UBM Live Built Environment, organiser of Interiors UK, has announced that the show is set to become The Furniture Show at May Design Series by 2015.
May Design Series 2014 will host close to 400 exhibitors, and The Furniture Show at May Design Series 2014 will welcome a selection of Interiors UK 2014 exhibitors. According to UBM, the full relocation of exhibitors will be completed ready for the 2015 edition of the show. This new proposition aims to create the UK's definitive international furnishings fair, making a one-stop destination for new products.
"Following detailed consultation with our customers we are evolving our proposition in order to best support this dynamic and vibrant industry, creating a prosperous future"
UBM says that this offering responds to extensive customer research revealing an overwhelming demand for a unifying large scale, international event attracting UK and international buyers and exhibitors, and that the union will give the UK interiors market an unrivalled platform for British companies to gain exposure to export markets at the right time of year, ready for retailers to procure in advance of the critical autumn/winter sales period.
Brand Director for Interiors UK, Suzie Ager, says: “Following detailed consultation with our customers we are evolving our proposition in order to best support this dynamic and vibrant industry, creating a prosperous future. By establishing a new format this signature event will provide manufacturers, suppliers and retailers – small and large – interiors designers and contract specifiers a platform from which to grow their business now and for the future.”
The industry has expressed some support for the move. Jackie Bazeley, MD of the BFM, says: “The new format will provide a unique opportunity for the show to become the UK exhibition to attract overseas buyers. This opportunity will also support any export activity being undertaken by companies within the industry.”
Names already confirmed for next year’s May Design Series include Artistic Upholstery, John Sankey, Ercol, David Gundry, Henderson Russell, Ashley Manor, Caxton’s, Corndell, Gascoigne Design and Highgrove Beds.
May Design Series will run from the 18-20th May at London ExCel. Visit the website for more information – Furniture News will issue a more detailed report shortly.
