Minerva Furnishers Guild, which has been successfully running trade exhibitions on behalf of its members for many years, has decided that, for the next edition of the show – taking place at The International Centre, Telford, between 7-9th October – it will open its doors on the latter two days to the general retail trade, rebranding it The Autumn Furniture Show 2014.
Driven by changes in the trade’s exhibition programme and feedback from exhibitors, Minerva has chosen to extend the show it orginally planned for October, which provides a platform for buyers to view new products for 2015 and purchase in time for Christmas and the New Year sales.
While the first day of the exhibition – Tuesday 7th October – is reserved for Minerva and SMG buying group members, the other two will be open to the whole trade.
The show has attracted over 90 exhibitors from the furniture trade, including a carpet and flooring feature from members of SMG. According to Minerva, demand has proved so great that there is a reserve list.
Exhibitors include Skovby, Sherborne Upholstery, Willis & Gambier, Alstons, Parker Knoll, Wood Bros, Dar Lighting, Furmanac and Sutcliffe Furniture, and there will also be a significant international presence in the form of Belgofurn, the export federation of the Belgian furniture industry.
Next year, Minerva will celebrate its 25th year as a buying guild. Minerva is proud of its history, throughout which it has quietly achieved its objectives, working on behalf of its members to secure trading partnerships with some of the best names in the furniture industry. The guild now boasts an impressive supplier base which includes many leading brands.
Guild membership promises a range of advantages, including networking opportunities and financial benefits. Although the team negotiates advantageous arrangements with suppliers which its members are free to take up, there are no compulsory purchases.
The event will take place across two open-plan halls of The International Centre, which boasts professional facilities and some 1300 car parking spaces within short walking distance. Significant marketing spend has been allocated to support the event, and Minerva hopes that the trade will see this show as an important date in its calendar.
Minerva’s management team – Roy Beagent, Paul Riches, Andrea Lulham and Amanda Marshall – look after the day-to-day operation of the guild, supported by an elected board of directors comprising five experienced independent retailers
