EPCH marks presence in Autumn Fair International, Birmingham, UK

New Delhi – 08th September’2025 – Autumn Fair International, 2025 got underway at NEC, Birmingham, United Kingdom. The EPCH India Pavilion was inaugurated by Dr. Venkatachalam Murugan, Consul General of India, Birmingham, U.K. in the august presence of Aman Bansal, Consul (Commerce) & HOC, Haldar, Regional Director, DC(H); Girish Agarwal, Regional Convenor – Northwest Region & Member CoA – EPCH and member exhibitors. The fair is being held from 07 – 10 September’ 2025. India has a great opportunity to display its unparalleled diversity, rich culture, and long tradition of arts and crafts on a large stage like Autumn Fair International, Birmingham, United Kingdom. The Council has organized participation of member exporters from different parts of the country informed R. K. Verma, Executive Director – EPCH.

Dr. Venkatachalam Murugan, Consul General of India, Birmingham, U.K. while inaugurating appreciated the continuous efforts of the Council for bringing Indian Handicrafts to the world markets and promotion of handicrafts exports from the country. CGI also interacted with member participants and assured all support in future business promotions.

Dr. Neeraj Khanna, Chairman – EPCH said “the Council regularly exhibits at Autumn Fair International in Birmingham, UK, which provides insight into the U.K. market’s versatility. With the India UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), progressive tariff reductions, simpler rules of origin and customs facilitation will brings confidence and predictability to buyer–seller conversations translating into lower costs, quicker clearances, smoother compliance and the headroom for UK retailers to scale multi-season products, private labels and design collaborations with Indian suppliers. Dr. Khanna further added “India’s participation in Autumn edition will add to the fair’s vibrancy and diversity, as well as familiarise global manufacturers, retailers, and brands with the robust entrepreneurship in the Indian textiles, home furnishing, and consumer products industries, opening up opportunities for sourcing from India”.

On the sidelines of Autumn Fair International 2025, EPCH In collaboration with the Embassy of India and the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) also organized an Interactive Session on the theme “India – A Profitable Destination for Sourcing Handicrafts.” The session brought together global buyers, sourcing professionals and Indian handicraft exporters to explore opportunities, discuss market trends, and highlight India’s position as a trusted partner in the global handicrafts value chain. Senior dignitaries, trade experts and leading exhibitors deliberated on how India’s diverse product range, sustainable practices and artisanal excellence continue to make it one of the most attractive sourcing destinations worldwide Informed R. K. Verma, Executive Director – EPCH.

Verma further added in this edition, 6 member exporters of EPCH are participating under EPCH India Pavilion displaying Home Textiles & Furnishings, Handmade Leather products and Fashion Accessories etc. To promote Indian Handicrafts, EPCH with the support of O/o Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India has setup Thematic Display with live demonstration of Indian Traditional Crafts by Master Craftspersons / Artisans.