Autumn Fair has unveiled the first details of its 2026 content programme, including the launch of its brand-new Counter Talks Stage, a dedicated platform designed to tackle the issues, trends and commercial realities shaping modern independent retail. Taking place at the NEC Birmingham from 6–9 September 2026, Autumn Fair's new content offering has been built in response to the findings of the recently launched Voices of Retail 2026 report by Spring & Autumn Fair and Faire, which surveyed 650 independent retailers and more than 2,000 UK consumers to uncover what is really driving growth on Britain's high streets.
Posted: 30 June 2026
From long car journeys to rainy staycation afternoons, keeping kids entertained whilst travelling can be a challenge. Luckily, Maped Helix has a range of portable, screen-free creative activities designed to keep children busy on the go – whether that's on planes, in restaurants, or during downtime at the holiday cottage. Here are five travel-friendly boredom busters perfect for summer holiday round-ups:
Posted: 25 June 2026
Spring & Autumn Fair, in partnership with Faire, has revealed new insight showing that community-building is emerging as one of the most powerful and underused growth drivers for independent retailers. The findings, taken from the recently launched Voices of Retail 2026 report, show that 46% of consumers actively choose retailers that create a sense of community, while 89% of retailers who collaborate with other businesses report positive commercial impact, including increased footfall, stronger brand awareness and new customer acquisition. Despite the proven benefits, just 23% of retailers are actively collaborating today.
Posted: 23 June 2026
The Giftware Association has joined more than 80 of the UK's leading retail CEOs in urging the Prime Minister to take immediate action to address growing barriers to youth employment. In a joint letter coordinated by the British Retail Consortium (BRC), industry leaders warn that rising employment costs, increased regulation, and ongoing economic pressures are making it increasingly difficult for businesses to hire young people. The letter highlights the urgent need for government intervention to prevent a deepening youth unemployment crisis and to safeguard vital entry-level job opportunities across the retail sector.
Posted: 18 June 2026
The Giftware Association (GA) is delighted to announce the appointment of Stephen Illingworth of Widdop & Co. as its new Chair, marking the beginning of an exciting new era for the association and the wider home and gift industry. The announcement was made at this year's Annual General Meeting (AGM), held in the historic setting of Warwick Castle, bringing together industry leaders from across the sector. The event was hosted in collaboration with the British Allied Trades Federation (BATF) and welcomed representatives from across its associated trade bodies, highlighting the strength and unity of the UK's creative industries.
Posted: 16 June 2026
The Shop & Display Equipment Association (SDEA) has elected Claire White of Antalis as President, the first woman to hold the role since the Association was founded in 1947. The appointment was confirmed at SDEA's 79th Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, 27th May 2026. Claire White was elected President having served as Vice President over the past year, and as a council member before that. She succeeds Mark Chatterton of Morplan, who steps down after his term in the role. James North of Northbanks Design was elected Vice President.
Posted: 11 June 2026
Modern heritage lifestyle brand Laura Ashley is delighted to announce a new licensing partnership with leading publisher and distributor Carousel Worldwide, bringing a beautifully curated collection of dated stationery to retail. Available in-store from 1st September 2026, the collection will launch across a number of key UK retailers including John Lewis, Waterstones, Amazon UK, Easons and TGJones, with further distribution planned.
Posted: 8 June 2026
Applications for the Nation's Favourite Businesses has opened as part of the upcoming celebrations of this year's Small Business Saturday UK, taking place on 5 December 2026. The Nation's Favourite Businesses (NFB), first introduced last year to spotlight the UK's vibrant small business community, will replace the long-running SmallBiz100, a celebration of Britain's most inspiring entrepreneurs as part of the official countdown to Small Business Saturday UK - a grassroots non-commercial campaign, originally founded by American Express in the U.S. in 2010, and the principal supporter in the UK.
Posted: 4 June 2026
Following the overwhelming success of Craft Festival Wales 2025, which welcomed more than 4,000 visitors from across Wales, the UK and overseas, Craft Festival Wales will return to Cardigan Castle from 11th to 13th September 2026. Craft Festival has quickly become a major cultural highlight for Ceredigion, celebrating world-class craft, creativity and community in one of Wales's most iconic heritage locations.
Posted: 2 June 2026
Britain's local retailers are powered by loyal regulars who generate them up to five times more annual revenue as they typically return to a business 11 times throughout the year, according to research from Square, the global technology company. For high street retailers specifically, the Square Local Economy Report reveals that UK consumers most often visit their local retailers and shops, over and above cafés, restaurants and beauty salons, with 70% shopping locally at least weekly. This is the highest rate across the four countries Square surveyed, compared to the US, Australia and Canada.
Posted: 28 May 2026