Spring Fair and Theo Paphitis’ #SBS Partnership Select Record 18 Small Businesses for 2027
Spring Fair, the UK’s leading trade exhibition for the home, gift and fashion sectors, has announced the 18 winners of its 2027 Spring Fair x #SBS Small Business Sunday competition. The successful businesses will receive fully funded exhibition stands at the dedicated #SBS Village during Spring Fair 2027, which will take place at the NEC Birmingham from 7 to 10 February 2027.
The latest edition marks the eighth year of the collaboration between Spring Fair and retail entrepreneur Theo Paphitis. The initiative continues to provide emerging businesses with an opportunity to showcase their products to retailers, buyers and industry professionals while supporting their entry into the wholesale market.
This year’s competition attracted around 10 per cent more applications than the previous edition, with organisers noting a significant improvement in both the quality and diversity of submissions. As a result, a record 18 businesses have been selected for the 2027 programme, representing a 50 per cent increase in winners compared to previous years and bringing the total number of businesses supported through the partnership to more than 100.
Commenting on the announcement, Theo Paphitis, TV Dragon, Retail Entrepreneur and Small Business Champion, said: “The partnership between #SBS Small Business Sunday and the Spring & Autumn Fair team has now been running for eight years, and with this year’s competition we will have awarded over 100 free stands to small business owners. Year on year, the connections and relationships formed within the #SBS Village demonstrate just how valuable this opportunity is for growing businesses. It is a genuinely business-boosting experience, and I am already looking forward to meeting this year’s 18 finalists. Spring Fair continues to be a hub of opportunity, fresh thinking and new connections.”
Fay Tranter, Event Director at Spring Fair, added: “Every year we’re inspired by the incredible talent coming through the #SBS community, but this year’s entries raised the bar again – the quality was outstanding, making the judging process incredibly difficult. These 18 businesses represent exactly what independent retail is all about – creativity, resilience, originality and entrepreneurial spirit. One of the things I love most about Spring Fair is seeing businesses at the very beginning of their wholesale journey. Through the #SBS Village we’ll be able to support these brands from day one, introducing them to thousands of retail buyers and giving them the platform, confidence and connections to accelerate their growth. We can’t wait to welcome them to Spring Fair 2027 and see where this opportunity takes them.”
The selected businesses represent a broad cross-section of the retail industry. Winners span product categories including gift and home, greetings, beauty and wellbeing, food and drink, fashion and home décor, jewellery, and children’s products, reflecting the diversity of Britain’s independent business community.
Among the selected brands are Olive Tree Makes, Go Your Own Way, JLHPRINT, Sweet Williams, Share A Little Frankie, EllaJo Studio, Studio Pri Art, Curly Girl Method Club, Saffire Chocolates, Cuppa Kindness, By Kala X, Coffee Pod Creations, SOZO Silver, Magic By Post, Moon & Bear, Little Scandi Baby, The Calmness Crew and The Aylo Edit.
Spring Fair 2027 will once again bring together thousands of buyers and exhibitors across the home, gift, fashion and outdoor living sectors, providing opportunities for product discovery, networking and business growth. The event is scheduled to take place at the NEC Birmingham from 7 to 10 February 2027.
