Craft Focus - October/November (Issue 75)

Seasonal delights This year’s refreshed Autumn Fair proved to be a hit with buyers and suppliers Retailers and suppliers from the UK and international markets came together at the NEC, Birmingham in September for Autumn Fair 2019. Featuring a refreshed format, the event moved to a different location within the centre, offering buyers access to 11 exciting sectors packed with home and gift products. “The show’s new look and feel has injected a sense of vibrancy and excitement this year, and we’re delighted with how well our exhibitors have welcomed the show re-edit,” says Julie Driscoll, UK regional director for Spring and Autumn Fair. “Our aim has been to ensure visitors and show attendees leave feeling informed, inspired and excited for the year ahead. Initial feedback suggests we’ve delivered one of our best shows ever.” EXPERT ADVICE The event included headline speaker sessions from a range of experts including Mary Portas and Theo Paphitis. In a chat with Ashley Armstrong, retail editor at The Times, Mary discussed her new book, Work Like a Woman , revealing her belief that the sector needs to embrace and value soft skills. In a session on the main stage, Theo Paphitis spoke about the current challenges facing the industry, offering practical solutions and advice. Theo’s #SBS (Small Business Sunday) competition also saw 12 independent suppliers take up free exhibition space at the show. One of this year’s biggest changes was the introduction of a dedicated Sourcing Hall, where visitors were introduced to a selection of on-trend products from international suppliers. Exhibitors from North Africa, the Middle East and Far East Asia were on hand to chat about how to make the best of this growing market. GET THE LOOK Latest looks were also revealed in the hall’s Sourcing Theatre and trend installation, which was developed in partnership with Colour Hive. Theatre sessions included a look at new supply chain technologies and key product regions such as Quanzhou, China. A series of speed dating activities also allowed visitors with limited time to gain an overview of the hall, with buyers from Marks & Spencer, Monsoon Accessorize and Merlin Entertainments all in attendance. POWER OF ONE Sustainability was high on the agenda, with a special focus on delivering a socially responsible experience. The Power of One initiative encouraged attendees to pledge an achievable lifestyle or business change to help reduce their carbon footprint. “When it comes to trends for 2019/2020, many of our visitors are looking for ways that they can be 100 per cent sustainable within the next two years,” says event director Jessica Dawnay. “That’s why our Power of One campaign has been so crucial in demonstrating that we can all make a difference, no matter how big or small. We think this is only going to continue, so for 2020, we’re even going to have a dedicated trend showcase featuring only the most sustainable products for buyers to look at.” The countdown has already begun for Spring Fair, which takes place at the NEC, Birmingham, from 2 nd -6 th February 2020. autumnfair.com springfair.com 61 REVIEW