Recognising this trend, BPA Baby & Child show has created a platform to introduce these new products to the forefront of the industry and give the opportunity to launch into the market place. It is called The Launchpad, and  was introduced several years ago. It is now the fastest growing feature of the show, increasing some 60 per cent last year compared with the year before and expecting further growth for 2008.

All companies exhibiting on the Launchpad are introducing products that have not been shown at any other UK exhibition. Those exhibiting in the area are offered extensive support and advice on aspects such as stand layout, product display and PR.

From its conception, Launchpad has been supported by Nursery Industry, which provides all exhibitors in the area with the opportunity to place editorial and a product image into the preview edition of its magazine  free of charge. This year, the area is sponsored by Intertek, a testing house which has laboratories all over the world. While the company cannot endorse any of the products displayed (unless of course they have tested them on behalf of that company), it actively encourages innovation.

Products on display in the Launchpad this year include custom handmade baby clothing, antibacterial baby clothes, a sign language system, an innovative feeding bowl and numerous other items new to the UK market.