Solex 2021 online
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We look forward to welcoming you back in person in 2022 but in the meantime, hop on to our website between the 6-8 July and immerse yourself in SOLEX 2021. Visit: https://www. solexexhibition.com/
LOFA: A rollercoaster of a year…
’m not sure where to start. It’s been another strange rollercoaster of a year here at LOFA. January brought us Brexit and its many complexities, reams of red tape, double tariffs, proof of origin, extra charges and delays at customs and ports, plus the increased costs of shipping and then the Evergiven getting stuck in the Suez Canal made the start of 2021 memorable for all the wrong reasons. We raised public awareness of these issues via the Birmingham Post, Ideal Home, BBC Online, Which, BBC Local Radio, BBC Local TV and BBC World. This combination of challenges has meant that our members and the industry as a whole have had to look at new ways of working and overcome the many obstacles that have been thrown their way. We are still not over the worst and delays and increased costs are things that everyone is still trying to work through. Keeping up with the increased demand means that delays are inevitable. Members are still ordering products and if everyone is ‘staycationing’ instead of risking holidays abroad, and the sun continues to shine we are in for an even busier season than last year. Stock levels are already low, and product is already sold before it arrives. Repeat orders are
coming in thick and fast and some customers are accepting goods that will be arriving in the UK as late as September. In March we made the difficult decision to cancel Solex for the second year in a row. Every year we look forward to connecting with exhibitors, buyers and industry professionals and although there are positive signs that events are starting up again, we felt that the restrictions would compound the challenges faced in organising this event and unlike other exhibitions we are unable to move the SOLEX Show to a later date in the year because of the long lead times required for orders. We wanted to make the right decision for everyone involved and we did not want to continue with a show that would not be up to our customary high standards. So, we decided not to run SOLEX in 2021 but move the exhibition to July 2022, when we can come back bigger, better and, hopefully, Covid free! We know that this will come as an enormous disappointment to many so, in place of the in-person SOLEX exhibition, we are hosting an
if everyone is ‘staycationing’ and the sun continues to shine we are in for an even busier season than last year
Hartman
Hartman has launched its 2022 virtual showroom experience, showcasing an impressive tradeshow, at the manufacturer’s new headquarters in Telford. Hartman’s pioneering online virtual experience for trade clients last year created an overwhelming response from new and existing clients alike. The virtual tour means customers can view the 2022 collection at their leisure before visiting the trade show in person. The showroom includes a cosy fire pit snug, emulating the experience of a festoon lit, night-time soiree; a stunning
2 July 2021
online version using our SOLEX website and social media platforms. We will be showcasing everything that is new from our LOFA members as well as working with Garden Trade News online and in print to bring you three days of new products and ideas for Spring Summer Season 2022. This year LOFA also teamed up with Planet Mark, a company that cares about the planet and wants to help businesses action and power change. Its certification recognises continuous improvement, encourages action and helps build an empowered community of like-minded individuals to make a whole world of difference. By measuring and reducing our carbon footprint with Planet Mark we can directly and measurably contribute to up to nine Sustainable Development Goals and address 25 SDG targets. I am pleased to announce that LOFA has achieved its Planet Mark certification for 2021. As we are slowly coming out of lockdown and back to some kind of remembered normality, we are already looking forward to hosting everyone back at Solex in July 2022. We will be sharing the NEC with the Commonwealth Games in 2022 so we will be moving to Halls 17/18/19 for the first time which will give a different feel to the exhibition. We are already planning a new outside area for our BBQ members, enabling them to light up their grills and show off their cooking skills.
piazza surrounded by beautiful olive trees, showcasing Hartman’ss new Amalfi lounge range; and the popular, extended Dubai and Singapore ranges from the brand’s flagship Signature Collection. Information: Visit www. hartmanuk.com/2022tradeshow to view the virtual tour and book an appointment with one of the area sales managers. Viewing is by appointment only. Showroom is open throughout July.
www.gardentradenews.co.uk
