I’ve already mentioned that I am looking forward to Autumn and that exciting ‘back to school’ feeling. It’s always a time for fresh starts and renewed inspiration, I find. For those of you who have a shop/gift/home business a good way to kick off the new season is a visit to the Autumn Fair, a gift and home trade show that takes place at Birmingham NEC from September 4th – 7th. Full of inspiration, a mix of contemporary and traditional products and a great line-up of experts to learn from, the fair is also the perfect place to help start you on a new venture if you have been thinking about starting a business – new season, new beginnings!
Hübsch will be exhibiting their A/W16 collection.
There are 1,400 exhibitors to explore over the four day show with twelve different sectors, including The Light Show and The Summer House. Exhibitors range from small independents ready to be discovered to large well known brands so there is something for everyone.
You can find lighting inspiration from companies such as VITA Copenhagen.
Beautiful botanical accessories from Abigail Ahern.
If you want to know a bit about what to expect from the exhibitors, highlights include the cool, sleek lines of furniture by Danish company Hubsch, discover VITA Copenhagen – a place where beautiful Danish lighting design meets the Scandinavian feel, high-quality materials and a genuine care for the environment. You can also browse a selection of the stunning Abigail Ahern botanicals from the A/W16-17 collection. Ib Laursen is another designer to look out for, designing and selling home and garden decor, matching the Nordic design tradition and Le Creuset will be at the show launching their new Moorland Mist collection just in time for lots of lovely autumn and winter cooking. Plenty of gifts, gadgets, jewellery, stationery and children’s products will also feature.
Nordic design from Ib Laursen.
Le Creuset will be exhibiting their new ‘Moorland Mist’ collection.
The show isn’t just about unearthing new products for your business but it’s a great place to meet new people in the trade and learn from the brilliant line up of experts that are holding seminars and doing talks. Two of my favourite interiors bloggers, Kate Watson-Smyth of Mad About the House and Jen Stanbrook of Love Chic Living are speaking so make sure you check them out. You will also be treated to a seminar by the super successful Jo Malone who will be sharing her brand building story, full of invaluable insights, I’m sure. You can also book in for a one-on-one clinic with the Meet the Experts panel and discuss any issues your business is having from SEO to social media management.
So, whether you are looking for some ‘back to school’ inspiration for your existing business or you are searching out new beginnings this autumn by starting up a brand new venture, the Autumn Fair is a great place to start. Enjoy!
Katy x
*This post was written in collaboration with the Autumn Fair.
This looks fab! I’ve been thinking about starting an online shop and have sort of got to the point where I just need to dive off at the deep end. Thanks for the heads up, I think, as you say, it’s time for some new beginnings x
Would be great to hear from Jo Malone and the one-on-one clinics would be ace. I may have to pop along 🙂