Spring & Autumn Fair Advisory Board

The Advisory Board is a dynamic group of industry leaders committed to shaping the future of retail. The board brings together a diverse group of expertise to drive innovation, foster collaboration and ensure the continued success of Spring Fair and Autumn Fair.

MEET THE BOARD MEMBERS

These are the retail leaders shaping the future of retail at Spring Fair and Autumn Fair. Learn more about each of the board members representing leading industry associations, exhibitors, and retailers.

STEPHEN SPENCER – BOARD CHAIR

Ambience Director
Stephen Spencer + Associates

STEPHEN SPENCER – BOARD CHAIR

Ambience Director
Stephen Spencer + Associates

Stephen’s business journey started in the High Street at age 15 and took him to Regent Street, via the Tower of London, to Buckingham Palace by age 30. A combination of luck, curiosity and thinking differently enabled his contribution to the cultural retail revolution of the early 1990s.

Since then Stephen has worked with, studied, learned from, and helped some of the brightest stars and most prestigious brands in the retail, leisure, and tourism sectors. His journey features milestones such as creating the Buckingham Palace Shop, launching London’s cable car, revitalising a confectionery-themed visitor attraction, and turning a national conservation charity inside-out, from property- to customer-focus.

Stephen has been a Trustee of Abbotsford, the former home of Sir Walter Scott, and now a five star-rated visitor attraction (2016-2023), and a visitor attractions quality assessor for Visit England (2018-2023), and is a Judge for the Gift of the Year Awards. Stephen keeps his optimism muscle in shape by supporting Tottenham Hotspur.

SANJAY AGGARWAL

Founder
Spice Kitchen

SANJAY AGGARWAL

Founder
Spice Kitchen

Sanjay Aggarwal co-founded Spice Kitchen in 2012 alongside his mum, Shashi: transforming a small family venture into a multi award-winning business. Under his leadership, Spice Kitchen has grown to span a national and international network of retailers, including farm shops, delis, garden centres and large department stores.

In 2023, Sanjay published his first cookbook, *Spice Kitchen*, with Quadrille Books. The book has since been released in the US and was named one of Waterstones’ Best Books of 2023.

Sanjay was recognised in the 42 Under 42 club for North West entrepreneurs and completed the prestigious Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses programme. A mentor to small businesses and an advocate for British exports as a DIT Export Champion, he also serves on the board of the Brett Centre for Entrepreneurship at the University of Liverpool.

Spice Kitchen’s products have garnered multiple accolades, including Great Taste Awards and Gift of the Year wins, reflecting the brand's commitment to quality and innovation.

MICHAEL APTER

Founder
Paper Tiger

MICHAEL APTER

Founder
Paper Tiger

Michael Apter is an award-winning retail professional with over forty years of industry experience. His career spans retail roles at major retailers like Tesco, EH Booth & Co, and HMV. For the past twenty eight years, he has spearheaded Paper Tiger, a leading independent UK retailer of greetings cards, stationery and gifts. Paper Tiger is known for its high standards of curation, presentation and service across four Edinburgh shops and successful online business. A proud Real Living Wage UK employer, Michael remains at the forefront of innovative retail practices. 

JASON BENSOHN

Managing Director
One.World Ltd.

JASON BENSOHN

Managing Director
One.World Ltd.

As Managing Director of One World, Jason Bensohn upholds the legacy of his parents' vision, maintaining a steadfast commitment to curated elegance and timeless design. Grounded in ethical sourcing and sustainable practices, Jason leads the team in delivering exquisite home furnishings and decor, true to the principles on which the business was founded. One World remains a premier destination for discerning customers seeking quality craftsmanship and distinctive style, thanks to Jason's dedication to preserving its heritage while driving innovation.

CHARLOTTE BROADBENT

UK Country Manager
Faire

CHARLOTTE BROADBENT

UK Country Manager
Faire

Charlotte joined Faire in 2022 to lead operations across the UK, Netherlands, and Nordics. Since then, she has driven strategic category expansion, go-to-market initiatives, and key expansion projects to accelerate Faire’s international growth. 

Before Faire, Charlotte was on the board of Wyevale garden centres and COO at Tamara Comolli, an international fine jewelry brand and retailer, where she navigated the challenges of running a retail business during the pandemic. Before that, she was an investor at Terra Firma Capital Partners, leading private investments across consumer and retail businesses.  

Charlotte is passionate about supporting entrepreneurs and independent retail, which aligns with Faire’s mission. At Faire, she works closely with brands and retailers, harnessing digital innovation to help independent businesses thrive in an evolving marketplace. 

SAMANTHA GIBBS

Director
Nest

SAMANTHA GIBBS

Director
Nest

Samantha Gibbs is the owner of Nest, a trio of card and gift shops offering unique gift and lifestyle items. Trading since 2002, Samantha has used her keen sense of creativity and a dedication to sourcing unique pieces to create a cherished gifting resource that offers quality products with exceptional customer service.

TIM HOLLIS

Retail Brand Development Manager
Talking Tables Ltd.

TIM HOLLIS

Retail Brand Development Manager
Talking Tables Ltd.

Leading retail brand development at Talking Tables, Tim infuses his extensive industry experience as a buyer into innovative strategies for their customers. Driven by a dedication to ethical, community-driven design, Talking Tables stands as a beacon of creativity in the retail landscape, celebrating both special occasions and everyday moments alike.

STEPHEN ILLINGWORTH

Owner & CEO
Widdop & Co.

STEPHEN ILLINGWORTH

Owner & CEO
Widdop & Co.

DANIEL KULLMANN

Head of Corporate Communications
EK Retail

DANIEL KULLMANN

Head of Corporate Communications
EK Retail

BEN MASSEY

CEO
National Association of Jewellers (NAJ)

BEN MASSEY

CEO
National Association of Jewellers (NAJ)

As CEO, with a focus on fostering collaboration and driving strategic initiatives, Ben is dedicated to advancing the interests of jewellers across the UK. Grounded in integrity and a commitment to excellence, he leads the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) in its mission to support and empower its members, ensuring a vibrant and thriving future for the jewellery sector.

DEMI PENDAKIS

Founder
F.Y.G

DEMI PENDAKIS

Founder
F.Y.G

An accomplished business leader with over two decades of experience in global retail and manufacturing, Demi formerly served as VP & Commercial Director for the UK at the world’s largest clothing manufacturer. He led multi-country sourcing strategies and managed key partnerships with blue-chip retailers, building deep expertise in international trade and large-scale supply chain operations.

Now the founder and owner of FYG, an award-winning home fragrance and commercial amenities brand, Demi has successfully positioned the company within the UK’s luxury retail, spa, and hospitality sectors.

In addition to running a fast-growing brand, he is a mentor and business consultant to both startup brands and established fashion manufacturing businesses, offering strategic guidance on growth, brand development, and operational efficiency. With a blend of corporate leadership and entrepreneurial success, Demi brings a commercially focused, globally informed perspective to the boardroom.

NICK RONALD

Owner
Casa Verde

NICK RONALD

Owner
Casa Verde

Nick Ronald exhibited at his first show at Olympia in 1984 and for the past 24 years has participated at most of the Spring and Autumn Fairs at the NEC. Formerly the co-owner of 'Grand Illusions', in 2020 he launched his new incarnation, 'Casa Verde' – an upscale purveyor of Home & Garden products, mostly designed in-house with a distinctly European flavour. Now based in Mallorca, the UK remains his passion and primary market. He is also one of the founding members of the 'Integrity' group, which supports and helps these key shows to prosper.

PAUL SUN

Managing Director
Gingko Design Ltd.

PAUL SUN

Managing Director
Gingko Design Ltd.

Paul Sun spearheads Gingko Design Ltd.’s innovative approach to design-led home and gift products. Guided by principles of simplicity, elegance and sustainability, his creations have garnered international awards. Positioned in the premium sector, Gingko’s offerings elevate living spaces with modern technology, setting new standards in the industry along the way.

JAMES THOMAS

Managing Director
Forever England

JAMES THOMAS

Managing Director
Forever England

James Thomas is the Managing Director of Forever England Ltd, a British company known for its beautifully designed bedding, homeware, fashion and lifestyle products.

With over 30 years in retail, James has played a key role in growing brands like Forever England and Millie Mae into much-loved names among independent retailers and customers. His deep retail and wholesale expertise has helped shape their success, delivering high-quality, timeless products.

An active member of the home and gift industry, James connects with fellow business owners, shares ideas, and supports independent retail. Through his role on the Spring & Autumn Fair Advisory Board, he offers insights from both brand and retailer perspectives, helping shape the future of key trade events.

James values collaboration, integrity, and staying fresh in an ever-changing market. Outside work, he enjoys travelling, discovering new design inspirations, and spending time with family and friends.

MAGGIE THORNTON

Owner
Alligator Pear

MAGGIE THORNTON

Owner
Alligator Pear

Maggie is the creative force behind Alligator Pear, an award-winning lifestyle store based in Tadworth, Surrey. With an eye for trendsetting designs and an unwavering commitment to customer service, Maggie has created a cherished destination for customers looking for on-trend, distinctive gifts, fashion and home décor.