#SBS Small Business Sunday, the online business community founded by entrepreneur Theo Paphitis, has announced a collaboration with Autumn Fair 2020, following successful partnerships with the show in 2018 and 2019.
The #SBS initiative began in 2010, with small businesses tweeting Theo every week to gain access to a supportive small business network. Every Monday, six businesses are invited to become part of the #SBS community, benefiting from boosted publicity and attendance at a yearly #SBS conference with access to motivational speakers and workshops.
As part of the partnership with Autumn Fair, 12 members of the #SBS community will be offered free stands at the home and gift show, which takes place from September 6-9 (NEC Birmingham). Between now and Friday May 1, #SBS’s 3,000 members will all be offered a chance to put themselves forward for the competition. A panel of retail experts from Autumn Fair organisers, Hyve Group will judge winners on their uniqueness of product, innovative contributions to retail and viability of business plan.
#SBS founder Theo Paphitis (whose retail portfolio includes housewares stockist Robert Dyas) reflected: “The previous winners have all reaped huge rewards from the experience whether through new contacts, suppliers, orders, new directions or collaborations and I’m sure this year will be no different. I encourage my #SBS winners to grab this opportunity with both hands and go for it!”
One of last year’s winners, Michelle Davies, founder of Ascent Bath & Body said the opportunity “elevated” her business, and was an “amazing and thought-provoking experience.”
Jessica Dawnay, event director for Autumn Fair encourages businesses in the #SBS community to apply, commenting: “Previous #SBS winners who have been given the chance to exhibit at Autumn Fair 2018 and 2019 have been many buyers’ highlight of the show.”
Top: Theo Paphitis when visiting Autumn Fair.
