Quality, variety and innovation were the buzzwords heard around the hall at Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring, which took place from January 18 to January 20 at the SEC in Glasgow. The show highlighted what it does best – showcasing original, quality products with strong commercial appeal that perform well in retail outlets across the country.
With more than 400 suppliers exhibiting and several thousand retailers visiting, exhibitors and buyers alike stressed the value of face-to-face interaction, as well as the ability to see, touch and experience the products first-hand – something no digital platform can fully replicate.
Organiser Springboard Events said: “Attendance was marginally down, which was not unexpected in the current challenging retail climate. Many buyers commented on the huge variety of gifts, homeware, wellbeing products, cards, textiles, jewellery, fashion accessories, and crafts on offer, meaning there was something for everyone, from large multiple outlets to small independent retailers.”
The Best Product Awards, sponsored by The Giftware Association, were judged by Hayley Ker of Dobbies Garden Centres; Connor Heggie of Sterling Home; Gemma Sault, managing director of The Giftware Association; Sarah Holmes, owner of gift shops Pencil Me In, Seasgair Store, and Task in Hand; and Therese Oertenblad of the Small Business Collaborative.
The Best Product Awards winners are:
Home & Gift
Gold – Joy Nevada – Scottish greeting cards
Silver – Malmo Home – candle and diffuser
Bronze – Jack Spowart Illustration – print of a Scottish landscape
Jewellery & Textiles
Gold – Woolkind – skinny loveheart merino wool scarf
Silver – Island Nation Studio – lambswool mittens
Bronze – Strathmore Woollen Co – wool doggie kilt
Wellbeing
Gold – Neon Magpie – handmade soap in tiny town boxes
Silver – Moonshine Candles Orkney – car perfumes
Bronze – Henry & Co Home Fragrance – wax melts
Launch Gallery
Gold – Yo Studio – fold out recycled cotton greetings cards
Silver – Jopp Jewellery – gold and clay earrings
Bronze – The Modern Crafter – embroidery kit
Judge Gemma commented: “You could feel the heart, heritage, and sheer imagination pouring out of every submission, from beautifully handcrafted pieces rooted in Scottish culture to contemporary innovations pushing boundaries and redefining what British-made design can be. The creativity on display was inspiring in the truest sense. What struck me most was the range of talent. Emerging makers stood confidently alongside established brands, each bringing something fresh, authentic, and commercially exciting. Judging wasn’t easy, in the best possible way because so many products were worthy of recognition.”
Fellow judge Sarah added: “It was so encouraging to see so much designed and made in Scotland, and of such a high quality. Packaging has improved considerably too, with some very innovative and sustainable solutions.”
As well as the awards, visitors were inspired by the wide range of masterclasses, talks and panel discussions in the Talking Shop Seminar Theatre. Highlights included Patrick Birkbeck, CEO of House of Bruar, who gave an insight into how his successful business operates; a lively panel discussion examining the latest retail trends; a series of masterclasses sponsored by Business Gateway on aspects of selling and social media; and a debate on the subject of the future of Scotland’s towns.
Show director Mark Saunders said: “Despite ongoing retail challenges, it was encouraging to see key buyers placing strong orders, demonstrating confidence in Scotland’s tourism and retail sectors for the year ahead. With tourism robust in Scotland – and shops adapting to the continuing changes – we’re optimistic as we look towards the summer season.”
