With Autumn Fair getting ready to open its doors at the beginning of September, one company, A Year of Dates, is eagerly looking forward to showcasing its products at the #SBS Pavilion which is being backed for the second consecutive year by #SBS founder and former Dragon Theo Paphitis.
As one of only 12 businesses to be selected, founder Kate Greenhalgh commented: “This opportunity with #SBS Pavilion at Autumn Fair has come at a perfect time, as it ties in with my husband John coming on board. Wholesale/retail has been in our plans and this will enable us to bring these plans forward by several years. We’re very excited for the chance to showcase our products at such a prestigious event.”
Kate started the business three years ago after her husband John made her a date jar as a Christmas present. It contained 52 sealed envelopes, each one containing a date idea.
Despite having no previous business experience, Kate could see potential in the concept as a business venture, and launched A Year of Dates from the couple’s home in Heaton while on maternity leave with their daughter Phoebe in 2016. The idea grabbed the attention of Not On The High Street, and by Christmas that year Kate had received over 100 orders and has now sold more than 11,000 units through the online marketplace and the couple’s own ecommerce website.
As the business has evolved, Kate has added more products to include boxes for milestone birthdays, date ideas for new parents and activities for families, all encouraging people to spend more time together.
In 2018, A Year of Dates won the Start Up Business of the Year Award at the Bolton Business Awards.
* Autumn Fair take place from September 1-4 at the NEC in Birmingham.
Top: A Year of Dates is one of 12 exhibitors to receive a free stand in the #SBS Pavilion at Autumn Fair in September.
