Richard Hall , head of consumer goods and retail at the Department for Trade and Industry represented the UK at the trade show ’ s opening ceremony .
Singling out the importance of trade shows he said : “ The pandemic bought into sharp focus the importance of international trade . Trade in overseas markets is vital , it helps businesses grow faster , increase turnover and stability , spread the risk , benefits consumers , but it is important to do it in a sustainable way .”
Retail expert , broadcaster and businesswoman Mary Portas was a star attraction at the event . She spoke to retail audience on how to thrive in the new Kindness Economy , a term coined by Portas to reference her insights into how
Julie Driscoll
Nicola Meadows
“ All Hyve retail events create an important platform that facilitates trade in order to fuel UK retail ”
businesses must adopt kinder ways of behaving and how the secret to successful retailing lies in building relationships with customers and making shopping more brilliant .
Portas told delegates that how we live , buy and sell is changing , and argued that over the past thirty years the business of what we buy has been dominated by the biggest , fastest and cheapest . But those values no longer resonate and it is time to put people and planet before profit .
Visitors to the show were also treated to a visually stimulating presentation from TrendBible uncovering the consumer behaviours and lifestyle choices set to underpin product and design trends for the home in 2023 , and Promostyl ’ s Artistic Director Sebastien Renault hosted two future-thinking presentations exploring the upcoming trends in fashion and design .
Nicola Meadows , portfolio director at Autumn Fair said ; “ I ’ ve been overwhelmed by the positive vibe at Autumn Fair and MODA , it ’ s been a very smooth show and people are ready for change , to discover great new products and brands , to network and re-connect with their peers . Autumn Fair creates an incredible environment for the retail community to do business , hear from industry leaders , and be inspired .” EN
October — 33