A record number of exhibitors are all set to make this year's SOLEX an unmissable show for visitors to the NEC showpiece. The finishing touches are being made to the increasingly successful summer outdoor living exhibition, which opens its doors at 9am tomorrow (Monday)...

Show organiser Phil Gibbs said: "Hall 5 of the NEC is looking fantastic. It promises to be a fantastic show with so many new products for visitors to see."

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