Spring Fair has announced the continuation of its partnership with retail entrepreneur Theo Paphitis and his #SBS Small Business Sunday initiative for 2027, with a significant expansion in opportunities for small businesses.
For the first time, 18 small businesses will be awarded fully funded exhibition stands within the #SBS Village at Spring Fair 2027 – a 50% increase on the previous allocation of 12 stands, marking the largest intake since the partnership began and reflecting Spring Fair’s increased investment in emerging businesses.
Theo said: “I’m thrilled to announce our continued partnership with Spring Fair. Year on year, the SBS x Spring Fair competition gives our winners a brilliant free opportunity to showcase their products, meet new people and grow their businesses.
“For 2027, we’ve grown the opportunity further – offering 18 stands in the #SBS Village, rather than our usual 12. I’m always inspired by the passion, creativity and hard work our winners bring, and it’s a real pleasure to meet them in person and hear their stories. Spring Fair is full of opportunity, and I can’t wait to meet the winning 18 at Spring Fair 2027.”
Since 2018, the collaboration between #SBS and Spring Fair has supported more than 80 small businesses with fully funded exhibition space, offering what many winners describe as a “game-changing” opportunity to enter wholesale, build networks and scale their operations.
Spring Fair event director Fay Tranter commented: “Working with the #SBS team has been an incredibly rewarding partnership and we’re proud to be deepening our investment in new and emerging retail businesses by increasing the number of fully funded stands from 12 to 18.
“Supporting the next generation of retail is central to what we do, and since 2019 this collaboration has enabled more than 80 businesses to benefit from truly business-changing opportunities. The impact is tangible, and Theo’s passion and commitment are evident in everything he does – from speaking at our events to championing winners year round. The annual #SBS showcase remains a real highlight, driving confidence, visibility and meaningful growth for every winner.”
The impact of the initiative is best illustrated through the success of previous winners:
Georgie McEvilly, owner of The Bridgefield Candle Company, said: “Winning the stand gave me the push I needed to get my business wholesale ready – I’m now in the best position possible to really grow this arm of my business. Winning this has shown me to always believe in myself and my business, take risks, and just go for it.”
Jess Levett, owner of Floral Lifestyle said: “This opportunity from Theo not only gave me a great base of wholesalers, but I’ve also got myself a mentor with 40 years’ experience in the industry who is helping me without wanting anything back. Priceless! Thank you isn’t enough.”
Paulomi Debnath, founder of Handmade by Tinni, used the event to gain brand exposure, resulting in nearly 100 high-quality leads and immediate sales.
For Jo Couch, owner of Jo Couch Illustration: “Spring Fair gave me invaluable visibility and exposure. I secured a partnership with US distributor Notes & Queries, who discovered my brand at the show, and gained 10 retail stockists, including Longleat Safari Park. #SBS has been a genuine turning point for my business.”
With applications now open, entrepreneurs from across the UK are encouraged to apply for the chance to showcase their products at one of the country’s largest retail trade events. Visit theopaphitissbs.com for more details. The competition closes on June 21.
Spring Fair 2027 takes place from February 7 to February 10 at the NEC Birmingham. Register at www.springfair.com