The British Craft Trade Fair has been acquired by Kerrison Exhibitions Ltd from PSM Limited, following cancellation of 2020 and 2021 live events
The deal was completed on 14 April 2021 after the previous owner, PSM Limited, was forced to seek a new owner for the fair following the cancellation of events due to Covid-19, ensuring the handmade British craft show will have new investment for its future.
Kerrison Exhibitions has confirmed the live edition of BCTF will take place 10-12 April 2022 at its traditional home, the Yorkshire Event Centre in Harrogate. Exhibitors who booked to participate in BCTF 2020 before the pandemic struck will have the opportunity to take up their stands next year at no further cost. An extended digital edition of BCTF is confirmed as going ahead on 27 June – 1 July this year.
Previous owner and Fair Director, Margeret Bunn, will continue to work on the fair as a consultant and mentor. Mrs Bunn said: ‘The timing of lockdown could not have been worse for us, but I’m pleased to have found a solution which both guarantees the continuation of BCTF and honours the agreements made with exhibitors before the pandemic turned all our worlds upside down.
‘The vast majority of exhibitors have been incredibly understanding and supportive of the predicament we found ourselves in and it’s a big relief that their faith and support will be rewarded at next year’s event. The show’s new owners have proven capability, experience and are well-funded. I’m confident this will mark a bright new chapter in the ongoing evolution of BCTF, an event which means so much to both me personally and the entire community of British makers’.
The owner of Kerrison Exhibitions, Matt Miller, commented: ‘British Craft Trade Fair is an exceptional brand with over 45 years’ heritage as a market leader in its sector and I strongly believe it has a great future ahead. I’m pleased to confirm we’ll carry all existing stand bookings over to the show in Harrogate next year.
‘The market for British Crafts has grown really well over the past few years and there is every indication that it will go from strength to strength in future, with many consumers now committed to shopping local and supporting British made. We’ve a very strong platform to build on and I’m delighted to have the opportunity to take the show forward with the help of the same expert and dedicated team who’ve worked so incredibly hard to keep BCTF alive throughout lockdown.’
