So you may be wondering what's happened to Create And Craft TV!!!. Here is some information about the previous liquidation and takeover, and what's happening now.
Hochanda Global Limited took over Create and Craft TV after it went into liquidation at the beginning of 2022. The previous owners of Create and Craft TV were Ideal World Limited. The takeover of Create and Craft TV by Hochanda Global Limited saved around 250 jobs and relocating the company's studios to Oundle, where Hochanda Global Limited studio was. However, the financial details of the takeover, including the amount of money lost and the number of companies affected, have not been publicly disclosed.
Liquidation and Takeover:
Financial Struggles: Create and Craft faced financial challenges that led to its liquidation in early 2022. This means the company was unable to meet its financial obligations and had to cease operations.
Asset Sale: During the liquidation process, the company's assets, including its brand, were sold off.
Hochanda Global Limited: Hochanda Global Limited, a television shopping channel specialising in arts, crafts, and hobbies, acquired the assets of Create and Craft. This meant they took over the channel's brand, programming, and some of its staff.
Rebranding: Hochanda Global Limited decided to keep the "Create and Craft" brand name and continue operating the channel under this identity.
Financial Impact:
Loss Amount: The exact amount of money lost during Create and Craft's liquidation is not publicly available information. However, given the company's financial difficulties and the need for a takeover, it is likely that the losses were substantial.
Companies Affected:
Create and Craft: The liquidation directly affected Create and Craft itself, resulting in job losses and the closure of the channel's operations.
Suppliers and Partners: The takeover by Hochanda Global Limited likely affected suppliers and partners who were involved with Create and Craft. Some relationships might have continued under the new ownership, while others might have been terminated or renegotiated.
ITV: For sometime Create And Craft was broadcasting through ITV in the late hours of the night. With the liquidation and then takeover of the channel meant this contract came to an end.
Takeover by Hochanda Global Limited:
Acquisition: Hochanda Global Limited acquired the assets of Create and Craft. This meant they took over the channel's brand, programming, and some of its staff.
Rebranding: Hochanda Global Limited decided to keep the "Create and Craft" brand name and continue operating the channel under this identity. Hochanda Global Limited chose to retain the 'Create and Craft' name for several reasons. First, it was a well-established television channel in the crafting community, having been around for approximately 18 years at the time of the takeover. Second, the channel had a strong reputation, having won multiple awards such as the Craft Beautiful - The Best of Craft Awards’ and other accolades for its programming and content.
Impact on Customers and Suppliers:
Continuity: The takeover likely ensured continuity for customers and suppliers who were involved with Create and Craft. They were able to continue their relationship with the channel under the new ownership.
Changes: While the brand name remained the same, there might have been some changes in the channel's operations, such as programming or product offerings.
Overall, the liquidation and subsequent takeover by Hochanda Global Limited marked a significant transition for Create and Craft. While the channel faced financial difficulties, its continued operation under the new ownership provided some stability for customers and suppliers. However, the liquidation may have had a financial impact on ITV and definitely affected numerous individuals and businesses involved with Create and Craft.
My Journey on Create and Craft
My journey with Create and Craft began in May 2018. While watching a Rare Earth stamps show, I emailed the studio to share my experience using a "load and fold" product to help clients with dexterity issues. I included my phone number, and to my surprise, I received a call to discuss this on live TV.
Excitedly, I spoke with Hels Sheridan and Martyn Parker about the product. Following the broadcast, I inquired about creating samples for future shows. My work impressed the team, and I was invited to produce samples at the end of May 2018.
Over the next few months, I progressed to creating step-by-step tutorials for the website and blog. This was followed by the opportunity to contribute to the magazine, a significant milestone in my crafting journey.
In November 2018, I was invited to audition for live TV demonstrations. The screen test with Martyn was a wonderful experience, and he even remembered our earlier phone call. I was thrilled to be selected to co-demonstrate a show with Hannah Stone (Oxbury) in early March 2019.
From there, my career on Create and Craft flourished. I had the privilege of demonstrating for various companies and brands, including Rare Earth, Scan&Cut, Tatted Lace, Creative Crafting World, The Paper Boutique, Stamps by Me, Hobby House, and Dalton Manor.
Unfortunately, my journey was cut short when Create and Craft was acquired by Hochanda.
From my perspective:
When Create and Craft went into liquidation, it was a shock to the system for everyone involved, including myself. As a guest demonstrator, blogger, and magazine contributor, I suddenly found myself without work and with little communication from the company. It felt like a scramble for survival, with a lot of uncertainty and tension in the industry.
Unfortunately, the transition to a new channel wasn’t smooth. There was a sense of competition and hostility, as suppliers and demonstrators from Create and Craft were competing for space on another channel that already had its own established team. It was a challenging time for everyone involved.
Over time, I found that my contributions to the blog and magazine were gradually decreasing. This was due to a combination of factors, including the discontinuation of the members' magazine and the company’s decision to use in-house writers for tutorials.
Faced with this setback, I decided to take control of my own career and launch my own brand. This was no easy feat, as many suppliers are reluctant to share their manufacturing contacts. However, I persevered and managed to find reliable UK-based manufacturers who shared my commitment to supporting British industry.
So that's what happened last time and this is what's happening now!!!
The recent events surrounding Create and Craft have been deeply troubling. Starting in early September, multiple suppliers publicly revealed significant payment delays dating back to May and June. As more and more companies reported similar issues, frustration grew within the industry.
Despite assurances of payment, the situation remained unresolved. This uncertainty compelled many suppliers to withdraw their products from the channel, leaving customers disappointed and suppliers facing severe financial hardship. Some suppliers have since migrated to HobbyMaker TV, while others are exploring alternative platforms like social media to directly engage with their customer base.
Time Line:
On October 4th, Create and Craft, formerly known as Hochanda, ceased live television broadcasts and the channel stopped accepting new orders. Studio staff were instructed to stand down, awaiting further updates. While initial promises of a return to air were made, these were not fulfilled. The channel subsequently transitioned to airing reruns of previous shows. Also on October 4th, Hochanda Global appointed an insolvency practitioner to oversee potential administration or liquidation proceedings. Around October 21st, Sky removed both Create and Craft and its sister channel, Craft Extra, from its platform. Them their website was taken offline around October 16th.
Sadly today (25/10/24) it was announced that Create And Craft will be going into liquidation, this development is likely to have negative implications for customers seeking refunds, as suppliers, banks, and HMRC will likely have priority claims on any recovered assets. Customers may consider disputing card transactions with their banks.
The lack of adequate communication and support from Create and Craft's top management during this challenging period is deeply disappointing. The entire team, from buyers, presenters and directors to studio technicians and cleaners, now faces the daunting task of finding new employment opportunities. I extend my sincere empathy to all affected by this situation, understanding firsthand the stress and uncertainty it entails for me and my company, and companies that may not survive this.
If you want to help support small businesses like my own, please buy direct from us. Follow us on social media and subscribe to our YouTube channels. Every bit helps.
If you have been affected by the closure of Create And Craft here are some steps you might consider:
Contact Your Bank or Credit Card Company:
If you paid by credit or debit card, you may be able to file a chargeback claim. This involves disputing the transaction with your bank, explaining that you did not receive the goods or services.
Your bank may be able to help recover the funds, especially if you can provide evidence of your order and the lack of delivery.
Check Your Insurance:
If you have home insurance, you might want to check your policy for any coverage related to non-delivery of goods.
Join a Consumer Group or Seek Legal Advice:
Consider contacting a consumer protection organisation or seeking legal advice. They may be able to provide guidance on your specific situation and potential legal remedies.
Please be aware that the process of recovering funds in such cases can be complex and time-consuming. It's important to gather all relevant documentation, such as order confirmations, payment receipts, and any communication with Create and Craft.
I hope this information is helpful
Keep it crafty
Kelly Anne Jordan
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