SOLEX came of age today as it opened its doors to visitors on opening day with organiser Phil Gibbs saying the switch to the NEC had been welcomed by both exhibitors and visitors.
"Now that we're in a single hall – Hall 5 – at the NEC it just re-inforces the power of the SOLEX and LOFA brands," says Phil.
"The exhibitors are saying its fantastic and are more than pleased we have made the move to the NEC.
"The exhibition is looking fantastic and there is a buzz about the place.
"If you're considering coming to the show over the next couple of days, then make sure you do because you won't be disappointed. There are more exhibitors than ever and they've got lots to show you."
|
 |
|
|
 |
| LOFA chairman Paul Bevington announced new research today |
|
LOFA has commissioned retail and shopper specialist agency, Shoppercentric, to run a ground-breaking market research project to explore the UK outdoor living market. The study, which was announced at SOLEX today, will combine a large quantitative study to provide a robust overview of the market, profiling purchasers and the context around the purchase, with detailed qualitative exploration of the shopping process.
LOFA is looking forward to uncovering insights which show how its members’ product purchasers plan for, and shop for, outdoor furniture and barbecues, what inspires them, what hinders them and what ultimately drives a sale.
"We're spending a significant amount of money on qualitative and quantative research," said LOFA chairman Paul Bevington (pictured) today.
"It will be the first independent research project on outdoor living, something that has been asked for by the trade. We felt as the trade association, it was our responsibility to carry out the research.
"We've had five years of not knowing what the next year is going to look like. This research will hopefully give our members sound information on which they can confidently base their future plans on." The study will take place in July and August 2013, with results expected from September onwards.
|
|
TV star Gregg Wallace made a guest appearance at SOLEX today to promote his new Firepit and Grill range on the Garden Furniture Global stand (640)...
The range includes a dining set, lounge set and a grill and chill party table.
"This is a joint venture between Garden Furniture Global and myself, and I'm very involved with the products and have been since the planning stage," Gregg told the SOLEX SUN.
"We have had a very positive response to the products so far and I'm really excited about them.
"Outdoor cooking is important to me, so it's great to be involved with this venture. This is just the start as there are many other different lines in the pipeline."
|
|
CPL Distribution won the Best New Product award and Westminster clinch the Best Stand accolade at SOLEX today...
Under the Supagrill brand, CPL Distribution won the Best New Product award with their innovative Pod Kettle Barbecue. Created from heat proof and water resistant material, this barbeque allows the user to enjoy the beauty and strength of shaped ceramic stone without struggling with the weight.
Independent judge Jackie Norton, programme director for3D design at Birmingham City University, said the Pod Kettle Barbecue really stood out and she was impressed by the depth of knowledge from the CPL team.
"This is a really innovative product, and it works on so many levels," added Jackie.
Chris Foy, from CPL Distribution, admitted to being shocked at winning the award.
"We were hopeful when the judge came over but couldn't have expected the outcome because there are so many good products at the show. It's exciting and really good news., especially as this is our first SOLEX."
Westminster won the Best Stand award because it was very fresh and inviting, said Jackie.
"The stand was not overly dressed, and was set out in such a way that the products looked great."
Director Neil Richardson said he was surprised but very happy. "Our aim was to provide a stand that showed the products off in their best light."
The awards were presented to the winners by LOFA chairman Paul Bevington.
|
|
New Product Showcase is a great new addition
The New Product Showcase situated at the entrance to SOLEX proved to be a show-stopper...literally. Visitors entering Hall 5 stopped in their tracks to find out instantly what's new for 2014.
SOLEX is open again tomorrow - Tuesday 9th July
- Hall 5 of the NEC in Birmingham
- The exhibition is open again tomorrow (Tuesday) 9am to 5.30pm; and Wednesday, July 10, 9am to 5pm.
- There are large car parks at the NEC, and parking is free – make sure you take your ticket attached to the cover of Garden Trade News.
- To register for your visit to SOLEX visit the exhibition website at www.lofa.co.uk/SOLEX
|
|
|
Norfolk Leisure is launching a host of exciting new products alongside its 2014 product range over the three-day show.
There are four inspiring collections – LIFE, Idle Rose, Florenity, and Garden Must Haves – each collection has been designed with distinguishing features and selling points and with a particular customer in mind.
"Despite the awful weather and trading conditions, 2012 was a landmark year for us," said Debbie Waudby, Director and Company Secretary at Norfolk Leisure.
"We took the bold decision to rebrand our business at a time of economic uncertainty and set ourselves a much clearer direction. We launched four new product brands in LIFE, Idle Rose, Florenity and Garden Must Haves, and developed some really exciting and innovative new products that have helped establish us a leading supplier of luxury and unique outdoor furniture."
And Managing Director Nick Anderson said: "The launch of the new brands and the recognition they have gained very quickly has been amazing and far beyond my expectations."
Pictured above: Debbie Waudby and Nick Anderson at SOLEX.
LIFE offers a range of inspiring and stylish outdoor furniture that is designed to be as desirable as it is functional. Effortlessly combining luxurious comfort with low cleaning maintenance, LIFE provides year-round garden style. The all-weather set cushions boast a totally unique and scientifically tested design that lets rain pass straight through. This allows them to dry out extremely quickly compared with conventional cushions.
IdleRose is a sophisticated and unique collection of outdoor cast aluminium furniture. Combining exquisite patterns and stylish comfort, it's perfect for relaxing outdoors and entertaining with friends. The unique 'Diamond Cast' process and 'Stone Coat' finish provide both strength and longevity to the furniture.
Florenity is a contemporary and original furnitue collection in a painted and teak finish which creates a stylish outdoor presence. This signature collection combines modern designs with a hint of vintage luxury, while delivering exceptional quality across an eclectic range of chair, tables, potting benches and lanterns.
Garden Must Haves is Norfolk Leisure's signature range of gardening accessories. With stylish parasols and unique storage ideas, this range gives any garden a graceful and stylish finishing touch.
"As a member of LOFA for over 15 years we are delighted to be exhibiting at SOLEX," said Debbie. "Being at SOLEX means that you consistently give good service and have an established reputation for reliable quality.
"What's more, the event has quickly established itself as the leading show for suppliers in our sector."
For more informatrion visit www.norfolkleisure.com, www.lifeoutdoorliving.co.uk, www.idlerose.co.uk, www.florenity.co.uk, www.gardenmusthaves.co.uk
|
|
The new Outback Charcoal Kettle Series in a choice of black, blue, green and red with silver trim, made its debut at the show today.
Complete with porcelain-coated roasting hood and firebox, it includes a warming rack, chrome foldable cooking grill, ash collector, exclusive 'Z-shape' trolley design and a wire base.
Two front wheels and sturdy trolley legs provide easy manoeuvrability.
The Charcoal Kettle with Trolley has the added attractions of a chrome heat indicator, a wood and marble side table, bottle opener, aluminised air vent panel and handy storage base.
It has been a great year so far for Outback, who were awarded three 'Best Buys for Which? and a 'Best Barbecue' vote in an Independent survey.
More info: www.outbackbarbecues.com
|
|
After many years supplying garden furniture to the major retailers internationally, ScanCom International, one of the largest manufacturers of garden furniture in the world, has now developed a new Global Brand, “LifestyleGarden”, aimed solely at the Independent Retailers, High Quality Department Stores and Garden Centres Internationally.
ScanCom UK is pleased to be able to exhibit at Solex 2013, and be the first subsidiary of the ScanCom International Family to release “LifestyleGarden” . It is important in the current climate to offer furniture that is stylish, good quality and essentially offers outstanding value for money. “LifestyleGarden” fills this gap. The range includes furniture manufactured in Full Weave, All Weather Mesh, Hardwood, Durawood, & Weathernet in all new unique designs. With the full backing of such a major company, “LifestyleGarden” is able to offer products from all of these product ranges, in mixed deliveries!!
These deliveries can be in the form of mixed containers direct from the factory, or regular UK deliveries from our warehousing based in Basildon, Essex. Eddie Kriese, formally Sales Director of Nova Garden Furniture, has spent the last 2 years assisting ScanCom to develop the range that has been selected for the UK market and the range that will be displayed at Solex.
Using his expertise and knowledge in the industry, ScanCom UK is fully confident that the Right Items, at the Right Price, with the Right Quality are available at exactly the Right Time ! To view the new range visit “LifestyleGarden” at the Solex Exhibition on stand 605 in Hall 5.
|
|
See LIVE photos from the show
There's plenty of sizzle at this years SOLEX exhibition. BBQ's galore, fire pits a plenty, great new ranges of furniture and a host of great display ideas for your retail inspiration. Here's a SOLEX SUN tour of the show as it neared completion on Sunday afternoon while Andy Murray became Wimbledon Champion!
See you at the NEC Tuesday or Wednesday...
|
|
|
|
Lorraine Briggs, Marketing Manager of SunTime, is pictured at the show today with one of their new range of metal planters...
Suntime are also showcasing new additions to the Allibert range.
Allibert is available in the UK exclusively from SunTime and summer brights have been added to the furniture range for that light bistro feel to patio dining.
Deep pinks, lime greens, aqua blues and poppy reds all accessorise with the grey and black tables to give a Mediterranean feel to the garden.
More info: www.transcon.co.uk
Cozy Bay have today unveiled their new Premier Collection furniture made with 5mm round weave Rattan...
The collection includes the Hawaii and Panama ranges of 4, 6, 8-seater and lounge sets, and the company are excited about the introduction of 5mm Rattan.
"It's 5mm round weave – not half-moon like some makes – and it helps to give this new furniture better quality, extra strength and durability. It also allows us to make all our furniture bigger."
More info: www.cozybay.co.uk
The Made Aware initiative has a big presence throughout the show as every exhibitor is a now a member of the campaign...
There are posters dotted around the exhibition and many exhibitors had placed the Made Aware logo somewhere on their stand.
The Made Aware scheme was established by LOFA to encourage its members to improve their impact upon the environment, and provide support to help them to do so.
|
|
The new Jamie Oliver range of barbecues caused a lot of interest with visitors to the Hartman stand 510...
The barbecues are being produced by the Merison Group, who are working with Hartman in garden centres.
Merison Managing Director Matthew Hopkins told the SOLEX SUN: "Jamie loves cooking outdoors and has really put his stamp on this range.
"We work closely on the design and he doesn't hold back with his comments."
Built with heavy duty cast iron grills and stainless steel control panels, they're rugged for frequent use, and are full of practical features, including a thermometer in the lids, warming racks to keep things hot, and wheels for manoeuvrability.
The range will be launched in Spring 2014 and there will be 15 different colours, plus charcoal and gas alternatives.
|
|
Paul Bevington (pictured) seated on the new 'Casual Dining' range from Kettler launched at Solex. A lounging and dining set all-in-one, the first range in the UK which allows homeowners to eat, drink, relax and entertain with one comfortable and contemporary garden furniture set. Available in a choice of two weave designs (Corner and Lounge) and one mesh design (Malaga), the Casual Dining range features carefully sized outdoor tables positioned at a lower height than regular dining tables, all designed for ease of use. RRP Corner Set £1599, Lounge Set £1799 Also pictured, the new Easy Lounger, designed for easier access than most sun loungers at a user friendly seating height. The new design also allows for a handy towel and accessories shelf.
More info: www.kettler.co.uk
|
|
Competition for the most far-flung reader
SOLEX SUN has a far reach as Sunday's edition was picked up by a reader on their sunlounger in St Lucia. We replied by saying we could move a sunlounger to the Piazza of the NEC in the current heatwave...
Smartphone Show Guide for SOLEX
 Visitors to SOLEX can download a smartphone "app" SOLEX Show Guide by scanning this QR Code
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
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."
|
|
|
