Spring Fair, the UK’s most prestigious wholesale marketplace taking place 2nd – 5th February 2025 at NEC Birmingham, is proud to announce a new partnership with the Association for Cultural Enterprises. The collaboration reflects Spring Fair’s commitment to supporting the evolving needs of cultural, heritage, and destination buyers – key players in the retail industry who balance the art of storytelling with the demand for innovation and sustainability.
As part of this exciting partnership, Spring Fair will host a dedicated Cultural Enterprise Day on Tuesday, 4th February 2025, bringing together 45 new cultural enterprise organisations to the show and offering tailored resources to enhance their sourcing experience.
Celebrating Cultural Enterprises at Spring Fair
Cultural enterprises, including museums, galleries, and heritage sites, are discerning buyers seeking unique products that resonate with their audiences while meeting the highest standards of quality and sustainability. This partnership aims to bridge the gap between cultural buyers and suppliers, enabling these organisations to discover exceptional products that align with their values.
During the Cultural Enterprise Day, buyers will enjoy a bespoke programme of activities, including:
Curated Guided Tours: Explore exhibitors that offer products tailored to cultural retail needs, including greetings, gifts, and homeware.
Exclusive Resources: Complimentary goody bags, curated supplier lists provided by the Association, and access to tailored consultancy sessions in the Buyer’s Lounge.
Immersive Sessions: From sampling artisanal chocolates and sloe gin to fragrance masterclasses, visitors can engage in hands-on experiences that inspire their buying journey.
Networking Opportunities: The day will conclude with a networking session offering buyers the chance to connect with peers, suppliers, and industry leaders.
Laura Rae, Head of Development says, “Cultural enterprises are unique in their approach to retail, combining a deep appreciation for heritage and storytelling with the demand for innovation. This partnership with Cultural Enterprises underscores our commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for buyers and suppliers to connect and thrive.”
Gordon Morrison, CEO of Association for Cultural Enterprises, echoes these sentiments; “The Association for Cultural Enterprises is thrilled to be supporting Spring Fair 2025. This collaboration at this stellar event offers a fantastic platform to shine a spotlight on retail in the cultural sector, an area that continues to thrive despite a challenging overall economic environment. Many of our members and suppliers are innovating and thriving in this field and we are delighted to be able to showcase and celebrate this at this major event.”
