On with the show Trade show updates from home and abroad Spring Fair & Theo Paphitis opens doors for 18 new retail start-ups Spring Fair, the retail industry’s leading home, gift and fashion experience, has announced the continuation of its successful partnership with retail entrepreneur Theo Paphitis and his #SBS Small Business Sunday initiative for 2027 with a significant expansion in opportunity for small businesses. For the first time, 18 small businesses will be awarded fully funded exhibition stands within the popular #SBS Village at Spring Fair 2027, a 50 percent increase from the previous 12, marking the largest intake since the partnership began and increased investment from Spring Fair. The initiative continues to champion the UK’s most exciting small businesses, providing a powerful platform to showcase products, connect with buyers, and accelerate growth within the retail sector. Theo Paphitis, TV Dragon, Retail Entrepreneur and Small Business Champion says: “I am thrilled to announce our continued partnership with Spring Fair. Year on year, the SBS x Spring Fair competition gives our winners a brilliant free opportunity to showcase their products, meet new people and grow their businesses. This year, we have even grown the opportunity - offering 18 stands in the #SBS Village, rather than our usual 12! I’m always inspired by the passion, creativity and hard work my winners bring, and it’s a real pleasure to meet them in person and hear their stories. Spring Fair is full of opportunity, and I can’t wait to meet the winning 18 at Spring Fair 2027.” Since 2018, the collaboration between #SBS and Spring Fair has supported over 80 small businesses with fully funded exhibition space, offering what many winners describe as a “game-changing” opportunity to enter wholesale, build networks and scale their operations. Fay Tranter, Spring Fair’s Event Director highlights the tangible growth and confidence the initiative brings to the UK’s small business community: “Working with the #SBS team has been an incredibly rewarding partnership and we’re proud to be deepening our investment in new and emerging retail businesses by increasing the number of fully funded stands from 12 to 18. Supporting the next generation of retail is central to what we do, and since 2019 this collaboration has enabled over 80 businesses to benefit from truly business-changing opportunities. The impact is tangible. And Theo’s passion and commitment are evident in everything he does, from speaking at our events to championing winners year-round. The annual #SBS showcase remains a real highlight, driving confidence, visibility and meaningful growth for every winner.” #SBS x Spring Fair: Success stories The impact of the initiative is best illustrated through the success of previous winners: Jess from Floral Lifestyle used her stand to secure high-level mentorship and essential resources for her textile business. “This opportunity from Theo not only has given me a nice little bank of wholesalers, but I’ve also got myself a mentor with 40 years’ experience in the biz I’m in, who’s helping me with no want for anything back! Priceless! Thank you isn’t enough! “Spring Fair 2026 was the most incredible experience and I am so grateful! Not only have I picked up orders and some great leads – all of which I wouldn’t have picked up alone – I’ve also networked with people in my industry that will help take my business to the next level! I just loved how open and honest everyone was. It was completely different to what I’m used to - retail shows with instant gratification. Wholesale is the long game, but I learnt so much in the run up and during the show. And I met friends for life. We were such a tight group of winners, all learning from each other and helping each other through a game changing experience. All topped off with meeting and thanking the main man himself. He spent so much of his precious time with us all individually, taking interest and admiring our work. Thank you Theo!” Supporting the next generation of retail The expanded #SBS Village forms part of Spring Fair’s wider commitment to supporting independent retailers and emerging brands, helping them turn passion into profitable, sustainable businesses. With applications now open, entrepreneurs from across the UK are being encouraged to apply for the chance to showcase their products at one of the country’s largest retail trade events. Visit https://www.theopaphitissbs.com/news/the-sbs-x-springfair-competition-is-back-and-bigger-than-ever/ for more details and the entry process. Competition closes on 21st June. For Terms & Conditions visit https://www.theopaphitissbs.com/ news/sbs-x-spring-fair-2027-competition-tcs/. Taking place at the NEC Birmingham, Spring Fair 2027 will once again bring together thousands of buyers and brands across home, gift, fashion, and outdoor living, offering unrivalled opportunities for networking, sourcing and growth. Spring Fair 2027 takes place 7th-10th February 2027 at the NEC Birmingham. Register now at www.springfair.com 15 NEWS & EVENTS
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