There is one ingredient that is essential to a successful business – a love for the product you sell and I certainly have this in abundance. My experience in the collectables arena dates back to 1997. Originally importing Disney beanbags from the USA, I was one of the first retailers to introduce collectors to the wonderful world of Winnie the Pooh and his friends in 1998. At this time I wrote for Beanbag World magazine in order to share my detailed knowledge with collectors in the UK. The next step onwards was into the land of arctophilia – otherwise known as teddy bear collecting. In 2003 Apple Pie House Ltd at Ledbury was created. My fabulous range of bears – from the smallest miniature to the largest at 5 feet high – was housed in an atmospheric store full of oak beams and 16th century character. The speciality of the company was the amazing creations of R. John Wright Dolls Inc and my crowning glory was the wee Beatrix Potter mouse, Appley Dapply which was exclusively available through the store. This sold out within just one year of issue. I have now moved the business to my home town area and have opened a brand new showroom in Shirley, Croydon. Here the same beautiful selection of bears can be viewed. I offer only the finest and best to collectors with Steiff from all over the world, the very cute Charlie Bears and last but by no means least, bears and dolls from R. John Wright. In addition to manufactured bears I have a wide selection of Artist Bears from both well established, and also up and coming artists worldwide. If you cannot make it to the gallery in Croydon then come and visit Meridian Teddy Bear Gallery at various teddy bear fairs throughout the country. Looking forward to seeing you soon.