Ascential, the company behind trade shows such as Pure London and information services such as WGSN, is looking at selling its exhibitions business. The business segment includes home and gift shows Spring and Autumn Fair; educational technology events for the Bett brand and Pure, London’s leading fashion trade show. Duncan Painter CEO disclosed, these brands are all number one in their markets and are of a size and scale that allows us to consider a variety of options to maximise their future value and enhance our overall organic growth rates. The company’s financial report recorded that Pure generated £9.1 million in revenue in 2017, down by 3 per cent on the previous year. During its two editions last year, the trade show garnered over 18,000 visitors and over 1,000 exhibitors.

The company Ascential is targeting its festivals and digital business, including WGSN. The global provider of intelligence, insight and trend forecast increased its revenue by 6 per cent to £73.6 million in the year as it exponentially expanded its customer base and product offerings. WGSN launched two new products during the year, Barometer, which provides customers with insight into their brand’s impact and Coloro, a new venture with China’s CTIC that offers universal categorisation of the colour spectrum for design professionals and manufacturers. This news could see Pure London sold individually or as part of a pack. The London fashion fair launched this month the Pure Origins platform to unite global fashion manufacturers and buyers.