Posted by Rachel Westall on 25 May 2026
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."
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!"
Paulomi Debnath from Handmade by Tinni Paulomi used the event to gain brand exposure, resulting in nearly 100 high-quality leads and immediate sales. "I'm leaving Spring Fair with confirmed orders, strong leads, new relationships, fresh ideas, and a very full follow-up list - but most of all, with a full heart and a deep sense of gratitude. It was an inspiring and genuinely career-boosting opportunity."
For Jo Couch from Jo Couch Illustration the show was a major commercial breakthrough, leading to international distribution and prestigious new stockists: "Spring Fair gave me invaluable visibility and exposure. I secured a partnership with US-based leading distributor Notes & Queries, who discovered my brand at the show and gained ten retail stockists, including Longleat Safari Park. #SBS has been a genuine turning point for my business."
Georgie from The Bridgefield Candle Company used the stand as a catalyst to scale her business from direct-to-consumer sales into the wholesale market: "Winning the stand gave me that push I needed to get my business wholesale ready - I am now in the best position possible to really grow this arm of my business. Winning this has shown me to always believe in myself and my business, always take the risk, and just go for it!!!"
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-spring-fair-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
