Japaflex TradeFest 2026: A Celebration of Community, Culture, and Small Business

A guest on the Green Carpet

On 1st August 2026, the International Community Centre, Middlesbrough, came alive with colour, culture, music, and entrepreneurship as Japaflex proudly hosted the first-ever Japaflex TradeFest. What began as an ambitious idea to give local businesses greater visibility became a remarkable gathering that celebrated diversity, strengthened community ties, and demonstrated the incredible talent within the Tees Valley region.

TradeFest was never intended to be just another exhibition. It was designed to be a platform where entrepreneurs could tell their stories, showcase their products, connect with new customers, and build meaningful relationships. Judging by the smiles, conversations, and positive feedback throughout the day, it achieved exactly that.

One of the defining features of Japaflex TradeFest was the diversity of businesses represented.

The event featured 35 exhibition stands, each bringing something unique to the experience. Visitors had the opportunity to explore businesses across a wide range of sectors, including authentic international cuisine, fashion and accessories, beauty products, handcrafted art, financial services, professional services, and community organisations.

We were particularly honoured to welcome Cleveland Police, whose presence reinforced the importance of collaboration between public services and our diverse communities. Their engagement with attendees helped foster conversations around community safety, trust, and partnership.

Walking through the exhibition hall, it was impossible not to notice the energy. Every stand had its own story. Some businesses were launching themselves to the public for the very first time, while others were expanding their reach into new markets. Entrepreneurs passionately shared their products, visitors asked questions, sampled food, made purchases, and discovered local businesses they may never have encountered otherwise.

The Businesses that exhibited includes the following:

Fit4life Health Ltd

Yemyem

Zee Naturals

Peace Urban Africa

Yefia Foods

MyHarambee app

SimlessPay financial services

Fiklyn Press

Delish9jaspice restaurant

Threads of culture

Classic Empire Fashion Design

The Chief Mrs Global Brand PLC

Beautus wellness

Zoha photography

SAMRICHIE LIMITED

Cherry's African Store

D-Regal African Foodstore

Gidi Global Ltd

Fadashe

Cleveland Police

Villagie e-commerce

Flex Assembly premium clothings

Vsaints Cocktails and Mocktails

At Japaflex, we recognise that many small businesses face similar challenges.

Access to customers, visibility, marketing, and affordable promotion remain significant barriers to growth. TradeFest was created as one practical solution to help address these challenges.

However, our commitment doesn't end when the exhibition doors close.

One of the most exciting developments showcased during TradeFest was the introduction of the Japaflex Business Hub.

Designed specifically for local businesses, the Business Hub enables entrepreneurs to increase their visibility within their local communities through Japaflex's geolocation and geofencing technology. Rather than relying solely on traditional advertising, businesses can now connect directly with people in their surrounding areas who are actively looking for products, services, and opportunities nearby.

The success of the first Japaflex TradeFest is only the beginning.

The overwhelming feedback from exhibitors and visitors has inspired us to think even bigger. Planning is already underway for the Japaflex Winter TradeFest, where we aim to welcome even more businesses, attract more visitors, introduce new experiences, and create even greater opportunities for entrepreneurs to thrive.

Our vision remains unchanged.