Economic upturn reflected at P&P show

As a barometer of how the industry is faring – or, indeed, the UK economy – this year’s Printwear & Promotion LIVE would be hard to beat.

The annual three day show in Hall 12 at the NEC, Birmingham, proved something of a record breaker, on many fronts.

It wasn’t just the new technology and garments, the exhibitors, the catwalk show, or the comprehensive seminar programme that created such a buzz. It was the fact that real business was being done on the stands.

Explains Sales Manager, Tony Gardner: “The big difference this year was that for the first time in several years, the equipment suppliers have gone away from the show with deposits and payments made on high value machines.

 

“Everyone was commenting on the quality of the visitors this year. Many came to the show with hard cash to spend.

“One exhibitor, Midwest, had sold £500,000 worth of equipment by 1pm on the first day of the show. By the close of the show, they reported £900,000 worth of business.”

Continues Tony: “We heard that Resolute DTG sold 10 direct to garment printing machines and Grafityp sold eight high value machines at £8,000 to £14,000 each.

“As reported on the following pages, YES Ltd had a large order for £100,000, and another embroidery equipment supplier, Barudan, reported brisk business. Several other equipment suppliers also confirmed sales at the show.”

Commented Tony: “Our 25th anniversary show has proven to be a good barometer that the printwear market is extremely buoyant.”

In addition to the record turnout, exhibitors remarked on the purchasing power of visitors on the opening day of the show.

“Sunday has always been seen as a day for the smaller businesses, but this year, this was definitely not the case. In fact, we had a record 2,100 visitors through the door on our first day this year.”

Adds Tony: “Several of our exhibitors are looking at taking more space for P&P LIVE in 2015, which is good to know.

“This year’s show ticked all the boxes and it was a fitting show for our 25th anniversary year. We are already looking at adding more space for 2015.”