SOLEX, the Leisure and Outdoor Furniture Association’s increasingly successful summer outdoor living exhibition, returns to Birmingham for its second outing at the NEC (its seventh overall) with more exhibitors than ever – and a pledge from the organisers that it will be better than ever.

At the last count, 67 exhibitors had booked - 13 more than last year – promising buyers the market’s most comprehensive line-up to date.

The all-important New Product Gallery has been tweaked again this year. Exhibitors have been advised that only genuinely all-new products should be on display. As in 2013, the gallery will be at the entrance to hall 5, so visitors can make it their first port of call.

Awards for the Best New Product and Best Stands will be judged by two independent judges, Jonathan Hindle and Diarmuid Gavin, with support from Howard Barnett of P.J.Bridgman.

Both Jonathan, Master of the Furniture Makers Company, and distinguished garden designer Diarmuid, are supremely qualified for the job of identifying the products and companies who will be setting next season’s trends.

The pair have recently helped to judge the Student Design Competition organised by LOFA members Alexander Rose and sponsored by LOFA, which will be the focus of a new feature at SOLEX. Short-listed students have been invited to showcase their designs and portfolios in a special display at the rear of the hall - a reminder of the importance of attracting new blood into the furniture design industry.



To register for your place at SOLEX click here

SOLEX takes place in Hall 5 of the NEC in Birmingham.

The exhibition is open for three days – Monday and Tuesday, July 7-8, 9am to 5.30pm; and Wednesday, July 9, 9am to 5pm.

There are large car parks at the NEC, and parking will be free 

To register your place for SOLEX click here

For more infomration about SOLEX visit the exhibition website at www.lofa.co.uk/SOLEX

Visitors to the Norfolk Leisure stand (220), will see new lines and colours within the popular LIFE, Idle Rose, Florenity and Garden Must Haves brand families and a new brand developed in conjunction with global giant La-Z- Boy.

Known in the UK for its celebrated collections of indoor furniture, the American company’s design team has been working closely with Norfolk Leisure to develop a completely new outdoor range specifically for the UK market.

Norfolk Leisure MD Nick Anderson describes the new range as inspirational. “We are extremely proud of the results, which we will showcase for the first time at SOLEX” he told SOLEX Sun reporters..

Director Debbie Waudby is also excited by the high level of expectation customers bring to SOLEX. “Our customers depend on us to present new, unique and innovative collections to enhance the specialist, quality products they stock,” she said.

Information click here

The Chili is the latest colour to join the Major range of charcoal barbecues from Barbecook, adding a vibrant red to the existing line-up of stainless steel, black, blue and lime finishes.

The range features Barbecook’s QuickStart® system, whose adjustable air supply creates enough controllable power to enable barbecuing withouta lid in practically any location.Grilling without lid also means that no harmful substances can enter the food, and the easily adjustable grid prevents any contact with harmful flare-ups.

See the Major alongside Barbecook’s gas and other charcoal ranges on the stand of their UK distributors, Premier Decorations (420), where you can learn how to make the mast of the company’s intensive summer PR campaign.

The new Monterey from Barlow Tyrie (215) is a modern deep-seating chair that’s stylish and comfortable, combining a sculptured solid teak frame with Textilene braided cord fabric in ‘Karub brown’ for seating and back-rest. The fabric is a rugged non-stretch woven polyester with a PVC coating; it is resistant to UV, moisture, scent and mould, as well as being waterproof and  flame retardant. The Chesapeake Range (example, left) is an extensive new collection in solid teak, initially comprising an armchair, side chair, innovative swivel rocker complete with Sunbrella fabric cushions and 2-metre and 2.8-metre dining tables. A 113cm circular dining, low tables, folding chairs, sun lounger and deep-seating furniture are plamnned. Its ‘look’ marries aspects of the traditional, such as rolled armrests on the chairs and rolled edges and curved sides to the dining table, with clean, crisp contemporary touches that include nylon glides on the bottom of tapered legs.

The Greatest summer awards and evening garden party will take place in association with SOLEX at the National Motorcycle Museum on 7th July at 7.15pm.

Reward your team after a busy day at SOLEX and rub shoulders with The Greatest Garden Centre teams in the business.

Included in the ticket price is a pre-dinner drinks reception, a three course meal with wine, coffee and mints and the prestigious awards ceremony, followed by dancing to our live band.

Back by popular demand after their success at the Greatest Christmas Awards, The Rockits are the resident band from the Cavern Club in Liverpool.

Dress code is smart casual

Book today to avoid disappointment, call 01733 775700 or book on line using the Buy Now link below:

Tickets

1 Ticket £102.00 GBP2 Tickets £204.00 GBP3 Tickets £288.00 GBP4 Tickets £384.00 GBP5 Tickets £450.00 GBP6 Tickets £540.00 GBP7 Tickets £630.00 GBP8 Tickets £720.00 GBP9 Tickets £810.00 GBPTable of 10 £840.00 GBP

Portofino  from Alexander Rose (225) is a versatile and practical collection of benches, chairs, sunbeds and tables takes garden furniture to a new level of cutting-edge contemporary style.

Equally at home in a town or country setting, the Portofino provides comfort, low maintenance and unrivalled product performance in all weather conditions.

Precision and durability are the hallmarks, as demonstrated in the intricate way the fine powder coated mild steel and wire mesh together, fusing lines, shapes and patterns in  designs of timeless minimalism.

Cobb (stand 300) will demonstrate their BBQ Cooking System (endorsed by the South African Heart Foundation)  that allows grease and fat to drain away from the food – a healthy-eating option.

Its unique design means the underneath and sides are always cool so it can be placed on just about any surface without fear of burning or scorching. You can even use it on a boat.

The versatile Cobb can be used to bake bread and cakes, barbecue whole chickens and roast joints, smoke fish and prepare an English breakfast.

The Cobb Premier will cook for more than three hours using just eight or nine charcoal briquettes and cooks with intense heat rather than flames, so there is no smoke or fat flames.

There are five models, all featuring components that dismantle for easy cleaning, even in a dishwasher.

Information: 01296 681095 or cobb-bbq.co.uk

Exclusive indoorcane and rattan furniture from Daro (stand 615) are ideally suited for the lounge or the conservatory.

The outdoor collection employs the latest developments in polyethylene UV and water resistant materials.

First established as a brand in the 1970s, Daro has adapted to the ever-changing needs of the market place and continues to  flourishes as a market leader through a commitment to quality.

Only top grade rattan and cane is used to  ensure durability.

The UK-based Daro Soft Furnishings Division ensures that the cushions are made to the highest standard with consistency and exclusive designs utilising the latest manufacturing technology.

Information: daro-cane.co.uk

Grakka (stand 130) supply outdoor cooking brands to retailers, dealers and re-sellers in the UK, Scandinavia and mainland Europe, representing manufacturers from Canada, the USA and Australia. Bradley Smokers (Canada), is the food smoker of choice for many different user groups and has worldwide recognition. These natural draught smokers are capable of hot and cold smoking and appeal to the home gourmet chef, field sportsman, restaurateurs, cookery schools and smallholders.  Kamado Joe ceramic grills (USA) have well-insulated ceramic bodies and side shelves of bamboo, with all metal fixtures in stainless steel or galvanized steel that is powder coated. The body keeps the heat in the grill while its unique circular shape circulates the heat for more uniform cooking.  Fornetto wood fired ovens (Australia) enble you to create authentic pizzas, bread, roasted meats and baked dishes.  Cast iron doors and solid construction give a traditional look coupled with modern technology to ensure confident and safe cooking.

Bellagio will use its biggest ever presence at Solex to launch a new brand identity designed specifically for the UK. Buyers will see the ‘Supremo’ brand for the first time, following a significant investment in development of the brand story, marketing material and online advertising campaigns. New software and systems will improve speed of response and customer service.

MD Julian Windsor said: “We’ve been talking to the market for 18 months about the future and recognised the need to move away from the old name and create a new brand that combines style with substance, providing attractive, high quality outdoor furniture.”

Supremo will be the umbrella brand, paving the way for a number of consumer facing ranges under the strapline ‘The essence of style’. The first of these will be ‘Leisure’, the company’s core business, covering outdoor furniture. More lines will be added over the next year.

Devon-based BigFire (stand E4), founded in 2011 by father and son Ian and John MacQueen, specialises in wood fired products and imports and distributes exclusively for aspirational brands such as Weltevree and Clementi.

Supplying high quality wood fired hot tubs (see left), pizza ovens and much more, the range offers the market distinctive alternatives.

The products are designed and engineered by leading international designers and all are tested to ensure they offer a genuinely good innovation.

The company is currently seeking high quality retail partners

Information 01395 275300 or click here

John Cooper (previously Weber’s VP for North West Europe) has taken over the reigns as MD for Swiss Grills (stand 350) and has beefed up the sales team. He has chosen SOLEX to showcase a brand new grill for 2015, one he believes will attract a lot of attention and help to drive retail sales.

British company Agropharm (stand 145) are working with outdoor products and equipment distributors Summit to launch PreVent, a seven-item range of natural insect repellents. Products include a bite and sting relief pen, aerosol, pump spray, cream, insect repellent candles and wipes.

PreVent offers a natural alternative to chemical products without compromising on effectiveness. The range, in new blister packs, is suitable for the whole family, even young children and those with sensitive skin.

Bosmere (stand 600), who celebrate their 35th anniversary this year, will be showcasing a new range of covers alongside their established collections of protection products for garden furniture, barbecues and garden accessories. The new lines promise exceptional value and quality and have features found in more expensive ranges.

Campingaz (stand 730) follow the launch of their 2014 barbecue range with  an updated collection for 2015 featuring advanced technology and eye-catching, contemporary designs. Totally new is an ultra-portable 1 Series barbecue, ideal for use on small balconies or while out and about. The collection is headlined by the premium RBS models, but includes the 3 and 4 Series Cast Iron models and many others.

Asado Grill (stand E1), making their SOLEX debut, launch a range of stylish designs that aim to realise the full potential of the ‘instant barbecue’ concept. For example, the Asado BOX is a lava stone heat source that last for 2-3 hours, with no cleaning up required.

Charbroil (stand 335) promote their Tru-Infrared system as ‘grilling’s juicy little secret’, producing food that is up to 50% juicier without flare-ups, with heat evenly distributed across the cooking surface. There are ‘Performance’, ‘Patio Bistro’ (below) and ‘THIN’ models, all of which will be on the stand.

Among the products on the Jigsaw Furniture stand (550)  will be  the ‘Las Palmas’ suite, with commercial quality and cutting edge design at excellent prices.

Information 07867 507450

Bambrella laminated bamboo parasols (stand 200) are a revolutionary new concept for the outdoor leisure industry, springing from the experience of the directors as wooden boat builders. Using Moso bamboo as opposed to wood means the parasols are ecologically sound, FSC certified and strong, with a tensile strength similar to steel. They’re wind-tested up to storm force 10.

Sizes range from 2.1m to 4m in round, square or rectangular shapes and a choice of modern colours.

New for 2014/2015 are the Alize pavilion range and the  Tripod-Circa hanging chair. The Alize is robust enough for commercial as well as domestic use.

The Tripod-Circa (far left) consists of three laminated poles, and can hold weights of more than 600kg. The modern styling of the chair with cushion and tripod creates a striking statement piece.

Also new is the Bloomwall (left), a vertical modular wall garden  recently shown at RHS Chelsea, where it evoked enthusiastic responses and global interest. There are more details on the website.

SOLEX visitors will be the first to experience a new urban collection of contemporary garden furniture from Kettler (stand 505), featuring innovative materials, intelligent design and vibrant colours, all created to appeal to a younger audience. It will include, they tell us, a bright, cheerful chair with a new solution to staying refreshed. The range also features a new furniture set that with a stylish and fresh feel. There is a colour extension to the popular Bretagne range and, in the Weave collection, a new spin on dining, promising ultimate flexibility and comfort. Kettler’s hugely successful Casual Dining collection, which has enjoyed record-breaking sales in 2014, will benefit from new weave products designed to bring the concept to a wider audience.

Information 01527 588995

Black Country metalworks (stand 710 ) believe their extraordinary, new merchandiser (left) is a bit of a game changer. The reinvented stands provide the same function but offer garden centres theatre and individuality. “Supplying these exciting stands free of charge illustrates our passion for retail and for providing unrivalled support,” they tell us. Trade customers are invited to view the company’s retail outlet housing the largest collection of decorative metal in the UK (accommodation and refreshments included).

SOLEX takes place in Hall 5 of the NEC in Birmingham.

The exhibition is open for three days – Monday and Tuesday, July 7-8, 9am to 5.30pm; and Wednesday, July 9, 9am to 5pm.

There are large car parks at the NEC, and parking will be free 

To register your place for SOLEX click here

For more infomration about SOLEX visit the exhibition website at www.lofa.co.uk/SOLEX

SOLEX are to provide free buses from local hotels for visitors to GTN’s Greatest Awards, to be held on the evening of Monday 7th July at the National Motorcycle Museum (near the NEC) during SOLEX.

Details of routes have now been confirmed. Pick-ups will be available from the following hotels:

• Crowne Plaza
• Metropole
• Premier Inn
• Holiday Inn Express
• Manor Park
• Arden
• IBIS
• Novotel