With Autumn Fair in full swing, organisers i2i Events, together with Birmingham-based trade associations, BIRA (British Independent Retail Association) and BHETA (The British Home Enhancement Trade Association), have announced plans to continue The BIRA Contemporary Collective into future shows, following a successful debut this season.

Sarah Golden, Marketing & Membership Director for the British Independent Retailers Association, said: “Our first year in a new guise as The BIRA Contemporary Collective and Cafe has proved successful in connecting suppliers with retailers at Autumn Fair in an easy, welcoming format. We're looking forward to continuing the work with BHETA and Autumn Fair in evolving the feature to keep pace with our independent retail buyers needs.”

Adding to this, Will Jones, BHETA’s Housewares Executive Director said: “This is a joint initiative that the industry has recognised and is relevant for the market at this moment in time. From talking to BHETA members at Autumn Fair they have been pleased by the variety of visitors to the show and the orders they have written with new customers,”

Exhibitors within this year’s inaugural BIRA Collective include Le Creuset, Villeroy & Boch and the DRH Collection.

The Birmingham-based associations were in good company on the show floor, with the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Carl Rice, making a welcome visit to the NEC. The Lord Mayor spent time hearing more about the partnership, and met with exhibitors and visitors who have travelled from far and wide to experience Autumn Fair this season. 

Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Carl Rice, said: “I am amazed at the breadth of goods on display – Autumn Fair is a great place for retailers to see the very best of what the world of home & gift has to offer.”