Ideal World is sold to entrepreneur

Peterborough-based TV and online shopping company Ideal World has been sold to a private investor.

The retailer, based in Newark Road where it employs more than 250 people, has been bought by entrepreneur and investor Hamish Morjaria for an undisclosed sum.

The business has been sold by asset management firm Aurelius Equity Opportunities just a few years after it acquired the renown company.

Ideal World currently broadcasts on Sky, Freeview, Freesat, Virgin and ITV as well as several web platforms.

Mr Morjaria has held senior leadership roles in global technology, distribution, wholesale and retail companies for the past 20 years including more recently as chairman of tech disruptor, FETCH Group.

He said: “Ideal World presents a really exciting investment opportunity.

“There is a talented team in place.”

“It’s multi-channel with both an online and TV channel offering.

“It has a loyal customer base, established infrastructure and the potential to extend content onto social media.

“I look forward to bringing in new brands and offers to help this much loved UK business meet its true potential.”

Source: Peterborough Telegraph

QVC and Jason Wu Launch J Jason Wu - The Culinary Experience

QVC®, a leader in building brands through livestream video storytelling across multiple platforms, today announced the launch of J Jason Wu – The Culinary Experience, featuring a beautifully crafted collection of cookware and small appliances. J Jason Wu cookware is now available on QVC.com and will be featured on-air Wednesday, January 26 at 7pm ET and all QVC digital streaming platforms.

Internationally recognized, award-winning fashion designer Jason Wu is constantly thinking about ways to innovate while preserving the beautiful traditions of the past. That applies not only to his fashion designs, but also to his other favorite creative outlet – cooking. Wu’s passion for cooking is highlighted through his social media channel @MrWuEats, gaining popularity because of the beautiful and equally delicious recipe photos.

“Growing up in a Taiwanese home and kitchen is a beautiful gift that I learned from my Mother. We bonded over family recipes handed down from generation to generation, and I learned it doesn’t take much to make something delicious when you start with simple ingredients,” Jason says of his love for cooking. “QVC’s in-house product design and development team helped bring my passion to life, collaborating on what I feel are the kitchen essentials, but with a sleek and sophisticated design aesthetic that is true to my brand.”

Leading with a form and function perspective, the J Jason Wu kitchen items feature staples such as:

• 12″ Cast Aluminum 5-Layer Nonstick Everything Pan

• 6-Pc Stained Bamboo Utensil Set

• 12″ Bamboo Steamer Insert w/Silicone Rim and Mat

• 8-Pc Cast Aluminum 5-Layer Nonstick Cookware Set

• 10″ Cast Aluminum 5-Layer Nonstick Fry Pan

• 8″ Cast Aluminum 5-Layer Nonstick Fry Pan

• 1.5-Cup Mini Rice Cooker w/Measuring Cup & Spoon

• 5.3-qt 1700W Air Fryer with Presets

• 1.7L Diamond Pattern SS Electric Kettle

“We have put a strong emphasis on continuing to grow our exclusive and proprietary home and culinary offerings at QVC with our uber-talented in-house product design and development team,” says Rob Robillard, SVP of Merchandising Home, Culinary, Electronics, and Merchandising Operations at Qurate Retail Group. “We are ecstatic to bring Jason’s sleek and sophisticated design to life for our consumers to enjoy both the product’s functionality and its beauty.”

For more pricing and more information about this and other QVC collaborations, visit QVC.com

Gemporia Partnership Announces Launch Of New Brand HobbyMaker.co.uk

Gemporia Partnership is set to expand with the launch of HobbyMaker. The brand new live broadcast channel and website will showcase the very best of paper craft creativity as well as a range of other crafts and mediums. Viewers will be able to tune into presenters and skilled guests as they inspire their next crafting projects across online, Freeview and Sky channels.

Steve Bennett, Chairman and Founder of the Partnership is thrilled to be launching the new channel: “We launched our first craft based business JewelleryMaker in 2010, since then we’ve seen the craft sector grow and grow. We’re blown away everyday by the creativity of our team, our partners and our customers so we’re delighted to add paper craft to jewellery making and sewing.”

“Our business became a majority employee owned partnership in 2018. We build businesses and brands for the long term. I know our team will do a fantastic job showcasing the inspiring world of paper craft and more”, says Colin Wagstaffe Managing Director of the Partnership.

HobbyMaker are keen to hear from vendors and individuals to discuss collaboration ahead of the launch. If you’re interested in working with us please email: workwith@hobbymaker.co.uk