As specialists in the field of surname histories and coats of arms, Hall of Names are pleased to be associated with Scotland Magazine, a fantastic bi-monthly resource for those interested in Scotland and its heritage. Over the coming months, Scotland Magazine will be publishing special Hall of Names competitions online, and we look forward to working them and providing a range of prizes, including surname histories, clan histories, anniversary doubles and small maps. If you are interested in finding out more about the magazine, simply click this link to find out more about how you can order your copy.

We are thrilled to have a new display area within Castle Welsh crafts, opposite Cardiff Castle. This prestigious family business, opened over forty years ago and run by Bob Rice, specialises in providing top-quality gifts to their many visitors. From silver spoons and thimbles, to miners' lamps and Whisky, the shop has something to suit every taste.

We initially discovered Castle Welsh Crafts at Cardiff Christmas Fair, and subsequently met again at the annual Spring Fair at the NEC. Like us, Castle Welsh Crafts pride themselves in offering beautiful and unique ranges, and service that is second to none. We have worked with Bob to create a stunning new display area, showcasing our range that sits so well alongside his existing product lines.

Next time you are visiting Cardiff, pay a visit to Castle Welsh Crafts and let us know what you think of our new display!

We are very excited to be exhibiting again at this year's Who Do You Think You Are Live show at Olympia in London – the biggest family history event in the world. Every year, we are thrilled to meet family history enthusiasts and find out more about their fascinating journeys as they trace their ancestral roots. Finding out about your surname history can be a good place to start, and visitors to our stand are often surprised to discover an ancient coat of arms for their name. We will be delighted to help you discover more about your own family's heritage, and show you some products from our range, which includes heraldic maps and bespoke hand-carved shields, as well as a whole host of other personalised products featuring your coat of arms.

Who Do You Think You Are Live will feature expert help and advice on every aspect of your family history research, including:

The National Archives

Ask the experts

Celebrity theatre

DNA

Society of Genealogists' Family History Show

Military Pavilion

Workshops

Over 160 exhibitors

Plus much more!

So whether you are new to tracing your family tree, or a seasoned researcher, the show is sure to have something you will find appealing, including the chance to meet celebrities from the series.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Williton-based company Hall of Names has made it into the final three of this year’s Somerset Business Awards, organised by the Somerset Chamber of Commerce.

There has been a record breaking number of entries and following a rigorous and intensive judging process, the organisers were pleased to announce that Hall of Names, run by local couple Wendy Spencer and Peter Horsler, has made it through in two categories; Business of the Year (0-1 employees) and Marketing and Promotion. Set up just over ten years ago, their company specialises in providing personalised heraldic gifts, coats of arms and surname histories to their customers online and at major attractions all over the country.

Sponsors of the Somerset Business Awards, along with other respected individuals from the Somerset Business community, were given the task of visiting the shortlisted companies to select the finalists in each category.

Judges were tasked with looking at each component of the businesses and rating them against the criteria for individual awards. A total of 14 categories were open to Somerset businesses of all shapes and sizes and from every sector.

Year on year, the number of quality entries increases and this year has been no exception. Categories have been hotly contested and Wendy was delighted to have made the final three. ""We are over the moon to have reached the final shortlist of such a prestigious award in both of the categories we entered. It is a testament to the hard work of our small team, and our extensive network of licensees across the UK, who sell our ranges through their outlets. This could not have been achieved without them."

Jenn Chidley, Marketing and Communications Coordinator at the Somerset Chamber of Commerce is delighted with the results for 2012 and comments, "This year there has been 20 per cent more entries and it is fantastic to see so many businesses have such passion to drive their business forward. The finalists have something very special about them, so well done to them all! The standard was exceptionally high this year and we are all looking forward to celebrating the finalists’ success at the awards ceremony evening in November."