Theo Visits #SBS Winners and takes to the stage at the 75th Anniversary of Spring Fair

Theo visits #SBS Winners and takes to the stage at the 75th Anniversary of Spring Fair

On Tuesday, 4th February 2025, Theo headed to Spring Fair to visit the 12 #SBS Small Business Sunday winners who had won a free place at the iconic trade show. This year was extra special as it marked the 75th Anniversary of Spring Fair. 

From candles to cards and dog apparel and baby grows, there was a huge variety of products on offer for stockists and buyers to browse. The majority of the businesses had never exhibited at a trade show before, so it was a fantastic opportunity to put their business in front of thousands of potential buyers, opening up new avenues of trade. 

As part of the 75th Anniversary celebrations, Spring Fair awarded two #SBS Winners special recognition awards. “Best New Product in the Every Day Category” went to Chomp for their EveryKid Coverall Bib. The 75 years of Excellence Award “Best new product - Home and Decor” went to Liz Corley Art. Of the thousands of products at the Trade Show, this is a huge achievement.   

Retail entrepreneur and small business champion, Theo Paphitis says, “This partnership goes from strength to strength and the fantastic #SBS businesses benefit greatly from this multi-free stand opportunity.  Over 60 SMEs, and #SBS Small Business Sunday, winners will have been able to showcase their businesses and find new routes for business growth through this gem of an opportunity, including 2025.  I always encourage our 4,000+ small businesses to take advantage of this one and I know that it will deliver even more for them next year, in Spring Fair’s 75th anniversary year.  I look forward to seeing those rewards and the avenues of opportunity it brings for the winners in 2025 and beyond.”

Theo visited all the stands looking at the products and talking to the owners about their experience. All the winners had had promising conversations and some had secured big orders from companies. 

After visiting the #SBS Small Business Sunday Village, Theo took to the Inspiring Retail Stage where he was interviewed by Lauretta Roberts, Editor for The Industry, for a session on Small Businesses, Big Impact: Thriving in a World of Giants. The Q&A covered his passion for helping small businesses, the current challenges facing the high street and the loop holes that online companies, such as Temu, are using to avoid contributing to the UK economy. He called for fresh legislation to stop the impact this is having on small UK retail businesses. 

He took questions from the floor on top tips for businesses, advice for those facing challenges and even a few about Dragons’ Den!

To finish a brilliant day out of the office, Spring Fair also awarded Theo the Inspiring Retailer of the Year Excellence  Award. 

#SBS Winners at Spring Fair 2025

Apparel by Unleashed

Chapel House Fragrances

Charley's Wild World

Chomp

Dales Handmade

Liz Corley Art

Olee Cosmetics

Peckish Goose

Popsy and Plum

Rise n Design

The Eden Collection

The Mewstone Candle Company