East End Press, Glasgow

East End Press specialises in handcrafted, printed decorations, gifts and homeware and its only retail space occupies an eye-catching corner in Glasgow. Founder Ellie Hodesdon and her team, several of whom have been with her since the start, now supply independent shops, major retailers, collaborators including the Tate, and online customers across the world. The home of the business and the brand is the shop on Great Western Road, from where its colourful garlands are sent across the globe.

For Ellie Hodesdon, the journey from Glasgow School of Art graduate to internationally recognised designer has been one of experimentation, instinct and forward motion. What began with screen printing in a freezing Scottish studio has grown into a business which has developed over more than a decade while retaining the individual character and values that started it all. Ellie’s designs combine with her energy, vision and commitment, an obvious driving force. When we spoke she was at a trade show in New York, yet her focus was sharp, undiluted by the miles or time zones between us: it was as if she were sitting next to me. That focus clearly extends to her teams and customers, wherever they are.