Two London entrepreneurs are set to take their businesses onto the national stage after being selected as winners of the prestigious Spring Fair x #SBS (Small Business Sunday) competition, securing free exhibition stands at Spring Fair 2027, the UK’s largest retail trade show for Home, Gift & Fashion.
Kala Paul-Worika, founder of By Kala X in Leyton, East London, and Priyanka Patel, founder of Studio Pri Art in London, were chosen from hundreds of applicants as two of just 18 winners nationwide. They will showcase their businesses in the dedicated #SBS Village at Spring Fair, taking place at the NEC Birmingham from 7–10 February 2027.
The initiative, run in partnership with retail entrepreneur Theo Paphitis’ Small Business Sunday (#SBS), is designed to help emerging independent businesses connect with thousands of retail buyers from independent shops, department stores and major retailers, providing a launchpad for retail growth.
Celebrating culture through design
Founded by Kala Paul-Worika, By Kala X creates vibrant Afro-chic fashion and home décor, combining contemporary design with traditional Nigerian fabrics. Every handcrafted piece celebrates colour, culture and craftsmanship, bringing bold, joyful design to fashion and interiors while championing African heritage.
Bringing botanical art to everyday living
Founded by Priyanka Patel, Studio Pri Art transforms hand-painted botanical watercolours into elegant greeting cards, fine art prints and homeware collections. Inspired by nature and produced with sustainability at its heart, the brand combines timeless floral illustrations with beautifully crafted paper goods and gifts.
Championing London’s creative entrepreneurs
This year’s Spring Fair x #SBS competition attracted 10% more applications than last year, with judges praising the exceptional quality of entries from across the UK.
Fay Tranter, Event Director at Spring Fair said: “Every year we’re inspired by the incredible creativity, passion and entrepreneurial spirit within the #SBS community, but this year’s entries raised the bar once again. The quality of applications was outstanding, making the judging process incredibly difficult. Both By Kala X and Studio Pri Art are fantastic examples of the creativity and innovation coming out of London’s small business community. They each have a distinctive brand story and beautifully designed products that we know will resonate with retail buyers. We’re delighted to welcome them to Spring Fair 2027 and can’t wait to see the opportunities that come from exhibiting at the show.”
Theo Paphitis, TV Dragon, Retail Entrepreneur and Small Business Champion added: “The partnership between #SBS Small Business Sunday and the Spring & Autumn Fair team has now been running for eight years, and with this year’s competition we will have awarded over 100 free stands to small business owners. Year on year, the connections and relationships formed within the #SBS Village demonstrate just how valuable this opportunity is for growing businesses. It is a genuinely business-boosting experience, and I am already looking forward to meeting this year’s 18 finalists. Spring Fair continues to be a hub of opportunity, fresh thinking and new connections.”
Now entering its eighth year, the Spring Fair x #SBS partnership has helped more than 100 small businesses showcase their products to the retail industry, with many previous winners securing new stockists and significant business growth following the show.
Spring Fair attracts more than 40,000 retail professionals every year and is recognised as one of Europe’s leading buying destinations for Home, Gift and Fashion. The 18 winning businesses will form the largest-ever #SBS Village, reflecting the continued growth of the partnership and Spring Fair’s commitment to supporting Britain’s next generation of retail entrepreneurs.
Spring Fair 2027 takes place 7th – 10th February 2027 at the NEC Birmingham.
To enquire about exhibiting visit www.springfair.com. Registration opens in August.
