Positive Mood at Scotland’s Trade Fair
With visitor numbers up and a high quality of buyers attending, the mood at Scotland’s Trade Fair was positive as orders were made and most exhibitors reported a healthy number of enquiries.
As the economy slowly picks up again, the number of buyers grew to 4000 over the three days, but the overwhelming feeling among exhibitors was that buyers were more serious and keen to work closely with producers rather than just place orders here and there. As the recession has knocked back those less successful businesses, there seems to be an increased professionalism in the interest from buyers, especially in terms of pricing, delivery and flexibility in producing what the consumer demands. Bespoke is a growing market and one where many exhibitors are thriving.
Exhibitor Jill Henderson from Scott Inness said: “Confidence in buying is returning with many retailers adding value to their outlet, with either an online shop, a café attached to the outlet or creating products unique to them. Producers such as us are adapting to be flexible with orders and work with buyers to give them exactly what they want.”
Angela Elliot from Newbridge Silverware, who was a new exhibitor at this year’s Show said: “We returned to this Show after many years and have had excellent feedback and orders from visitors. The tourist retail market in particular is strong with 2014 such a key year for Scotland and the response to our high quality products has been first class.”
Buyer Annette Potts from Glasgow Museums said: “My team and I visited the Show for three days and found many interesting new and existing products to stock. There was a wide range of products, predominantly of high quality goods, and we particularly liked the regional areas, such as the Orcadian group of exhibitors, which reflects the wealth of talent amongst Scottish producers.”
The Launch Gallery, an area which runs through the middle of the Show for new, young companies under two years old, attracted hordes of buyers, all keen to snap up something new and innovative.
Launch Gallery Exhibitor Chloe Gardner, who produces cushions, cards and prints said: “I have had such a busy few days that I’ve hardly had time to draw breath! I’ve been lucky to take many reasonable orders, some from well-established retailers which is a bonus for a young company, and I have an equal number of high quality leads to follow too. It will be a busy year ahead!”
Mark Saunders Director of the Show said: “Confidence is edging back slowly in retail with a growing feeling of optimism. Our Show had a varied mix of new and established, Scottish and non-Scottish stands, which allowed most visitors to source both new and existing products. Every business, however big or small, has had to become more efficient and lean in the last few years, but reports from visitors is that Scotland’s Trade Fair provides a perfect platform in a relatively small arena in which to purchase some highly desirable goods.”
Michelle Mehaffey, Buyer for National Trust for Scotland added: “Our team needs three days at this Show to ensure we source and order products that work in all our shops and properties. It is encouraging to see young companies grow from previous years and expand their product range allowing buyers like us to pick and choose the right, commercial goods. We have been particularly interested in producers who can offer bespoke goods.”
Key to the Show was the Seminar Theatre, which attracted many visitors with a varied line-up of speakers and topics. The keynote seminar on Scottish independence and its effect on business was debated by Ian Murray, Labour MP, who argued for the status quo, while Gordon Macintyre-Kemp, Chief Executive of Business Scotland, presented an equally forceful case for going independent. Other seminars included topics such as social media, future of retail, setting up a retail outlet, gift wrapping and growing your business.
Scotland’s Trade Fair was run in conjunction with Scotland’s Speciality Food Show which was a bigger and better Show than previous years with a good selection of strong artisan producers of fine food and drink.
