The deal follows IACF's decision last month to cut ties with Detling, citing falling visitor numbers at the event. The last fair under the IACF banner was held on February 27 and 28.
Alison Wallington, events manager at the Kent Event Centre, said: "We wanted to choose an organiser who was able to enhance the show into a quality event."
The management team at Newark-based B2B Events are delighted to have been awarded the Detling contract.
B2B director Helen Martin said: "Part of the reason why we were successful is that my fellow director Roger Sumner is well known at the showground, having worked as on-site operations manager for dmg Antiques Fairs when the company owned the fair prior to IACF." Another plus point in B2B's favour is the recent appointment of Alan Yourston as their fairs director. He is also a familiar face at Detling in his capacity as IACF's senior fairs manager, a role he also fulfilled with dmg Antiques Fairs.
Mrs Martin herself, a former dealer specialising in Carltonware, is originally from Kent and was a regular stallholder at Detling until ten years ago.
B2B Events started in 2007 and now run antiques and collectors' fairs in Kinver, in the West Midlands, at the Malvern Showground, where they also have a fleamarket, and more recently antiques and collectors' fairs in Edinburgh, at the Royal Highland Centre.
"We're looking to build up the fair and to attract dealers and UK buyers who haven't attended for some time," said Mrs Martin. "We're particularly keen to encourage European dealers to the fair by emphasising the benefits of the proximity of both the Channel Tunnel and Dover."
B2B are reducing the cost of standing at Detling, with a single stand for the weekend in both the John Hendry building and the Kent Pavilion priced at £100. Pre-booked outside pitches will be £70 a pitch, extra pre-booked tables will be £5. Admission price for Saturday trade is £6 for a two-day attendance, while public entry on Saturday and Sunday is £4 on both days.
B2B's first antiques and collectors' fair at Detling is on April 17 and 18.
Contact details: Tel: 01636 676531 or visit www.b2bevents.info
