Paperworld Middle East, the region's leading trade show for paper and stationery products, taking place from 13th to 15th October 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre, has announced a strategic partnership with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). The collaboration reinforces the event's commitment to responsible sourcing while supporting the long-term development and transformation of the paper and stationery industry across the Middle East.
Posted: 18 August 2026
The Home & Gift Association has written to Prime Minister Andy Burnham, calling for targeted Government support to help independent retailers, suppliers, wholesalers and manufacturers continue to drive economic growth, job creation and vibrant high streets across the United Kingdom. In a letter sent by Managing Director Gemma Sault, the Home & Gift Association highlighted the significant contribution made by the UK's home, gift and stationery sector and outlined a series of policy recommendations designed to strengthen independent businesses and unlock future growth.
Posted: 13 August 2026
Scottish heritage brand Nutscene has been recognised at this year's RHS Chelsea Flower Show, earning a prestigious 5-Star Tradestand Award for its outstanding exhibition. The award celebrates excellence in stand design, presentation and visitor experience, placing Nutscene among the show's standout exhibitors. Renowned for its colourful heritage twines, jute products and traditional gardening accessories, the company impressed judges with a display that combined craftsmanship, quality and visual impact.
Posted: 6 August 2026
Toy Fair is returning to Olympia, London from 19th to 21st January 2027 for its 73rd show. With more than six months until the doors open, early exhibitor demand -both from returning companies and brand new- is proving strong, with a large proportion of stand space already allocated, including a sold-out Gold Zone, with ongoing demand from across the industry. Companies still thinking about exhibiting are advised to apply soon, as space is filling up quickly.
Posted: 4 August 2026
The Giftware Association has announced a significant evolution of its organisation, unveiling its new identity as the Home & Gift Association. The rebrand follows an extensive twelve-month period of consultation, member feedback, and strategic planning, designed to ensure the association continues to reflect the changing landscape of the industries it serves. The new name recognises the growing diversity of the sector and strengthens the organisation's position as the collective voice for businesses operating across giftware, homeware and stationery categories.
Posted: 28 July 2026
This September in Houston, h+h is bringing the industry together for a high-impact, relationship driven B2B event designed to spark new partnerships, deepen existing ones, and set your business up for a strong Q4 and beyond. With more than 130 exhibitors already on board, this is where the industry comes together, from yarn, fabric, and thread to notions, tools, sewing machines, embroidery supplies, quilting materials, patterns, kits, and accessories. Whether you're a retailer, manufacturer, distributor, designer, educator, or emerging brand, the Fall Edition is built to help you grow your visibility, your network, and your sales.
Posted: 16 July 2026
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
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
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
The Knit Show is now the UK's leading trade show for the sector and was created by UK Hand Knitting to give yarn and craft shops a dedicated trade show where they can view the latest collections in a relaxed environment, while networking with other retailers in beautiful surroundings. You can expect to see products from all your favourite yarn and fabric suppliers, plus a tailored selection of new guest exhibitors to broaden the offer.
Posted: 21 May 2026