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| Organier Phil Gibbs: "There will be more to see and do at SOLEX this year." |
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SOLEX is bigger and better than ever
Exhibition attracts over 60 companies to the NEC
Switching SOLEX from Telford International Centre to Hall 5 of the NEC in Birmingham means that this year’s exhibition in July will be at least 30% larger in size than last year...
Switching SOLEX from Telford International Centre to Hall 5 of the NEC in Birmingham means that this year’s exhibition in July will be at least 30% larger in size than last year.
Exhibitor numbers have increased from 50 to 62, and there will be eight companies with stands in the Enterprize Zone as opposed to five the previous year.
“It is pleasing to see that SOLEX is increasing in popularity, and the move to the NEC has attracted new members,” said event organiser Phil Gibbs.
SOLEX will occupy the whole of Hall 5 at the NEC, enabling visitors to the show to have an even more relaxed experience, which has been one of the cornerstones of its success.
“Now we have more space, we can return some of the features not possible in Telford. There will be a LOFA lounge, which will be a place to meet and relax with customers and colleagues. If more detailed talks are required there will be private meeting rooms at your disposal,” added Phil.
“There will also be free Wi-Fi throughout Hall 5 so exhibitors and visitors alike can use laptops and mobile devices.”
New LOFA members exhibiting this year include: Bosmere, Char-Broil, Ascalon Designs, La Hacienda, 4 Seasons Outdoor, Black Country Metalworks, Lawn King, Wilstone, CPL, Boon, SunTime, Ben Ross and Barbecook.
As well as the vast array of exhibitor stands, visitors will be able to see ‘what’s new’ the moment they step foot into Hall 5. The New Product Gallery has this year been given greater prominance as it will be located at the entrance to the hall.
There will be prizes for the Best New Product and the Best Stand, and these awards will be judged by an independent panel of retail experts.
“All in all SOLEX 2013 will be more accessible, bigger, easier to negotiate, while retaining its normal friendly atmosphere,” said Phil.
“I’m confident visitor numbers will also increase as a result of the switch to the NEC. There will be more to see and do, and it will be the first place to see the 2014 designs for outdoor leisure.
SOLEX takes place on July 8-10.
Visitors can register to attend by visiting the website www.lofa.co.uk/solex
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Useful facts and figures
- SOLEX is taking place in Hall 5 of the NEC in Birmingham.
- The exhibition is open for three days – Monday and Tuesday, July 8-9, 9am to 5.30pm; and Wednesday, July 10, 9am to 5pm.
- There are large car parks at the NEC, and parking will be free – make sure you take your ticket attached to the cover of Garden Trade News.
- To register your place for SOLEX visit the exhibition website at www.lofa.co.uk/SOLEX
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Paul Bevington, the chairman of LOFA, has offered a warm welcome to exhibitors and visitors for this year's SOLEX taking place at the NEC...
"When we first contemplated a move to the NEC we had our sights set on Hall 4. That would have given us more space than we had at Telford and would have been a big step forward.
"However, the success of SOLEX continues unabated and it soon became apparent that we would fill Hall 4, necessitating a move into today’s location, Hall 5.
"The result: you’ll find even more exhibitors, 16% more and, I am sure, lots of new ideas to inspire you for 2014!
"The success of our industry can only be secured by suppliers and customers working in close partnership. SOLEX was founded to stimulate and promote a spirit of co-operation and it really is ‘the relaxed way to do business’.
"On behalf of all the exhibitors and the organising team, enjoy your time at SOLEX 2013."
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The Garden Trade News team will be at SOLEX to bring coverage of the event for special editions of the enewsletter SOLEX SUN.
Organiser Phil Gibbs said that SOLEX SUN had become an integral part of the show, bringing everyone involved the industry up-to-date news, views and pictures.
“I was amazed by the effect that the SOLEX SUN had last year,” said Phil. “I had people ringing me up to ask if they could attend the show after reading the preview edition.”
As well as Sunday's preview edition on the eve of the show, SOLEX SUN will be published again on Monday and Tuesday afternoons with a follow up edition after the show.
If you’re an exhibitor and would like to be featured in the SOLEX SUN then email words and pictures to neil.pope@tgcmc.co.uk
SOLEX SUN is a great opportunity to add to any awareness campaign and to promote offers for 2014. To advertise contact pat.flynn@tgcmc.co.uk or mandy.atkin@tgcmc.co.uk
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Norfolk Leisure is furnishing innovation
Following a recent consolidation and re-branding of its extensive product range, Norfolk Leisure has launched four exciting new collections for the coming season...
Following a recent consolidation and re-branding of its extensive product range, Norfolk Leisure has launched four exciting new collections for the coming season.
Chosen to attract and appeal to distinct sectors of the market – LIFE, Idle Rose, Garden Must Haves and Florentity – there is much to fire the enthusiasm for outdoor living.
“This year has been an exciting and exhilarating time for us, with a new focus, four dynamic new collections and an ever growing customer base,” said director Debbie Waudby.
“We still feel it’s important that we listen to and understand what our loyal and valued customers require and take both pride and pleasure in sourcing and introducing new, unique and aspirational products into the UK.”
Taking centre stage at this years’ SOLEX on stand 215, will be the innovative LIFE Collection, guaranteed to breathe new life into year-round outdoor living and entertaining. Designed with luxury, comfort and quality in mind, LIFE offers an extensive range of contemporary, durable, weather resistant, easy maintenance furniture. It also includes quick dry technology in its all weather cushions.
“I am thrilled that our customers have responded so favourably and positively to our new LIFE Collection. This is an important endorsement of the fact that the innovative and prestigious products we are sourcing are of a style and quality that people aspire to and are prepared to pay for,” said managing director Nick Anderson.
Visit www.norfolkleisure.com for more information.
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Exciting BBQ range from CPL
Market leading company CPL Distribution has been around for decades, regularly appearing in the Top 10 products listings, but it has some exciting new barbecue products to show SOLEX visitors...
Market leading company CPL Distribution has been around for decades, regularly appearing in the Top 10 products listings, but it has some exciting new barbecue products to show SOLEX visitors.
When the company decided to supply premium barbecues to garden centres in the UK it searched long and hard through Europe, Asia and America to find what they wanted – a point of difference from the ‘Me Too’ products.
The search proved successful as CPL reached exclusive deals with the makers of Cruccolini, Boretti and Pod barbecues.
For more information visit www.supagrill.co.uk
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SunTime, the market leading outdoor leisure brand, have joined The Leisure and Outdoor Furniture Association (LOFA) and will be showcasing their latest range at SOLEX.
Mike Withers, Managing Director at SunTime’s parent company Trans-Continental Group is delighted with the development and believes that joining the Association will strengthen the brand’s position in the market-place.
“LOFA is the outdoor leisure industry’s forum, the body which speaks for the sector as a whole and which sets high standards for ethical sourcing and environmental protection. Its members have a commitment to the best in design and innovation, all of which makes it a great fit for SunTime.
“Our membership of LOFA not only provides an important endorsement for the SunTime brand but opens the opportunity to move our Telford exhibition south and join SOLEX 2013 in Birmingham, which is set to be a larger event than previous years.”
Despite the weather conditions of the last two seasons, SunTime has remained committed to its product development plans.
Buyers are invited to preview the new 2014 SunTime Collection at SOLEX. Building on Allibert’s 2013 launch success, the SunTime Collection includes more of the range’s innovative designs. Manufactured in Europe from a superior polypropylene, the exclusive Allibert range is the perfect combination of style and durability, and what’s more it comes with a 3 year guarantee. One not to be missed!
The SunTime brand has developed a deserved reputation for the highest standards of quality and service in the outdoor living sector. Their production developments, using environmentally responsible techniques and materials from sustainable sources, coupled with continued investment in product design has resulted in the company growing to its current UK leading position.
Having outgrown Telford, both SunTime and SOLEX move to the NEC for the show from 8th-10th July, where SunTime is currently planning a 400m2 stand space. Visit SunTime’s Outdoor Living Specialists in Hall 5, stand 535 to see the latest trends and SunTime’s 2014 Collection.
For more information visit www.transcon.co.uk
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Gradual evolution of products by Hartman
Hartman works alongside established brands to offer three furniture collections – Jamie Oliver (pictured), The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew and David Domoney...
Hartman has four definitive product genres – cast aluminium, resin weave, steel and wood – all with their own distinctive style and look.
The Hartman stand will showcase a huge array of new products each with a unique and inspiring signature. Look out for a new twist to fire pit tables, new ceramic table top designs, chairs with amazing seating comfort, soft colours and hues to blend in with any outdoor space, new finishes and weaves all with the distinctive Hartman style.
Hartman works alongside established brands to offer three furniture collections – Jamie Oliver, The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew and David Domoney.
The Jamie Oliver range has expanded with new designs, all with that essential cooking element. The Kew collection will include innovative products to broaden the range, and David Domoney’s collection will be enhanced by inspired accessories.
“Our target was to build on an already successful collection in all materials, maintaining the Hartman core values of comfort, quality, innovation, design and price,” says sales director Paul Facey.
“We have also been working closely with our partners Jamie Oliver, David Domoney and Kew Gardens to make sure we give the consumer the best possible choice of outdoor furniture in the market.”
For more information visit www.hartmanuk.com
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Kettler launches new concept in garden furniture
Kettler’s range has proved more popular than ever this season. It offers a variety of combinations and styles that are simply unrivalled, ensuring your customers can choose the perfect set for their lifestyle...
Kettler’s range has proved more popular than ever this season. It offers a variety of combinations and styles that are simply unrivalled, ensuring your customers can choose the perfect set for their lifestyle.
The 2013 additions, such as the Savita chair, the Companion set, and the new table sizes have all been real winners.
Kettler’s success is based upon looking forward and not looking back. And that philosophy is reflected in the company’s latest showcase for 2014.
“We continue with yet more innovative products – all on show at Solex for the first time,” said a spokesperson.
“Consistent with quality, the finest materials and service, the new products will be the talk of the industry.
“Not only will you see more exciting styles and individual winners added to the range for 2014 but we’ll also introduce you to some really exciting new concepts in outdoor furniture.”
Visit Kettler on stand 505 to see the complete 2014 range.
Fore more information visit www.kettler.co.uk
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Alexander Rose expand Portofino Collection
A key product focus for Alexander Rose at this year’s SOLEX is the Portofino Collection. Based on the exceptional response to the range in its first year, the company has added two new chairs and two new tables, all of which will be on show.
A key product focus for Alexander Rose at this year’s SOLEX is the Portofino Collection. Based on the exceptional response to the range in its first year, the company has added two new chairs and two new tables, all of which will be on show.
This highly versatile and practical collection of benches, chairs, sunbeds and tables takes garden furniture to a new level of cutting-edge contemporary style. Offering the ultimate in contemporary city living, and equally at home in a town or country setting, the Portofino provides comfort, low maintenance and unrivalled product performance in all weathers.
Precision and durability are the hallmarks of the collection and this is no better demonstrated than in the intricate way the fine powder coated mild steel and wire mesh together, fusing lines, shapes and patterns in the designs of the furniture to exacting standards.
Taking its name from the famous Italian harbour town on the Ligurian Riviera in Italy, the Portofino collection epitomises elegance, craftsmanship and quality – just like the town of Portofino.
Also on display will be Alexander Rose’s collections of traditional and contemporary sustainable hardwood and woven furniture all offering the quintessence of quality and attention to detail. With their reputation for design, strength and longevity, Alexander Rose furniture can be found in the finest gardens and conservatories around the world.
Info: www.alexander-rose.co.uk
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Meripac will be exhibiting at SOLEX for the first time on stand E2 and will be unveiling its innovative Snackstand (pictured).
The Snackstand is a new food and drinks holder which makes outdoor entertaining so much easier and is a natural accessory to barbecues and outdoor furniture.
Made in the UK, the Snackstand is engineered to be easily secured on hard or soft ground. It has five compartments for snacks, dips and nibbles and comes with 5 liners which are fridge-safe for quick serving and dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. The Snackstand also holds five stem glasses securely so they cannot be knocked over.
The Snackstand and accessories can all be assembled, without tools, in a couple of minutes and easily displayed on hard or soft surfaces. Since it weighs less than 1.5kg/3lb there are no delivery problems.
Call 0208 868 3348 or email enquiries@meripac.com
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Spirit of invention remains strong at Weber
When George Stephen invented the iconic kettle barbecue in 1952, he could never have dreamed that his creation would become a design classic, recognised the world over. Sixty years on and the Weber spirit of invention remains just as strong...
When George Stephen invented the iconic kettle barbecue in 1952, he could never have dreamed that his creation would become a design classic, recognised the world over. Sixty years on and the Weber spirit of invention remains just as strong.
Weber prides itself on its retailer support and service. The company offers dedicated on and off-site training to retailers, including the chance to train the Grill Academy, based in Marsh Baldon, Oxfordshire. It also takes to the road to offer exciting, interactive food theatre at garden centres.
Weber will be revealing its plans for 2014 at SOLEX and showcasing new product innovations on stand 435.
Visit www.weberbbq.co.uk for more details.
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The new Ellipse Chimenea has a body with soft curves and large oval mouth giving a good view of the fire and allowing easy access for logs. The shape is complemented by a new glaze effect paint finish, giving a slightly shiny appearance.
Two sizes of Ellipse chimeneas are available, the extra-large model, ideal for larger gardens and the medium model, for smaller patios or to use inside the house with a Gardeco bio-ethanol Chim Burner.
There are five fashionable colours, beige, cranberry and royal blue available for both extra-large and medium size and the two extra colours for the extra-large Ellipse, charcoal grey and sage green.
The Ellipse is made in Mexico and comes with a sturdy steel stand and matching clay lid. Suggested selling prices are £159.99 for the extra-large and £119.99 for the medium including VAT.
You can ee the Ellipse and the full range of Gardeco products at SOLEX on stand 100.
Info: www.gardeco.co.uk
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Royal Garden range on show
Royal Garden and their new UK distributor A-Mir & Co Ltd will exhibit together at SOLEX this year (stand 515) where visitors will be able to see the latest range of furniture and take advantage of attractive deals...
Royal Garden and their new UK distributor A-Mir & Co Ltd will exhibit together at SOLEX this year (stand 515) where visitors will be able to see the latest range of furniture and take advantage of attractive deals.
Abid Mir, Managing Director A-Mir & Co Ltd, commented: “We are extremely excited to be marketing and building the Royal Garden brand in the UK. The inclusion of this high quality brand to our growing portfolio of products is a fundamental part of our continuing strategy to be a One-Stop Shop, for all sectors of the industry.
The products will feature prominently on our stand at SOLEX and we look forward to welcoming business partners to our showroom to view the entire range.”
For further details, A-Mir can be contacted on 0121 544 199 or sales@a-mir.co.uk
La Hacienda set to make SOLEX debut
Carrying on its theme for expansion that has shaped much of the company’s success within 2013, La Hacienda will be using SOLEX as a showcase for its ever growing product offering...
Carrying on its theme for expansion that has shaped much of the company’s success within 2013, La Hacienda will be using SOLEX as a showcase for its ever growing product offering.
From newest additions to its outdoor electric heater range, to new chimeneas, firebasket and firebowls designs, there will be something to excite and entice retailers onto the La Hacienda stand.
Simon Goodwin, director of La Hacienda, said: “It is incredibly important for us, as a business, to be able to continually expand and revise our product offering. In doing so we believe that we are offering retailers – and in turn consumers – a range of products, from core, bestsellers to exciting, new products that will revolutionise the way we enjoy time in our outdoor spaces.
“For a lot of retailers SOLEX will be their first chance to view our outdoor electric heaters, including the newly integrated Heatmaster range, as well as the stylish ‘Colorado’ chimeneas that has been added to our best-selling collection.”
info: www.lahacienda.co.uk
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