In This Issue
All set for a fantastic exhibition
Six new collections from A.MIR & Co
Norfolk Leisure secures additional space at Solex
Outstanding collection from Tramontina
Alexander Rose's special offer to mark 25th birthday
Instant sound for your garden
Quality is key for Glencrest Seatex
LIFE collections full of innovation and quality
La Hacienda extends popular outdoor cooking collection
Great collection from LeisureGrow to be unveiled at Solex
Zest build up to Solex with stylish new products
Hartman celebrating 50 years in style
Unique contemporary aluminium designs and traditional weave sets
LOFAssured initiative gains strength across garden furniture industry
Master Series from Campingaz in the spotlight
Great selection of new arrivals from Kadai Firebowls
Award-winning ranges from US-brand Char-Broil
See you there!
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All set for a fantastic exhibition

 

The organisers of Solex have promised that the 2018 edition of the popular summer outdoor living trade show will be their biggest and best to date...


 

The organisers of Solex have promised that the 2018 edition of the popular summer outdoor living trade show will be their biggest and best to date.


Organised each July by the Leisure & Outdoor Furniture Association (LOFA) for its members, it is an annual three-day event attracting national and international retail and contract purchasing directors and managers.


This unique event brings together the leading manufacturers of furniture, barbecues, gazebos, parasols, outdoor lighting and play equipment, creating a showcase for new developments in design, environmental manufacturing, sustainability and production for the retail and contract markets.


Solex has steadily grown in size and stature since the inaugural event at Telford in 2008, re-locating to Hall 5 at the NEC in 2013 to meet the escalating demand for show space.


The 10th anniversary show in 2017 built on the first nine successful shows with more exhibition space, new developments and more exhibitors, while retaining the relaxed, friendly and business-like atmosphere that visitors have come to value.


For 2018, the organisers are aiming to attract more visitors, more media enquiries and professional specifiers of garden products, including landscape architects, designers and contractors.

Six new collections from A.MIR & Co

 

A.MIR & Co, owner of Royalcraft brand, will launch six new collections at SOLEX 2018.


A.MIR & Co, owner of ROYALCRAFT Brand will launch six new collections at SOLEX 2018.

 

The company is proud to be one of the top three leading suppliers of Outdoor living in the UK. All ROYALCRAFT products have the LOFAssured badge for Quality Awareness and assures its products meet all fire and safety standards.

 

Most ROYALCRAFT ranges have a 3 Year Satisfaction and Structural Guarantee and from 2019, and the furniture will have the company's latest innovation, the Weather-Shield fabric on cushions.  

 

 

The demand for better and better quality synthetic hand woven furniture continues. Royalcraft is doubling it SEYCHELLES Range. 

 

Five new exclusive hand woven collections will be displayed at SOLEX: HAVANA, a fresh a 3in1 Walnut Rattan Wicker; DALLAS , a Two-Tone weave, ROMA brings elegance and a contemporary modern look;  MILAN, a smart modular rope design look; FIJI, has two conservatory sets in a brand new Twist-Weave with Aluminium wood look coffee table.

 

Brooklyn by ROYALCRAFT is an “ALL WEATHER FURNITURE” range constructed from 100% Recyclable Polypropylene with easy CLICK & LOCK assembly.

 

 

The heritage range Balmoral & Buckingham, is the  most popular Cast Aluminium collection. Five new products have been added to the range.

 

Come to SOLEX stand and Discover!  We offer the complete package, Containers Direct, Palletised Wholesale and Dropship Home Delivery.

 

Norfolk Leisure secures additional space at Solex

 

Norfolk Leisure has secured additional space at Solex to showcase its new range of garden structures – Stands 210 & 305...


 

Stands 210 & 305

 

Norfolk Leisure has secured additional space at Solex to showcase its new range of garden structures.

 

In a full range of sizes and colours, there is a design to suit every taste.

 

Attractive new models with innovative features, including sliding roofs and slated roofs that can be adjusted quickly and simply to enjoy the sun or cover up. Many models have built in LED lighting for that extra touch.

 

 

Our favourites are the contemporary styling of the pandora pergola and the sliding roof model, but you can also find a luxury gazebo and a classic pergola in a wood look aluminium, for traditional styling without the maintenance.

 

Visit us at Solex for more information on all the new designs available for 2019

 

www.norfolkleisure.com

 

 
Outstanding collection from Tramontina

Whether it be barbecues, traditional Sunday lunch or any other gathering with family and friends the outstanding collection of steak knives, carving sets, and barbecue utensils from Tramontina will ensure the most memorable of times...


 

Whether it be barbecues, traditional Sunday lunch or any other gathering with family and friends the outstanding collection of steak knives, carving sets, and barbecue utensils from Tramontina will ensure the most memorable of times.

 

With high quality dishwasher safe polywood (real wood) handles, which uniquely come with a 5-year warranty, the Original Jumbo steak knife and fork epitomises the stylish good looks and high quality of the brand.

 

For further information:

TRAMONTINA UNITED KINGDOM LIMITED – Tel: +44 (0) 20 3176 4557 / +44 (0) 20 3176 4558

 E: contactl@tramontinauk.comwww.tramontina.com

 

Alexander Rose's special offer to mark 25th birthday

 

To mark the start of its 25th birthday celebrations, Alexander Rose has a very special offer on a very special bench – the “Chorus” which was one of the benches at the company's first ever show. Meet the team on stand 215 for more information...


 

To mark the start of its 25th birthday celebrations, Alexander Rose has a very special offer on a very special bench – the “Chorus” which was one of the benches at the company's first ever show. Meet the team on stand 215 for more information.

 

With nearly 50 different benches available and with combined bench sales of around £3,000,000 a year, Alexander Rose has become the supplier of choice for benches both within the UK and further afield. 

 

Alexander Rose benches can be found in some of the UK’s most prestigious venues, but are equally at home in a quiet corner of a domestic garden. 

 

 

Benches have been an integral driver behind the growth of the company over the last 25 years, and remain as important now as they were back in 1994 when Alexander Rose was launched. The company now offers benches in a variety of materials from classic wood to contemporary metal to weave. 

 

Alexander Rose benches come in a large selection of sizes from four to eight feet long, and the different styles available come in a range of different seat depths. 

 

With its UK warehouse the company is able to supply most items from stock to store in very short timescales, and the customer service team is ready to help you with any queries you may have. 

 

Find out more  at www.alexander-rose.co.uk

 

 
Instant sound for your garden

Lithe Audio - the innovative UK AV brand - is bringing 'instant' sound for your garden with a simple plug and play all-in-one Bluetooth rock speaker designed to fit discreetly into your surroundings while delivering exceptional sound quality...


 

Lithe Audio - the innovative UK AV brand - is bringing 'instant' sound for your garden with a simple plug and play all-in-one Bluetooth rock speaker designed to fit discreetly into your surroundings while delivering exceptional sound quality.  

 

Unlike other garden speakers that require drilling and cabling from inside the house, and a separate amplifier, the Lithe Audio rock speaker has the amplifier built-in and Bluetooth built in, simply plug in to an outdoor socket - and play!

 

This unique rock speaker is perfect for entertaining outdoors and keen gardeners. And of course, it's fully waterproof - making it ideal for English Summers! Combining high quality, pin-sharp audio, this is the must have outdoor speaker solution for year-round audio. Just power up, connect your phone or tablet, stream off Spotify, You Tube or your personal playlists, and let the good times rock.

 

"We're excited to bring to the market an all-in-one, plug-and-play speaker that has the amplifier and Bluetooth contained in one weatherproof unit," says Amit Ravat, managing director for Lithe Audio.

 

"It's the perfect solution for outdoor entertaining - and with the exceptional sound quality, it will really make your summer parties and BBQs rock!"

 

Launch deals are available with full retail display units. Visit Lithe Audio on Stand 575 at Solex or for more details - www.litheaudio.com

Quality is key for Glencrest Seatex

 

Quality has always been the main priority of Glencrest Seatex and as a result the Katie Blake Furniture is by far the largest side of the business, growing 40% this season. The range is being expanded further...


 

Glencrest was founded in 1980 by Jack Whiteley and David Marren who started business with the name Leisure International.

 

Soon they were trading and needed to limit the company but Leisure International had already been registered so they bought Glencrest Ltd off the shelf.

 

After a few years they also registered the company Seatex ltd.

 

Jack and David fell out as most business partners do and David left going to work with a competitor. Jack carried on the company working from his back bedroom at home and today Glencrest has very impressive premises, fully racked out and complete with a 4,000ft showroom, is over 45,000 square feet in Leigh on Sea, Essex.

 

Their range of garden cushions, parasols and parasol bases is where they started and today most garden centres and retailers of outdoor products sell their cushions and Parasols.

 

"The reason our products are bestselling is the packaging where 4 colour cartons, reusable hanging display bags for the cushions means retailers don’t have to advise customers on their products the packaging says it all," said Jack.

 

Quality has always been their main priority and now Katie Blake Furniture is by far their largest side of the business, growing 40% this season  – they are expanding the range further.

 

Lots of new products will be on show at SOLEX.

 

Jack has now semi-retired acting as Chairman and CEO and the role of Managing Director is in the hands of Stephen Potter. Together with Steve Wain National Accounts Manager, they see another increase in turnover for 2019.

 

Steve Wain is always amazed with the volume of the Cushion and Parasol business, Steve says it is so important to Glencrest who as Market Leaders have to guess the expected sales a year in advance. Very difficult to get the stock holding right as very few customers place their orders early and we have to gaze into our crystal ball every year to decide what and how many to stock.

 

Everyone at Glencrest Seatex is excited about 2019 and they look forward to seeing you at SOLEX.

 

LIFE collections full of innovation and quality

 

Innovation and quality is assumed with the LIFE collections presented by Norfolk Leisure.  Aspirational garden furniture in contemporary colours and designs.  LIFE are the market leaders in aluminium furniture...


 

Innovation and quality is assumed with the LIFE collections presented by Norfolk Leisure.  Aspirational garden furniture in contemporary colours and designs.  LIFE are the market leaders in aluminium furniture.

 

Norfolk Leisure will be presenting new models and colours alongside some of the most popular models this summer’s collections. 

 

Garden Centres and stores across the country were able to move into this new exciting end of the market with full support from Norfolk Leisure and LIFE.  A new Shop in Shop concept was launched successfully in summer 2018 and will be rolled out to even more stores for 2019. 

 

"Our mission was to allow our customers to try some of the more in vogue models and colours without big commitments to stock, Norfolk Leisure then provided flooring and point of sale materials to support the best display in store of the new products," said Nick Anderson, Managing Director.

 

‘The Shop in Shop display has increased sales and given our customers confidence to try something new.’

 

Norfolk Leisure will have an example of this display and options available on their main stand no. 210 at SOLEX 2018.

 

La Hacienda extends popular outdoor cooking collection

 

La Hacienda, global experts in outdoor heating, will be extending its popular outdoor cooking collection this year at SOLEX.


 

La Hacienda, global experts in outdoor heating, will be extending its popular outdoor cooking collection this year at SOLEX.

 

Visitors to the La Hacienda stand (120) will be the first to see some exciting new additions to their successful outdoor heating lines, including the new Oslo and Copenhagen terrazzo effect magnesia firepits (pictured right).

 

Also on display will be the latest update to La Hacienda’s in-house designed Pittsburgh firepit range. The highly versatile and stylish Pittsburgh Plancha is the ultimate party firepit. Complete with central cooking grill and flat top plancha cooking surface, these versatile firepits allow you to grill, sear and warm a whole variety of tasty dishes.

 

“A great alternative to a traditional barbecue, Pittsburgh Plancha firepits provide a point of difference for customers looking for a unique outdoor cooking product, and those desiring the latest trends,” Will McGregor, Design and Marketing Manager for La Hacienda said.

 

Key Features:

  • Heavy gauge steel construction
  • Includes grill and plancha cooking surface
  • Sturdy steel stand
  • Natural finish will oxidise over time
  • Designed in-house by La Hacienda

“Once again, we’re excited to be displaying the latest additions to our outdoor heating and cooking ranges at SOLEX and we’re confident these will continue to excite the industry.

 

“Come and visit us on SOLEX stand 120 for a warm welcome and to find out more about our exciting range of outdoor heating and cooking products.”

 

Information: www.lahacienda.co.uk | 01285 762 060 | sales@lahacienda.co.uk

Great collection from LeisureGrow to be unveiled at Solex

 

LeisureGrow outdoor furniture and Grillstream barbecues will take centre-stage on the company’s Solex stand (205)...


 

LeisureGrow outdoor furniture and Grillstream barbecues will take centre-stage on the company’s Solex stand (205).

 

Furniture in the Weave Collections is designed to look like a natural product, with neutral grey and brown colour-ways and mixed rod details helping to produce a realistic traditional rattan look. Watch out for the Toulon range, which is new for 2019.


The Fusion Mix Collection – including new ranges Bergen, Helsinki and Malmo – certainly caught our eye. There are some real show-stoppers in this collection, and mixing materials is bound to be a surefire winner with consumers. LeisureGrow have expertly introduced a fusion of different textures and materials in this range – from ridged slate and textured stone, to smooth glossy stones and marble, layered with weave and linen-look materials.


Furniture with strong lines feature in the Aluminium Collections, which include three new designs for 2019 – Turin, Naopli and Roma. A mis-match of colours together with a steady base – whether it’s light grey frames or darker bronze-speckled cast aluminium – makes the collection work. The addition of wood-effect tabletops helps to create a forest-feel.


The nautical feel of the Rope & Wood Collections instantly takes you to a sunny place by the sea. The rope weave is made from marine-quality rope, woven together into beautiful textured panels. Watch out for the Belize range, new for 2019.


Ceramic tiles in intricate geometric patterns provide the perfect traditional detail for the Ceramic Collections, bringing to mind the coolness of a courtyard or building against the backdrop of the heat of the day. For a more sleek look, the granite on the Constantine range is sophisticated and cool to the touch.

 

 

Retailers will be impressed by the extensive range of barbecues and accessories in the Grillstream and LG ranges, and as well as viewing them at Solex they are definitely worth seeing at LeisureGrow HQ, where there is a new designated Grillstream showroom called the Brick Yard.

 

To book a visit to see the impressive LeisureGrow showroom email sales@leisuregrow.com or call 01462 744500.

 

Below is a taste of what you'll find on the LesiureGow stand.

Zest build up to Solex with stylish new products

 

Zest 4 Leisure is set to launch a range of exciting new products for the 2019 market at the upcoming Solex exhibition at the NEC, Birmingham...


 

Zest 4 Leisure is set to launch a range of exciting new products for the 2019 market at the upcoming Solex exhibition at the NEC, Birmingham.

 

Zest manufactures and sources FSC® Certified timber garden furniture, fencing and outdoor living products and is renowned for its high quality, innovative timber garden furniture.

 

You can visit Zest 4 Leisure’s SOLEX stand 345 to learn more about its extensive and innovative range of timber garden products, be sure to pick up a trade product brochure, and some popcorn whilst you are there!

 

For more information about Zest 4 Leisure, visit: www.zest4leisure.co.uk

 
Hartman celebrating 50 years in style

Hartman (stand 505) are celebrating 50 years at the forefront of the outdoor furniture industry with another display of the latest in innovative, quality outdoor furniture to suit every size and shape of outdoor space...


 

Hartman (stand 505) are celebrating 50 years at the forefront of the outdoor furniture industry with another display of the latest in innovative, quality outdoor furniture to suit every size and shape of outdoor space.

 

Hartman’s versatile collection includes premium resin weave, high quality cast aluminium, FSC certified hardwood and a diverse range of shading option.

 

 

Following the hugely successful launch of their Weatherready cushions, Hartman are continuing their trend of offering premium weatherproof furniture with the introduction of a new range of luxurious lounge sets featuring premium Sunbrella fabric.

 

Sunbrella fabrics are 100% solution-dyed acrylic fabrics that are water, fade, mould, mildew, and stain resistant; perfect for any outdoor elements.

 

Also on display will be updated versions of Hartman classics, featuring new styles, sizes and colours.

 

W: hartmanuk.com

 
Unique contemporary aluminium designs and traditional weave sets

Garden Furniture Global will introduce 10 new collections at Solex (stands 425 & 550), including unique contemporary aluminium designs and traditional weave sets...


 

Garden Furniture Global will introduce 10 new collections at Solex (stands 425 & 550), including unique contemporary aluminium designs and traditional weave sets.


The new collections, added to existing designs, mean the company are now in a strong position to provide a full garden leisure category solution.


Great value classic cube sets alongside large lounge dining sets are complimented by additional features like the variable height table of the Havard collection, the comfort of Turnberry reclining dining chairs and the convenience of the new Fairmont collection’s stackable chairs and extending dining table.


Also launching at the show, Mont Alpi barbeques are available in a wide range of high performance gas fired models starting from £699 rrp. The dual layer infrared burners create real BBQ smoke and flavour but their most notable feature is the sleek polished granite tops in crystal white or star galaxy black.


W: gardenfurnitureglobal.com

 
LOFAssured initiative gains strength across garden furniture industry

The 'LOFAssured' initiative ensures that all cushions sold by members comply with current government fire safety regulations...


 

The 'LOFAssured' initiative ensures that all cushions sold by members comply with current government fire safety regulations.

 

LOFA is raising awareness of fire safety standards/regulations for garden furniture cushions in this young campaign and, already, 20 members are certified with 18 in progress and soon to be completed.

 

Certified members are –

A Mir & Co - www.a-mir.co.uk

Cane Industries - www.caneindustries.co.uk

Culcita - www.culcita.ie 

Daro – www.daro-cane.co.uk

Desser - www.desser.co.uk

Europa Leisure – www.europaleisure.co.uk

Extreme Lounging- www.extremelounging.com

Firmans Direct Ltd - firmansdirect.com 

Glencrest Seatex Ltd – www.glencrestseatex.co.uk

Glendale Garden and Leisure – www.glendale-leisure.com

Hampson Agencies – www.jati-kebon.com

Hartman UK - www.hartmanuk.com 

John Robertson Ltd - www.johnrobertson.ltd.uk

Kettler (GB) Limited – www.kettler.co.uk

Lifestyle Garden - www.lifestylegarden.com

Maze Rattan -www.mazerattan.com

Munro Importers -pagodafurniture.co.uk

Norfolk Leisure Lifestyle Limited – www.norfolkleisure.com

Pacific Lifestyle Ltd - www.pacific-lifestyle.co.uk

Quest Leisure Products Ltd – www.questleisure.com

 

One of the conditions of LOFA membership is that members must adhere to a code of conduct, part of which is compliance with all current legislation; it is this culture of propriety that the retailer and customer buy into when they source product from LOFA members. LOFAssured is a distinguishing factor setting LOFA products apart from other non-compliant suppliers. LOFA appointed FIRA (Furniture Industry Research Association) and entered into a Primary Authority Partnership with HertfordshireTrading Standards to aid the members in their quest for full compliance.

 

For further information on the Leisure and Outdoor Furniture Association, call 02392 258844 or visit www.lofa.co.uk and www.lofassured.co.uk.

 
Master Series from Campingaz in the spotlight

Campingaz builds on its presence in the barbecue and garden market at Solex as it showcases its highly-acclaimed ‘Master Series’ gas barbecue collection...


 

Campingaz builds on its presence in the barbecue and garden market at Solex as it showcases its highly-acclaimed ‘Master Series’ gas barbecue collection.

 

This impressive range includes the all-black editions and directly targets the more premium end of the market. Designed at the company’s headquarters in France and available in 3 and 4 burner versions, the Master Series range combines clever, user-friendly technologies with a striking and durable construction.


Developed for serious barbecue enthusiasts that demand the same cooking functionality and versatility outdoors as they do inside, the Master Series LXS four and three burner models have been created to offer the ultimate in cooking performance. 


Among many accolades throughout 2018, the Master 4 Series LXS was crowned National BBQ Week’s ‘Best of the Best Barbecue’ due to the great performance and stylish looks.


Cooking for a group is made easy with its ingenious Culinary Modular Accessory system (accessories available separately). Roast with the specially designed poultry roaster, stir-fry on the non- stick steel wok, serve up a pizza from the pizza stone or whip up a paella. All accessories insert into the removable inner cast-iron grid ring for ultimate cooking flexibility to effortlessly create a diverse range of dishes.


For unrivalled cooking performance, the Master Series LXS features a premium, enamelled cast iron cooking surface that offers outstanding heat retention. The barbecue’s powerful stainless tube burners feature an impressive 10 year warranty.


To find out more about the full range visit Campingaz on stand 330.


W: campingaz.com

 
Great selection of new arrivals from Kadai Firebowls

Kadai Firebowls by Wilstone (stand 230) will be returning to Solex for the fourth year running to showcase a variety of current best-selling products and a selection of new arrivals for 2019...


Kadai Firebowls by Wilstone (stand 230) will be returning to Solex for the fourth year running to showcase a variety of current best-selling products and a selection of new arrivals for 2019. You will see the existing Kadai firebowls, plus a new improved design featuring a heavy duty bottom, accompanied by a five-year warranty.


The show-stopping metre-wide Wilstone Kadai with Tripod Pulley System (pictured) will be making an appearance, perfect for cooking food that needs to be temperature controlled. The Tripod Pulley System is amongst the latest must have gadgets for live fire cooking, the hottest new trend on the barbecue scene.


New for 2018/19 is the Kadai Woodfired Pizza Oven, a fantastic one-of-a-kind cooking accessory that sits on top of the Kadai bowl to bring that wow factor to social events.


Take a look, too, at their gazebos and rose arches, both of which come with a 10 year warranty as well as the Decorative Diamond Plant Obelisk, which comes with a five-year warranty.


The company will also bring along new shields for the Kadais, garden plant sticks, recycled garden furniture and an extensive firebowl accessory range.

 
Award-winning ranges from US-brand Char-Broil

Char-Broil will be on stand 325 where it will be showcasing key products from its award-winning ranges, including the Kamander kamado-style grill, the Gas2Coal hybrid and its ‘TRU Infrared’ Professional BBQs...


Char-Broil will be on stand 325 where it will be showcasing key products from its award-winning ranges, including the Kamander kamado-style grill, the Gas2Coal hybrid and its ‘TRU Infrared’ Professional BBQs.


Char-Broil is the leading family-based US brand that has been making and innovating barbecues since 1948, making 2018 the 70th Anniversary year for the brand. Char-Boil offers a broad range of high quality gas and charcoal grills and a comprehensive range of matching grill accessories, which will also be on show.  


Char-Broil is an innovator in infrared cooking technology. Its industry-leading TRU-Infrared technology ensures an even distribution of heat every time, without any messy flare-ups – and locking in mouth-watering flavour with 50% juicier results.


Char-Broil also has the Dancook range as part of its portfolio. The Dancook range is founded on the Danish tradition of cooking outdoors. The simple, unique products are manufactured in solid materials in a stylish design.


The Gas2Coal hybrid grill, puts to rest the debate over the perfect fuel. For many consumers, that smoky charcoal taste is a key ingredient for the perfect grilling experience, but it’s hard to beat the convenience of gas. As an innovation leader, Char-Broil has combined the best of both worlds in its new Gas2Coal grill.


In less than 60 seconds, grill masters can switch fuels – based on their mood or the type of meat – without ever having to compromise again. But Char-Broil didn’t stop there – to ensure the perfect performance of the Gas2Coal, the grilling surface has been designed to circulate air from top to bottom so that the charcoal burns in the same direction, ensuring much better use of radiant heat and greater energy efficiency.


W: charbroil.com

See you there!