71 SCOTLAND TRADE FAIR SPRING PREVIEW back some highly successful exhibitors such as Highland Stoneware, Portmeirion, Sea Gems, The Highland Soap Company, Eribe Knitwear, Catherine Redgate and Tessuti. For some truly individual pieces head to the Craft Gallery to find knitwear from BAKKA, bags from Fernweh, jewellery from Carla Edwards and ceramics from Zoe Scott Designs. Fiona Ross from Candy Coated Accessories said: “For me, exhibiting at Scotland’s Trade Fair is about making connections. Sometimes it’s really hard sitting in your studio, trying to get your message out there. Textiles is such a tactile thing, you want people to see it and feel it and get the story behind your product, so I just think it’s so important to be face-to-face.” Added value To help develop your business skills the Talking Shop has a rich timetable of talks, panel discussions and masterclasses. Gary Ennis from Digital Boost will educate on elements of social media and ecommerce; Visit Scotland will speak on the visitor experience; Fiona Faint will host a panel of influencers, as well as delivering the latest retail trends; packaging and shop design will be explained by Julie Mills; and the Loves Local campaign will deliver their latest initiatives. Nessie’s Den will be there to entertain with emerging suppliers showcasing their products to respected retailers in a lighthearted session. The Best Product Awards from the Show will be judged by leading retailers and the winners will be displayed in the heart of the Show. Food and drink With many shops offering far more than just gifts or homewares, Scotland’s Speciality Food Show is run in conjunction with the Trade Show with over 100 delicious producers, principally from Scotland. Helen Crawford from The Old School in Beauly, Highlands said: “Coming to Scotland’s Trade Fair is an absolute must as we need to source new suppliers and re-connect with existing ones. For any forward-thinking shop this Show is the place to find products made in Scotland – and beyond – that will give customers the lift of some retail therapy that we all so desperately need right now.” Show Director Mark Saunders said: “We always aim to offer our visitors a really enjoyable buying experience at the Show with plenty of innovation, a wide range of products and a day that is fun sourcing new items and meeting old friends. With an improved layout and a host of new exhibitors the 2023 Show is a must for a buyer’s diary.”
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