Demonstrating the strong attraction of Harrogate as a major national venue, the Harrogate Nursery Fair, held in March, saw an estimated 40% increase in visits to this year’s show. To satisfy the demand from companies for exhibition space, the show also took in an additional hall.
Robert Anslow, the event organiser since 1982 comments, “This year we have increased the show to take in six exhibition halls to showcase product innovations across a record 200 exhibitors. Birth rates are on the increase and clearly retailers need to acknowledge this and be prepared for the increased demand from today’s discerning shoppers.”
Robert reports that the quality of exhibitor is one of the reasons buyers are attracted to the show which brings both exhibitors and buyers from across Europe and from as far away as Turkey, India and Pakistan. Feedback from regular exhibitors claim this year’s event has been their best show ever.
HIC will also host a new baby show in October, which Robert is spearheading in conjunction with the Baby Products Association. Previously held at Excel in London, or Birmingham’s NEC, Robert anticipates the show will do well at HIC because of the town’s delegate offer and its location – Harrogate is situated equidistance between London and Edinburgh which enables visitors and exhibitors from across the UK easier access than venues in a more southerly location.
Stuart Quin, HIC Director, said, “It is rare for an exhibition centre to have such a long running show as the Nursery Fair, it has been held in Harrogate for over forty years. This is down to the dedication and partnership that has evolved between Robert’s team and our own. The enthusiasm to produce a show that surpasses the last is always their goal. The off-site facilities in the town, in terms of hospitality and the standard of accommodation, enable exhibitors and visitors to relax in friendly comfort after a hard day showcasing on stand or walking the exhibition halls.
I am delighted we will be working with Robert’s team on the new Harrogate Nursery Fair, in conjunction with the BPA, and I am confident of its success. This is another new show for us and as it evolves our redevelopment scheme, which will see two new halls on site in 2012, is ideally suited to grow the show.”
Robert Anslow went on to say, “Our exhibitors and trade visitors love Harrogate. It is such a beautiful location and the townspeople are always very helpful and welcoming. It’s a really charming place that people like to visit and it is ranked amongst the top three most successful business venues in the UK because of its superior facilities.”