A change of senior management at the UK’s largest retail buying event will see Spring Fair’s managing director Louise Young stepping down from her current role, with Julie Driscoll taking over the management of both Spring and Autumn Fair.
Louise will stay in place until the new year to help finalise plans for next year’s event – which hosts the UK party trade’s only dedicated buying show – and ensure a smooth handover. Julie will be taking the reins straight away, with the show itself taking place just weeks later, from Sunday 3 – Thursday 7 February.
“It has been an incredibly difficult decision to leave,” said Louise. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank our customers, both exhibitors and retailers and our highly supportive trade partners for making me feel so welcome in what is a fabulous and incredible industry, and I am sure the industry will do likewise for Julie.”
Julie, who will be looking after Spring and Autumn Fair as part of her new role as UK regional director of ITE Group, commented: “Under the new ownership of ITE Group, these major retail events will deliver a higher return on investment for our exhibitors and an unrivalled return on time for buyers. It’s an exciting time for the industry and one that I am looking forward to helping our customers navigate for their continued business success.”
So far, 14 party, costume and balloon companies have signed up to exhibit at next year’s Spring Fair:
