ESSEX CHILDRENSWEAR BRAND WINS NATIONAL COMPETITION TO EXHIBIT AT SPRING FAIR An entrepreneur from Colchester has been selected as one of just 18 small businesses from across the UK to win a free exhibition stand at Spring Fair 2027, Europe’s leading retail experience, after impressing judges in a nationwide competition run in partnership with retail entrepreneur Theo Paphitis’ Small Business Sunday (#SBS). Moon and Bear, founded by Imani Turner, designs and handmakes premium children’s clothing and accessories in Essex with original prints inspired by childhood adventure, and was chosen from hundreds of applicants to exhibit within the dedicated #SBS Village at Spring Fair, taking place at the NEC Birmingham from 7–10 February 2027. The prize gives the business the opportunity to showcase its products to thousands of retail buyers from independent retailers, department stores, garden centres and major high street brands, helping accelerate its wholesale growth and open doors to new stockists across the UK and beyond. Spring Fair’s partnership with #SBS was created to help emerging independent businesses access the retail industry and connect directly with buyers. Now in its eighth year, the initiative has helped launch over 100 successful retail brands. Fay Tranter, Event Director at Spring Fair said: “Every year we’re inspired by the incredible creativity, passion and entrepreneurial spirit within the #SBS community, but this year’s entries raised the bar once again. The quality of applications was outstanding, making the judging process incredibly difficult. Moon and Bear is a fantastic example of the innovation and originality that independent businesses bring to the retail industry. We’re delighted to welcome them to Spring Fair 2027 and look forward to introducing their products to thousands of retail buyers from across the UK and internationally. We can’t wait to see where this opportunity takes them.” CARDGAINS LOOKS TO THE FUTURE WITH AMBITIOUS PLANS FOR GROWTH CardGains is entering an exciting new chapter, with a renewed focus on growth, stronger supplier partnerships and providing even greater value to independent retailers across the UK. A key part of the group’s plans is a greater emphasis on digitalisation and communication. CardGains is developing new sales and marketing tools to give its representatives more engaging ways to present the group to both existing and prospective members. The monthly CardGains newsletter is evolving, with a stronger editorial and commercial focus. Future editions will increasingly feature exclusive supplier promotions, new product launches, seasonal retail opportunities and member success stories. “We want our communications to give members genuine reasons to engage. Whether that’s an exclusive promotion, discovering a new supplier, learning what’s working for another independent retailer or getting ideas for the next key selling season, every edition should offer something useful.” One of the group’s new initiatives is an increased focus on showcasing its independent retailers. Regular Member Spotlight features will give retailers the opportunity to share their stories, discuss what’s working in their stores and highlight the products, suppliers and trends currently driving their businesses. There is also a drive to continue broadening the CardGains supplier portfolio, particularly within the gift sector, giving members access to an increasingly diverse selection of brands and products. www.cardgains.co.uk GIBSONS GAMES SHARES ITS 2025 IMPACT REPORT Gibsons Games, the Surrey based jigsaw puzzles and games company, are delighted to share their 2025 Impact report. From their Kings Award for Enterprise, to supporting the careers of young people and delivering on their brand promise, 2025 was an eventful year. As a certified B Corporation, tracking their progress is an important part of their people and planet journey, ensuring they not only continue to improve, but keep it central to who they are as a brand. Kate Gibson comments ‘An impact report tells a story. It speaks of who you are and how you’ve delivered on the things that matter during the previous year. With our values at its heart, our 2025 report proudly reflects Gibsons in every sense. It’s been a true team effort’. The Gibsons 2025 Impact report and all Impact reports from 2022 onwards can be read on the Gibsons website www.gibsonsgames.co.uk INDUSTRY NEWS 11
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