Eco Fuego, Kadai, Zest, Broil King, HEX Living and Hartman were announced as the winners of the SOLEX 2025 Awards, which were presented at the NEC this evening.

The honours were announced at the SOLEX Awards Ceremony & F1 Afterparty – a night of celebration and networking after the first day of the show hosted by Sky Sports F1 commentator David "Crofty" Croft.

The winners were:

Best Eco-Friendly Product

Winner: Eco Fuego – El Grande Fire Pit

Judge’s comments: “Great design, great fuel idea, practical.”

Best BBQ

Winner: Kadai – Plancha

Judge’s comments: “Visually stunning and simple design, unique vents for creating heatspots, excellent use of volcanic beads for improving insulation.’

Best Individual Product

Zest Outdoor – Ludlow Corner Pergola

Judge’s comments: “Good design and colour, and practical for today’s market.”

Best Furniture

Zest Outdoor – Terraza Kitchen Island Set

Judge’s comments: “Overall great product.”

Best Small Stand

OMC Barbecues/Broil King

Judge’s comments: “Excellent branding, POS and overall presentation.”

Best Medium Stand

HEX Living

Judge’s comments: “Clean, modern planters and planting make a difference – lovely fragrance. Stand open and not cluttered, room to move about. Clean and modern looking.”

Best Large Stand

Hartman

Judge’s comments: “A fabulous stand with a great variety of garden furniture to suit any age and pocket.”

After the awards "Crofty" kindly auctioned the cardboard F1 drivers to the audience raising over £2,500 for Greenfingers and Perennial charities.

Fantastic looking exhibitor stands attracted high volumes of visitors to the first day of SOLEX at the NEC Birmingham with exhibitors and visitors alike agreeing that Hall 5 was buzzing with activity.

See the gallery of pictures from day one at SOLEX below...

SOLEX is taking place in Hall 5 at the NEC Birmingham.

Opening hours:

• Tuesday, 8 July: 9am-5.30pm
• Wednesday, 9 July: 9am-5.30pm
• Thursday, 10 July: 9am-3pm

There is free car parking at the NEC for SOLEX. Register by clicking here.

Read GTN's SOLEX Preview here

The Loving Outdoor Living Zone proved to be a popular destination from 11am on the first day of SOLEX. Our photographer Paul Webb captured some of the action…

See gallery below

Join Kadai on Wednesday (9th July) for Cocktail Hour at SOLEX where your favourite tipples meet the magic of live fire!

The team at Kadai will be joined by Shropshire Lad, bringing the heat as he helps craft the ultimate fire-kissed cocktails and mocktails.

Swing by, have a drink, and experience a flavour packed twist on classic favourites all with that signature Kadai flair.

Timber garden furniture and outdoor leisure specialist, Zest is unveiling a host of new products on its SOLEX stand (#650), expanding its already award-winning outdoor entertaining range.  

New products include new and improved additions to the original modular concept of the popular Terraza Outdoor Kitchen, enabling consumers to customise their own outdoor cooking areas.  With infinitely flexible options to suit all lifestyles and available space, the Zest Terraza range is being marketed as ‘Your Kitchen; Your Way’. 

Zest is also adding a new corner pergola and a new garden shelter to the overall collection; The Zest Truro Garden Shelter, the Zest Ludlow Corner Pergola, as well as the new Zest Jersey Arbour and Zest Lara Bench in a popular rich brown finish which is also available boxed.  The result appeals to a diverse and younger audience as well as traditional Zest admirers.

Zest’s stunningly successful Terraza Outdoor Kitchen range has been extended with a Terraza Outdoor Kitchen Island and new sets including The New Terraza Kitchen Corner Set ideal for a BBQ Egg and The Compact Set ideal for smaller  spaces, with new brushed stainless-steel countertops, adaptable shelving, and robust construction that ensures durability through all seasons. From sleek single units and generous double units to open storage, serving extensions and elegant bar configurations with matching highchairs, every element is designed to integrate seamlessly into bespoke outdoor layouts.

As Zest’s Head of Commercial Development, Simon Davison explained, “Now, in our 20^thanniversary year, we are delighted to be launching a newly enhanced Terraza Kitchen range as well as coordinated garden shelters and pergolas, suitable for the on trend increase in outdoor entertaining, even in smaller spaces. We also have some great trade show offers on the stand too.”  

There is imagery and point of sale to support stockists.  Zest’s outdoor entertaining products are made from sustainable slow-grown softwood sourced from PEFC certified (PEFC/16-37-1490) forests.  

Visitors can take advantage of a comprehensive range of Zest special offers at SOLEX which are available until the end of July. 

For further information about Zest’s outdoor leisure products, visit 

www.zestoutdoorliving.co.uk/solex-2025 or email sales@zestoutdoorliving.co.uk

Bramblecrest welcomed a fantastic turnout of both new and returning customers to explore its latest outdoor living collections at SOLEX. From statement dining sets to stylish lounging solutions, the stand was alive with interest and inspiration.

In the outdoor area, the Tuscan firepit was a real highlight, with fresh food served throughout the day. The live cooking experience gave visitors the chance to see just how effortless and enjoyable outdoor dining can be – sparking ideas for outdoor entertaining at home. 

Feedback on the new collections was overwhelmingly positive, with many customers highlighting the thoughtful design details, practical features, and signature Bramblecrest quality.

The colourful Sofia range stood out in particular, earning praise for its sustainable credentials – especially the GRS-certified fabrics used in the chairs. These fabrics are made from recycled materials, rigorously tested for everyday durability, and produced under fair working conditions without harmful chemicals. The Global Recycle Standard (GRS) offers reassurance that each product is genuinely sustainable, with every stage of the supply chain independently verified for environmental and ethical integrity.

The Bramblecrest sales team were kept busy throughout the day and will be on hand for the remainder of the week on stand 210 to support with any enquiries.

Visitors to SOLEX have the exclusive opportunity to experience OONI’s cutting-edge pizza ovens in action on the Norfolk Leisure stand, Stand 440.

Attendees are invited to witness live demonstrations of OONI's acclaimed range of pizza ovens and view the recently launched Ooni Koda 2 Gas Powered Pizza Oven and the Ooni Koda 2 Pro Gas Powered Pizza Oven, which boast next-generation G2 Gas Technology for superior heat distribution. Our two talented chefs will be cooking up a storm, from delicious bacon butties for breakfast to pizzas all day long. They’ll also be producing tasters of lots of innovative foods that can also be cooked on your Ooni, showcasing the versatility of these incredible ovens.

This is a prime chance for retailers and industry professionals to see firsthand how OONI ovens can revolutionise outdoor cooking and offer exceptional value to their customers. Experts from both OONI and Norfolk Leisure will be on hand to provide insights into product features, best practices for use, and how these innovative ovens can enhance any outdoor living space. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with the teams and see why OONI continues to be the brand of choice for authentic, restaurant-quality pizza at home.

Contact: sales@norfolkleisure.co.uk 

Tel:01553 811717

Website: www.norfolkleisure.com

Back in 1994, Alexander Rose had a vision to bring only the highest quality garden furniture to the UK; to give customers a wide choice of styles and designs, whether wooden or weave or metal, in both contemporary and traditional styles. 

Each piece has been lovingly designed and crafted with practicality and comfort at the very forefront. Alexander Rose also wanted their collections to not only look beautiful and inviting, but to confidently be able to withstand the elements of the unpredictable UK weather.

These are the qualities that Alexander Rose is still known for today, some 30 years later. Sit back, relax and enjoy your outdoor space to the fullest! 

Introducing the new collection of Lifestyle furniture for the coming season, all designed to fit seamlessly into any garden and enhance any space. 

New for next season is the superb Vallee Collection featuring traditional weave in neutral shades to suit all tastes at fabulous price points. 

Cabana, Capri and Bellagio ranges feature the stunning ‘Twist’ weave, ensuring a premium product with a natural look and feel. 

The luxurious Aruba collection is outstanding in design with winged arms and deep, plump cushions for comfort. All our furniture sets feature cushions which are durable and weather-resistant. 

The impressive Fernwood sofa set is a welcome addition to the range with its distinctive shape and duo of coffee tables it gives the wow factor to any garden. 

RotoSpa is the UK’s only hot tub manufacturer, a family-owned business with over two decades of experience.

We have supplied thousands of hot tubs throughout the UK and Europe.

At SOLEX explore how RotoSpa can help your business generate new revenue streams with strong margins!

RotoSpa hot tubs are made in the UK for the UK providing maximum quality and unbeatable value for money. The most energy efficient hot tub on the market they are: built to last and come with a lifetime guarantee; 100% recyclable; truly portable; professional hydrotherapy by clever design.

We use a unique manufacturing process that no other hot tub manufacturer in the world uses, to create a product that will last you a lifetime, and not costing the earth. Hot tubs made right in the UK.

Char-broil is a leading brand in the grilling industry known for innovation, quality, and performance. With a wide range of gas, charcoal, and electric grills, they cater to all types of outdoor cooking enthusiasts. 

Their durable construction and advanced technology make them a popular choice among consumers for delicious barbecue experiences.

Char-Broil really is ‘the smartest way to BBQ’

Supremo Leisure is excited to invite you to our stand at SOLEX! Our visitors will have the exclusive opportunity to explore our upcoming 2026 collections, featuring a diverse range of designs in weave, aluminium, and mixed materials.

These new ranges are specifically tailored to meet the evolving demands of the market, helping your business stay ahead of trends and offering customers cutting-edge products.

We will also highlight innovative product features that can give your business a competitive advantage in a crowded marketplace. Whether you're aiming to expand your current product line or seeking the ideal solutions for your clients, our team will be available to discuss how our designs can be customised to meet your specific needs.

To make the experience even more enjoyable, we've partnered with Enders BBQ to offer bite-sized tasty treat —an excellent opportunity to network over great food and informal discussions. Our regional managers will also be available to talk through potential partnership opportunities, providing tailored solutions to help grow your business.

This event is a valuable chance to connect with industry peers, stay informed on the latest trends, and discover how Supremo Leisure can help you enhance your product offering and boost your sales strategy. We look forward to welcoming you to our stand and exploring new possibilities together.

Pit Boss® Grills brings the heat to the barbecue market with a Bigger, Hotter, Heavier® mentality.

While Pit Boss offers a full slate of value engineered, technologically innovative products, we’re more than just a grill manufacturer. Pit Boss is a full-service barbecue provider, offering wood pellet, gas, charcoal, and combination-fuelled grills, barbecues, smokers, and portable grills.

With a heritage spanning over 50 years, Gallery Direct brings a wealth of design expertise and industry knowledge to every product. Their award-winning Outdoor Living Collection combines style, durability, and comfort - conveying the elegance of indoor living outside. 

Alongside their outdoor furniture ranges are elegant parasols, shade solutions, atmospheric fire pits, and decorative lighting, textiles and accessories – designed to seamlessly create complete and cohesive outdoor living spaces. 

Gallery Direct unites timeless design with high quality weather-resistant materials to ensure long-lasting appeal, and for added peace of mind all core outdoor ranges are supplied with extended warranties of up to three years.

In the heart of Texas, where barbecue is more than just a meal – it’s a way of life – Meat Church was born. 

Founded by Matt Pittman, a passionate pitmaster whose journey began with a love for the rich, smoky flavours of traditional Texas BBQ, Meat Church embodies the spirit of culinary adventure. Matt’s BBQ pilgrimage took a pivotal turn when he competed on the hit TV show “BBQ Pitmasters.” 

Inspired by the camaraderie and the thrill of perfecting his craft, he embarked on a mission to share his love for BBQ with the world. Thus, Meat Church was founded, offering a unique blend of seasonings that bring out the best in every cut of meat.

Crafted with a devotion to quality and flavour, each Meat Church seasoning is a testament to Matt’s dedication. From the spicy kick of Holy Voodoo to the savoury depth of The Gospel, these blends have become essential tools for BBQ enthusiasts everywhere.

Stand number: 350
BBQ Gourmet

Third Avenue

Millbrook

Southampton

Hampshire

SO15 0JX

Tel: 02380 772757

Email: sales@bbqg.co.uk

Web: www.bbqgourmet.co.uk

The new 2026 UK collection from Garden Impressions will be showcased at this SOLEX.

With over 250 new product lines, our vast range continues to lead the way and set the trends in the ever-developing outdoor living sector. We are a one stop solution for all your garden furniture requirements: lounging suites, dining suites, parasols, rugs, heating, lighting, weather covers. 

Come and see us, we are right in front of the entrance!

Unleash your culinary imagination with the Cabinex PRO series, an invitation to transform your outdoor space into a bespoke culinary haven. Crafted to reflect your unique style, this collection offers an array of modular units and premium barbecue grills, empowering you to design the outdoor kitchen of your dreams.

The new PRO range elevates the classic and premium series with innovative additions, including a versatile corner and Kamado module. This expanded lineup allows for limitless configurations, giving you the flexibility to create an outdoor kitchen that not only meets your cooking needs but also amplifies your outdoor living experience.

Enhance your design with an array of fresh, sophisticated door colours - Black, Rustic Ironbark, Titanium Grey, and Golden Oak and bring your vision to life effortlessly using our intuitive online designer app.

Once your design is complete, visualize it seamlessly in your outdoor space with our innovative augmented reality feature, turning your dream kitchen into a tangible reality before your eyes.

https://www.cabinex.co.uk

Pacific is a leading UK supplier of outdoor furniture and accessories, offering high quality, on-trend products with dedicated sales support for our trade partners.

We’re proud to have been named the 2025 Big Furniture Awards Best Supplier for Garden and Outdoor Furniture. Pacific’s Outdoor Living Collection includes a range of outdoor furniture, Cosi fire pits and lanterns, Platinum parasols and pergolas.

Our breathable Aerocover range provides year-round protection for all your garden furniture and accessories. We look forward to showcasing our new ranges and competitive pricing structure, providing superb quality.

We acquired the Pagoda brand name in 2014 and have strived to introduce new and exciting products to the ranges. 

We offer a comprehensive range of varied materials including synthetic wicker, aluminium, Textilene, padded and decorative sets to suit all outdoor spaces. Along with shading to complement our furniture. These ranges are chosen by our skilled staff with you in mind.

Our office in China, established in1997, is constantly visiting factories to ensure excellent quality and modern products for the coming seasons. Great care is taken in inspecting every shipment using AQL International 

GTN June/July 2025 - SOLEX Preview Issue.

In this issue: New online garden centre - GTN exclusive, Kaemingk showroom visit for Spring Summer 2026, Industry-wide help for peat-free growing advice, RHS Chelsea Flower Show inspiration and winners, GTN’s SOLEX 2025 Preview, Exhibitor plan and listing, Welcome to SOLEX 2025, Afterparty, awards and events, Bramblecrest at 25, Pages of SOLEX exhibitor news, HEX Living luxury, GIMA golf day 2025, GARDENA makes watering easy, Westland’s Rising Stars, Introducing the Greatest Food & Drink Awards at Glee, Food @ Glee, Catering investments at Monkton Elm, Planteria - Roses of Success, EHG Viewpoint - It's good to talk, HTA Viewpoint - Spring achievements, GIMA Viewpoint - Breaking records.

As the exhibitors make the finishing touches to their stands in Hall 5 of the NEC for SOLEX 2025, we bring you a photographic sneak preview of the show that opens at 9am tomorrow (Tuesday 8th July) and runs through to Thursday 10th July.

Register here to attend.

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

Trans-Continental Group offers contemporary statement pieces, timeless classics and trend led collections under the brands of Helios, SunTime and NewGarden. 

We are proud to be trusted suppliers to leading retailers and garden centres such as John Lewis, Hillier, Freemans and many more. 

Our values encompass: trend-led design; modern aesthetics with wide appeal; sustainable materials; responsible sourced wood and eco-friendly finishes; quality and value; handcrafted techniques; robust performance and competitive pricing. 

We look forward to exhibiting our specially selected outdoor living 2026 collections, which have already had a great reaction at our showroom previews, and offering SOLEX visitors exclusive prices.

Discover Celtic Leisure’s premium pergolas and outdoor garden furniture collections created specifically for the British climate and customer.

Designed in Britain; fast UK delivery; built for retail success. From our bestselling Saturn Pergola to the new Rhea LEDmodel, our modular structures offer year-round outdoor living, trusted by landscapers and loved by homeowners. 

Also launching at SOLEX our curated range of high-quality garden furniture, combining timeless style with commercial flexibility.

Garden centres can take advantage of our exclusive offer to order nowand mix up to six different furniture ranges on a single container – ideal for maximising display, choice and margin. Visit us at SOLEX to explore partnership opportunities, POS packages and in-store display support.

Churnet Valley Garden Furniture are looking forward to showcasing their beautiful, durable and classic wooden garden furniture ranges for the first time at SOLEX this year. 

Designed and handmade in the UK, their premium outdoor furniture is made to stand the test of time. Offering two distinct ranges: a heavy-duty Tanalised range protected against rot for up to 20 years, and a pre-treated Valley Collection, with its stunning golden oak oil finish. 

They are totally committed to sustainability, as all products are now FSC® Certified and made from high-quality Scandinavian redwood, ensuring the well-being of forests for generations to come. Let them impress you and boost your success with year-round pre-season trade pricing on pallet deals and dedicated support from experienced regional sales agents.

Daro is delighted to share a preview of its 2026 collection at SOLEX, featuring exciting new developments across outdoor and indoor living.

Highlights include brand-new outdoor furniture ranges and modular kitchen units, designed for stylish, flexible garden spaces. A new collection of innovative indoor-outdoor fabrics offer durability and elegance in any setting.

Find out more about Daro’s Express Delivery Service and from stock service, meeting the growing demands of the customer to ensure fast turnaround times whilst still providing a bespoke choice. The indoor furniture collection continues to provide timeless appeal for all-year-round sales, complemented by a beautiful selection of UK made soft furnishings which can be explored at SOLEX.

Daro look forward to welcoming visitors to Stand 645

Instashade returns to SOLEX with its full range of premium commercial grade parasols, trusted by cafés, hotels, restaurants, and hospitality venues across the UK. 

Combining sleek design with lasting durability, each parasol is built to withstand heavy use and unpredictable weather, without compromising on style. From compact models to large-scale shade solutions, Instashade offers options for every outdoor space. 

All parasols are made with marine-grade materials and are easy to operate, making them ideal for high-demand commercial environments. If you’re looking to elevate your outdoor offering with practical, design-led solutions, visit Instashade to explore the full range.

At Garden Furniture Global, we partner with some of the most experienced and innovative designers and manufacturers of outdoor leisure products.

We are always seeking new innovative products and strategic partnerships to bring exciting opportunities to the UK market. Our many years of experience in the outdoor living industry enables us to bring our customers exciting new lines at the most competitive prices. 

We work hard to keep our operating costs to a minimum and pass on these savings in our very competitive trade prices. Our products include top of the range luxury garden furniture sets, outdoor kitchens and state of the art barbeques. Our furniture products include both 100% aluminium and fashionable resin weave designs.

With a product range encompassing everything from various ranges of garden furniture to glass style Tiffany lighting, you’ll appreciate that 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 has an unrivalled selection of elegant, fine quality and often unusual garden furniture and furnishing accessories.

Discover the latest b-lounge collection from Extreme Lounging, comparing three products in two stunning colours. A versatile range of outdoor seating solutions to complement any outdoor space.

Discover Hill Interiors crafted premium living spaces at SOLEX. Their extensive range now boasts exceptional outdoor furniture,nshowcasing the finest materials: HDPE wicker, hardwood feet, powder-coated aluminium frames, and durable Olefin fabric.

Experience enduring quality and timeless style.

LeisureGrow is a UK family-run business with a passion for quality craftsmanship, smart design, and lasting comfort. We’ve grown from humble beginnings to become one of the UK’s leading names in outdoor living – trusted by garden centres, retailers, and homes across the country. 

From award-winning barbecues and garden furniture to year-round garden lighting solutions, everything we design is built around one simple idea: life is better outdoors. 

Be sure to see our SmashGrill Go – Winner of Best Gas BBQ 2025, and our Sanctuary Gazebo – Winner of Best Garden Shade 2025 at the Ideal Home Awards.

Hartman showcase its inspiring 2026 outdoor living collection at SOLEX.

This inspiring new range has been thoughtfully and meticulously curated, with an unwavering focus on comfort, innovative design, and exceptional quality. The 2026 collection showcases a stunning array of fresh designs, introduces sophisticated new colour palettes, and includes extended lines of some of our most popular and best-selling ranges—ensuring a perfect blend of familiarity and innovation.

Created to elevate outdoor living spaces, the Hartman 2026 collection offers retailers a distinctive and exciting point of difference. With trend-led styling, enhanced durability, and a refined aesthetic, the collection is tailored to meet the evolving tastes of today’s consumer.

Whether you’re an independent centre or part of a larger group, we’ve structured our offer to support your business with strong margins, and trusted trade service. 

Visit us on Stand 250 at SOLEX – your exclusive opportunity to experience our 2026 collection of beautifully crafted garden furniture in person.

Introducing the W Garden Living collection for 2026 – a premium range of outdoor leisure products that redefine sophistication, comfort, and value. 

Designed with thorough attention to detail, our latest collections blend timeless craftsmanship with innovative materials, offering a refined selection of classic open weave designs and fusion elements, alongside our bestselling ranges in weave, metal, and wood.

Enhancing every outdoor space, W Garden Living also offers an extensive range of complementary accessories, including parasols, bases, soft furnishings, and outdoor heating – each providing exciting add-on sales opportunities.

With a commitment to premium quality at competitive prices, we empower retailers to maximise their sales potential while delivering exceptional products to their customers.

At the heart of W Garden Living is our unwavering dedication to service and merchandising support, a core value driven by Woodlodge, a family-run business since 1987. Our expert sales team remains committed to fostering strong partnerships with retail garden centres, ensuring outstanding customer service without compromising integrity.

True to our ethos, we focus on sales to Garden Centres only, prioritising relationships that align with a premium garden furniture experience.

Experience outdoor living elevated – welcome to W Garden Living 2026.

To book appointments for the showroom or SOLEX, please contact your local sales representative or email showroom@woodlodge.co.uk

This year, HEX Living is unveiling new products at SOLEX, a first for its product portfolio, set to enhance outdoor living and entertaining.

Each product combines luxury design, premium materials, and British craftsmanship.

These new products will join HEX Living’s existing catalogue, spanning modular outdoor kitchens to refined furniture pieces that blend indoor comfort with outdoor durability – setting the standard in quality-led, contemporary outdoor living.

More than just a brand, HEX Living is a family business with a mission: to bring the indoors outdoors with engineering excellence. Your customers aren’t just investing in their gardens – they’re investing in a centrepiece for memories which will last a lifetime.