Ben Buxton

And the store tour is done. It’s amazing what’s been accomplished, with a clear reflection of ‘s passion and vision. - thank you for hosting , and I! If you haven’t visited the stores - make sure you do - and make sure to book a private appointment (you’ll find it on the website!).

Looking at this, I’m curious what many see. A smile? A suit? Contentment?
What we show the outside can be completely at odds, or opposed to what is apparent / true on the inside.
There was no other photo I could choosen as this is the only photo I have of a “smile” by myself since 2020. The world has changed, so much has happened/ affected so many. But are those thoughts, feelings or state of mind shown? Rarely. It’s easier to just keep going, to just clamp it down, swallow it - after all“boys don’t cry”. Just keep pushing on, keep busy, drink, or pass the time.
But it isn’t just the brave face. Sometimes you’re distant, not trust people, not feel yourself, isolated, alone, your own mind against you. How are you ever meant to push ahead if your own thoughts tell you the worst?
People live with this every day and it’s rarely seen - after all, mental health isn’t obvious. How can you see into someone’s mind? It’s debilitating, numbing, isolating & constant. There is no escape - it remains every moment, every second and every thought. It’s persistent, and in-escapable.
But it is ok. You aren’t the only person to feel like this - though everything screams that you are.
It can come from anywhere - people talking to you like s**t, being used, being dumped, alone, feeling like you’re a tool, not feeling important or valued. People can be selfish, laugh in cliques, pretend or think they’re better, and take it out on those they see as easy targets. Sometimes this can be those already vulnerable or suffering. Sometimes people are just narcissistic, selfish or immature.
But those actions expands and overtakes in so many ways - isolation, walls, thoughts, alcohol. You don’t want talk, see anyone, or trust anyone.
But it isn’t ever too late, or too late to reach out to someone who’s suffering.
Look out for someone who’s quiet, alone, or not themselves. It may mean the world, and it may save a life.
But if you’re there, and don’t think there’s a light? Well it may not be obvious right now, but it can be: you’ve made it this far. Because in the end if it isn’t ok? It isn’t the end.
You can do this.

Delighted to have been part of the Drapers webinar on 'How to optimise omnichannel shopping experience'. Shopify has been a key part of the growth of FAIRFAX & FAVOR - and continues to do so! Link below for those that want to read - great to hear from Gym+Coffee also!

cdn.shopify.com

So, it’s just over 6 years since we won our first Award for our Trade Stand ever - and it was at (definitely one of our favourite events)! I think it can be said we were somewhat happy to be awarded anything - let alone Gold!
Suffice to say, that award still sits proudly alongside our other awards in the boardroom - it was one of our first few years on the events, and my second with the business - although we weren’t finished with our presentation and branding, it firmly established our view and desire for what we wanted the brand to become, and how we wanted people to be welcomed!
Usually it would be immediately off to - but it’s a shame we won’t be there this year! Not only one of my favourite events (with some treasured memories), but the Germans really do love techno! (If you’re there, make sure to say hi to - I’m sure she’d love a drink!)
As it is, you can next see us at , and then our magnum opus - ! We have some excellent former team members working this year, whom we’re delighted to welcome back after a few years out! What makes the events special, is not only travelling, but that we’re always delighted to meet new people, welcome existing customers and see friends and family. Although I won’t be out at most events this year, I know many team members will be delighted to see everyone - whether it’s to say hi, buy or just to try! If you’re attending any events, unsure of something you want, or just want to see the new range in person, we’d love to have you along. As for me? I’ll be plugged into the website, but I may be making a trip or two! We can’t wait to see everyone again, the events are key for us, and something I miss dearly (being how I grew in the business!) - but the formulae have been written, and an incredible team at HQ supporting - so there’s no better time to visit! See you in a field somewhere!

And what a week that was for the photoshoot. The lengths our Marketing team go to, not only to get the perfect shot, but to create our amazing imagery is on another level. The entire team were amazing, but special credit has to go to for the most incredible shoot. So much hard work, long hours, planning and a creative mind bested by no one - ably supported by - with the hero himself getting some scenic shots and epic clips. is the king of capturing the moment, scene, models and our product! And gets it in 1!
Special thanks to for hosting us for the week! We’re now back, settling back in at the office, but the memories will long persist - sorry if we keep reminiscing!

It’s been two years, we’ve started again - dusted off the furniture, cleaned the trailers … and just need to get, and double check that the iPads are up and running properly!
But we’re back - and back with intent. After a great Cheltenham will be back for 12 events (maybe more!) this year and we are showing what we truly can do. Ably supported by some of the classic A-team, some amazing new team members who we had at Cheltenham and a new events manager, we will be heading out to the key events this year, and we can’t wait to be back. We have some big plans for the year, and we’ll be making the most of the opportunity. Muscle memory has a huge part to play, but so does seeing everyone out and about - meeting those we know or welcoming new customers! But supported by those on site (and are we lucky to have them!), and those at HQ, we’re proud to be back out again. Although I won’t be on the road, I’m proud to have them as a team supporting and showcasing the brand! Want to know where we’ll be? Check our events page on the site!

(As a special treat, swipe for time travel with trailers!)

And that’s a wrap! What an amazing event it was, and quite the baptism of fire to get back into the events for after a 2 year hiatus. The team were fantastic, ably supported by our stalwart colleagues at base camp.
Thank you everyone who came to see us - it was somewhat overwhelming to have some many people come and say hi that we know - customers, riders, influencers, and friends. We didn’t know how many people had missed us, but it meant everything that you all wanted to come say hi and catch up. And to all our new customers - thank you for joining us in this club, and the blue box deliveries. We’re all home now, ready for a Sunday off, and to collect ourselves before the week begins again Monday! Next stop… we’ll see you on our brand new stand at

And are back - exactly 2 years since we did our last event. It’s been a long two years for many reasons, staff have come and gone, the original team is no more, and I’ve moved onto new areas. But now we return with a new team, eager to begin the season. We can’t wait to welcome you all, both seeing customers existing, and those new. In those two years we’ve learnt an awful lot, and the brand is bigger and better than ever. So pop down and see our team, they’ll prove that our enthusiasm and service have not dwindled in our time away.

And so another former event for takes place without us there! It’s been a long time since we were last at - and it was definitely an event to remember. It gave us the chance to see so many we wouldn’t do so usually - albeit in a rather confined space! But we made it work!
Many runs back and forth for restock, an intricate stock plan, and a dedicated A-Team (although some never worked the event!). We managed to make it through and see so many we knew from before, or would only see there - ambassadors, trade stands and customers alike!
From now on the mantle of Events Manager shall pass to someone else - although we’re already planning our events for 2022.
The events have been a lot of fun, and allowed a social life with so many people making up those we’d interact with - but none more so than some special members of the Events A-Team. Rest assured, we have amazing plans - and, although you’ll only see a certain someone’s influence on E-Comm now, you can be confident we’ll move the events to a brand new level - attracting new customers, seeing old ones, and so many old friends.
Until then, we have a lot of things forthcoming - our CS team have never been under better leadership, our Marketing never more dedicated, and our Operational/ Merch side never more prepared. As Christmas approaches, we hope to show you that, no matter what medium we appear through or by which you see us, the passion and quality will never decline. We hope to make your special wherever it may be!

It’s that time of year where should be at - as the usual last outdoor event of the year, one of the best social shows of the year, and an event packed with memories, it’s a big miss this year.
We’d love the opportunity to meet up with so many people after Burghley - catch up with the eventers we know from the season, and to see some of our favourite locals ( - you’re a legend Chief) - and to sit back with a well earned drink in the Kings in Woodstock!
This show is perhaps my definitive and most memorable event - plus one of the favourites for us.
Hopefully next year we’ll be back - invigorated, rallied and with a new (2 year) polish. Until then we still promote the best we can - through our amazing CS team, a creative Marketing team, an Ops team dedicated to efficiency, Merch making sure we have enough of our amazing products - I could list them all.
Whilst we can’t see you on the road, our Holt store and forthcoming Stamford store will show you why we’re such a young, passionate and (well deserved) growing brand - because we care, we love what we do, and we want to always show customers, contacts and friends our very best.
So if there’s anything needed until we see you in a field next year, get in touch, source your new and enjoy the - and to my team old and essential? I miss you all and hope to have you back! (Extra recipes for suppers now known!)

It’s this time of year FAIRFAX & FAVOR] should be at - but, due to the impact of last year, and the events team being somewhat - decimated - it being an events team left of, well, yours truly only, then there won’t be any more events this year - continuing a 2 year moratorium on our events taking place.
Hopefully next year things will somewhat return to normal - back out on the road; the chance to see our key event team members; customers old and new; and a chance to show how much we’ve grown - even since we were last out in 2019 - through our range, plans and ambition.
The growth continues to be phenomenal, and heading up E-Commerce, alongside extremely strong teams here in marketing, customer service and ops, then we’ll continue to display and show directly the very best of what we have to offer.
Our AW21 collection will prove to be one of our strongest yet, and continuing support for charities throughout the year will always offer things for you to lust for, request or buy! Keep your eyes on the website, for our new releases, at least until I, and my very best A-team members, can present them to you in person.
It continues to be a strange turn of events, saying goodbye to 2 teams in 2 years, but the internal FAIRFAX & FAVOR] family continues to drive, work and prove in every way why we’re the very best (just look at our recent AW21 campaign)! I’ll miss team members who won’t be back, but hope to continue to work and grow with those still around, as well as our ever dedicated and passionate team here to ensure we continue to thrive!
So, until we’re back in a field in 2022, we’ll always show through all public channels why we’re justified in our growth, support and passion! See you then…

This week should see the return of the - an event unrivalled for for its potential& ability to spread our wings.
The Game Fair has been, since inception, the key event to display/show what we can do - create a true experience. Supported by , incredible roster of staff, intrepid back team &the wonderful warehouse/marketing teams - the event has been a rising success for years.
But alas, we shan’t be attending. For-reasons-it wasn’t viable to attend in a manner which would do us justice - being a perfectionist, I wouldn’t want to show Fairfax and Favor in any manner other than the best it possibly can. 2019 was our Magnum Opus (to date). Despite the weather, heat and rain, it was by far the most comprehensive event we’ve put on to date -
Expanding well into our space, welcoming customers old/ new, and demonstrating that we can establish something magical - even beyond our usual standards.
As a planner, to not attend this year is something of a miss - nothing raises the spirit than everything coming together, sitting with a beer with the team at 8pm in the dying light, &taking a moment to enjoy what we’ve created.
2018/2019 Game Fairs hold key memories for different reasons, × I’ll always wish I could relive - or redo. Our teams have always represented Fairfax and Favor in the highest possible manner. I miss them all-nothing was more rewarding than cooking for all of them at night after a 5am start-seeing their passion for the day, and the company.
We’ll miss friends, contacts& fellow trade stands. I myself won’t be able to see many people - but, even without us there, will cover us in our stead. Make sure to visit them.
As for events in the future? Who knows. I have singularly met and remember some of the most important people and developed things with them at the Game Fair. We all wish to return to those times - that’s human nature - especially to remember the best &romanticise after tragedy and isolation. Maybe one day we’ll as a company, & a group, be able to live once again. But,until that time, we’re always here online -&in our stores!

Well, it’s that time of year again where - usually - we’d be fully involved with setting up - and, given the change in just a few years, it’s not unrealistic to say that could have put on quite the display.
The bottom image is from my first year here - the above, from our Last Badminton (award winning!).
Each year I’ve done it we’ve had some of the most amazing team members - dedicated, hard working, personable and committed - but also definite company for a drink after the show each day (it helps there was a pub outside the front door!).
Late nights, music, ‘a birthday every year - definitely times to remember. And yet we could put on something special - to invite people in, welcome them to the amazing world of - whether to try, buy or just pass by!
A drink in hand 🥂 - boots to wonder over and enquire about - and hopefully an experience/ lasting memory! After all, that’s exactly what we want people to think and feel - to be delighted, warmed and satisfied!
You’ll find exactly the same at our store, and through our amazing customer service team - albeit at more of a distance. But wherever - we want the blue box experience to be of the utmost priority and perfect in every way.
My team and I don’t know when we’ll see you next - so much is still uncertain, behind closed doors, or at reduced capacity.
We want to get back out on the road, provided it’s viable - but nothing makes us more excited that showing what we can do, the display we can create and the experience we can confer.
I’ll miss many of my team members, but you can always be assured we’ll be at our very best no matter which medium you chose to see or interact with us through!
If we don’t see you soon, we hope to see you in a field somewhere in the near future!

The new brochure is finally here, and I think anyone can firmly say it is by far the best that we’ve ever produced. Despite previously showing their skill, and have surpassed every expectation and produced something truly special.
In the past, all efforts have shown the care, devotion and passion for this brand - and yet that is further reflected and encapsulated here.
It is a fundamental part of the business that love, foresight and pushing the brand to be more is shown in everyone’s efforts. Whilst the smallest tasks are performed with the very best in mind, to show you what we want, wish for and hope to be, it is our outward efforts - and those that are tangible - that are small reflection of the effort placed.
In house, online, and by courier - the efforts of so many have counted towards what this brand is, and can be.
Our amazing marketing team have something definitive and physical to show for all their efforts and should be applauded - often veiled and masked behind so many tasks and activities for which they receive less credit than they should.
We hope you love the new brochure, the new collections, and what we are doing. Whilst we may not physically see you this year - in my old posting - I know that my team, and others, will always have the very highest standards in mind to make everything truly special!

A year ago we were at - hearing about a possible virus causing issues all over the world. It was the last time were out on the road - since then, there’s been no events, the furniture has been stored, vehicles gone, staff left, and the team reduced to …. Me. There’s been none of the social, meet ups, seeing old and new customers alike - it’s been a very isolating and humbling year. Gone are the large events, the fleet of trailers, my wonderful team and so many other tradestands. Who knows what’ll happen - when things will be back on, back to normal - if anyone will be confident about going out again, or being in confined spaces - which events will be on, and where we’ll be able to go. I miss a lot of my old team, those who should have been back; and those that have already gone - it’s been a maturing and incredible 6 years - and I’ve met some very very special people.
Until then, we’re always online - albeit at a distance. Our wonderful customer service, warehouse, Ops and marketing team will help however they can to get what things you need, provide help, sort issues when they occur, and always will go that extra mile. Long hours, extra hours, stress - always pushing for the best - we’re here, and still going. Although we aren’t out the woods just yet, we’re operating better than ever - and here to ensure your is always special.

As Christmas time approaches; it’s perhaps time to reflect on what has, undoubtedly, been a year to be consigned to the annals of history. So much has happened, kept people apart, rocked the world, and forced us into the “new normal”.
As we get closer to the 25th, we’re hoping things might become a little easier for everyone, a little joy dispersed in an otherwise uncertain year.
If this means we at can help in any way - we will. Whether it’s a special blue box, a surprise, a last minute change or an emergency pair of boots coming your way - we’ll always try. We go above and beyond where possible - and our team here want everyone’s Christmas to be filled with joy, laughter - and smiles from that key ! If we can take one stress away and set minds at ease, rest assured we’ll make sure we can where possible. All of us here at Fairfax and Favor want to make sure this time of year is special, finished with a little bit of our magic. My colleagues in Operations and the Warehouse, plus my teams in Customer Service and Returns are working tirelessly to ensure things run smoothly, efficiently, and will pride that we have accomplished so much - with such fine service. They deserve every bit of praise that comes their way - when it does! From all of us here, we hope this festive season is filled with joy, laughter - and hopefully a pair of Boots! Stay safe, and Merry Christmas.

Hey, look, it’s me and I look happy.
Whilst it may appear so on the surface, that isn’t always the case. I’ve been quiet for a while for a multitude of issues -
I deal with them internally and just get on with it.
Things can happen, things can hurt, events can undo you.
Today is - and although it’s something we should all be aware of it still takes a moment to appreciate and know that mental health is a huge issue that affects so many people. Hidden, seen, isolated, hurt, quiet, driven - you never know what affect it’ll have on someone.
Sometimes it can be obvious, sometimes it isn’t just stress or frustration. Sometimes it’s hidden, or only part is obvious.
But it’s ok to not be ok”.
The unfortunate fact is it can affect anyone, at anytime - whether realised or not.
Not everyone is comfortable with the effects and affects mental health has one people (and those around you). People withdraw, avoid or pretend not to see - which is why today is so important. Mental health needs to be normalised. It’s ok to not be ok. Things are difficult - relationships, finding someone, rejection, trust, confidence, self-belief, progression.
It can only take one to be our undoing. Things untoward, changing, lacking or different from imagined have impacts that noone can know will price difficult - or to turn a smiling person into someone totally different.
Check on your friends, check on your happy friend, check on those that are struggling, check on those that are hurting/ confused/ lacking. Check on those around you. The words - “Are you ok? ... Really?” Can be a relief, a needed support, a drive.
Things are tough - lockdown exists, it’s hard to be alone and isolated, who to trust, who to speak to, who to confide in - but that’s ok. And it’s ok to not be ok. Check on people - they may be struggling beneath that veneer. Mental health is nothing to be ashamed of - even the strongest and most driven can hurt, struggle or break. It’s no reflection on them or you. Learn to talk or learn to listen. Because after all, it’ll be ok in the end - and, if it not ok, it’s not the end.

A reminder that this weekend should have been - and Burghley is by far one of my favourite events.
We’ve grown from a tiny 3m stand 7years ago to being a firm presence within the - 5x our original size!
It’s logistically challenging, managing stock for a huge 5day event, a team of fantastic people, and hundreds of our amazing customers.
But alas, it’s not on this weekend like so many events - a big miss in our calendar, as it’s one of our best events of the year. This event holds a lot of key memories for me, and some defining moments. Not only are we flat out from 8-7 every day, clocking up thousands of steps, but it’s also an amazing event for social - not only by our friends at Rockingham, but more recently by ourselves - the whole amazing team together, cooking, the odd drink, catching up and relaxing after several successful days.
But this isn’t the case for this year, and I’m missing my old team terribly, both current A-Team members (you know who you are!) but also past members and those who have flown to pastures new. I miss you all, do I have favourites? Well I couldn’t possibly say! For now, you can find us online where we will make every effort to ensure your boots, bag, tassels or shoes are perfect. Times are still challenging, and, as a young business (if you didn’t know we’re 8years only, our growth has been phenomenal on account of our amazing customers) we’re still learning, adapting, growing - but the main thing is, we want you to be happy with what you have. Things do go wrong, things will happen, but we are always here to sort it out - by the low of probabilities, nothing can be 100% perfect (although we will break ground to ensure it’s as close to that as possible)! But be rest assured, we care, we listen, we change and adapt. Stick with us, and we hope to make you very happy indeed!

Times have changed and the “new normal” is still on us - for retail, this means either appointments, cleaning, and quarantine - or a limited number of bubbles, cleaning and quarantining.
No matter which way you look at it, a lot of people have been adversely affected by the current situation. Our retail and wholesale arms have been more or less mothballed for the last few months, but there’s a small degree of hope on the horizon - we can manage and accommodate, but not in the same way we could before. Our amazing wholesale team are ensuring our retailers are as stocked as possible, and our store is holding all it can to satisfy needs and ensure you leave happy and not wanting.
Yet times are still difficult - production, delivery, returns, even “standard” business operations can’t be as quick as we’d like, even with lockdown lifting - as a business, we have to be conscious, careful and protect against risk - whilst also working against the difficulties of items coming from our production arm and supplying our lovely customers with the things they’d love, want or need! Whilst we can’t always make every dream or want come true, we’re trying - stick with us, and the amazing Customer Service team ( .stephenson and Sarah) will do all they can to help, no matter what - things just aren’t working as we want at times, but we are trying, and will help if needed. But until then, our online store is as full as it can be - free delivery, 90 day returns and reassurance of quality whenever you order. We want you to have the best, we want you to love your , and, hopefully soon, we’ll be able to do so to the level we want - until then, we’re with you throughout, and are working despite challenging times - stay safe!

So the “New Normal” is on is. Masks, distancing, and more personally, my department on hold for a year - no events, none of my team, seeing none of my favourites, and no chance to get people back in my life that I really want. I must admit, I miss my old role - some very very important and special people I may not see again. No Discovery, no trailers, no fields, and no cooking for a team! So we’re in this new reality - retail will be curtailed, appointment only, distanced - and masks are essential. Luckily I’ve got 2 from and very generously another from ! One FAIRFAX Navy, the other customised with FF!
I’m not sure when we’ll see the other side of this, but there’s amazing companies like these two, and repurposing and helping massively with this new reality. It’s good to see brands surviving and doing well - is surviving; but the loss of so much means adapting and changing - who knows what will happen later this year, or even next year! We’ve just got to see.
Till then, it’s me, my mask, and the hope of a field sometime soon! Stay safe @ Fairfax and Favor Ltd