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Hundreds of top tier artisans can help retailers satisfy the huge consumer appetite for authentic British design

The British Craft Trade Fair (BCTF), which runs from April 7-9 2019 in Harrogate, is the largest and most well-established event of its kind, focusing exclusively on British made artisan products.

Now in its 45^th year, BCTF will host hundreds of creative designer-makers in a fabulous state of the art venue, the Yorkshire Event Centre, which benefits from free onsite parking in an easily accessible location.

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Product categories at the show will include beautiful handmade ceramics, porcelain, fashion accessories and jewellery, hand blown glass, metalwork including pewter and silverware, woodwork, greetings cards and fine art.

Trade prices for the unique handmade works on display will start from just a few pounds so something for everyone and all exhibitors are guaranteed to be working from Great Britain and Ireland.

Consumer appetite for authentic British made products is at an all-time high and BCTF is the perfect hunting ground for retailers seeking exciting British-designed and made products with sound provenance and strong heritage values. For those wishing to support independent British talent, there is no better trade event, to source designer-makers looking to sell their products to boutique gift shops, art galleries, heritage sites and other independent retailers. For these companies, BCTF offers the best possible opportunity to present their work to this specialist audience.

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With decades of experience presenting the best of British to the retail trade, the show organisers can also offer a wealth of advice and support for fledgling designers who want to grow their business in a sustainable way.

Show organiser, Margeret Bunn, says: “Research from organisations such as Which? and Barclays has shown that the consumer appetite for authentic British products is running at an all-time high, as people look to support more local, sustainable businesses and seek beautifully designed products which they know are of sound provenance.  This research is backed up by strong anecdotal feedback we are receiving from retailers visiting the show and followers on our social media sites. If ever there was a time to support our heritage industries and British designer-makers, then this is it!

“We are very excited about this year’s show” Margeret continues saying, “and will once again hold the annual BCTF Awards on the Monday evening. We are delighted to welcome a raft of excellent judges and sponsors, some of whom are participating for the first time this year.”

• Pyramid Gallery (York) is sponsor of the BCTF Award for Excellence
• Heart Gallery (Hebden Bridge) is sponsor of the Best Newcomer Award
• ACID (Anti Copying in Design) is sponsor of the Post Newcomer Award.
• The Giftware Association is sponsor of The Giftware Association Award for Excellence
• The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) is sponsor of the Award for Excellence in Jewellery
• Greetings Today magazine is sponsor of the Greeting Card Award
• DesignGap/ArtGap is sponsor of the Wow Factor Award, the winner of which is traditionally decided by exhibitor votes made during the show.

BCTF is also looking forward to welcoming some great speakers to the onsite content theatre, including Ian Retallick, the founder of Specialist Retailers, a training company aimed at transforming independent retailers into highly-sought after specialist retailers.

For more information about BCTF visit: www.bctf.co.uk

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