SMALL businesses across the UK are being given the chance to take their next big step, as Spring Fair announces the return of its partnership with retail entrepreneur & TV Dragon, Theo Paphitis and his #SBS Small Business Sunday initiative for 2027.
This year, the opportunity is bigger than ever, with 18 small businesses set to win fully funded exhibition stands at Spring Fair 2027 offering a powerful opportunity to showcase products, connect with buyers, and grow their brand on a national stage. Entrepreneurs from across the UK are encouraged to get involved. Whilst the #SBS Spring Fair competition is exclusively open to #SBS winners, small business owners can apply to join the #SBS community for the opportunity to take part.
With applications now open, entrepreneurs from across the UK are being encouraged to apply for the chance to showcase their products at one of the country’s largest retail trade events. Visit https://www.theopaphitissbs.com/news/the-sbs-x-spring-fair-competition-is-back-and-bigger-than-ever/ for more details and the entry process. Competition closes on 21st June. For Terms & Conditions visit https://www.theopaphitissbs.com/news/sbs-x-spring-fair-2027-competition-tcs/.
Theo Paphitis, TV Dragon, Retail Entrepreneur and Small Business Champion said: “I am 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. This year, we have even grown the opportunity – offering 18 stands in the #SBS Village, rather than our usual 12! I’m always inspired by the passion, creativity and hard work my 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 partnership has already helped more than 80 small businesses from across the UK to take their products to market, with many describing the experience as a turning point in their growth journey.
Fay Tranter, Spring Fair’s Event Director highlights the tangible growth and confidence the initiative brings to the UK’s small business community. “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 over 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.”
Jess from Buckinghamshire-based Floral Lifestyle used her stand to secure high-level mentorship and essential resources for her textile business. “This opportunity from Theo not only has given me a nice little bank of wholesalers, but I’ve also got myself a mentor with 40 years’ experience in the biz I’m in, who’s helping me with no want for anything back! Priceless!!! Thank you isn’t enough!
“Spring Fair 2026 was the most incredible experience and I am so grateful! Not only have I picked up orders and some great leads – all of which I wouldn’t have picked up alone – I’ve also networked with people in my industry that will help take my business to the next level! I just loved how open and honest everyone was. It was completely different to what I’m used to – retail shows with instant gratification. Wholesale is the long game, but I learnt so much in the run up and during the show. And I met friends for life. We were such a tight group of winners, all learning from each other and helping each other through a game changing experience. All topped off with meeting and thanking the main man himself. He spent so much of his precious time with us all individually, taking interest and admiring our work. Thank you Theo!”
Paulomi Debnath from Handmade by Tinni Paulomi based in Essex, used the event to gain brand exposure, resulting in nearly 100 high-quality leads and immediate sales. “I’m leaving Spring Fair with confirmed orders, strong leads, new relationships, fresh ideas, and a very full follow-up list – but most of all, with a full heart and a deep sense of gratitude. It was an inspiring and genuinely career-boosting opportunity.”
For Jo Couch from Jo Couch Illustration in North Lincolnshire, the show was a major commercial breakthrough, leading to international distribution and prestigious new stockists: “Spring Fair gave me invaluable visibility and exposure. I secured a partnership with US-based leading distributor Notes & Queries, who discovered my brand at the show and gained ten retail stockists, including Longleat Safari Park. #SBS has been a genuine turning point for my business.”
Georgie from The Bridgefield Candle Company in Surrey, used the stand as a catalyst to scale her business from direct-to-consumer sales into the wholesale market: “Winning the stand gave me that push I needed to get my business wholesale ready – I am 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, always take the risk, and just go for it!!!”
A National Platform for Local Businesses
Spring Fair 2027 will take place at the NEC Birmingham, bringing together over 40,000 buyers and brands from across the retail industry. For winning businesses, the #SBS Village offers a rare opportunity to gain national exposure, build connections and take their next step in retail. The expanded #SBS Village forms part of Spring Fair’s wider commitment to supporting independent retailers and emerging brands, helping them turn passion into profitable, sustainable businesses.
Spring Fair 2027 takes place 7th – 10th February 2027 at the NEC Birmingham.
Register now at www.springfair.com.
