The #SBS and Spring Fair partnership is returning for its eighth year, and this time we’re bringing our biggest village yet.
After seeing a 10% jump in applications, 18 brilliant small businesses have been chosen to exhibit for free at Spring Fair 2027. By expanding the space from 12 to 18 stands, even more of the #SBS community will get to showcase their brands at Europe’s leading retail trade show.
A Massive Platform for Independent Retailers
Selected from hundreds of entries, these 18 finalists showcase the creativity, originality, and resilience of the UK’s independent business scene.
Winning a free stand in the #SBS Village means these entrepreneurs will be putting their products right in front of more than 40,000 retail buyers. From independent boutiques and garden centres to major high-street department stores, this is a huge chance for the winners to pick up new stockists, build relationships, and accelerate their wholesale growth.
Over 100 Stands Awarded
Now in its eighth year, the #SBS and Spring Fair initiative has gifted over 100 free stands to UK-based small businesses.
Retail entrepreneur and #SBS creator Theo Paphitis is looking forward to seeing the new cohort in action:
“The partnership between #SBS Small Business Sunday and the Spring & Autumn Fair team has now been running for eight years, and with this year’s competition we will have awarded over 100 free stands to small business owners. Year on year, the connections and relationships formed within the #SBS Village demonstrate just how valuable this opportunity is for growing businesses. It is a genuinely business-boosting experience, and I am already looking forward to meeting this year’s 18 finalists. Spring Fair continues to be a hub of opportunity, fresh thinking and new connections.”
Fay Tranter, Event Director at Spring Fair, noted just how tough the judging process was this year:
“The response to this year’s #SBS competition has been phenomenal. We’ve seen around a 10% increase in application requests, and the standard of entries has been stronger than ever, which is incredibly exciting and a real testament to the creativity, ambition, and resilience of Britain’s small business community. Choosing a shortlist has been no easy task. Every year, we’re inspired by the passion and innovation that #SBS winners bring, and we’re thrilled to be expanding the #SBS Village from 12 to 18 stands for Spring Fair 2027, giving even more entrepreneurs the opportunity to showcase their brands to thousands of retail buyers. We know from previous winners that Spring Fair can be a genuine catalyst for growth, leading to new stockists, a new community, partnerships and life-changing opportunities, and we can’t wait to see what this year’s finalists achieve as they embark on the next stage of their business journey.”
Jess Littlewood, Chief Community Officer for #SBS, added:
“Year after year, the #SBS x Spring Fair competition continues to deliver an incredible opportunity for our winners. In partnership with Spring Fair, we will have awarded over 100 stands to small businesses this year – many of whom leave with real, tangible results and new momentum behind their brands. It’s a truly business-boosting opportunity, and one we’re absolutely delighted to offer once again. Congratulations to our 18 finalists”
See You in Birmingham
For previous winners, exhibiting at Spring Fair has led to everything from international distribution deals to finding their dream stockists, with one past winner calling the experience truly life-changing. To make the week even more special, all 18 finalists will get an in-person visit from Theo at their stands during the event.
Spring Fair 2027 takes place at the NEC in Birmingham from the 7th to the 10th of February.
A huge congratulations to this year’s 18 winners – we can’t wait to see you there!
