New Designers: one year in

Opening in June, One Year In is a showcase of the 100 most exciting designers, studios and entrepreneurs that have recently started creative businesses showing as part of New Designers. Whether you’re looking to commission bespoke pieces, buy beautifully crafted works for wholesale or to snap up something new for your own home, these are the talented self-starters with everything in place and ready to go.

It’s incredible how much difference one little letter can make. Formerly One Year On, the showcase’s new name – One Year In – clears up any confusion about the broad reach of this energetic show. Although many of the emerging talents selected for One Year In are former New Designers exhibitors, it’s not a requirement. As long as you’re a new creative business you’re in with a chance of being selected.

‘There is no other show in the UK that provides such a good platform for start-up businesses,’ says curator Rheanna Lingham, who picks creatives for their original thinking, high-quality products and business viability. ‘The most obvious benefit is the exposure to influential trade contacts – including buyers, collectors, press and industry professionals. However, what is often overlooked is the mentoring provided in the months that lead up to the show.’ As part of One Year In, exhibitors receive advice on marketing, brand and product development, pricing, selling and display, as well as the fundamentals of starting a small business. ‘The more tangible benefit is the firm friendships that are born each year between the designers – relationships that continue for years beyond the show,’ Rheanna adds.