Culcita stand is a big attraction on first day of SOLEX
With over 40 years experience in the garden furniture industry, Culcita is committed to providing its customers with high quality products and great customer care. And the Irish company's range certainly impressed visitors to the opening day of SOLEX at the NEC...
 With over 40 years experience in the garden furniture industry, Culcita is committed to providing its customers with high quality products and great customer care. And the Irish company's range certainly impressed visitors to the opening day of SOLEX at the NEC.
The Culcitta collections have a variety of styles that suit all outdoor settings, and are based on design and comfort. From the elegant cast collection to the contemporary wood range, there is something for every need.
The ranges being shown at SOLEX are ideal for dining alfresco. They will enhance any outdoor space, encouraging families and friends to gather round for a relaxing time. Culcita have a full range of products and accessories to make outdoor living a very satisfying and pleasant experience.
The Port Ross collection has been endorsed by Irish celebrity chef Kevin Dundon, who has chosen some of the Glenmore sets for his beautiful period Dunbrody Country House Hotel. This is a stylish and durable contemporary set that sits comfortably in any outdoor setting.
Culcita has also become known for setting trends in its colours and designs, so a visit to the company's stand (430) is a not-to-be-missed opportunity at SOLEX.
More from Culcita in tomorrow's SOLEX SUN.
Culcita's managing director Paschal Bolger on the stand at SOLEX.
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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."
SOLEX useful facts and figures
- SOLEX takes place in Hall 5 of the NEC in Birmingham.
- The exhibition is open for another two days – Tuesday 9am to 5.30pm, and Wednesday 9am to 5pm.
- There are large car parks at the NEC, and parking will be free
SOLEX takes place in Hall 5 of the NEC in Birmingham. The exhibition is open for another two days – Tuesday 9am to 5.30pm, and Wednesday 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
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Swiss Grill managing director John Cooper made quite a noise at SOLEX today by employing an alpine horn player to draw visitors to the company's stand (350).
Frances Jones from Reading is a professional player and she certainly made an impression...and a noise...throughout Hall 5.
John, who became MD at Swiss Grill three months ago, said: "I wanted to find something, or someone, to draw the visitors on to our stand, and Frances has certainly done that with her alpine horn playing.
"I wanted to make a song and dance about our stand, and as I wasn't prepared to sing or dance myself, Frances seemed the best option."
After leaving Weber just over a year ago, John carried out consultancy work before joining Swiss Grill.
"I took this new role at Swiss Grill because I think the company has got great potential. It's a great brand as the name alone conjures up quality, professionalism and outdoor living. There is so much opportunity.
"We're using SOLEX to get as much input as possible from retailers on several prototype models, as well as show them new barbecues like the Zug, our smallest model named after the smallest county in Switzerland."
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Bellagio UK take wraps off new Supremo branding
Bellagio stockists at SOLEX yesterday were introduced to a new name for the brand - Supremo Leisure...
Above: Hannah relaxes in a three-seater sofa from Supremo's new Eton lounge dining range.
Bellagio stockists at SOLEX yesterday were introduced to a new name for the brand - Supremo Leisure.
The Telford-based company believe the new ID will them a distinctive image in the market and and add clarity for the consumer. In addition to popular ranges that will be familiar to buyes, there are new collections and new colours, with a a major emphasis on the lounge dining.
The trend towards lounger dining – in effect, bringing indoor dining to the outdoor space without loss of convenience or comfort – has been accelerating and Supremo is gearing up to take advantage of it. "We believe it's the future," a spokesman told SOLEX Sun, "and we're very excited about our new sets."
Prominent on the stand are the Eton resin weave lounge dining sets, with tables boasting an easy-clean glass stone inlay and weave in wintage white. Cushions can be ordered in a choice of colours.
New cushion colours were also unveiled for the contemporary Cannes aluminium range, which includes a hammock.
Above: new cushion colours for the Supremo (formerly Bellagio UK) Cannes aluminium sets.
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Garden Glows range from SunTime lights up SOLEX
One of SunTime's great successes so far this year has been the introduction of an exclusive range of designer solar lights, and the Garden Glows range certainly lit up the first day of SOLEX.
One of SunTime's great successes so far this year has been the introduction of an exclusive range of designer solar lights, and the Garden Glows range certainly lit up the first day of SOLEX. Garden Glows is a range of solar powered, coloured glass ornaments; that catch the light throughout the day and twinkle into the evening.
Made from an attractive iron and glass construction, they are also available as windchimes and thermometers and offer a low cost add-on to complement any of SunTime's garden furniture range.
To see the full SunTime range at SOLEX visit stand 530.
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The new Cornfield Weave range of furniture, part of the stylish LIFE collection, is already proving to be a big hit for Norfolk Leisure on stand 220.
New to market and born out of creativity and innovation, LIFE is the latest inspiring and stylish outdoor furniture range to get excited about.
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 seat cushions boast a totally unique and scientifically tested design that lets rain pass straight through. This allows them to dry extremely quickly compared with conventional cushions.
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Kettler has revealed an exciting new collection for the 2015 season, including an addition to its landmark Casual Dining range.
The company has introduced Madrid to the hugely successful Casual Dining collection, reinforcing its position as the home of outdoor furniture that combines dining and relaxing.
Available in both whitewash and rattan, Madrid is a curved corner set with a rounded-edge table, and comfortably seats eight to 10 people with a corner sofa, armchair and bench.
Its mid-height glass-top table makes it part of the versatile Casual Dining range that has proved to be so popular with retailers and consumers.
Kettler also unveiled an exciting new retailer support package developed to help customers grow their casual dining sales even further in 2015, with the original team behind this market-changing concept.
Kettler is on stand 505
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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 live preview edition on the eve of the show, SOLEX SUN will be published again live from the show 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 and 2015. To advertise contact pat.flynn@tgcmc.co.uk or mandy.atkin@tgcmc.co.uk
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SOLEX Awards to be announced at The Greatest Awards Party
The Best New Product award and the Best Stand accolade at SOLEX – judged by Howard Barnett, Jonathan Hindle and Diarmuid Gavin (pictured below) – will this year be announced at The Greatest Awards Presentation Party being held at the National Motorcycle Museum this evening (Monday)...
The Best New Product award and the Best Stand accolade at SOLEX – judged by Howard Barnett, Jonathan Hindle and Diarmuid Gavin (pictured below) – will this year be announced at The Greatest Awards Presentation Party being held at the National Motorcycle Museum this evening (Monday).
The Greatest Awards is organised by Garden Trade News and celebrates everything that's great about garden centre teams. So it's appropriate that the two main SOLEX awards should be announced at the awards presentation evening.
A full report and pictures will be in tomorrow's SOLEX SUN.
Innovators roll out full wood effect range
After a successful 'soft launch' at last year's show, importers Innovators International yesterday unveiled a fully-fledged range of garden furniture made from recycled hi-impct polystyrene...
Above: Winawood furniture from Innovators International.
After a successful 'soft launch' at last year's show, importers Innovators International yesterday unveiled a fully-fledged range of garden furniture made from recycled hi-impct polystyrene.
The line-up includes tables, chairs, love seats and benches, all available in a choice of four colours as well as natural.
The material is manufactured to closely resemble wood in look and weight; solid colour throughout means minor damage during usage can be removed by sanding down.
Innovators say Wionawood has all the aesthetic advantages of wood but with zero maintenance. The benches, at prices similar to teak, are expected to be the mosty popular lines.
Big Fire's search for new stockists hots up...
A father and son team launched a search at SOLEX yesterday for new stockists and distributors for their range of wood-fired leisure products...
Above: Ian and John MacQueen display a Dutch tub on their stand.
Father and son partnership Ian and John MacQueen launched a search at SOLEX yesterday for new stockists and distributors for their range of wood-fired leisure products...
Their Devon-based company, Big Fire, imports premium quality Dutch tubs, ovens, smokers and fire bowls – a market sector they say has remain relatively unaffected through the economic downturn.
Demand is now picking up and they believe the time is right to expand distribution beyond their current online business. They also have a retail shop at Dartington in Southg Devon.
The Dutch tub was their first product, but the range now includes a smart pizza oven (beow) which they believe will open up a new sub-category as al fresco cooks become ever more ambitious.
Above: Ian and John demonstrate their new pizzao oven.
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Boretti Premium Gas Barbecues attract visitors' attention
The Boretti Premium Gas Barbecue being showcased on the Supagrill stand (700) attracted a lot of attention on the first day of SOLEX. Retailing at £3,999, one of the impressive barbecues has been sold to a former England porfessional footballer...
Above: Martin Davies of Raglan Garden Centre admires Boretti's 'outdoor kitchen'.
The Boretti Premium Gas Barbecue being showcased on the Supagrill stand (700) attracted a lot of attention on the first day of SOLEX. Retailing at £3,999, one of the impressive barbecues has been sold to a former England porfessional footballer.
This magnificent outdoor kitchen wouldn't look out of place indoors - it's that good - and is built to the highest standards by Boretti.
Initially, Supagrill ordered 15 of the premium barbeque and they were snapped up by buyers. They are well worth a look on the Supgrill stand and Product Showcase Gallery.
Above: Martin Davies of Raglan Garden Centre admires Boretti's 'outdoor kitchen'.
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Design matters say furniture competition judges
The importance of design in the garden furniture industry was emphasised yesterday by two high profile judges of a student competition organised by Alexander Rose...
Above: winning student Matt Thompspon (purple shirt, centre) with fellow student finalists, their tutors and judges Diarmuid Gavin and Jonathan Hindle on the design competition exhibit at SOLEX today.
The importance of design in the garden furniture industry was emphasised yesterday by two high profile judges of a student competition organised by Alexander Rose...
Celebrity garden designer Diarmuid Gavin and Jonathan Hindle, Master of The Furniture Makers Guild, were at SOLEX to promote the results of the competition. Prototypes of the winning designs by Matt Thompson formed the centrepiece of a special exhibit at the back of Hall 5, where images of designs by the runners-up and finalists were also displayed.
Diarmuid Gavin told SOLEX Sun that design in the garden furniture category had lagged behind indoor furnishings, so the competition was an important step forward. Both he and Joanthan Hindle confessed themselves amazed at the standard of entries and the students' understanding of the complexities of the manufacturing process. "For Matt to see his winning design become a reality is a fantastic opportunity," said Diarmuid.
Joanthan said nurturing good design, often neglected, was an investment in the future of the furnishing industry, which overall is worth £28 billion annually, or 3.7% of GDP.
Above: winning student Matt Thompspon (purple shirt, centre) with fellow student finalists, their tutors and judges Diarmuid Gavin and Jonathan Hindle on the design competition exhibit at SOLEX today.
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Lokkii, Australia's No.1 barbecue fuel, is launching an assault on the UK market.
The fuel is a blend of charcoal and anthracite, which the makers, GHHCL of China, say means it clean burning as well as fast to light. It contains no harmful chemicals of petroleum, which may well; turn out to be one of its key selling points. The packs sport a prominent 'eco-friendly' motif.
Lokkii is the biggest producer of barbecue fuels in China and the brand is also a top seller in Canada.
"We've spent three or four years getting it right before launching it here," said Mark Bungay of Ettay Ltd, Lokkii's UK marketing agent.
The company also supply a range of charcoal bafrbecues and barbecue tools. "The aim is for quality designs at affordable prices," Mark sold SOLEX Sun.
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Napoleon Grills unveil two new premium barbecues
Napoleon Grills have unveiled two new premium barbecues. at SOLEX. The two Prestige PRO models – the Prestige PRO825RSIB and Prestige PRO665RSIB – benefit from significant enhancements and there are major upgrades for two current models.
Napoleon Grills will launch two new premium barbecues. The two Prestige PRO models – the Prestige PRO825RSIB and Prestige PRO665RSIB – benefit from significant enhancements and there are major upgrades for two current models.
UK sales manager Martin Sobey says consumers at the premium end of the market have money to spend on the right tool for the job and appear to have been unaffected by the difficult economic climate. “Napoleon is constantly enhancing and improving its range so it makes sound business sense to develop more premium products for 2015,” he added. The Prestige PRO665 benefits from eight burners, including five stainless steel main burners, an infrared rotisserie burner, an infrared side burner and an integrated smoker tray. With a heat output of up to 99,000 BTUs and a substantial cooking surface, it will retail around £3000. The Prestige PRO825 is dual lidded and benefits from ten burners and real cooking flexibility; four stainless steel main burners, an integrated wood chip smoker, rear infrared rotisserie burner, a dedicated built-in SIZZLE ZONE™ with two infrared bottom burners and a stainless steel tube warming burner in between.
A newly developed side burner combines both an inner circular ceramic infrared burner with an outer flame ring burner for great cooking versatility. It can also accommodate a wok. Heat output is up to 123,000 BTUs and the total grilling area is one of the company’s largest. This top-spec model will retail at around £4,200.
Napoleon Grills are on stand 540.
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Click here to see our full range of pictures
Take a whistle-stop tour with our picture special LIVE from SOLEX 2014
To register for your place at SOLEX click here
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New patio fires from Gardeco
Following consumer demand, Gardeco are reversing the product trend to down-spec patio fire products with the launch of the new Big Fire range of patio fires for Spring 2015...
 Following consumer demand, Gardeco are reversing the product trend to down-spec patio fire products with the launch of the new Big Fire range of patio fires for Spring 2015.
Many users of real patio fires would like to enjoy the extra warmth of a larger fire. Not all patio fires are suited to such large fires. The Gardeco Big Fire label is a stamp of approval for users and a guideline for retailers when making recommendations to end-users.
The various models in the Big Fire range for 2015 include cast iron fire pits as the Maelyss, the Gwell and the Dyran, all new for 2015.
See the Gardeco Big Fire range on stand 100.
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 Exceptional trade demand - prompted by consumers celebrating an early 'Barbecue Spring' - has put a sunny touch to the Solex launch of Outback's new Trekker gas barbecue.
Powered by a 5kg lpg container, and aimed specifically at campers, touring and on-site caravan enthusiasts, and static and motorhome owners, the British-designed barbecue can be assembled in 15 minutes and stowed away in 10. Cooks can choose to use the Trekker's pan stand, reversible frying/ griddle plate or the grill to serve up a variety of menus, while an easy-clean cooking bowl and the griddle’s grease collection channel reduce the washing up. “Outback’s sales in Spring and early Summer saw an unprecedented demand that matched the surge we saw at the end of the season in 2013. Barbecue enthusiasts like to plan ahead, and with a late Easter in view this year they made an early start to making their choice, as they looked forward to outdoor leisure entertaining. "Our success in meeting high-level and rapid Spring and Summer demand from garden centre, in-store and on-line consumers underlines the importance of early trade forecasts and order placement. This in turn enables us, as a major supplier, to effectively service the trade and maximise their sales", said Outback UK International's chief executive Mark Osborne.
Further information from mark@tpagas.com, on 07795 422871, or on Stand 340.
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The Bloomwall eco-friendly vertical modular wall garden for decorative plants or plants can be viewed on the Bambrella stand (200).
Lightweight and self-supporting, the Bloomwall can be built to any height you like, and can be painted any colour with exterior paint.
Cutting and dimensional changes are easy with a simple handsaw and sandpaper.
It's frost-resistant and non flammable, and its high thermal resistance protects plants from extreme heat variations.
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
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
Zest 4 Leisure pair arrive at SOLEX on bikes
Zest 4 Leisure managing director Steve Morgan and key account manager Paul Haynes took the scenic route to SOLEX by cycling from the company's headquarters in Mold, North Wales, to raise money for Alzheimer's Society...
 Zest 4 Leisure managing director Steve Morgan and key account manager Paul Haynes took the scenic route to SOLEX by cycling from the company's headquarters in Mold, North Wales, to raise money for Alzheimer's Society.
The dynamic duo cycled the 200 hundred mile round trip to raise much-needed funds to help fight against dementia.
Sales manager Alwyn Williams and the company's account managers were at the NEC to welcome Steve and Paul.
Later this year Steve and senior manager John Vaughan will be taking part in the Iron Man Challenge in Tenby, South Wales. The pair hope to complete the gruelling course – a 2.4 mile swin, a 112 mile bike ride and a 26.2 mile run – in the time allowance of 17 hours.
If you would like to sponsor the Zest 4 Leisure team's charity efforts visit https://www.justgiving.com/P-A-Fencing-and-Sheds-Ltd3/
Zest 4 Leisure are exhibiting at SOLEX for the first time. The team will be displaying stylish, ergonomically designed timber garden furniture, including dining sets, garden seats, tables, benches and picnic tables. The entire range is manufactured using FSC certified timber and Zest 4 Leisure is committed to supporting the responsible management of the world's forests. With a reputation for qualitty, innovation and outstanding custoimer service, the team is looking forward to meeting lots of news faces at the NEC.
Zest 4 Leisure are on stand 450.
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Campingaz extends its barbecue range
Building on the success of its newly-launched 2014 barbecue range, Campingaz will showcase an updated collection at SOLEX this July. With a model to suit all types of consumer, the barbecues are a result of a multi-million dollar investment by the company and combine advanced technology and features with eye-catching, contemporary designs...
 Building on the success of its newly-launched 2014 barbecue range, Campingaz will showcase an updated collection at SOLEX this July. With a model to suit all types of consumer, the barbecues are a result of a multi-million dollar investment by the company and combine advanced technology and features with eye-catching, contemporary designs.
For 2015, Campingaz has added to the range with an ultra-portable new 1 Series barbecue that is ideal for use on small balconies or while out and about.
The collection is headlined by the premium RBS models which combine Campingaz’ advanced RBS technology housed within a eye-catching design for unparalleled style and performance. Alternatively, consumers can harness the power of cast iron with the 3 and 4 Series Cast Iron, while the 3 and 4 Series Classic and Woody barbecues boast an efficient stainless steel tube burner system paired with a stylish, wooden design.
Budget-conscious consumers are catered for with the compact yet powerful 2 Series Classic range and for when space is at a premium, the 2 Series Compact features a flexible and portable, space-saving design complete with a practical folding trolley. All of the Campingaz barbecue models incorporate several innovative design features, each developed to enhance the user’s barbecuing experience. For increased cooking versatility, several models boast the flexible Culinary Modular Accessory System which allows users to remove the inner ring of the cast iron grid and replace it with a convenient modular insert.
Making it easy to enjoy flavours from all around the world, the Culinary Modular Accessory System includes an optional wok, pizza stone or a paella pan.
Campingaz are on stand 730.
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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. Information: barbecook.com (product details) or premierdec.com (trade contact details) OR 020 8624 5555
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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.
Information 01293 586200
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. Information 01444 258928
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