Event Preview

HEADING

Having retained its new October date from the 2021 show, Harrogate International Nursery Fair returns from 16-18 October 2022 at the Harrogate Convention Centre. PPS catches up with the organiser and some of the exhibitors to find out how plans are developing.

TO HARROGATE

While Covid was ‘almost disastrous’ for the Harrogate International Nursery Fair, the show has come back stronger than ever since restrictions lifted. Adrian Sneyd, organiser, tells PPS: “We are striving to build on the success of the last show and deliver a bigger, better and more productive show than ever before and so far, this is looking all the more evident.

“The 2021 event attracted more exhibitors and visitors than we’d had for many years, with companies eager to get back to face-to-face business. For the 2022 event, we have moved into different halls of the Harrogate Convention Centre – they are all on one level and interlink better so the flow is more efficient and easier to navigate through.”

Almost 120 exhibitors have been confirmed for 2022, with 40 of these new to the show, along with an influx of international exhibitors from over 14 countries, and demand is still strong.

Those already booked are gearing up for the show. iCandy joint ceo, Warren Appel says: “The fair is very important to us here at iCandy. As a proud British brand, it’s a real honour to be part of the largest UK trade show of its kind. Now in a post-Covid world it’s great to engage with our network of iCandy family stockists face to face.”

For suppliers with nursery as part of their offering, Harrogate is ideal for reaching the industry. Amy Wildman, sales and marketing director at Halilit, explains: “With key brands of ours

such as Taf Toys being predominantly targeted at nursery buyers, it is essential for us to have a presence.

“While we have been loyal exhibitors for many years, after the success of last year and the feedback from UK buyers about their preference to attend UK shows rather than overseas travel, we would have been foolish to miss out.”

Shaun Windsor-Turner, key account manager, nursery and books at Tonies UK, echoes this: “Nursery is a key pillar for our tonies business and due to the success of the 2021 show, I have joined the team to head up the nursery sector. We believe our product has so much to offer in the nursery landscape and we have some very exciting products to share which are targeted at the 0+ age group.” For Trixie, the show will be a launchpad in the UK. Sales director UK & IRE, Sam Tyack, explains: “I’ve been with Trixie since April and due to the success of last year’s show, it was a no brainer for this to be a real platform to launch the Trixie brand into the UK and Irish markets. It was great to see it buzzing last year and I feel this time will be even better.”

Adrian concludes: “Attracting the return of some big brands that had avoided the event for many years, was key to rebuilding the fair again, and we would hope that visitors will again turn out in force to maintain the decision to retain the new October date and the brands’ commitment to keeping Harrogate Nursery Fair alive and prosperous for all.”

Right: Exhibitors and visitors alike hailed the 2021 fair a huge success.

Below:

Organisers expect final exhibitor numbers to be in excess of 150. Above left: The show returns to its new October date for 2022, following its popularity in 2021.