Covid status checks will be in place at Autumn Fair as the show readies to open its doors in September

Autumn Fair has introduced Covid-19 status checks for all attendees on arrival at the show this year, as it prepares to open its doors for the first time in 18 months since the pandemic hit, this September 5th to 8th.

The show’s organiser has also updated its Safe & Secure Guidelines to deliver new health and safety measures to put the show community at ease this year. September’s Autumn Fair will ask all attendees, including visitors, exhibitors, contractors, venue and organiser staff to verify their Covid-19 status on arrival.

The move is in adherence to the latest government guidance, working in consultation with the Association of Event Organisers and means that all attendees will need to demonstrate proof of Covid-19 status for entry to the event.

This can be in the form of a  proof of completion of a full course of vaccination two weeks prior to arrival, proof of a negative Lateral Flow Test taken within 48 hours of arrival, or proof of natural immunity show by a positive PCR test result for Covid-19, lasting for 180 days from the date of the positive test.

Further details on how to prove your COVID-19 status and FAQs can be found at https://www.autumnfair.com/contact-us/visit-faqs and further information for international exhibitors and visitors will be provided very soon.

Ian Solomon, operations director, Hyve Group plc, said: “The health and safety of our customers and community have been, and continues to be, a top priority as we return to delivering events and facilitating trade again. As such, it was imperative for Autumn Fair and Moda to verify attendees’ COVID-19 status on arrival.

“We have made the decision to implement COVID-19 status checks, even though this is not currently mandated within government guidelines, as the evidence suggests that this is the best way for us to reduce the risk of transmission within the event itself. Putting these checks in place adds an additional layer of reassurance for all attendees once they are inside the event.

“Furthermore, our risk assessment is substantial, and the updated Safe & Secure guidelines are designed to deliver industry-leading health and safety standards and procedures that will help put the minds of our community at ease.”

Other key features of the updated guidelines include a reduced contact registration system, a Code of Conduct, and exhibitors have been given advice on exhibition stands, including on stand layout, data capture, staffing and displaying product effectively.

While it is no longer mandatory to wear masks, the show’s organisers will be encouraging all attendees to consider wearing them, especially when in enclosed or crowded spaces.

Julie Driscoll, managing director, Retail and Fashion, Hyve Group plc, said: “Autumn Fair is a curated show for a new era of retail, designed to reinvigorate the industry and provide the essential networking and product inspiration that the industry has missed during the pandemic.

“All the measures being put in place are to help exhibitors and visitors feel confident about attending events once again. There is huge pent-up interest, but quite rightly we need to provide clear information and the correct procedures. The new guidelines enable exhibitors and visitors to understand what to expect on site. With our long-standing heritage and experience, we can confidently deliver a trusted platform and marketplace for physical business to take place again and give buyers the chance to discover a whole host of inspirational products and collections from returning favourites, as well as new, sustainable, made in Britain, and a huge number of ‘exclusive to the Autumn Fair’ brands.”

The full updated Safe and Secure Guidelines can be viewed at https://www.autumnfair.com/safe-secure with a dedicated section for exhibitors at https://www.autumnfair.com/safe-secure/guidelines-for-exhibitors.

 

Brand Licensing Europe supports a post-pandemic industry with What’s Next theme for 2021

As the industry collectively begins to look towards a post-pandemic future, Brand Licensing Europe, in partnership with Licensing International, is supporting the network, weaving a ‘What’s Next’ theme throughout its 2021 show.

BLE is making its return this year with a new multi-platform format taking place in-person from November 17th to 19th at ExCeL London, followed by an online event on November 30th to December 1st, giving a platform to people, ideas and practices set to change the face of brand licensing.

The What’s Next theme will focus on three distinct areas to give attendees an overview of the most important considerations for doing business in 2022 and beyond.

  • Who’s next: Attendees are invited to discover and celebrate the licensing change makers in the all-new Agents of Change gallery; the disruptors, the rising stars, the professionals and the trailblazers who are brave and savvy enough to go back to the drawing board and affect real change.

The ‘Agents of Change’ Roll of Honour gallery will be situated at the entrance of BLE, providing an aspirational welcome back to the live event for the whole community and will be taken from License Global’s Influentials list of 2021 that will feature in December.

  • Innovation in Sustainability Showcase in partnership with Products of Change. This feature area will inspire attendees on their journey towards a more sustainable future by learning how pioneering businesses from inside and outside of the licensing community are addressing the challenge of moving forward in a more ethical way.

This interactive space will tell the stories of the branded products on show – where they came from, how they were made; the partnerships and collaborations featured, as well as offering practical advice and support on how the licensing industry can unite to tackle these vital issues.

  • What’s next for retail: Visitors can explore an interactive retail space showcasing how brand licensing is leading the way in the production of unique, creative, and entertaining consumer experiences critical to the much-needed transformation of retail.

Informa Markets’ VP of Licensing, Anna Knight, said: “Identifying new trends, change makers and upcoming challenges is what makes an industry gathering like BLE unmissable. This past year has shown how adaptable we are and, as we move into a post-covid world, that pace shows no sign of slowing down. Looking towards the future has never been more vital and this is precisely what our ‘What’s Next’ theme is designed to support.

“Our hope is that this year’s theme, and all of the amazing content that envelops it, will help to take the guesswork out of strategic planning and support our attendees to drive forward their visions for the future.”

Registration for the event is now open and retailers, manufacturers and brand owners wishing to take part in this year’s event are invited to register for free at https://www.brandlicensing.eu/en/home.html to reconnect with the European licensing community in-person and online this November.

Footfall tipped to rise almost 20 per cent as shoppers hit high streets this ‘Freedom Day’ week

Retail footfall is predicted to rise by 19.7 per cent this week, as shoppers take to high streets and towns now free of the remaining Covid-19 restrictions with face coverings and social distancing no longer mandatory in England.

In the latest from the retail analysts, Springboard, footfall is tipped to peak throughout the first weekend of ‘freedom’, with expected rises of 32.2 per cent on Friday, July 23 and 39.5 per cent on Saturday, July 24.

While the removal of restrictions in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland will not be as comprehensive as in England, the fact that footfall in England accounts for around 85 per cent of all footfall in the UK will drive an uplift in overall shopper activity.

The degree of the increase in footfall is expected to differ across the three key retail destination types. The removal of remaining restrictions on the hospitality sector including restaurants, coffee shops, and pubs, will help the high street to a 25 per cent footfall increase, Springboard predicts.

This will be followed by an 18 per cent increase in footfall at Shopping Centres, while retail parks are tipped to see the lowest increases, at 10 per cent.

The anticipated uplift following Phase 3 of the government’s easing of restrictions is forecast to be significantly greater than the one per cent observed when indoor hospitality reopened in May this year.

The current good weather also has a role to play in the increases, as does Freedom Day’s coincidence with the start of the school holidays and the number of Brits choosing to summer holiday within the UK this year.

Diane Wehrle, Springboard insights director, said: “The long awaited Freedom Day on Monday will see footfall bounce back across the UK, to a more significant magnitude than when indoor hospitality reopened in May, with rises seen across all three retail destinations.

“With summer holiday commencing and many opting for a Summer Staycation in the UK, footfall will continue to rise throughout JUly and into August as many look to enjoy the good weather.”

‘Freedom Day’ hasn’t, however, been welcomed by all with many leaders in the retail space calling for public caution and consideration when shopping, including the use of facemasks in shops and taking their own measures on social distancing.

Footfall tipped to rise almost 20 per cent as shoppers hit high streets this ‘Freedom Day’ week

Retail footfall is predicted to rise by 19.7 per cent this week, as shoppers take to high streets and towns now free of the remaining Covid-19 restrictions with face coverings and social distancing no longer mandatory in England.

In the latest from the retail analysts, Springboard, footfall is tipped to peak throughout the first weekend of ‘freedom’, with expected rises of 32.2 per cent on Friday, July 23 and 39.5 per cent on Saturday, July 24.

While the removal of restrictions in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland will not be as comprehensive as in England, the fact that footfall in England accounts for around 85 per cent of all footfall in the UK will drive an uplift in overall shopper activity.

The degree of the increase in footfall is expected to differ across the three key retail destination types. The removal of remaining restrictions on the hospitality sector including restaurants, coffee shops, and pubs, will help the high street to a 25 per cent footfall increase, Springboard predicts.

This will be followed by an 18 per cent increase in footfall at Shopping Centres, while retail parks are tipped to see the lowest increases, at 10 per cent.

The anticipated uplift following Phase 3 of the government’s easing of restrictions is forecast to be significantly greater than the one per cent observed when indoor hospitality reopened in May this year.

The current good weather also has a role to play in the increases, as does Freedom Day’s coincidence with the start of the school holidays and the number of Brits choosing to summer holiday within the UK this year.

Diane Wehrle, Springboard insights director, said: “The long awaited Freedom Day on Monday will see footfall bounce back across the UK, to a more significant magnitude than when indoor hospitality reopened in May, with rises seen across all three retail destinations.

“With summer holiday commencing and many opting for a Summer Staycation in the UK, footfall will continue to rise throughout JUly and into August as many look to enjoy the good weather.”

‘Freedom Day’ hasn’t, however, been welcomed by all with many leaders in the retail space calling for public caution and consideration when shopping, including the use of facemasks in shops and taking their own measures on social distancing.

Coastal and historic towns thrive amid “strongest sales growth of the pandemic” for UK high streets

Pent up demand for in-store shopping, coupled with the reopening of hospitality and enduring appreciation of the return of non-essential retailers, has helped the UK’s retail scene to the strongest sales growth of the pandemic.

On a total sales basis, sales have increased 10 per cent in the four weeks covering May 2nd to 29th this year, against a decline of 2.7 per cent for the same period in 2019.

Meanwhile, footfall across the UK’s retail destinations has risen by 11.6 per cent week on week. High Streets witnessed increases of 17.4 per cent versus 8.7 per cent in shopping centres and just 2.3 per cent in retail parks.

However, it is UK holiday destinations such as coastal and historic towns that have witnessed the greatest increases, with a 37. 1 per cent rise in coastal areas, and 24.8 per cent rise in historic places.

Helen Dickinson OBE, chief executive, British Retail Consortium, said: “Retail sales were buoyant in May thanks to the reopening of hospitality, coupled with the afterglow of non-essential retail’s own return.

“Pent-up demand for the instore shopping experience, as well as the first signs of summer weather, helped retail to the strongest sales growth of the pandemic.

“There is a growing sense of consumer confidence, boosted not only by the widespread uptake of vaccinations and testing, but also retailers’ own significant investment in safety measures.”

Dickinson has explained that large cities remain the hardest hit by the pandemic, with many consumers continuing to work from home and increasingly choose to shop local. It has prompted new calls for a re-evaluation of the role of the high street.

She said: “Now is the time to consider what our future high streets and town centres will look like a decade from now. We must adapt to these changes, not only to build back better, but also to build forward.

“With vacancy rates still rising in many parts of the country, we must reimagine how we integrate residential and commercial property, allowing us to build stronger local communities that encompass leisure, retail, services, and homes.

“This will require retailers, property developers, and local government to work together and plan city centres that cater to these changing demands and truly innovate the high street model.”

A summer of cautious optimism

Elsewhere, it is the change in weather combined with the late May bank holiday that has seen shoppers take to the high streets and shops of some of the UK’s coastal areas and historic towns, as staycation holidaymakers fuel an ‘increase in footfall that surpassed that in any other type of UK high street.

According to Springboard insights director, Diane Wehrle, “the fact that the bank holiday occurred a week earlier than in the previous two years meant that footfall in both coastal and historic towns was actually higher last week than in the same week in 2019.

“Whilst the attraction of coastal and historic towns to visitors meant they benefitted the most last week, there was still a significant rise in footfall in central London and in other regional cities across the UK, while the most modest increases once again occurred in more local high streets.”

Paul Martin, UK head of retail, KPMG, said: “Retailers now face an interesting few months as they assess how they best entice their customers back to stores and what the right blend of offline and online will be as spending patterns settle in a post Covid world.

“With the prospect of the full lifting of Covid restrictions coming into force this month, there will be increased competition for share of wallet as consumers focus on those leisure and hospitality activities that have been denied to them due to lockdown.

“It is a summer of cautious optimism for many retailers, who will be hoping that the continued success of the vaccine roll-out and an improving economy will offer scope to spark a big surge in consumer spending.”

Aconyte Books details long-planned novel series based on hit board game Pandemic

Aconyte Books, the fiction imprint of the global games group, Asmodee, has lifted the lid on its long-planned series of novels inspired by the global bestselling game, Pandemic.

The first title in the series will be Pandemic: Patient Zero, scheduled to land on shelves this September and promising to take fans of the franchise on a journey into the future, where an expert team of epidemiologists are tasked with tracking down potential outbreaks and resolving them before a pandemic breaks out.

A synopsis of the title reads: ‘In this first title, new recruit Bodhi Patel finds himself in South America, far from his comfort zone, where the clues to the source of a new mutated virus lie on land controlled by a local warlord.’

Aconyte’s publisher Marc Gascoigne, said: “To say this series has been long in the planning would be an understatement. Patient Zero was completely written and about to be announced in early Spring 2020 when… well, we all know what happened next. Even with a message as positive as the one enshrined in the game and the novels, the timing wasn’t right.

“Now updated, it truthfully and respectfully captures the courage and sacrifice of experts in the field, and shows what can be achieved when teamwork, cooperation, and empowerment are put to the test.”

The title has been written by Amanda Bridgeman, whose pair of futuristic crime thrillers, The Subjugate and The Sensation, have recently been optioned for a TV series by the team behind True Detective and Mr Robot.

The Perth, Australia-based writer has worked closely with the Aconyte and Z-Man teams, constructing a complete cast of relatable characters, and the organisation they work for, who will appear throughout the series. Two more novels are currently in development, for publication in 2022.

Comedy channel Dave partners with CALM to launch social cue cards to fight post-lockdown apprehension

The comedy TV channel, Dave has teamed up with the mental health charity CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) to create a series of conversational cue cards to help people who are feeling apprehensive of social situations as lockdown comes to an end.

The cards were created following original Dave research which found that four in five (81 per cent) of British adults are exhibiting some nerves over restrictions lifting. Many of us are exhibiting symptoms of ‘post lockdown anxiety’ as we become increasingly apprehensive about re-entering real life social situations, suggests the findings.

The Dave study pinpointed work, parties and long overdue visits to the in-laws as key stress points.

The conversational cue cards which are available on a first come first serve basis via CALM’s ambassadors are supported with a suite of light-hearted video tutorials, giving top tips for how to successfully navigate social interactions without trepidation.

The videos, which feature Darren Harriott; Stevie Martin; Ania Magliano; Ahir Shah; and Seann Walsh deal with everything from work meetings in person; to remembering how to dance in public; to tips on how to quietly leave a social situation without being noticed.

The short films form part of Dave and CALM’s reintegration guide for people that are worried about having to interact with other humans after a year of screen time. The guide also includes a unique set of conversational cue cards, which give tips on conversation starters in real life, and are deigned to help break the ice as we emerge from lockdown.

Steve North, UKTV’s genre general manager, said: “Coming out of lockdown is stressful for the best of us. We’ve been talking into a screen for the better part of a year and many are worried about having to interact in real life. Gone are the days of being able to mute someone on Zoom or blame bad internet when you want to sneak out of an event.

“Dave is all about bringing people together to have a laugh – and we’re thrilled to be working with CALM to help encourage people to start having real life conversations again following an extraordinary year of lockdown.”

 Simon Gunning, CEO, CALM added: “There’s no denying lockdown has had an huge impact on our physical and mental wellbeing. In the 365 days following the first lockdown the CALM helpline has answered over 147,000 calls and chats. That is a call for help every 62 seconds, with chats and messages exchanged around topics such as isolation, anxiety, relationship concerns, health worries, financial stress and suicidal thoughts.

 “After being stuck indoors for so long, having the ability to see your mates at the pub, visit our families and get out of the house is great. But understandably for many it might be uncomfortable getting back into the swing of things. We’re all on different timeframes, so It’s important not to expect too much. Humour is a great way to make people feel at ease and we’re delighted to be partnering with Dave to raise awareness, encourage people to talk more, and accept its OK not to be OK.”

Spielwarenmesse Summer Edition cancelled over prolonged pandemic problems

Organisers of the Nuremberg toy fair, Spielwarenmesse have confirmed the cancellation of the show’s first Summer Edition, a postponed edition of this year’s show that was scheduled to take place this July.

The fair had been moved from its traditional January slot in order to beat the restrictions in place at the hands of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Spielwarenmesse eG had pulled out all the stops to provide the industry with a suitable networking platform this year.

However, following the unrelenting uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic both on a national and international level, the organisers have decided to pull the plug on the event to to focus on Spielwarenmesse’s 2022 show.

The resolution was passed at the supervisory board meeting on March 25th.

Ernst Kick, CEO Spielwarenmesse eG, stated: “Initially, we received excellent feedback about the Summer Edition from both exhibitors and visitors. In recent weeks, however, the disappointingly slow improvement in the pandemic has been fuelling uncertainty across the industry.

“Our top priority remains the health and safety of all our participants.”

The lack of political perspective with regard to trade fairs has had a considerable impact on the ability of exhibition organisers to make firm plans and for international manufacturers and buyers to schedule and book their travel and accommodation.

‘Despite the measures already set in motion, it would be impossible to stage the Spielwarenmesse Summer Edition successfully without having the all-important run-up to the fair clearly mapped out,’ read a statement from the organisation.

The group has stated that from now on, all energy will be channeled into the regular Spielwarenmesse which is scheduled to run from February 2nd to 6th next year and will take place in conjunction with Spielwarenmesse Digital, a platform that – for the first time in the show’s history – will link the experience of the live show in Nuremberg with the virtual world.

“We’re receiving such a positive response from across the board. The market players cannot wait to get together again in February. And we’re very much looking forward to welcoming everyone back to Nuremberg for the 72nd Spielwarenmesse,” concluded Kick.

John Lewis confirms eight stores will not reopen after lockdown lifts in April

The department store chain, John Lewis has confirmed plans to not reopen eight of its 42 UK stores when the current lockdown lifts on April 12th this year. The move will put more than 1,400 jobs at risk.

The retailer’s stores in Aberdeen, Sheffield, Peterborough, and York will remain closed, as well as four of its smaller ‘At Home’ stores in Tunbridge Wells, Ashford, Basingstoke, and Chester. The planned closures will threaten the future of a total of 1,465 roles with the firm.

The latest development echoes of similar actions taken by the department store chain when its kept eight other stores permanently closed after the first lockdown last year. As of April 12th this year, John Lewis’ estate of department stores will stand at 34.

John Lewis has pointed towards the ‘significant shift towards online shopping in recent years’ as the reasoning behind the latest closures, adding that the decision followed “substantial research to identify and cater for new customer shopping habits in different parts of the country.” According to the team, the eight stores were already “financially challenged prior to the pandemic.”

In a statement, the company said that it believes the online shopping trend “will not materially reverse” and that the performance of these eight stores “can be substantially improved.”

Previously, the group has voiced its expectations that at least three fifths of revenues will be generated online, even when shops are trading normally again.

“Having fewer bigger stores allows us to invest significantly to improve our remaining ones,” said the company. It will also test new, smaller, local shops along with stores within its Waitrose supermarkets.

Book of Beasties embarks on mission to provide 500 London schools with children’s mental health support

The Book of Beasties, a London-based start-up and team behind the mental wellness card game of the same name, has committed to providing up to 500 schools with free mental health support to better help children through the current coronavirus crisis.

The move follows research conducted by the children’s mental wellness game developer that found that 86 per cent of teachers and parents felt the Government wasn’t doing enough to support them in addressing mental health with their children.

The survey uncovered that 78 per cent agreed that children’s mental health had been neglected in the Government’s resopnse to the pandemic and the lockdown restrictions it had implemented through school closures.

In response to these findings, Book of Beasties is aiming to reach over 141,000 children by donating games and training worth over £30,000 to some of the city’s most underfunded areas. 

This new incentive, which has been dubbed the 500 Smiles Crusade is part of the Playful Minds campaign, which is calling on the Government to increase funding for playful mental health provision for schools and parents, and launched to coincide with children’s return to school last week. 

The social distancing measures and tier 4 restrictions have put children under immense amounts of pressure, which is taking its toll on their mental wellbeing. A Young Minds study found that 83 per cent of young people had said the pandemic made their mental health worse. 

Playful Minds has raised concerns that the length of time that the restrictions have been in place will likely result in ‘a mental health crisis that could last for years to come.’

Book of Beasties has said it is focused on improving the wellbeing of children through the use of playful and creative learning to raise emotional literacy, teach empathy and encourage open conversation about mental health. 

The survey also found that more than 95 per cent of respondents agreed that children’s mental health would greatly benefit from the increased use of playful learning methods. 

Following the successful launch of a new platform to provide teachers and parents with easier access to digital mindfulness and mental wellness learning materials, Book of Beasties partnered with Great Ormond Street Children’s Charity to help support the hospital’s play team. 

Phil Tottman, CEO and co-founder of Book of Beasties, said: “While our crusade is a drop in the ocean, we hope it will highlight the dire need for better mental health support in schools and put pressure on those who can make a difference to do so. 

“We are a small company, but our primary focus is to improve the wellbeing of children nationwide, especially following such an adverse year. If that means giving away our resources for free so people can benefit from them then so be it. We couldn’t be more honoured to be helping in such a way.”