The first BHETA / Bira Pavilion at Spring Fair proved a hit with innovative smaller brands and start-ups in the housewares sector taking exhibition space; and a steady stream of members using the hospitality area. The location between Halls 8 and 10 delivered great footfall for the exhibitors who were able to take advantage of shell scheme space and exhibit at the event at very special rates.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 continued, “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.
