The British Craft Trade Fair -BCTF 2022 – is getting ready to open its doors at the Yorkshire Event Centre in Harrogate from April 10 to April 12.

Owned by Kerrison Exhibitions, the show is unique in the trade exhibition calendar for its exclusive dedication to handmade British crafts. BCTF will showcase an array of design talent from across the crafting spectrum of ceramics, glasswork, fine art, cards and stationery, fashion accessories, textiles and soft furnishings, home fragrance products, hand-crafted Jewellery and more.

Hundreds of designer-makers are participating in the event, with many using BCTF as their first ever launchpad to the retail trade. The strong contingent of newcomers is flanked by experienced crafters and long-time BCTF exhibitors, who are thrilled at the opportunity to return in person to this much-loved trade show.

With British consumers more determined than ever to support both British handicrafts and local retailers, this promises to be a very important event for the UK market, as independent companies seek to strengthen their position in an ever-evolving and challenging retailscape.

Show director Kane Thomas said. “The crafting community is getting very excited about our return to Harrogate and I’m extremely proud that we’ve got such a fantastic event lined-up, despite all the challenges of the past year.

“Kerrison Exhibitions’ major investment in BCTF has kept the show on the road and we are looking forward to welcoming our loyal retail audience back to the Yorkshire Event Centre when the doors finally open after two years.

“The market for British handmade has never been stronger. So now is the time for retailers the length and breadth of the UK to show their support for local talent, and ensure consumers see what British makers can do!”

BCTF 2022 Awards

The BCTF Awards will once again take place on the Monday evening (April 11) at the Yorkshire Event Centre after the show closes, with the following categories to be recognised:

• Award for Excellence, sponsored by The Giftware Association

• WOW Factor Award for Best Stand as voted for by makers, sponsored by The Giftware Association

• Award for Excellence in Jewellery, sponsored by The National Association of Jewellers

• Best Newcomer Award, sponsored by Heart Gallery, Hebden Bridge

• Form & Function Award, sponsored by The Platform Gallery, Ribble Valley

• BCTF Award for Excellence, sponsored by The Pyramid Gallery, York

• Best Post-Newcomer Award, sponsored by Home & Giftware magazine in partnership with Denre.com

Craft sales in the UK increased from £883 million in 2006 to £3 billion in 2019, while almost three-quarters of British adults bought craft in 2019, amounting to 25 million handmade items – for which they are also willing to pay that little bit extra.

BCTF aims to help makers and retailers alike capitalise on this huge potential for British handmade products, which are free from the supply chain problems that are adversely affecting much of the consumer goods market.

BCTF Online 2022

A total of 10.3 million Brits were reported to be buying their crafts online – a number which has trebled over the past decade. The digital exhibition BCTF Online will be helping to grow this market further with a follow-up show from May 15 to May 17. Watch this space for more details.

For more information visit: www.bctf.co.uk