best selection you can as you never know who is
going to walk though the doors."
He added: "It's something I love doing but it's a business too.
When my generation went through college we didn't have access to
great business training and advice that is available today, so it
is good to have access to the expertise at the Chamber.
"Hopefully people will sit up and take notice and start to
purchase more of my products."
As well as receiving help from Chamber business adviser Tracy
Benbow - including how to promote himself using social media - Paul
has now been tapping into support from Brian Mountford from the
Chamber's international trade team in order to start selling in New
York.
"I've visited shows in Boston and New York before, but this is
an area I feel I can grow into," said Paul.
Tracy said Paul was benefiting from support from the
Chamber.
She said: "We are delighted that Paul's work has been selected
for Origin for the second year running. It's fantastic when a local
artist is recognised in this way.
"What we can do at the Chamber is provide business experience
and advice to help companies of all sizes and sectors to grow.
"I've been delighted to work alongside Paul and he's now also
making the most of the support available from our international
trade team."