The first BHETA/Bira Pavilion at the recent Spring Fair (Birmingham NEC) proved successful in catering for innovative smaller brands and start-ups in the housewares sector. Companies benefited from shell scheme space at very special rates within the pavilion area, which also incorporated the trade associations’ stand.
There was steady stream of Bira’s Cookshop and Housewares members using the associations’ hospitality area. The location between Halls 8 and 10 also delivered great footfall for the Pavilion’s exhibitors as buyers crossed between halls.
Will Jones, chief operating officer at BHETA commented, “We wanted to make space available to suppliers who were ‘doing something different,’ but would ordinarily not have been able to be at the show. In so doing we wanted to help showcase opportunities for independent buyers to differentiate the retail offer in the high street. It was good to work with Bira on the project and benefit both our memberships.”
The Pavilion featured a range of Bira Direct suppliers, BHETA members and new suppliers to the industry, representing cookshop, housewares and tabletop. The retailer voucher scheme, which offered Bira Direct users money back when buying from suppliers in the Pavilion while at the show also proved very popular.
Will added: “Spring Fair remains a key destination for a significant number of buying professionals representing a wide variety of retail sectors and it was pleasing to note that the majority of housewares suppliers reported a busy few days.”
“The BHETA and Bira hospitality area was a great central location for meetings and a lot of business was done. Both associations also fielded a number of industry experts to advise on the key topics facing retail and supply.”
* For more information about BHETA support for potential exhibitors in both the home and export markets; or about BHETA membership in general, contact the BHETA Member Services Team on 0121 237 1130 or visit the BHETA website www.bheta.co.uk.
* The next Spring Fair takes place February 7-11 2021 (Everyday opens February 6). See https://www.springfair.com/
Top: Many housewares companies reported a busy few days at the recent Spring Fair 2020 (NEC Birmingham February 2-6).
