Following a successful second edition of BCTF Online, the organiser of the British Craft Trade Fair has extended the Autumn show opening period until the end of September, to allow retailers who were too busy to attend over the first three days to now participate.
Show organiser, Margeret Bunn, says: “Many buyers asked if we would extend the times and dates to give them more opportunity to view the thousands of wonderful handmade products on display, so it is now open and available to buyers 24/7 until September 30 2020 (end of day)”.
Registered visitors can login using their email address to watch videos, download price lists and catalogues and add exhibitors to their favourites folder. Some interactive features which can’t be moderated round the clock will not be available, including the BCTF Hangout, seminar and Live Chat function.
Over 300 talented British designer-makers are featured on BCTF’s unrivalled online showcase, which has been designed with ease of use for trade buyers in mind. It is easy to browse and for visitors to view exhibitor images with the minimum amount, of clicks and fuss.
Many participants are already delighted with the outcome of the show, which so far attracted 591 unique retail buyers ranging from the National Trust, British Museum, RHS and Palace of Westminster, through to the smallest independent boutiques, exclusive regional galleries and innovative online shops.
Exhibitor, David Hitchcock, owner of Photofinish Jewellery (pictured below), said: “BCTF online has given Photofinish Jewellery a great opportunity to showcase our work. Landing an opportunity to exhibit a body of work at one of our dream galleries! With the show being extended and available 24/7 until the end of the month this will enable busy buyers to order the best of British handmade”.
Designer, Harriette Rymer said: “BCTF 2020 was my first trade show and was so upset for it to get cancelled in April – I loved that the team made an online option so I could still show off my work! I made some great new connections and got some orders too! I can’t wait for the real show to meet everyone in person.”
Ceramicist, Michelle Daniels (pictured top) also had an instant result, saying: “I’ve just shipped some raku Space Pots from Norfolk to the Scottish Highlands to a new customer I met at the Autumn edition of BCTF Online.”
Fellow ceramicist, Anja Penger-Onyett of Ceramics Buy Anja (pictured below), was meanwhile reaching other Celtic regions, saying: “I shipped an order to a new gallery in Wales! And many more email conversation ongoing, hopefully more orders to come!”
Kate Jarvis of Tweedie Bags was pleased to catch up with some of her regular suppliers, saying: “I have taken a repeat order from a buyer from BCTF 2019”.
Clemency Bunn, owner of Greeting card publisher, Citrus Bunn (pictured top), also did well from the show, saying: “I’ve had quite a few orders from new shops as a direct result of the show. It’s really helped both retailers and us artists find a little inspiration during this difficult time. It’s been fab, thanks BCTF!”
New exhibitor, Irene McCay, owner of Je Suis Jewellery, said: “This was my first time using BCTF online and I’m very impressed! Although I don’t have any orders yet it was very exciting to see so many buyers looking at my work including one from Australia! This has lifted my spirits in these difficult times. Here’s hoping some orders will come through in time”.
Those not already registered can do so using this URL: https://bctf.co.uk/register/buyer.html
BCTF Online is offered as a free service to exhibitors booked into the physical event which usually takes place at the Yorkshire Event Centre in Harrogate and will next run from April 11-13 2021. Other British makers who want to take advantage of the trade platform can join between now and then.
For more information visit: https://bctf.co.uk
