Theo Paphitis Visits #SBS Winners and Takes to the Stage at Spring Fair 2026

 Retail entrepreneur and small business champion Theo Paphitis returned to Spring Fair 2026 to meet twelve #SBS Small Business Sunday winners showcasing their products at the show and to share his thoughts on the future of retail. This year’s theme, “Retail Alchemists - Masters of the Mix,” celebrated the creativity and innovation shaping the retail world.

Before visiting the #SBS Village, Theo joined Priscilla Pollara, CEO and Founder of Top Trick Consultancy UK, on the Inspiring Retail Stage for an engaging conversation about the retail landscape, AI, business rates, and entrepreneurship. Speaking from Spring Fair’s new Hidden Forum - a space for high-level retail discussions - Theo also highlighted the challenges facing the UK high street and called for new legislation to ensure fair competition, particularly with online platforms such as Temu.

During the session, Theo took questions from the audience, sharing advice for entrepreneurs, guidance for those facing setbacks, and a few behind‑the‑scenes stories from Dragons’ Den.

The #SBS winners’ stands were full of energy and inspiration, offering everything from candles and greeting cards to hot sauces and handmade jewellery. For many of the small businesses, this was their very first trade show - an invaluable chance to meet thousands of potential buyers, raise brand awareness, and secure new opportunities. Several exhibitors reported promising leads and even confirmed orders during the event.

Theo said: “Our partnership with Spring Fair keeps growing from strength to strength, giving #SBS businesses an incredible, cost‑free opportunity to showcase their products and accelerate their growth. More than 60 #SBS winners have now exhibited through this initiative, discovering new routes to success. We were so proud of this year’s 12 fantastic businesses - their passion and creativity shone through, and it clearly paid off. Spring Fair is bursting with opportunity, fresh thinking and new connections.”

Theo visited every stand, chatting with each winner about their journey and experiences at the show. The #SBS Village buzzed with positivity and ambition, reflecting the creativity and resilience at the heart of the UK’s small business community.

#SBS Winners at Spring Fair 2026

Boom Sauce

Jo Couch Illustration

Marbec Village

Handmade by Tinni

Nantwich Gin (Cheshire Botanicals Ltd)

GoGiftid

Little Moments Melts

The Stable Soap Company

Pickle

Floral Lifestyle

The Bridgefield Candle Company

Lucy Miller