Whichever industry you work in, there are a wide range of exciting business opportunities available in the UK. Trade shows are a great way to discover new products and services, and make invaluable connections.
Visitors to these trade shows (whether business owners or consumers) can expect to discover exhibitors from across the globe, demonstrating products representing everything from technology to retail. The events also offer valuable knowledge in the form of seminars, workshops, and one-to-one meetings.
In this article, we have picked a selection of the best UK trade shows in 2023 including everything from hospitality to technology.
Scotland’s Trade Fair
22 – 24 January 2023
Scotland’s Trade Fair & Speciality Food Show is held at Glasgow’s SEC and is the biggest trade fair to be held in Scotland. Each year, over 500 companies including department store, online traders, hospitality venues, and independent retailers exhibit thousands of products. This 3-day event is definitely worth checking out if you are looking for new and exciting products for your business.
Spring Fair
5-8 February 2023
NEC Birmingham
Springfair is one of the most exciting trade shows to be held in the UK. Predicting and defining the trends for the coming year, it features thousands of home, gift, and fashion products. This year the show also includes a Power of One stand that aims to showcase sustainable products, allowing both retailers and consumers to make a lasting change.
The Baby Show
3-5 March 2023
ExCeL London
The Baby Show is the UK’s largest pregnancy, baby, and parenting event. An annual favourite since 2002, the show aims to connect the best businesses in the industry with expectant and new parents. Marketed as ‘the largest shopping destination for all things baby’, visitors can expect to discover some great new brands as well as trying products and taking advantage of exclusive deals.
National Wedding Show London
1-2 April 2023
The National Wedding Show is the UKs largest bridal event, making stops at various locations across the country. Visit London ExCeL this April to discover a wide selection of wedding suppliers from London, Kent, and the surrounding areas. Whether you’re looking for new products for your business or planning your own wedding, you can spend two full days trying on dresses, finding wedding suppliers, watching catwalks featuring the latest styles for brides, grooms, and wedding guests, and get inspired with a ‘WedTalk’. Don’t forget to drop in on the fabulous Viktor & Rolf champagne bar for a glass or two of bubbles!
Digital Marketing Solutions Summit
10TH MAY 2023
If your business is part of the digital marketing sector, the Digital Marketing Solutions Summit is an excellent show to visit. As an award-winning event, it brings together major players in the industry along with leading solution providers and offers one-to-one meetings that help you discover the best products and services for your requirements, saving you time and money.
GLEE Birmingham
27-29 June 2023
Glee is not just a trade show, it’s an international festival exhibiting the best in garden, leisure, and pet products. Seen by many as the most important trade event for businesses in the gardening industry, it’s the perfect place for discovering exciting products, and brands as well as face-to-face trading and networking.
Facilities Management Forum
3-4 July 2023
FM Forum is a two-day trade show specifically aimed at senior professionals who are directly responsible for their organisations facilities management. Exhibitors at the event include key solutions companies, allowing you to find the best providers for your requirements. During the event, you can arrange one-to-one business meeting, attend interactive seminars, and get involved with valuable networking opportunities.
The Festival of Quilts
3-6 August 2023
The Festival of Quilts is a popular trade show that has been running for 20 years. It is an excellent opportunity for businesses and consumers alike to view the latest design trends, purchase fabrics and other related products, discover leading international designers, and view collections from well-known museums. The event also includes classes and workshops where you can learn new techniques from industry experts.
Autumn Fair
3-6 SEPTEMBER 2023
NEC BIRMINGHAM, UK
The Autumnfair is a great show to visit if you’re looking ahead to 2024. As the UK’s one-stop shop for wholesale home, gift, and fashion products, it’s the perfect place to start stocking your store with the next big trend! With over 600 exhibitors, you’re guaranteed to find a match for your brand.
The Restaurant Show
2-4 October 2023
The Restaurant Show is the leading UK trade show for businesses in hospitality, connecting 100s of suppliers with industry professionals. During the event, you can discover a wide range of innovative products as well as hearing inspiring talks from expert speakers.
Country Living Christmas Fair Glasgow
November 2023 – dates to be announced
The Country Living Christmas Fair is an annual event covering locations in London, Glasgow, and Harrogate. The fair exhibits 100s of British businesses and artisan designers, bringing small businesses together with consumers and larger distributors. Including everything from home décor to Christmas gifts, there is something here for everyone. The event also includes craft and beauty workshops.
There are many great trade shows in the UK covering pretty much every industry you can think of. We have listed just a handful of the shows taking place in 2023, but you can always find additional shows by checking out the larger venues in major cities such as London, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, and Edinburgh.
