A new era begins for the UK’s largest retail and trade shooting event
Time Well Spent Group, Europe’s leading media group dedicated to outdoor pursuits, firearm owners and fieldsports communities, is delighted to announce the acquisition of the British Shooting Show, the UK’s largest retail shooting based exhibition.
The three-day indoor event, which is held annually at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham, has established itself over 17 years as the flagship event for the UK shooting industry bringing together manufacturers, retailers, organisations and enthusiasts from across the country and beyond.
The acquisition forms part of Time Well Spent Group’s long-term strategy to invest in category-defining platforms that combine trusted content, community engagement and live experiences within the shooting, hunting and fieldsports sectors.
The existing organising team, led by John and Annie Allison, will continue to play an active role in the delivery of the 2026 event. They will work in close partnership with Time Well Spent Group to deliver next month’s event, which takes place Friday 13 to Sunday 15 February 2026.
This collaborative approach ensures continuity for exhibitors and visitors alike, while combining the operational experience and institutional knowledge of the founding team with Time Well Spent Group’s media reach, commercial infrastructure and long-term investment capability.
Simon K. Barr, CEO of Time Well Spent Group, commented:
“The British Shooting Show is an outstanding event with a loyal audience and a strong reputation built through many years of hard work by John, Annie and their team. We are delighted they will continue to be closely involved as we work together to deliver the 2026 show and shape the event’s future. This deal has been very much a partnership rooted in continuity, trust and a shared ambition to further strengthen the UK shooting community.”
John Allison, former owner of the British Shooting Show, said:
“The British Shooting Show has always been about the people, the exhibitors, the visitors and the wider shooting community. After nearly two decades, it was important to secure the show’s future with a group that genuinely understands our world. Time Well Spent Group shares our values, our respect for the community and our belief in doing things properly. Annie and I are proud to remain closely involved as we work together to deliver the 2026 show and beyond.”
Strengthening the UK shooting platform
Under Time Well Spent Group’s ownership, the British Shooting Show will benefit from:
- Enhanced content integration across leading print, digital and social platforms
- Greater year-round audience engagement and exhibitor support
- Expanded educational programming and community-led initiatives
- Increased visibility for brands through coordinated media and event promotion
The Group’s investment aims to protect what makes the British Shooting Show special, while ensuring it continues to evolve in line with the needs of the modern shooting market.
About Time Well Spent Group
Time Well Spent Group is the largest media business in Europe dedicated to passionate outdoor enthusiasts, firearm owners and the fieldsports community. Its portfolio includes leading specialist publications, digital platforms and industry channels serving millions of readers, viewers and followers across the UK and internationally.
About the British Shooting Show
The British Shooting Show is the UK’s premier retail and trade exhibition for shooting sports, hosted annually at the NEC Birmingham. The event showcases thousands of products and brands, alongside education, demonstrations and networking opportunities for enthusiasts, professionals and families.
