LOFA's marketing manager Gina Hinde, who has been organising this year’s SOLEX exhibition, revealed she has been extremely pleased with the response from exhibitors and visitors to the show. Find out what she had to say about this year’s event...

I can’t help but feel a little sad that SOLEX 2023 is nearly over for another year. It has been a fantastic show. The hall was buzzing, and it was great to see such engagement in the new ranges and products on display. 

As always, the exhibitors pulled out all the stops. The stands looked fresh and vibrant, and the furniture was plentiful, with many new designs and some exciting additions to their ranges. But it wasn't just the furniture that impressed everyone – the BBQ exhibitors were also on top form, and we couldn't get enough of the fantastic food they were cooking in the Loving Outdoor Living area. Two highlights of the show for me were the awards ceremony on Monday night and the Fire, Food & Outdoor Living Evening on Tuesday.

Visitor numbers exceeded expectations. The hall was packed with garden centre buyers and visitors eager to see the latest products from industry giants. The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly, and everyone was buzzing with excitement over what was on display. Everyone was blown away by all the incredible outdoor leisure products from furniture to innovative barbecues.

I have to give a special shout out to the BBQ exhibitors who provided some fantastic food in the Loving Outdoor Living area. Dodging a few raindrops they produced everything from delicious pizzas to melt in the mouth steaks, they created a fantastic festival-style vibe and great visitor engagement. 

But SOLEX is not just about showcasing new products it’s also about awarding the industry's best. The awards on Monday evening were well-attended and resulted in prizes for the best products, and innovative designs. Exhibitors went home happy, knowing their hard work and dedication to creating good quality products was recognised and appreciated by their peers and customers.

The Fire, Food & Outdoor Living Event on Tuesday evening, hosted by the BBQ Magazine, was an incredible networking event that brought everyone together. We enjoyed great food, good music, and each other's company, not to mention the BBQ competition hosted by Andy Clarke and Ian Jones. The judges, Matt Tebbutt and Jules Hudson, had a tough job on their hands, choosing between Kamado Joe, Charbroil, and GrillStream but the winner was Cheeky Charlie Ovens who stole the show with their amazing steak sandwich.

Overall, SOLEX 2023 was a huge success. We saw incredible products, met some amazing people, and had a lot of fun! We're already looking forward to seeing what's in store for SOLEX 2024 and can't wait to see what the exhibitors bring to the show next year. If you're an exhibitor, an outdoor leisure buyer, or just a visitor who loves outdoor living, be sure to put the SOLEX dates in your diary for next year - you won't regret it!

SOLEX 

9-11 July 2024 

Hall 5, NEC Birmingham

The Fire Food & Outdoor Living Evening turned in to an unforgettable night of socializing and great company following the second day at SOLEX 2023 with the team from Cheeky Charlie Ovens winning the BBQ Hero competition, a 30 minute Steak Sandwich Challenge, ahead of teams from Kamado Joe, CharBroil and GrillStream.

The evening event saw SOLEX visitors and exhibitors socializing and networking into the evening after the show closed for day 2.

Top chef and TV presenter Matt Tebbutt along with broadcaster Jules Hudson from Escape to the Country, were special guests at the event and judges of the challenge.

The duo were joined by Andy Clarke, one of the most exciting voices in the food and drink industry, mixing with exhibitors and guests at the event which was run by BBQ magazine.

Matt Tebbutt is best known for presenting BBC’s Saturday Kitchen and its sister show Best Bites on BBC2. Matt also co-hosts Channel 4's Food Unwrapped which lifts the lid on how the food we eat, from all round the world, is produced.

He has written several cookbooks, the latest of which is Weekend, featuring plenty of BBQ and outdoor cooking. Matt had a restaurant in Monmouthshire for 14 years and now runs a cookery school and hosting kitchen.

Matt loves to cook outside over fire. “When you cook with fire, it’s a totally different skill and mindset to indoor cooking. I am really looking forward to SOLEX. It should be a lot of fun, showcasing all that is great about fire, food and outdoor living.”

Jules Hudson, an author, and archaeologist, presents the popular BBC series Escape to the Country, helping families find their pastoral paradise. He also presents Channel 5’s This Week on the Farm and Cash in the Attic.

“One of the great joys of any rural experience is access to open fire. The fire is nature’s TV,” said Jules.

The evening, with drinks pairings from Powder Monkey Brewing Co (beer), Tidal Rum (spirits) and BeefSteak Club (wine), was hosted by broadcaster and TV producer Andy Clarke, drinks expert on ITV’s Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh. 

Clarke’s producer credits include BBC’s Saturday Kitchen Live, Great Cookbook Challenge with Jamie Oliver for Channel 4, James Martin’s French Adventure and American Adventure and responsibility for all food and drink on ITV’s Gordon, Gino & Fred: Road Trip. Clarke will be hosting alongside Ian Jones (BEM) chef, farmer, and events guru.

"This leading event provided a platform for key industry buyers to explore innovative designs, discover new products, and explore retail and contract market solutions all in one place. SOLEX delivers a friendly and relaxed atmosphere while maintaining a professional focus," commented Gina Hinde, Solex Event Director.

“Through this dynamic event, business professionals and buyers were able to foster valuable relationships in this vibrant industry while previewing the hot trends for shop floors in Spring/Summer 2024.”

SOLEX 2023 continues tomorrow, Wednesday 12th July, in Hall 5 at the NEC.

Helping consumers spruce up their existing furniture sets with pops of colour, is Glencrest Seatex with a new range of cushions, throws and scented candles under the Sara Blake Decor range. 

Sara had the idea to come up with the colour coordinated range of 20 shower-proof cushion designs featuring tropical birds, flowers and foliage so consumers can freshen up their outdoor living areas. “We wanted to find designs that are not already available in the UK and were different and unique,” says Sara.

They all coordinate with the single colour cushions already available from Glencrest and the candles in coloured glass jars come tin lids do they can be left outside in all weathers.

Katie Blake, daughter of Sara and Jack who own Glencrest, was also at the show helping to promote her namesake range of furniture which was introduced to the market in 2007 when Katie was just two years old. 

Fuelled with excitement and anticipation for what SOLEX 2023 will offer, Monday morning started off at full speed on the Hartman stand with visitors drawn to the showstopper; Crucible, the versatile dining and games set.

Throughout the duration of the show Hartman is running a 4 Ball Challenge for charity, where visitors can win a bottle of champagne for clinching the fastest time to pot 4 balls. Hartman’s brand ambassador and good friend David Domoney impressed with a great time and set the standard on the leader board.

Visitors have also been wowed by the stunning new Eden range from Hartman’s new Prestige collection – this all-weather rope family takes Comfort. Design & Quality to a new level. Its extra deep seat cushions and large opulent seating ooze comfort. Whilst the beautiful new Folie table tops paired with the very popular Juniper green fabric resonate Design and Quality at the highest level.

New for 2024 is Le Soleil Hartman’s recycled resin chair. Available in 5 stunning new colours, the recycled resin cups are paired with our FSC Certified Teak Tables. This contemporary dining family is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use, providing versatility in the home, without compromising on aesthetics or comfort.

Come and visit the Hartman stand – 220 to view our extensive new ranges, challenge your pool skills and enjoy a cocktail on us!

W Garden Living by Woodlodge is the UK’s newest premium outdoor leisure wholesaler, supplying only retail partners with bricks and mortar the latest trends in garden living.

With meticulous attention to detail, and innovation afforded to the design, style, and quality of each of our furniture ranges and accessories, consumers are provided with ultimate luxury.

Our passion has been to ensure that comfort is paramount, and the sets are fit for purpose in providing outdoor leisure that compliments the available space and desired functionality.   

Owned and operated by parent company, Woodlodge Products Ltd, who are a second-generation family business trading since 1987.

Stand 240.

Norfolk Leisure are bringing more than ever before for SOLEX 2024, after a year developing and building on their existing product catalogue, they are ready to showcase new collections such as the Royce range, complete with a very exciting new product the Royce Cube. A must-have addition to any garden or outdoor space.

Alongside sits the LIFE Outdoor Living collection, that this year has focused on a multitude of new styles, materials and colour-ways to keep up with increasing trends in the industry. Compare the comfort of Soltex cushions to the standard All-Weather Textilene, both with incredible features allowing customers to leave outside all season, but with unique qualities making Soltex a more luxurious material which Norfolk Leisure see being increasingly popular with their customers.

That’s not all, Norfolk Leisure will be stepping into the outdoor cooking area again this year, after a very successful showcase last year. Featuring the brand new OONI Volt 12, and serving up delicious dishes on their very own BBQ brand Norfolk Grills.

Visit Norfolk Leisure Lifestyle on Stand 410 at Solex 2023. www.norfolkleisurelifestyle.com

01553 811717 sales@norfolkleisure.co.uk

Charles Taylor Trading are celebrating their 10th anniversary and are offering visitors birthday specials on three popular products.

The company, known for producing traditional garden furniture handcrafted in the UK, are offering the products at the same trade price as they were 10 years ago.

The products, which are also FSC certified, can be seen on the Charles Taylor Trading stand 300.

Garden Furniture Global will launch a completely new concept in the design and sourcing of quality garden furniture at the show. Harbo Your Way will give retailers unparalleled value and choice, but most importantly, the opportunity to specify their own unique and exclusive designs for the 2024 season.

In five simple steps, customers are invited to select their preferred combination of materials, colours, styles, features and fabrics. It all adds up to a uniquely bespoke service which makes it possible for customers to specify a completely exclusive range with extraordinary flexibility.

Harbo Your Way is fully backed up with the Garden Furniture Global supply chain service and a great quality supplied at unrivalled prices. 

Stand 620 (opposite the cafeteria)

Garden Furniture Global

Chiltern View Nurseries

Wendover Road

Aylesbury

HP22 5GX

Tel. 0208366 6988                     

sales@gardenfurnitureglobal.com

Supremo® Ltd is all set to present their brand new collections at this year's Solex exhibition, including new additions to its hugely popular aluminium collection and a groundbreaking new sustainable range. 

With a new generation of sustainable initiatives, Supremo® will showcase not one but two new environmentally focused brands, Viro Recycled and Greenbird Recycled UK, in a move to bring award-winning, high-performance, innovative products that work brilliantly for the consumer and are ultimately better for our planet. Supremo believes sustainable options should be accessible and affordable so everyone can play a part. Certified recycled and eco-friendly materials are used to curate fine furniture in both brands, in addition to partnering with one-of-a-kind, purposely built factory that gathers, recycles and produces, all in the name of protecting our planet.

Supremo Viro Recycled is a collection of innovative and sustainable furniture, certified by the Global Recycling Standards and is part of Supremo's ongoing environmental commitments. Julian Windsor, Managing Director at Supremo® said: "We are actively continuing to invest in resources and materials that are recycled, sustainably sourced, and use best practices throughout. At Supremo, our sustainability journey will continue and be evident in our future products and processes, including our new collections for 2024."

Aspiring to go the extra mile in the rapidly developing market for eco-friendly furniture, Supremo® Ltd and Greenbird Recycled are working together with complete exclusivity to offer products to UK retailers. Greenbird UK ranges all feature uniquely designed products made from recycled materials sourced in Vietnam to support sustainability goals and business philosophy. Greenbird's recycling innovation and Supremo's design brilliance will bring freshness and excitement to the outdoor living market.

Furthermore, Supremo® will showcase new aluminium ranges, all providing a variety of furniture sets to suit consumers' needs and personalities. The Rosewell collection is characterised by the Charcoal powder-coated aluminium forming a curved and sculptured frame featuring mesh-style backs. Austin combines relaxed elegance and functionality, with contrasting Oyster Grey cushions that are deep-filled for maximum comfort. Meanwhile, the Vermont collection features natural accents with its horizontal teak slates, which run across the furniture structure, adding character and practicality to the dining and lounging sets. 

Supremo Ltd is the essence of style, redefining outdoor luxury furniture exclusively for trade buyers. By conceptualising new designs that bring detail and function to life, Supremo products are carefully crafted from the finest materials to ensure they are both beautiful and high quality. Enhancing the consumer's space with groundbreaking and elegant designs, an extensive product range has been designed to allow partners to cherry-pick their collections and cater to all budgets and styles. From dining sets to loungers, pergolas to firepits, aluminium to weave, parasols, and furniture decor, they have everything needed to create the perfect outdoor space. This new concept will suit retailers and consumers as it offers more cost-effective and flexible solutions. 

As a UK-owned seller of first-class outdoor lifestyle products, from dining sets to loungers, pergolas to firepits, aluminium to weave, parasols and furniture decor, Supremo have everything needed to create the perfect outdoor space. With a wealth of experience and industry knowledge, Supremo Ltd brings a new era of outdoor furniture to the market by commissioning exclusive designs from some of Asia's best garden furniture manufacturers.

Their dedicated and friendly team is always on hand to help you, offering helpful product advice and creative input, helping you build your own exclusive Supremo Ltd collection. Browse our extensive outdoor living range today and start creating your portfolio of stunning, high-end products that are expertly crafted and made to last: https://www.supremouk.com/

Beefeater Barbecues are back on show at SOLEX 2023 with more innovation and exciting additions to the range.

As well as versatile and durable barbecues, constructed from high quality materials to give you the ultimate outdoor cooking experience, we supply a full range of outdoor kitchen equipment including fridges, doors, drawers and side burners.

All of our barbecues can be built-in or supplied on a trolley and, with comprehensive CE approvals for use on natural gas, we are ideally suited to provide a one stop solution to all outdoor kitchen schemes.

BeefEater Europe

PO Box 1238

Cheddar

BS27 9AH

TEL: +44 (0) 1934 743322

EMAIL: sales@beefeatereurope.co.uk

Cabinex are pleased to be introducing the NEW Pro range at SOLEX 2023.

CabinexPro takes this popular outdoor kitchen platform to a new level with the introduction of kamado modules, double fridges, corners, side burners, new colours and more!

Using our patented aluminium framing system, Weathercraft cabinetry and porcelain worktops, we provide a complete outdoor kitchen platform to cater for all needs. Come and talk to us about how we can help you access this fastest growing segment in outdoor cooking!

BeefEater Europe

PO Box 1238

Cheddar

BS27 9AH

TEL: +44 (0) 1934 743322

EMAIL: sales@beefeatereurope.co.uk

Following on from its successful launch in 2022, outdoor storage and furniture brand HEX Living will be showcasing the latest additions to its luxurious range. 

Among the new products is the Sandon collection, a distinctive and beautifully designed range of outdoor furniture. Including five different lounge and seating sets, Sandon combines contemporary styling with traditional materials and is suitable for year-round use.

Enhanced by hardwearing, oak-effect panelling, Sandon furniture features a durable aluminium frame complemented by thick, luxurious, cushions, for the ultimate in comfort and relaxation.

Firepits UK is a manufacturer of top-quality fire pits, pizza ovens, and outdoor kitchens. Made with high grade British steel, these products are designed to be both durable and aesthetically pleasing.

Built to withstand all weather conditions and live outdoors, the innovative designs push the boundaries of design and functionality.

Offering a variety of designs, from simple and sleek to intricate and ornate, the latest addition takes outdoor cooking to the next level.

Firepits UK’s new innovative Outdoor Wood Burner BBQ is equipped with a wide range of features giving the opportunity to experiment with different recipes and techniques.

Outdoor living specialist LeisureGrow is launching several new ranges that will be must-see industry game-changers.

The Grillstream barbecue range now includes the new SmashGrill flat plate BBQ, the Aspect compact barbecue, the Legacy BBQ system, new Gourmets, Islands and Built-ins for outdoor kitchens, as well as the Classic range. 

Also joining the LG Outdoor family are exiting new elegant and modern furniture concepts, accessories and lifestyle products.

The new Fusion Collection combines carefully curated materials of different texture to create a harmonious look to compliment any outdoor space.

Tramontina Mood is a collection of distinction, offering a high quality, modular style that will make a striking statement wherever it's positioned.

Designed by renowned Brazilian designer, Bruno Faucz, it's made of FSC-certified jatobá wood (a hardwood also called courbaril).

With a selection of different items available, Mood is suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

Lifestyle is excited to introduce the Alva and Navarra ranges – the latest additions to its outdoor furniture collection. Along with the introduction of EOT, Lifestyle is expanding its offerings to cater for different styles and needs. 

Alva exudes luxury and class while Navarra offers comfort and flexibility. Both ranges boast weather-resistant materials and durable aluminium frames that ensure rust-free use. Lifestyle takes pride in maintaining its quality and UK FR standards, and these upcoming ranges are no exception.

Debuting at SOLEX will be LifestyleGarden’s new ‘mix & match’ offering which has been created to provide a sales model that offers greater flexibility.

This new way of thinking will reduce the need for retailers to stock multiple ranges. Instead, they can showcase products that enable consumers to shop configurations that best suit their needs and personal tastes. 

From 2024, retailers (and consumers!) will be able to build their perfect furniture set, drawing from LifestyleGarden’s extensive portfolio of table and chairs across the Topaz, Palau and Panama collections. With grey, black and coral sand options to choose from, these products are perfectly designed to seamlessly blend with one another or create sets that contrast with one another for maximum impact.

Paul Cohen, Commercial Director at LifestyleGarden, said: “We’ve come to realise that, often, consumers wish they could draw on different elements from key collections to create a configuration that best suits their outdoor space. Whether it’s adding more chairs, increasing the table size, or building a multi-functional set-up that gives them greater possibilities at home, our new mix and match options are the ultimate in flexibility. With countless possible configurations available, we have enabled retailers to increase their furniture offering without also having to increase allocated floorspace. It’s a game-changing concept and one we firmly believe will suit retailers, as well as the consumer’s pocket with more cost effective, flexible solutions.”

Find out more

To see more from LifestyleGarden, including its market leading partnership with the Eden Project please visit the team on stand (stand 150). Alternatively visit www.lifestylegarden.co.uk

With a comprehensive range of stylish and comfortable furniture, from exquisite, cushioned poly-rattan aluminium sets, to practical yet stylish steel framed sets, Pagoda Garden Furniture is the perfect solution for any garden or patio.

The highly experienced team at Pagoda has a dedicated office of buyers and inspectors based in Hangzhou, China and every shipment is inspected to international AQL standards for complete assurance.

Pagoda products are shipped direct, in full container loads, via an FOB China port or a door-to-door service. Pagoda can also ‘own brand’ its furniture ranges if order quantities are sufficient. 

Extreme Lounging is the home of the original B-Bag and is introducing a new take on bean bags that combines style and comfort to create the perfect seating both outdoors and indoors. Its lifestyle range incorporates seating, lighting, accessories and now the ideal bed for four-legged friends.

All are made Britain with the same commitment to quality as all its products. Weatherproofed, UV resistant, double stitched and super cosy. Every Extreme Lounging product is designed with true comfort in mind. 

With a product range encompassing everything from reproduction antiques to garden furniture and accessories, Minster Stylish Living is no ordinary supplier.

A family concern set in the delightful Nottinghamshire market and minster town of Southwell, Minster Stylish Living was established in 1978.

The business has enjoyed a natural, sustained and steady growth since then, developing and consolidating trade links across Europe, India and the Far East.

Minster Stylish Living today imports direct and supplies to companies of all sizes throughout Europe an unrivalled selection of elegant, fine quality and often unusual furnishing accessories.

In-line with the growing demand for more contemporary materials and styling, Bramblecrest’s 2023/4 ranges feature even more options of aluminium finishes, teak touches, and synthetic rope accents.

With equal focus on form, function, and the future, Bramblecrest believes in creating garden furniture made for all spaces, styles, and seasons. Since its beginning in 2000, it has consistently chosen the best materials, for the best reasons. As a result, its ranges combine the complete outdoor living look desired by its customers, with sustainable options the environment needs.

Understanding that relaxing outdoors requires the same ease and enjoyment of being indoors, Bramblecrest has applied its trusted standards to the design, comfort and practicality of each sofa, dining, and lounging set, resulting in seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor living. With the addition of fire pits, accessories and complementary scatter cushions, this latest collection delivers all-round style for the year ahead.

Have you thought about becoming a member of the Leisure & Outdoor Furniture Association?

It is important to have the support of a trade association which promotes your business and helps you grow. 

We welcome manufacturers and suppliers of garden furniture through to BBQ's and everything in between. Our aim is to make every member feel supported, informed, and inspired.

Find out more at https://lofa.co.uk/

CHARITY PARTNERS

LOFA is excited to partner with charities that work tirelessly in order to help improve the lives of those within and connected to our industry. 

We hope by working together, we can increase awareness for these great causes while raising valuable funds so they may continue their important work! 

Perennial – Helping people in horticulture for over 180 years, Perennial is the UK’s only charity dedicated to helping everyone who works or has worked within the horticultural industry. 

www.perennial.org.uk

Thrive – They use gardening to bring positive changes in the lives of people living with disabilities or ill health, or who are isolated, disadvantaged or vulnerable. 

www.thrive.org.uk

Greenfingers – Creating magical gardens for children in hospices. 

www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk

COMMERCIAL PARTNERS 

LANDSCAPE Show – A trade event dedicated to qualified garden designers, landscape architects, architects, architectural technologists and contractors. It is a platform to network and source market-leading products to use in high end projects worldwide.

www.landscapeshow.co.uk

BBQ Magazine – This fire, food and outdoor living publication has the perfect synergy with SOLEX in that we are both industry led, we are both passionate about outdoor living and cooking outdoors.

The BBQ Magazine will be supporting our Loving Outdoor Living Zone, this area will be showcasing  premier brands and products in their natural environment and cooking up some tasty treats for visitors to sample during the show.

Check out www.thebbqmag.com for more information.

LANDSCAPE is established as the essential trade event for discerning landscape and garden designers and provides the ideal platform to showcase leading trend products, connect with peers and learn about new developments from those working at the top of their field.

Alongside the exhibition itself, LANDSCAPE hosts 40 CPD accredited seminars as well as interviews with respected professionals, networking drinks and lots of additional exclusive features. Learn more and visit LANDSCAPE’s Show Garden display at SOLEX.

A wide range of innovative grills that simple to use, high-performing and ergonomically-designed will be part of Char-Broil’s product line up at SOLEX. 

Many feature Char-Broil’s patented TRU‑Infrared™ Technology ensuring perfectly even heat distribution, no flare-ups, and barbecued food that has never been this juicy! Taste the results for yourself in Love Outdoor Living area where Char-Broil’s BBQ expert Hilary from @bbqlads will be demonstrating the superb grilling performances of Char-Broil’s top grills.

On the stand you’ll also be able to view recent innovations such as the award-winning SMART-E fully-electric plug-in grill with its combination of Smart Precision for precise temperature control, super-fast heat up times, TRU‑Infrared™ Technology and brilliant Auto Clean for hassle-free cleaning.  

An innovation in outdoor cooking that takes food to a whole new level. Ten striking colours, as a beautiful focal point in any garden design. 

Made in Britain to live and cook outdoors all year round - whatever the food, whatever the occasion, whatever the season. And new to the Charlie family for 2023 are the Cheeky Charlie tabletop oven, the Charlie Professional for commercial kitchens and the beautiful Charlie outdoor kitchen island unit.

As well as 10 new products, KETTLER is also announcing some new partnerships and additions to its hugely popular Palma range. 

The new products embrace the trends of indoor-outdoor living, creating a seamless transition from the home to an outdoor space with a mix of materials with stylish and sophisticated designs.

New products from the popular Cozze brand include affordable, mix and match pizza ovens, electric grills, planchas and outdoor kitchens for. 

The company is also showcasing the Tenderflame range. Describes as the world’s cleanest and safest ambient flame, it is set to revolutionise the way flames are used indoors and outdoors.

Pit Boss® and Louisiana Grills by Dansons turn up the heat at SOLEX 2023 with the Bigger, Hotter, Heavier® product and brand mentality. 

Dansons is a full-service barbecue provider, offering wood pellet, gas, charcoal, and combination-fuelled grills, barbecues, smokers, and portable grills, all designed in house with quality and authenticity at the heart. Within its brands you will also find full lines of griddles, pellet fuel, accessories and spices. 

Offering a range of price points and technology features, Dansons has something for everyone, from the amateur back garden Griller to the professional Pitmaster.

Bigger, Hotter, Heavier®.

RotoSpa, the UK’s only hot tub manufacturer is a family business, established more than 20 years ago. Supplying thousands of hot tubs across the UK and Europe, it can help retailers unlock new revenue streams with strong marging.

Offering maximum quality and unbeatable value for money, RotoSpa hot tubs boast low running costs and the best energy saving features on the market.

Built to last, RotoSpa hot tubs are truly portable and have been designed to fit through doors and be repositioned so they can be moved to different locations.

Guaranteed to last a lifetime, the hot tubs are also 100% recyclable.

Daro is celebrating 50 years of creating luxury furniture and soft furnishings for the home and garden, and this year won the ‘Best outdoor/garden furniture supplier’ in the Big Furniture Group Supplier Awards.

Daro strives to provide quality products and excellent customer service to its stockists across the UK and is proud of its soft furnishing division in Derbyshire where cushions are manufactured on a made-to-order basis, providing extensive choice and the opportunity to create bespoke furniture sets.

Daro offers flexible choice and supply options with bespoke capabilities.

Alongside the Daro Collections, the company is proud to be working with Laura Ashley in its 70^th anniversary year to design and manufacture a range of outdoor and indoor furniture ranges featuring iconic Laura Ashley fabrics.

Innovators International takes great pride in presenting our new Milano, Rovin and Tuscany ranges.

Designed and created with a focus on the textures used, the new range combines the rustic look and feel of rope or rattan alongside a smooth ceramic tile top, encased in a solid aluminium frame. This combination creates a stunning final look to compliment any garden space. Customer comfort has also been a focus, with luxurious thick cushions available in two colours.

Across the ranges are lounge, bistro, dining and bar sets – perfect for any occasion.

One of the leading UK suppliers of outdoor furniture and accessories, Pacific is proud to provide quality, stylish products with exceptional sales support for trade customers.  

At SOLEX it will be showcasing its new ranges and competitive pricing structure, providing superb quality along with a breadth of outdoor living solutions for the trade.

Pacific’s outdoor living collection includes a range of outdoor furniture, manufactured from a variety of quality sustainable materials.

In addition, it offers exclusive Platinum Parasols, sunshades and sails, alongside Cosi Fire Pits and lanterns. Alongside is the breathable Aerocover range providing year-round protection for all garden furniture and accessories.

Glencrest’s versatile Ashbury Collection combine’s superior comfort and durability. The sturdy, yet light-weight powder-coated aluminium frames with sumptuous, dark grey showerproof cushions, provide easy-care elegance that will last for years.

With its versatile furniture options, the Ashbury Collection is perfect for creating a beautiful, cohesive outdoor living area.

This flexible range of furniture including sun loungers, bistro sets, sofas, height adjustable dining, cleverly designed fire pits and a creative cube set, optimise a home and garden environment perfect for all year alfresco living.

CharBroil, Bramblecrest, Lifestyle Appliances, LifestyleGarden, Tramontina and Kamado were the winners in the Solex 2023 Awards, presented this evening at the NEC.

The judges were:

• Pravin Patel, LOFA Chairman
• Alyn Williams, Zest, LOFA Council Member
• Marcus Bawden, The BBQ School
• Chris McCormack, Leisure Plan
• Stephen Davis, Southsea Deckchairs, LOFA Council Member
• James Storey, PlanetMark

Best Small Stand

Winner: CharBroil

Second: Broil King

Third: Bushbeck

Best Large Stand

Winner: Bramblecrest

Second: 4 Seasons Outdoors

Third equal: Hex Living and Alexander Rose

Best Individual Product 

Winner: Lifestyle Appliances Power Pack (wins £1k marketing in GTN)

Best Sustainable Product

Winner: LifestyleGarden Onyx Chair (wins £1k marketing in GTN)

Second: CharBroil e-Grill

Third: Lifestyle Appliances Power Pack

Best Furniture Product

Winner: Tramontina Mood Lounge Set - £2k marketing in GTN

Second: LifestyleGarden Onyx Chair

Best BBQ Product – Marketing package with BBQ Magazine

Winnner: Kamado Joe Konnected Joe

Second: LeisureGrow Smash Grill

Third: LeisureGrow Legacy 4 Burner BBQ

The New Product Award entries were judged on the first day of SOLEX 2023.

The judges were:

• Pravin Patel, LOFA Chairman
• Alyn Williams, Zest, LOFA Council Member
• Marcus Bawden, The BBQ School
• Chris McCormack, Leisure Plan
• Stephen Davis, Southsea Deckchairs, LOFA Council Member
• James Storey, PlanetMark

Below is a list of the entries:

See our gallery of pictures below...

Greenfingers Charity were presented with a cheque for £10,000 from LOFA on the first day of SOLEX.

Boyd Douglas-Davies, on behalf of Greenfingers Charity, received the donation from Gina Hinde, LOFA’s marketing manager and organiser of SOLEX.

As the exhibitors make the finishing touches to their stands in Hall 5 of the NEC for SOLEX 2023, the SOLEX SUN brings you a photographic sneak preview of the show that opens at 9am tomorrow (Monday 10th July) and runs through to Wednesday 12th July.

Register here to attend.

See our gallery of pictures from build-up below and see you here in the morning!

GTN July 2023 SOLEX 2023 Preview. In this issue: Welcome to Solex 2023, Horticultures' voice at the Houses of Parliament, Plants take centre stage at the National Plant Show, Colour and Cushions in Cologne at spoga + gafa, AMES Celebrate the art of possible, New and imaginative at BBC GW Live, SOLEX 2023 Exhibitor News: Firepits UK, Tramontina, HEX Living, LeisureGrow, Cheeky Charlie, Pagoda, Lifestyle, Char-Broil, LifestyleGarden, Extreme Lounging, Minster Stylish Living, Garden Furniture Global, Dansons, Bramblecrest, RotoSpa, Innovators International, Daro, Glencrest, Pacific, Kettler, New sales concepts from LifestyleGarden, Zest win again at GIMA Charity Golf Day, Creative merchandising for plants – GTN Planteria, Talking to Government and New Plants – HTA Column.