Launchpad for new innovations

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, BPA Baby & Child excels at delivering a quality show incorporating an ever-increasing diverse range of products. Companies both large and small exhibit everything from well-known brands to relatively new lines and - with the BPA team conducting regular visitor surveys and integrating feedback into the show - each year guarantees exciting fresh features.

Published: 14 August, 2008

One relatively new and popular element is the Launchpad which has seen phenomenal growth since its launch three years ago, proving 66 per cent larger in 2007 than the previous year - and promising even greater growth for 2008.

The Launchpad is an area dedicated to new companies and first time exhibitors introducing products to the UK market for the very first time. These stands prove a magnet to almost every visitor to the show flocking to see exciting, new and innovative products to add to their ranges.

In creating the Launchpad, BPA champions new enterprise, understanding the obstacles faced by those introducing baby products to the UK market and providing additional advice and support. Having found the perfect platform from which to launch their products, many of these new companies go on to bigger and better things.

Robynne Cole from Sierra Distribution was a Launchpad exhibitor last year with the Arms Reach branded products, including the Cosleeper. "We opened our company doors on 1st October 2007 and our first public showing was at BPA Baby & Child Launchpad in Birmingham. We were completely new to the industry and had no idea what to expect. To be honest, I envisioned a rather cold and competitive retail environment. However, it was delightful to find that I was wrong. From the BPA staff and organisers to the other Launchpad exhibitors, attending buyers and industry professionals, I found most people to be helpful, supporting, warm and willing to share their experience with us.

"We are so pleased that we chose to launch our company when and where we did. If we were to open another baby related company, you can bet our starting point would be the Launchpad!"

Sarah Firth, show co-ordinator for BPA Baby & Child, said: "The Launchpad has been designed to create a community experience in which exhibitors can offer support & exchange ideas and advice. Exhibiting at a trade show for the first time can be a daunting prospect for any new company. The BPA aims to try and alleviate any stress and worry from the exhibiting process ensuring that companies can achieve the very most from their investment in the show. It is an area that is extremely popular with both exhibitors & visitors and continues to go from strength to strength."

Susanne Chishti from Yes! Superbaby also exhibited on the Launchpad in 2007. with a distinctive product, which was seen on BBC's Dragons Den. She commented: "We had a great time and are still shipping orders and following leads. The Launchpad is such a good idea and had great community spirit."

The BPA offers an enhanced package to Launchpad exhibitors which proves invaluable to start up companies. Each exhibitor booked by 1st September receives free editorial from Nursery Industry in its show issue. The BPA's press agency offers a supportive service ensuring that companies make the most of other PR opportunities, which in turn helps generate extra exposure in trade and consumer press.

The Launchpad certainly offers the opportunity to make a grand entrance to place products at the forefront of the nursery industry - and this year promises to be every bit as exciting as last with almost 20 new companies signed up. Space is now limited, so if your company is interested in the area, we would recommend contacting Sarah Firth at the BPA to avoid disappointment.

For more information about Launchpad and Baby & Child 2008, call Sarah on 0845 456 9580 or email: sarah@babyandchildfair.co.uk