Record-breaking SOLEX is buzzing with activity
A record number of exhibitors attracted high volumes of visitors to the first day of SOLEX at the NEC with organiser Phil Gibbs admitting that Hall 5 was buzzing with activity. Phil said: "We've had more visitors today than we did on the first day last year."
A record number of exhibitors attracted high volumes of visitors to the first day of SOLEX at the NEC with organiser Phil Gibbs admitting that Hall 5 was buzzing with activity.
"The exhibition is looking fantastic and there is a buzz about the place," said Phil.
"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.
"We've had more visitors today than we did on the first day last year."
To register your place for SOLEX click here For more information about SOLEX visit the exhibition website at http://www.lofa.co.uk/solex/home.html
Catch all the news in the SOLEX SUN
The Garden Trade News team is at SOLEX to bring coverage of the event for special editions of the e-newsletter SOLEX SUN. You'll see us around the show and we will be based by the Solex helpdesk in the exhibition hall.
The Garden Trade News team is at SOLEX to bring coverage of the event for special editions of the e-newsletter SOLEX SUN. You'll see us around the show and we will be based by the Solex helpdesk in the exhibition hall.
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 this live preview edition on the eve of the show, SOLEX SUN will be published again live from the show on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 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 or mike.wyatt@tgcmc.co.uk
SOLEX SUN is a great opportunity to add to any awareness campaign and to promote offers for 2016 and 2076. To advertise contact mandy.davies@tgcmc.co.uk
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SOLEX useful facts and figures
- SOLEX is taking place in Hall 5 of the NEC in Birmingham.
- The exhibition is open for three days – Tuesday and Wednesday, July 5-6, 9am to 5.30pm; and Thursday, July 7, 9am to 5pm.
- There are large car parks at the NEC, and parking will be free
SOLEX is taking place in Hall 5 of the NEC in Birmingham.
The exhibition is open for three days – Tuesday and Wednesday, July 5-6, 9am to 5.30pm; and Thursday, July 7, 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 information about SOLEX visit the exhibition website at http://www.lofa.co.uk/solex/home.html
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Brundle Gardener picked up the Best New Product Award for their range of fireballs.
The judges - HTA CEO Carol Paris and former LOFA chairman Eric Hopper - were impressed with the design of the fireballs.
"These fireballs, which have London landmarks featured in the designs, will look great when lit," said Carol. "They are a fantastic design and worthy winners of the New Product Award."
The Best New Product Award was presented by Paul Bevington, chairman of LOFA.
Paul Smith, of Brundle Gardener, said: "This has come right out of the blue. The London skyline fireball is already doing really well in London garden centres. We are looking at providing designs for other cities."
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Extreme Lounging scooped the Best Stand at SOLEX and the team received their trophy from Paul Bevington, chairman of LOFA, on the first day of the show.
Judge Carol Paris said: "The standard of this year's SOLEX stands is very high. We liked the fact that the Extreme Lounging stand was different and modern looking, and also allowed the product - the B Bag to be showed off in all its glory."
Joe Shrimpton, of Extreme Lounging, said: "We've invested a lot in the stand and to win this award makes it all worthwhile. We have a fabulous product and we wanted to show it off – for the judges to feel we've achieved our goal is very satisfying."
Above: Joe Shrimpton of Extreme Lounging receives his award from Paul Bevington.
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Two new retailing awards presented at SOLEX
Two new retailing awards have been presented on the first day of SOLEX. The BBQ Retailer of the Year went to the BBQ Barn in Kent and the Furniture Retailer of the Year was won by Webbs of Wychbold (pictured right, receiving their award from Paul Bevington)...
Two new retailing awards have been presented on the first day of SOLEX - the BBQ Retailer of the Year and the Furniture Retailer of the Year.
The BBQ Retailer of the Year was awarded to the BBQ Barn, from Sidcup in Kent, while the Furniture Retailer of the Year went to Webbs of Wychbold.
"We decided to introduce these awards to enhance the co-operation between suppliers and retailers," said SOLEX organiser Phil Gibbs.
As well as their trophies, the two winners also received £500 each to spend on a staff night out.
John Whelan, the owner of the BBQ Barn, said: "This is a fantastic award to receive. We pride ourselves on customer service and providing a great range of products.
Above: John Whelan of BBQ Barn receives his award from Paul Bevington.
Above: Webbs of Wychbold receive their award for Best Furniture Retailer from Paul Bevington.
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Kettler has announced a new partnership with the Royal Horticultural Society at SOLEX.
Continuing to leads the way in quality and design, Kettler has created a range of both undoor and outdoor products that reflect the RHS style and heritage.
Available in wicker and wood, and currently on sale in selected garden centres and John Lewis stores, products include benches and recliners, as well as companion, lounge and dining furniture sets.
Available this year in teak in its natural colour and acacia in a sage colour, Kettler will be adding to the collection with a range of RHS wicker products. Classic and timeless in design, the durable products are available with a two-year warranty for the teak products and 12 months warranty for all acacia products.
The furniture sets are enhanced with bhigh quality box design cushions with detailed RHS stitching, and tailored protective covers are also available.
Paul Bevington, Managing Director at Kettler, said: "It's great to showcase our new partnership with the Royal Horticultural Society at SOLEX this year. It's a prestigious brand and we feel we've developed elegant and stylish garden furniture products that reflect this."
Visitors to SOLEX can see a selection of the new RHS products on Kettler's stand 510.
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Extreme Lounging is a relatively new brand on the market offering a unique seating solution – the B Bag.
Designed and made in the UK by Steve and Joe Shrimpton at their factory in Yorkshire, the product offers a stylish and colourful alternative to outdoor seating, and provides the ultimate in comfort.
Extreme Lounging has employed the services of Jo McDonald, the former Director of Sales at Weber UK.
"I think the B Bag is fantastic," said Jo. "The product has got fantastic potential and has been brilliantly received by visitors to our SOLEX stand," added Jo, pictured below.
So how did the B Bag come about? To Steve Shrimpton, a man who had built a successful textiles company from the ground up, being asked by his son Tim to make him a beanbag was something he took in his stride. His first attempt was a small narrow seat designed for Tim to use while studying.
However, Tim wasn’t impressed. He wanted something bigger. Something that would wrap around him. So Steve made a bigger seat. But still, Tim wasn’t satisfied. It needed to be even bigger.
Attempt number three was the largest seat Steve had ever made. He dutifully presented it to his son, half-expecting another rejection. Only this time he got the response he wanted. Tim loved it. And Steve recognised that they had created something quite special.
Over the next few months, Tim and his friends put the new seat though its paces, enjoying it to the maximum. And Steve’s thoughts turned to doing something more with the design.
Working with brand designer, Phil Chapman, Steve perfected the product and developed a name, a logo and an ethos. And B-bag was born. Now, with his eldest son Joe pushing the company to a whole new level, and the continued help from Phil, Extreme Lounging is putting B-bags into homes and businesses all over the world.
Extreme Lounging are on stand 310.
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Award-winning Zest 4 Leisure unveiled an impressive range of new products on their stand at SOLEX today.
The GIMA 2015 award winners introduced dinning sets, picnic tables, outdoor table sets and BBQ shelters, all a part of the new range for the 2017 season.
The Zest 4 Leisure Alex Picnic Table
The classic picnic table has taken an unconventional approach in the Alex with its octagonal shaped table top.
Perfect for entertaining a bigger party, the Alex Octagon Picnic table can comfortably seat up to 8 people. The Octagon shape allows for extra leg room whilst still offering an intimate dining environment.
Bahama Oval Table & Four Stool Set
The Bahama Oval Table and stools make for a sturdy and attractive outdoor furniture set. Suitable for evening entertainment or a relaxing afternoon event, the oval table combined with the Bahama bar will create a laid back and sophisticated setting for guests to enjoy.
The Dover Arbour
The Dover Arbour is perfect for unwinding in the comfort of your garden, whatever the weather. The solid and sturdy roof panels provide a cosy shelter, complete with a seat storage box with a lifting lid, ideal for items to be tidied out of view. A great product for those who enjoy relaxing in a peaceful environment.
The Philippa
The Philippa is ideal for those after a contemporary and elegant outdoor dining experience. Complete with two side benches, it also includes two extra wide chairs to help cater for a larger number of guests.
The chunky legs combined with the sleek lines provide a stylish and refreshing outdoor setting that’s perfect for al fresco dining.
Sophie Bistro Set
A handy addition to any garden or patio, the Sophia Bistro Set makes for a convenient, easy to store option when it comes to outdoor relaxation. The small yet sturdy folding table and 2 chairs provides an intimate setting, perfect for a spot of tea and a slice of cake outdoors.An orginial classic from the Zest family, the Folding Seat to Table garden product will prove very popular with its multi-use feature. Disguised as a solid yet comfortable bench, this product can be easlily transformed into a classic picnic table with one simple movement. A space saver in any garden.
 
Imogen Bench to Table
An orginial classic from the Zest family, the Folding Seat to Table garden product will prove very popular with its multi-use feature. Disguised as a solid yet comfortable bench, this product can be easlily transformed into a classic picnic table with one simple movement. A space saver in any garden.
Norfolk Arbour
The Norfolk Arbour is a beautifully designed product perfect for those who enjoy sitting in the sun with a little shelter. This pretty arbour with the trellis panels is an ideal spot to relax and unwind at the end of a busy day. Along with its beauty it also provides practicality as it comes complete with an underseat storeage box and lid.
Zest 4 Lesiure are on stand 240.
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At around £400 per chair and £3,000 for a 3m by 1m table, the new Monterey collection from Barlow Tyrie (stand 315) is clearly targeting top-end domestic and commercial consumers – but you’re getting unique design features that will appeal to the style-conscious. The collection is beautifully crafted with most joints dry-fitted without glue in Grade A teak that needs no oiling yet and will weather naturally to the traditional silver grey of the world’s most popular hardwood. The sling seats and backs are exclusive to Barlow Tyrie and made from a soft ‘rope’ of Textilene and Olifen. The Monterey tabletop is a wipe-clean scratch- and stain-resistant ceramic tile available in a choice of colours (ivory in our pictures).  The collection was designed by director Mark Tyrie (pictured), the company’s chief designer.
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Kadai are seeing tremendous growth in firebowls and their recycled designs are proving to be a top seller.
Owner Christo Mckinnon-Wood said: "The Kadai Firebowl idea was discovered over 10 years ago on one of my frequent buying trips to Rajasthan quite by accident on a cold January evening.
"Previously, these fabulous riveted bowls had been used for cooking huge feasts across India at festivals and weddings. Now given a new lease of life, they are rapidly becoming a household name as the best firebowl-barbecue combination on the market with a range of award-winning accessories.
"The majority of our products are made using recycled materials, mild steel and Mango wood. Our aim is to create and design leading products that will stand the test of time, as well as minimising our impact on the environment."
Kadai are on stand 250.
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Napoleon (stand 120) launched a brand new range of gas barbecues called Rogue at Solex today. Three new grills make up the range; the R425, R425SB and R425SIB, all using liquid propane. New, sleek styling is their trademark. Features common to all include three bottom burners, folding side shelves for easy storage, dual level stainless steel sear plates, WAVE™ cooking grates, Napoleon’s JETFIRE™ ignition system and ACCU-PROBE™ temperature gauge. The R425 has three burners, the R425SB has a fourth which is a range side burner, both come with a black porcelain enamelled finish. They have porcelain-coated cast iron reversible channel cooking grates and a large single door storage cupboard. An optional, detachable storage basket is available for both models. The R425SIB comes in stainless steel only. It has a larger cooking area and its fourth burner is an infrared SIZZLE ZONE™. It also has a detachable storage basket, stainless steel cooking grates and a double-door storage cupboard.
 Martin Sobey, UK Sales Manager (above), said: “Rogue combines the features of our most popular Triumph and LE lines, with some of the refinements and build quality of our Prestige and Prestige PRO premium ranges. It offers features sometimes only seen on larger models but at a more entry level size. We believe it is a combination which will prove very attractive with prices from £549.99.” The LE3 has been the company’s biggest volume seller over the past year – while in value terms, the £3,000 Prestige Pro 665 is leader of the pack.
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Woodlodge diversify into outdoor living
Woodlodge (stand 255) have made their first foray beyond the pots and planters category into outdoor living with a range that includes competitively-priced garden furniture, outdoor heating, firepits and barbecues...
Woodlodge (stand 255) have made their first foray beyond the pots and planters category into outdoor living with a range that includes competitively-priced garden furniture, outdoor heating, firepits and barbecues... Director Michael Woolridge says the move is in response to customer demand. “We are delivering to garden centres all over the country the whole time and many of them have been asking us about this,” he told SOLEX sun. “So we have designed a range of products that does not compete directly with what is already out there but extends the choice for retailers.” The starting point for the new range was Woodlodge’s popular Heritage Garden range of planters, now extended into a wider lifestyle theme. Two styles of furniture are currently offered – cast metal bistro-style sets and a rustic wood range.
In the picture: Michael Woolridge and marketing manager Eliza Nicholas, on the stand with some of the new bespoke firepits.
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The new Pizzaro pizza oven created a high degree of interest on the Gardeco stand (100) on the first day of the show.
It's a traditional clay domed pizza oven. You simply light the fire directly in the oven, and the draft of the chimney will take the smoke out while the dome will keep the heat in.
It heats up in 20 to 30 minutes and you can cook two to three pizzas before refuelling.
The oven is made of Chimalin AFC, a crack-resistant clay unique to Gardeco, and comes with a five-year warranty against thermal shock.
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Pots and planters specialists Cadix were rushed off their feet as soon as the the show opened today as their re-entry into the outdoor furniture market attracted a stream of interested buyers. The collection has a contemporary ‘industrial’ chic that managing director Kate Ebbens (below) says is designed to dovetail with the company’s distinctive style of planters. The materials used range from a lightweight resin that mimmicks the look of their original Terrazzo designs (now re-introduced) but without the weight, to a new combination of cement and resin in a chunky robust tabletop with an attractive ‘stone’ finish.
 Kate believes the designs fill a gap in the market – and the feedback today suggest she was right.
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Visitors to the La Hacienda stand (115) were impressed with the Firebox BBQ pizza oven.
Director John Goodwin said a lot of interest had been shown in the product, which can be used on both gas and charcoal barbecues.
The oven is simply placed on top of the barbecue and a 12-inch pizza will be cooked in minutes.
It's light and portable, and carry handles and its size makes for easy storage.
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Supremo (stand 520) launched stylish range of furniture at SOLEX today made from a remarkable new material that looks like top-quality wood but is actually made from…rice husks. While the material, called Resysta, has the aesthetic appeal of wood, it has none of the drawbacks. It has high mechanical strength, does not crack, fade or decay and is sustainable. The only raw materials used are rice husks (60%), common salt (22%) and mineral oil (18%), combined in a top-secret process to create a genuinely low-maintenance alternative to wood. While Resysta is used elsewhere for decking and flooring, Supremo is the first company to employ it in garden furniture.
Resysta director Rene de Jong (above, with three flasks containing the only ingredients) was at SOLEX today to tell stand visitors all about it. “It is truly sustainable because rice is used all over the world so there is a steady supply of raw material,” he said. "This is definitely the material of the future."
The 'wood' required for garden furniture is currently made in Indonesia, where the furniture itself is manufactured. See the complete Resysta collection on the Supremo stand.
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On the first day of SOLEX, Primus unveiled CampFire – a new collection of portable double burner stoves, 18/8 stainless steel pots and high quality accessories for the camping, outdoor and garden markets.
Visit stand 720 to discuss CampFire with members of Primus’ sister company Rosker Ltd - one of the longest established distributors of Primus that offers a comprehensive UK-based supply, after-sales and marketing support programme.
Cadac, the South African barbecue company, has revamped the much admired BraaiMaxx and revised the retail price.
The award-winning BraaiMaxx is a revolution in outdoor cooking, with two independent cooking areas that allow interchangeable cooking surfaces to be used, two at a time.
Six Cadac modular drop-in cooking surfaces are included and each burner has a flame failure device.
Easy to use and simple to clean, the BraaiMaxx offers unparalleled flexibility and is the choice of many professionals.
Information www.cadac.uk.com
0333 2000 363 info@cadacuk.com
Furniture for the rough and tumble of commercial usage
Leisurebench’s Tolix Style range is made from extra thick plate for commercial strength and durability. Unlike most on the market, the steel has been electrogalvanised before powder coating. The galvanising helps to prevent rust, even if the outer powder coating is damaged...
Leisurebench’s Tolix Style range is made from extra thick plate for commercial strength and durability. Unlike most on the market, the steel has been electrogalvanised before powder coating. The galvanising helps to prevent rust, even if the outer powder coating is damaged.
The chairs can be mixed and matched and are stackable. There is a choice of blue, grey and red colours (size w44 x d45 x h85cm). The table is grey (w80 x d80 x h75cm.
ISOTOP table tops are new thin edge sleek designs with an elegant and comfortable smooth satin finish that will match any decoration and are new additions to our range. Resistant to all types of weather conditions, scratches, cigarette burns and stains, they are also dampproof and heavy enough to withstand gusts of wind. The table top is also customisable with digital printing.
www.leisurebench.co.uk
01949 869511
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Char-Broil and Dancook (Stand 335) are showcasing more than 12 new products. Centre stage is the new-to-market Char-Broil T-22G gas barbecue, which has just received a Which? Best Buy.
 Char-Broil, a family-based US company, has been making barbecues since 1948 and offers a brand portfolio of gas and charcoal grills plus the Big Easy SRG – an all-in-one smoker, roaster and grill – plus a comprehensive range of matching grill accessories.
The company is also an innovator in infrared cooking technology. Its industry-leading TRU-Infrared™ ensures an even distribution of heat every time, without flare-ups and locks in flavours.
Ian Railton, Char-Broil and Dancook’s European MD believes the Which? Best Buy proves that Char-Broil technology makes a real difference to the cooking and flavour of barbecued food. “Our Char-Broil and Dancook ranges for 2017 are set to be our strongest yet,” he said.
The Dancook range is founded on the Danish tradition of cooking outdoors. The simple, unique products are manufactured in solid materials in a stylish design.
For more information visit www.charbroil.co.uk or call 01993 705217.
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Fallen Fruits have unveiled the latest additions to their popular Fancy Flames collection at SOLEX.
Incorporating everything from candles and tealights to chimineas and firepits, the collection brings together traditional and contemporary design influences to create a range of products and accessories united by a ‘living flames’ theme.
 Recent additions include a traditional heavy duty Dutch oven, rustic steel fire bowl – a bold centrepiece for a patio or barbecue area – and the innovative barbecue table, which can be transformed from grill to funky bar-style table.
MD Michael Hall says the collection will appeal to style-savvy consumers who just want to enjoy their outdoor space.
“The recent additions complement the existing range perfectly and provide great gift options for garden lovers, social butterflies and even keen campers.”
RRPs range from £2.99 for a set of small citronella garden torches to £599 for an extra large wood store.
Fallen Fruits are on stand 450. Information 01584 873377.
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Quality and value are the hallmarks of the Pagoda ranges of rattan, steel, aluminium and Textilene products that will be on display, along with the company’s new barbecues.
Utilising the buying expertise of its offices in Chinas, the company has been able to reduce its prices on the Toulouse rattan range, making it even more affordable while maintaining quality.
All products are inspected after initial production to ensure that they meet exacting standards, and again when production is completed, using in-house inspectors who check to accepted international AQL standards.
Pagoda @ Munro Importers (stand 445).
Click to see gallery of pictures
Garden Trade News were at the NEC early on Monday to capture all the action from the build-up to the three-day SOLEX, which started today (Tuesday). See the picture gallery below...
To register for your place at SOLEX click here
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