New image for Glee

The fair is due to be held once more at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham from 16 to 18 September. The exhibition site is located close to the international airport, which can be reached by direct flights from Europe. The organisers have announced record bookings for this year’s event, with 24 countries represented so far at the fair. Last year about 1 200 exhibitors displayed their range of products and services, and 18 000 trade visitors registered for the event. The European market is of great importance to British manufacturers of garden and leisure products. In recognition of this fact, overseas visitors will be admitted to the halls fifteen minutes prior to the official morning opening times. Then they will be given a brief introduction to Glee in the International Buyers’ Lounge, the meeting place for overseas visitors in Hall 5, and also information about the many services provided by the show’s organisers, Trade Promotion Services, the UK’s export federation, Gardenex, and the government body, Trade Partners UK. Special attention will once again be paid to the new products show, where this year for the first time the entries will be categorised into sector-specific groups: nursery, garden care, landscaping, outdoor living, indoors, machinery and pet care. Yet another new feature is the Business Theatre, also situated in Hall 5 and organised by Lawn & Garden Equipment. This will stage workshops on machinery dealers’ business, covering aspects such as sales and marketing, service and parts, finance and computers. Also new is the Garden Room, where visitors will be given a taste of what is available in the garden and leisure market from around the world. Glee’s marketing director, Susan Fairley, is convinced that, “The show’s new image, with clearly identifiable product sectors, will make life easier for buyers seeking specific items.” Major players in the industry to have confirmed participation include Li-Lo Leisure, Weber-Stephen, Kettler, Hozelock, Gardena, Ferplast, Wolf, Honda and Vanucci. There will also be group stands from a number of countries. The attractions will be rounded off by half-day or full-day guided tours of garden centres, designed to provide participants with information about the garden centres of leading UK operators.