Kudos to the organisers of the London Stationery Show, Max Publishing, and the team at the Business Design Centre in London for ensuring the exhibition went ahead despite dramatic weather conditions. A thunderstorm and hailstones in the capital caused water to cascade into the event space as exhibitors set up. But the show must go on, as they say in showbiz – and it did. Not only did the show begin on time the following morning, but it also welcomed record-breaking crowds, marking the busiest opening day in the event’s history.
Exhibitors and organisers alike confirmed that the buzz on the show floor was matched by strong footfall as retailers, buyers and dealers from across the country – and beyond – explored the aisles to view the latest launches in stationery, writing instruments, arts & crafts and more.
Held over two days (13-14 May), the show continues to cement its reputation as the UK’s only dedicated stationery trade event – and one that’s increasingly broad in scope. This year, over 150 brands exhibited, including workplace supplies names such as Nemo Office Club, Pukka Pads, ExaClair, Sylvamo, Sinclairs, UPM Raflatac and edding. Meanwhile, premium pen brands such as Pentel, Mitsubishi Pencil Co, Zebra Pen, Pilot Pen UK and Staedtler were joined by a new wave of creative brands catering to the crossover between stationery, gifting and arts & crafts.
Inside the hall and outside the venue, Stabilo kept crowds engaged. On the stand, the team showcased its new Start Beginning campaign, incorporating The Poetry Takeaway, which drew plenty of attention – and a queue or two. Parked on the forecourt, a team of quick-witted poets created personalised verses for visitors on the spot. It proved to be one of the highlights of the opening day, with many returning proudly to the halls clutching their poem.
This year, the workshops and talks relocated to the mezzanine level, where attendees had the chance to roll up their sleeves and get involved with activities from Royal Talens, Jakar International, Craft Buddy, Huunuu and Fab Dab Do. Across the two days, the speaker programme featured a range of talks from key names, including TV personality Kate Ferdinand and Helena Mansell-Stopher, CEO of Products of Change.
As ever, the Boutique Collection offered a creative focal point by the entrance from emerging and established independents.
Stationery Awards 2025
The winners of the Stationery Awards 2025 were announced at the close of the first day of the London Stationery Show. More than 70 products were shortlisted across the product categories, representing 50 different brands, while 33 retailers featured in the newly introduced retail categories. The winners were:
- Novelty Stationery Product of the Year: Stone Marketing – Legami Erasable Pens Tiger and Butterfly
- Arts & Crafts Product of the Year: West Design Products – Faber-Castell Polychromos & Pitt Graphite Matt Gift Sets
- Writing Instrument of the Year (Up to £10): Pentel – Floatune Retractable Rollerball
- Writing Instrument of the Year (Over £25): Tom’s Studio – The Wren Refillable Writing Pen
- Children’s Stationery Product of the Year: Maped Helix – Maped Creativ Pixel Factory
- Home Office Product of the Year: Exacompta Clairefontaine (ExaClair) – Exacompta AutentiK TINY BOX
- Sustainable Stationery Product of the Year: Coffeenotes – Tutti Frutti Stitched Notebooks
- Diary/Organiser of the Year: Rebel Stationery – A5 Seasonal Diary Collection
- Licensed Stationery Product of the Year: Blue Sky Studios – Licensed Fidget Pens
- Notebook/Journal of the Year: LEUCHTTURM1917 – Notebooks 411
- Filing & Storage Product of the Year: Mann Inc – Endless Companion Leather Pen Pouch
- The Icon Award: STABILO – STABILO BOSS ORIGINAL Highlighters, Pack of 8, Assorted Colours
- Best Independent Stationery Retailer – North: Stationery Supplies, Marple and Wilmslow
- Best Independent Stationery Retailer – South: The Stationery House, Somerton, Clevedon and Winscombe
- Best Multiple Stationery Retailer: Ryman Group (Ryman, Ryman Design and London Graphic Centre)
- Best Online Stationery Retailer: Under the Rowan Trees
