Looking towards January, UBM, the organiser of Interiors UK is focused on new innovations, to better help visitors and exhibitors make the connections that will build business in 2014.
A new, interactive floorplan is in development for the UK’s biggest trade interiors event – companies will be able to go online and see exactly which companies have booked, where they are and what spaces are still available. This service will allow for faster, better-informed decisions on positioning within the show.
Interiors UK always takes a progressive stance, and boasts a strong online presence together with the increasing use of social media. At this year’s edition, visitors and exhibitors were impressed by the text and tele-messaging that kept them informed of opening times and travel arrangements during the poor weather.
In 2014, they can expect free WiFi throughout, and more developments around the free app, which, launched this year, allowed visitors to mark stand favourites. Exhibitors will also be encouraged to use QR codes on their stands for easy visitor scanning and information. The show is always renowned for its thought-provoking seminars – where else in January could one attend a free seminar from Google on the importance of mobile usage in retail?
There will be focus on new talent and new products for 2014 as Interiors UK looks to the future of the furniture industry and helps make the connections crucial for business. In terms of products and new business, visitors can expect to see the latest new starters and hot designers for 2014, with product that is commercially viable and ready for market – including collections from Designersblock and New Design Britain.
To give an example, Daniel Schofield was New Design Britain’s winner in the furniture category this year. His cork mirror has been selected by Heals and is now available for sale online and in store. Heals is just one of the headlining retailers to send buyers to Interiors UK, part of a roster that includes John Lewis, House of Fraser, made.com, Home Retail Group and Furniture World. These attend alongside key independents from around the UK, interior designers and architects, plus developers and housebuilders such as Grosvenor and Barratt Homes.
Peter Bo Hansen, export manager for exhibitor Skovby, affirms: “Of all the shows that Skovby attends around the world, this is the only proper trade show where decisions are being made and orders placed on the spot.”
For 2014, a curated selection of product launches will be displayed in each hall. Exhibitors launching new product at the show will be included, free of charge, in an extensive promotional campaign focusing on all things new, with PR and marketing that covers direct mail, social media and over two million emails. Alongside the new hosted buyers programme, new Lighting Show and new international exhibitors, there is plenty to look forward to.
The Interiors UK sales brochure, and a video from this year’s event, can be found on the website. Interiors UK 2014 will take place between 19th-22nd January at the Birmingham NEC.
