Theo Paphitis shares retail advice at Spring Fair

Small Business Sunday founder Theo Paphitis took to the stage at Spring Fair this month as part of the show’s continuing ethos to support and guide new industry talent.

Interviewed by The Sun’s Ashley Armstrong, the former Dragons’ Den panellist shared advice and anecdotes with a packed audience. He said: “Business is common sense – don’t be shy, stick your elbows out and know your numbers,” adding that “50 per cent of all small businesses fail in the first two years because people haven’t done their homework.”

He continued: “Lots who fail the first time go on to succeed the second by learning from their mistakes, finding places to get help and understanding the things that really matter in business.”

When asked how small businesses can manage their cash flow post-pandemic and in a cost of living crisis, the Robert Dyas owner admitted: “It has been difficult.”

He said: “You couldn’t make it up with Russia and Ukraine, rising inflation and energy costs. We have to build in what we’re doing with some margin for error, but I still believe there is opportunity. As a small business, if you remain agile and survive for the next three years in this market, you’ll have great foundations.”

Olehenriksen appoints Anine Bing as global Scandi brand advisor

Danish fashion designer Anine Bing has been appointed as global Scandi brand advisor for 40-year-old skincare brand Olehenriksen. The award-winning skincare company says it hopes the partnership “will help amplify diverse elements of Scandi culture and our Scandinavian-inspired skin wellness approach in a fresh, modern way.”

Renowned for her effortlessly cool wardrobe essentials, Anine Bing has been an authority in Scandinavian style since her

Harrogate Fashion Week to extend duration to three days

Harrogate Fashion Week (HFW) organisers have announced the show will increase its duration to three days next season following a successful AW23 edition. Founders Wendy Adams and Sarah Moody said its latest event attracted over 35 per cent more buyers than last year with exhibitors reporting a “significant increase in sales.” eponymous label’s launch in 2012. Inspired by Scandinavian simplicity and American energy, she has built a global fashion house focused on everyday wardrobe essentials and investment pieces for modern women seeking a timeless yet rebellious approach to style.

This season’s show was its biggest yet with an additional third hall inside the Harrogate Convention Centre. Key exhibitors included regulars Orientique, Marble, Pomodoro, Dolcezza, Lily and Me and Kevan Jon while show newcomers Kate and Pippa, Amazing Woman and Patricia Eve also presented their collections.

The fashion designer’s new role will see her lending her Scandiforward skincare and lifestyle expertise to Olehenriksen, with key responsibilities ranging from creating social media content to spearheading cross-branded collaborations.

“The growth of the show is the main reason for extending to three days, as buyers would find it too difficult to cover the show in two days,” says Moody. “We have confirmed re-bookings of just over 85 per cent, and already received new enquiries from brands wanting to join us.”

Noreen Puri, co-founder of Pomdoro, says she’s pleased with the event’s growth: “Harrogate Fashion Week once again delivered the feel-good factor. With an everincreasing number of brands and a three day show on the horizon, it is evolving into a much-needed national show.”