Industry tributes to ‘inspiring’ former Spring & Autumn Fair managing director
In what will come as very sad news to many, former Spring & Autumn Fair md Louise Young has died, and colleagues have been paying tribute to the woman known as a “visionary” of the trade fair industry.
Mark Shashoua, ceo of Hyve Group which now owns Spring & Autumn Fair, said: “Louise was a remarkable woman who I had the pleasure of working alongside for a number of years. Her inspiring leadership, the championing of UK retail and her refreshingly unique style are what made her a truly standout leader.
“I can attest to the joy she brought to the workplace. Her leadership qualities and commercial acumen earned her the respect of many within the industry. On behalf of the whole Hyve team, I want to express my deep respect and admiration for Louise.”
Having worked with the show for over 25 years Louise moved to become UK regional director for then owner ITE Group in January 2019, and said at the time: “It has been an incredibly difficult decision to leave and one that I have given significant thought to. However, it is absolutely the right time for me to consider other opportunities.”
She played an instrumental role in shaping the success of some of the UK’s most loved trade shows including launching Pure London and running and reimagining Spring & Autumn Fair for over 25 years where her visionary guidance, expertise, and unwavering commitment to the show’s customers can still be felt today.
Paying tribute to his former colleague, David Metcalfe, who headed up Spring Fair & Autumn Fair for many years, said: “Louise Young was one of the good people. The universal shock and disbelief expressed by so many people at the news of her sudden and untimely death at such a young age bears testimony to that.
“I knew Lou for over 30 years as a highly respected colleague and as an unswerving friend. She made her reputation in managing trade shows in the fashion industry – she was always effortlessly elegant – and then went on to excel in managing the Spring & Autumn Fairs and Glee, for the garden industry.
“She took over the jewellery and giftware portfolios of trade shows at a difficult time, but her natural customer-focused approach soon helped the events to recover and grow.
“She believed in immersing herself in the world that her customers inhabit, becoming personal friends with many of them, and serving on the national council of the Giftware Association.
“A proud Scot, she had a brilliant sense of humour and a highly developed sense of fun.
“The world is a duller place without her, and I and her very many friends will miss her dreadfully. My thoughts are with her husband James, and all who knew and loved her.”
Julie Driscoll, who took over from Louise as Spring & Autumn Fair md and is now executive vice-president of Hyve Group, added: “The shows, the customers and all of us owe you a huge thank you. We mourn your loss, but we will commit to burn brightly every day for you, lovely Lou.”
