Member Article

Hochanda launches online and on TV

Hochanda, the brand new online and TV shopping channel, has launched as the complete solution to the growing passion across the UK for crafts, hobbies and arts; an industry which is now reported to be worth an estimated £3.4billion.

Hochanda was born following feedback from the crafting community that revealed there were key elements missing in the current craft, hobbies and art retailers on the market; crafters want more demonstration led shows that are educational and inspiring as well as entertaining, they want to see a variation of skillsets across a multitude of crafts, hobbies and arts, and have a trackable product order delivery service that is second to none. Understanding these elements drove the founders to develop a dedicated one-stop-shop with a clear objective to inspire, educate and entertain everyone, old and young, to learn a new craft, hobby or art, or build on an existing passion and skill.

Hochanda sets itself apart from other craft retailers by offering informative and interactive 24/7 shows which are broadcasted live between 9am-9pm every day. All shows are available to watch on TV or by streaming in HD online on a smartphone, tablet or laptop. Hochanda demonstrates fresh new content ensuring the crafting community interests always comes first. The Hochanda team listen to their viewers and adapt their shows and product offering according to the feedback from the community.

The retailer offers a wide range of products for all passions including knitting, painting, paper craft, dress making, jewellery making, baking, DIY, gardening, and provides kits for beginners and ranges for those more experienced in their craft. Hochanda also continuously expands its hobby collection, providing equipment and products for those interested in outdoor pursuits like hiking, fishing, and cycling or modelling.

Co-founded by TV shopping entrepreneur Paul Wright, and his business partner of 30 years Val Kaye, who together previously founded Ideal World and Create and Craft launched Hochanda in August 2015 which has grown from strength-to-strength since its first show. Every member of the Hochanda team, from the film crew to the customer service team, has been handpicked as the very best in the TV and online shopping and crafting industries. The business has also been created to be adaptable in order to meet product demand and emerging interests within the UK by working directly with individual retailers and suppliers. Speaking about the launch, co-founder Paul Wright says;

“Hochanda has been created to meet the needs of the 80 percent of the population who already enjoy a craft, hobby, or art, but also to inspire new interests in others. For example, I discovered a number of years ago that wood lathing and creating wooden bowls is a particular passion of mine, and I wanted to bring the opportunity to discover something new to the rest of the UK.

Hobbies and crafting allow us to switch off from the busy world around us. There have been many reports that show how beneficial a hobby or craft is for our health and wellbeing, and we wanted to provide the UK a dedicated retailer that will motivate, educate and indulge those to develop a new skill.“

Hochanda provides informative and inspiring shows that are hosted by engaging presenters and guests who are not only passionate about their crafts but provide a step-by-step run through on how to make each design and creation. Some of Hochanda’s most popular regular shows include; Barbara Gray’s ‘Clarity Stamps’, Chloe Endean’s ‘Chloe’s Cards’, ‘Woodworking’ with Rodger Berwick, Hayley Smith’s ‘Craft Yourself Silly’, Sarah Hurley’s ‘Adult Colouring’ and Mike and Shona Bossom’s ‘Encaustic Wax Art’.

CEO of Hochanda Jamie Martin says about the business;

“Hobbies and crafting is a huge market in the UK, and it is continuing to grow. Since Hochanda launched we have seen a surge in people taking up paper crafting including card making, embossing and die cutting and more recently adult colouring. We are passionate to bring our viewers the latest in crafting and hobbies and also products to inspire new crafters!“

Are you inspired to learn a new hobby or skill? Tune into Hochanda on Sky 663, Freeview 39, Freesat 817 or log on to www.hochanda.com to learn more.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by George May .