Comment

My colleagues and I made a welcome return to Germany in May spending over a week attending the globally significant and thoroughly impressive ‘twin’ trade shows of Interzum in Cologne and Ligna in Hannover.

Almost immediately, a measured confidence was clear and apparent to us as we navigated the enormous halls (and the distances between them). The return of these two mega-events were quite a joyous occasion, not only from our perspective, but also from the many exhibitors we spoke with at both events. Many readily confessed to being a little apprehensive beforehand, mainly due to the time-lag since the last event, and also whether visitors would return in such numbers and whether the appetite for investment would be there. But thankfully, those concerns were quickly allayed as the over-whelming majority were having a very positive experience. A full report on both shows will follow in the July issue.

Events of this nature are very important for UK furniture and joinery manufacturers to attend to when possible, primarily in my opinion because they present a ‘compare the market – live’ experience that would otherwise be very difficult to experience. Please don’t get me wrong, I think the proliferation of the ‘at home’ events has been a good thing, even more so when you’re focused on a specific supplier, and you have existing positive relationships. Bur nevertheless, getting the best available technology and products, sourced from across the entirety of the supply sector has never been more important to UK manufacturing businesses, especially when you factor in the UK’s relatively low productivity per employee and the paucity of skilled labour – undeniably, well-researched investments are crucial to the success and longevity of businesses in the furniture and joinery sector.

For those looking for their next show fix, April and May next year has developed into a interesting triple-header! Firstly, Materials & Finishes (previously known as W Exhibition) is taking place at the NEC from 19th-22nd May. Overlapping that by two days, what many regard as the industry’s second major international event, Xylepxo, has returned to its traditional slot in May taking place from 21st-24th. Preceding both these events, we have Furniture Component Expo, organised by the British Furniture Manufacturers trade body, and it opens its doors on April 24-25th. Something for everybody there …

I trust you enjoy the issue, and as always, don’t hesitate to reach out and let me know your thoughts.

John Legg, editorial director

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