The Flooring Show (Harrogate, 2 – 4 September 2012) – for many, the AGM of the retail and commercial flooring industry – is very definitely on, notwithstanding tough economic conditions across the board.
Already, some 100 leading companies have signed up for the 2012 exhibition, representing all areas of floor coverings and related products and services.
A new management team, backed by fresh investment and strong exhibitor commitment, are reinvigorating this year’s event. For the retail sector, an expanded seminar programme will focus on assisting flooring retailers to build their businesses in difficult times. For the commercial sector, a dedicated one day conference programme based on leading case studies will meet the CPD requirements of facilities managers, specifiers and installers.
Wendy Adams, Flooring Show Director, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that our core group of exhibitors has remained steadfastly loyal to the show and more than 90% of the available space is now firmly contracted. We’re also seeing a healthy level of new enquiries from first-time exhibitors to the show, which is very encouraging.”
For the retail sector
The comprehensive retail conference/seminar programme on 2 and 3 September will assist retailers to develop their high street presence into a strong customer offer that promotes floor coverings as the central ingredient of domestic interior design.
Leading retail expert Clare Rayner – the ‘Retail Champion’ – will give a special keynote presentation on Monday 3 September on maximising the profit generating potential of a high street presence, while experts from key areas including business finance, training and skills, and specialist support software, will highlight important areas of business improvement that can enhance shop footfall, customer loyalty and repeat business.
What’s more, two hugely successful retailers will share their business secrets, while a leading buyer group will expound the benefits of joining such groups.
For the commercial sector
Drawing on leading commercial case studies, the one day commercial conference programme on 3 September will cover specialist floorings that meet specific business requirements.
The programme will meet the CPD requirements of facilities managers, specifiers and installers, and is being developed with the input of the Facilities Managers Association; the British Institute of Facilities Management, the RIBA and RICS.
The case studies will cover key sectors – new and retrofit – including commercial office; retail; leisure & fitness; and healthcare, and will comprise presentations from the managers of such facilities, and the flooring manufacturers.
50th anniversary of launch
The Flooring Show is the UK’s only national event dedicated to all aspects of the commercial and retail floor covering industry. All areas of the event are free to attend – including the exhibition, the conference and seminar programmes, all demonstrations, and the networking opportunities.
“2012 marks the show’s 50th anniversary since its launch in 1962 as the Northern Floor Coverings Fair,” said Paul Stott, the event’s Marketing Director. “But what is most significant is the emphasis this year’s show will place on the way floor coverings influence other interior design decisions in the retail sector, and the increasingly specialist nature of floor coverings in the commercial sector. Our aim is to make this a ‘not to be missed’ event for both the retail and the commercial flooring industry.”
For information on booking exhibition space contact Wendy Adams or Georgia Pick on +44 (0)1423 779967, or email: wendy@theflooringshow.com or georgia@theflooringshow.com
For further information and to register free of charge, visit www.theflooringshow.com
