Show marks 75 years with programme of top names and an exclusive scent
Spring Fair is looming ever closer and there’s a packed programme lined up with a raft of speakers to keep visitors and exhibitors busy in between the new product buying.
And the show is marking its 75th anniversary, with the 2-5 February date perfectly timed as it’s exactly 49 years since the then monarch Queen Elizabeth II opened both the NEC at Birmingham, and Spring Fair’s first outing at its new home following the move from Blackpool.

Determined to put the smell of success into the celebrations, there’s even an exclusive signature fragrance Heritage 75, which is the essence of Spring Fair crafted by Quintessence to celebrate the anniversary, and it can be experienced at activations near the entrances and in each lounge, with a lucky few having the chance to take home a limited edition candle created by Sebnini.
Spring Fair event director Soraya Gadelrab said: “The blend of history and innovation embodies the unique spirit of Spring Fair, featuring notes of crisp apple, sun-kissed lemon, and zesty bergamot!”
This year’s highlights include sessions across three dedicated areas – Inspiring Retail Stage, Masterclass Studio, and the newly-launched Licensing Lab – with top names such as Theo Paphitis, Laurence Lewellyn-Bowen, Jeff Banks, Products Of Change’s Helena Mansell-Stopher, and Andrew Xeni, founder and CEO of Fabacas and Nobody’s Child, the full programme is available here.
Soraya added: “I’m excited to welcome everyone back for another incredible show as Spring Fair celebrates a milestone, 75 years of successful retail showcasing.
“You’ll have the opportunity to find the perfect collections for your store among a million-plus products from over 1,200 suppliers. Discover more at the Licensing Lab, New Business Pavilions, Gift Of The Year Showcase and Small Business Sundays with Theo Paphitis, plus spark meaningful conversations with suppliers and other retail professionals at the café and connection areas dotted around the show.
Leading licensor across multiple product categories, Laurence’s company Llewelyn-Bowen Design will design the new Licensing Lab lounge area with its bespoke wallpaper and furnishings, all ready for the drinks event on the Tuesday sponsored by PG’s sister publications LicensingSource.net and Licensing Source Book.

Visitors will discover a stylish and comfortable networking lounge for informal discussions, refreshment breaks, and collaborative meetings, and the flamboyant interior designer will open the Inspiring Retail Stage on Sunday, 2 February, with a talk on licensing, art and design.
Jeff Banks takes to the Inspiring Retail Stage on the Monday for a Q&A session on his 60-plus years in licensing sharing his dos and don’ts, and he said: “Spring Fair is still one of the biggest trade exhibitions in Great Britain and I have spent many a productive and inspiring day at the show over the years – it has been integral to the success of my designer collaborations with brands exhibiting there.”
On the same day, technology and retail entrepreneur Andrew Xeni has three sessions delivering insights and giving buyers the opportunity to pose questions on everything from scaling sustainability, licensing success and diversification, and the future of digital product passports.
His eco-conscious brand Nobody’s Child chimes well with Helena’s Sustainability Masterclass on Tuesday at noon followed by the presentation on Driving Sustainable Change In The Brand & Licensing Industry.
Since 2018, #SBS Small Business Sunday creator and former TV dragon Theo Paphitis has attended the show, joining forces with Spring and Autumn Fair to support over 60 start-up businesses so far.
“This partnership goes from strength to strength,” Theo said. “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-plus small businesses to take advantage of this one and I know that it will deliver even more for them in Spring Fair’s 75th anniversary year.”

The last day has the practical Taking On The Copycats workshop by Anti-Copying In Design (ACID) and GCA member McDaniels Law, offering guidance on protecting intellectual property.
In an expanded partnership between the show, organised by Hyve Group, and online marketplace Faire, retailers and brands now have year-round opportunities to connect and trade.
There are also exclusive incentives including 50% off first orders up to £100 for new Faire users and free shipping on orders placed at the show, as the platform has an expanded presence with a dedicated stand where the team will explain how to maximise the benefits of the hybrid wholesale model.
To take part in the 75th anniversary celebrations, register to attend here, and look out for the Hall Of Fame at the NEC with a timeline and large digital screen showing pictures and stories, and a selfie wall celebrating retail’s past and present.
There will also be happy hours with a roaming drinks trolley, a Spring Fair 75th birthday party and a networking festival where a takeover of Temple Street in Birmingham is planned on Tuesday, 4 February, for a night of fun in bars including The Trocadero, The Botanist, The Cocktail Club, The Head Of Steam, and Revolución De Cuba.