Mirfield mum spots baby show niche

Embargoed to 1900 Monday August 15
File photo dated 23/01/16 of a mother holding the feet of a new baby. A mother or father's lifespan has a direct bearing on the chances of their children reaching a ripe old age, research has shown. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Monday August 15, 2016. For every decade at least one parent lives from the age of 70 onwards, the likelihood of dying prematurely is reduced by 16%-17%, a large British study found. See PA story HEALTH Parents. Photo credit should read: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder. — Embargoed to 1900 Monday August 15 File photo dated 23/01/16 of a mother holding the feet of a new baby. A mother or father's lifespan has a direct bearing on the chances of their children reaching a ripe old age, research has shown. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Monday August 15, 2016. For every decade at least one parent lives from the age of 70 onwards, the likelihood of dying prematurely is reduced by 16%-17%, a large British study found. See PA story HEALTH Parents. Photo credit should read: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.

Laura Hughes, 28, has set up Babyfayre, with plans to organise a series of trade fairs in the Kirklees area catering for young parents.

The midwife, who has children aged five and seven, has been inspired to give local businesses the chance to showcase their products and families and opportunity to buy baby goods away from large chain stores.

“Being a parent and a midwife, I’ve encountered lots of businesses and services, talented people from the immediate vicinity, and many people don’t know about them - they will buy goods from Boots and Amazon,” said Laura.

She has already secured 10 exhibitors for her first show, at PPG Canalside on Huddersfield on November 12, and has space for 20 more.

“We have photographers, keepsake companies, hypnobirthing classes, babywear, cakes, baby massage, and there’s been interest from baby music groups and even a boutique in Leeds.

“Lots of people came to us and said it’s a good idea and there’s not really anything similar locally, other fairs tend to focus on second-hand and pre-loved items.

“It’s a little bit different and people are keen to get on board. These businesses have difficulty reaching local parents.

“We are testing the water, but I want to go all over the local area on a three-month basis. There is a rolling population of new parents!”