Autumn Fair, taking place at the NEC from September 2-5, will have an exciting new twist this year, thanks to the opportunity for members of former ‘Dragon’ Theo Paphitis’ #SBS community to compete for 12 free exhibition spots, with the process judged by a panel of Autumn and Spring Fair experts from show organisers Ascential.
“I’m thrilled to be bringing #SBS to Autumn Fair, giving 12 small businesses a free platform to showcase their wares and access a brand new marketplace,” enthuses Theo, founder of #SBS. “#SBS was born due to the sheer number of business owners on Twitter who wanted to tell me about their new products and services. It exists so that these passionate entrepreneurs have a dedicated space to share their ideas and ‘pitch’ for endorsement. It’s therefore a natural match to bring our initiative to Autumn Fair, an event similarly dedicated to championing retailers, their energy and entrepreneurial spirit.”
The #SBS winners Pavillion will take centre stage at the show, hosting the 12 winners in a showcase dedicated to highlighting new and unique products from ambitious start-ups and small businesses.
Comments Louise Young, managing director of Spring Fair and Autumn Fair: “Each year, Autumn Fair showcases the best and most innovative ideas and products to inspire buyers throughout the Golden Quarter and beyond.
It is hugely exciting for us to be welcoming Theo and 12 new #SBS businesses to the Fair, with Theo providing these small businesses with a platform that allows them to really shine and boost their order books.”
#SBS was launched eight years ago in 2010. Each week, hundreds of small businesses tweet Theo to secure his endorsement. Every Monday, six of these businesses are then invited to become part of the now 2,300 strong #SBS community, benefiting from boosted publicity and attendance at a yearly conference with access to motivational speakers and workshops.
Top: Theo Paphitis will be going live with his #SBS initiative at Autumn Fair.
