SOLEX, the Leisure and Outdoor Furniture Association’s increasingly successful summer outdoor living exhibition, returns to Birmingham for its second outing at the NEC (its seventh overall) with more exhibitors than ever – and a pledge from the organisers that it will be better than ever.

At the last count, 67 exhibitors had booked - 13 more than last year – promising buyers the market’s most comprehensive line-up to date.

The all-important New Product Gallery has been tweaked again this year. Exhibitors have been advised that only genuinely all-new products should be on display. As in 2013, the gallery will be at the entrance to hall 5, so visitors can make it their first port of call.

Awards for the Best New Product and Best Stands will be judged by two independent judges, Jonathan Hindle and Diarmuid Gavin, with support from Howard Barnett of P.J.Bridgman.

Both Jonathan, Master of the Furniture Makers Company, and distinguished garden designer Diarmuid, are supremely qualified for the job of identifying the products and companies who will be setting next season’s trends.

The pair have recently helped to judge the Student Design Competition organised by LOFA members Alexander Rose and sponsored by LOFA, which will be the focus of a new feature at SOLEX. Short-listed students have been invited to showcase their designs and portfolios in a special display at the rear of the hall - a reminder of the importance of attracting new blood into the furniture design industry.



To register for your place at SOLEX click here