Andy Clarke and Matt Tebbutt

Summer is a season that is all about fun and enjoyment, and what better way to embrace it than by attending events that allow you to mingle, network, and make new friends. 

Solex 23 is the leading trade show in garden furniture, outdoor living, and barbecues, and they are hosting an evening event on Tuesday 11th July that promises to be a night of excitement, entertainment, and connection. The event is set to be one of their best, offering guests the chance to network with other visitors and exhibitors while enjoying music, a free bar, tasting some delicious food, and mingling with celebrities.

The Fire Food and Outdoor Living evening event is designed specifically for you to network, socialize and create genuine connections with like-minded professionals in the outdoor retail industry. This year's event theme is all about outdoor summer living, so expect a lively atmosphere. Attendees at the event will be interested in the latest outdoor furniture designs, barbecues, and garden accessories for their businesses.

If you wish to attend the Fire Food & Outdoor Living Evening email gina@lofa.com

Solex is thrilled to announce Top chef and TV presenter Matt Tebbutt along with broadcaster Jules Hudson from Escape to the Country, will be special guests at the SOLEX Fire, Food & Outdoor Living evening, hosted by BBQ magazine, at Birmingham’s NEC next month.

The duo will join Andy Clarke, one of the most exciting voices in the food and drink industry, to mix with exhibitors and guests and also judge the BBQ Hero competition, being run by BBQ magazine.

Matt Tebbutt is best known for presenting BBC’s Saturday Kitchen and its sister show Best Bites on BBC2. Matt also co-hosts Channel 4's Food Unwrapped which lifts the lid on how the food we eat, from all round the world, is produced.

He has written several cookbooks, the latest of which is Weekend, featuring plenty of BBQ and outdoor cooking. Matt had a restaurant in Monmouthshire for 14 years and now runs a cookery school and hosting kitchen.

Matt loves to cook outside over fire. “When you cook with fire, it’s a totally different skill and mindset to indoor cooking. I am really looking forward to SOLEX. It should be a lot of fun, showcasing all that is great about fire, food and outdoor living.”

Jules Hudson, an author, and archaeologist, presents the popular BBC series Escape to the Country, helping families find their pastoral paradise. He also presents Channel 5’s This Week on the Farm and Cash in the Attic.

“One of the great joys of any rural experience is access to open fire. The fire is nature’s TV,” said Jules.

The evening, with drinks pairings from Powder Monkey Brewing Co (beer), Tidal Rum (spirits) and BeefSteak Club (wine), will be hosted by broadcaster and TV producer Andy Clarke, drinks expert on ITV’s Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh. 

Clarke’s producer credits include BBC’s Saturday Kitchen Live, Great Cookbook Challenge with Jamie Oliver for Channel 4, James Martin’s French Adventure and American Adventure and responsibility for all food and drink on ITV’s Gordon, Gino & Fred: Road Trip. Clarke will be hosting alongside Ian Jones (BEM) chef, farmer, and events guru.

The Fire, Food & Outdoor Living evening (Tuesday July 11^th) will include a BBQ Hero competition, run by BBQ magazine and the opportunity for a selection of cooks to test their live-fire cooking skills.

“It is going to be a fantastic evening of entertainment, education and inspiration. I’m really looking forward to chatting to Matt and Jules, as well as tasting some great food and drink,” said Andy Clarke.

If you wish to attend the Fire Food & Outdoor Living Evening email gina@lofa.com

The outdoor cooking zone at Birmingham’s NEC will feature fire brands such as Bramblecrest, Broil-King, Char-Broil, Charlie Oven, DeliVita (with Pacific Lifestyle), Gardeco, GrillStream (part of LeisureGrow), Kamado Joe, Kettler, Norfolk Grills, Cook King & Ooni Pizza Ovens (with Norfolk Leisure Lifestyle) and Outback International.

The three-day Celebration of Summer event from SOLEX (Summer Outdoor Living Exhibition) brings together the most prestigious luxury outdoor brands, giving quality buyers and visitors an opportunity to explore what’s new in both retail and contract markets. 

"This leading event, organized by the Leisure & Outdoor Furniture Association (LOFA), provides a platform for key industry buyers to explore innovative designs, discover new products, and explore retail and contract market solutions all in one place. SOLEX delivers a friendly and relaxed atmosphere while maintaining a professional focus," commented Gina Hinde, Solex Event Director.

“Through this dynamic event, business professionals and buyers can foster valuable relationships in this vibrant industry while previewing the hot trends for shop floors in Spring/Summer 2024.”

There are distinct product lines at SOLEX to elevate your outdoor living experience. The line-up includes garden furniture and shading solutions; barbecues to entertain with confidence; garden decoration ideas to enhance outdoor aesthetics; leisure buildings for additional space.  Outdoor spas and heating options for cooler evenings, and outside entertainment.

If you wish to attend the Fire Food & Outdoor Living Evening email gina@lofa.com

SOLEX takes place at the NEC Birmingham from Monday 10 July – Wednesday 12 July. 

www.solexexhibition.com

Are you a part of the outdoor leisure industry? Do you want to check out the hottest trends in outdoor living products? If so, then you won’t want to miss SOLEX 2023. A “Celebration of Summer”. 

This three-day event unites the most prestigious luxury outdoor brands, giving quality buyers and visitors an opportunity to explore what’s new in both retail and contract markets. From trendsetting designs made with an eye towards sustainability, to making new relationships within the industry, SOLEX is the place to be!

What can you expect at SOLEX 2023? First off, this premier event allows key industry buyers to discover new products, witness innovations in design, explore retail and contract market solutions all under one roof. In addition, SOLEX offers a relaxed and friendly atmosphere with a professional focus on both retail and contract markets. As such, it gives both business professionals and buyers alike a chance to establish new relationships within this vibrant industry. Lastly, it enables buyers to check out the hot trends for shop floors in Spring/Summer 2024.

At SOLEX 2023, you will find some of the finest luxury outdoor brands from around the country showcasing their products. You will also find out more about sustainable initiatives that are being taken by these prestigious companies as they look towards providing better products for the marketplace while caring for the environment at the same time. With so much innovation on display at this event, it is sure to be an exciting experience for all who attend!

The Solex team understands the needs of retailers who are passionate about outdoor living, offering nine distinct product lines to discover—Garden Furniture and Shading for that perfect aesthetic touch; Barbecues to entertain with confidence; clever Garden Decoration ideas for creative flair outside your home; delightful Leisure Buildings for extra space in those special spots around your garden. Outdoor Spa & Heating products to stay cosy outdoors on cooler evenings, and Outside Entertainment solutions which guarantee lasting fun!

Whether you’re looking for trendsetting designs or sustainable initiatives in outdoor living products, make sure you visit SOLEX 2023—the place where outdoor leisure buyers come together! Immerse yourself in beauty and innovation as you explore what’s new in both the retail and contract markets. With its relaxed atmosphere and professional focus on attendees from multiple and independent garden centres, high street and department stores, online retailers, DIY stores and other industry professionals, this premier event offers boundless opportunities for everyone involved.

Don’t miss out – register today!

9 SECTORS  

Garden Furniture | Shading | Outdoor Living Accessories | Barbecues | Garden Decoration | Garden Leisure Buildings | Outdoor Heating | Outdoor Health | Outdoor Entertainment 

BRANDS ON DISPLAY 

Alexander Rose | Ascalon | BBQ Gourmet | Beefeater | Bramblecrest | Broilking | Buschbeck | Celtic Spa | Charbroil | Cheeky Charlie Ovens| Daro Trading | Extreme Lounging | Firepits UK | Firmans | 4Seasons Outdoor UK  | Gardeco Garden Furniture Global | Glencrest | Garden Impressions | Hartman | Hex Living | Innovators International | Instashade | Kaemingk | Kamado Joe | Kettler | Leisure Grow | Lifestyle Appliances | Lifestyle Garden | Mercer Agencies | Minster Stylish Living | Munro Importers | Norfolk Leisure | Outback International | Pacific Lifestyle | Pit Boss | Quest Leisure | Rotospa | Signature Weave | Supremo | Tobs | Tramontina | Tripod Home | Woodlodge

WHAT’S NEW! 

SOLEX 2023 is pleased to announce its ongoing partnership with BBQ Magazine, who are hosting the Loving Outdoor Living area at this year's event! Visitors will be able to sample an array of delicious dishes and treats from our incredible BBQ brands that are sure to leave their taste buds tingling. Be sure to check out the Loving Outdoor Living area for a mouth-watering experience you won't want to miss! 

New for 2023, SOLEX is proud to partner with The Landscape Show, the UK's premier exhibition for garden and outdoor design. As part of this collaboration, the Landscape Show are building a Landscape feature area at SOLEX. The Landscape 2023 Show Garden at Solex will allow visitors to experience the best natural concepts from leading landscape and gardening companies across the UK. 

SOLEX 2023 is proud to be collaborating with Perennial and LOFA in the roll out of their new "Promote Health Campaign". The Interactive Health Kiosk, which is sponsored by LOFA, provides a confidential way for individuals to get a quick assessment of their physical health. This includes measurements such as Wellbeing Age™, Weight, BMI, Body Fat Content, Blood Pressure, and heart rate – all of which were identified in Perennial's research as being critical issues. At SOLEX 2023 we believe that taking care of one’s health should be paramount and with this campaign we are hoping to encourage just that. Taking a Free Health MOT can take from as little as 8 minutes enabling exhibitors and visitors to self-test key indicators of their general health and well-being and walk away with a personal confidential printout of their results with a comparison to medically accepted standards. These free health checks will help contribute towards helping those who work in our industry stay healthy and safe. 

REGISTER TODAY FOR SOLEX 2023 

…and be in with a chance of winning a £200 voucher for Virgin Experience Days. You can take your pick from over 1,000 fantastic experiences that are £100 or less. From getting behind the wheel of an Aston Martin, relaxing in style with your partner or friend in a luxury spa, or enjoying a Japanese whisky masterclass, it’s up to you!

PLUS, there are 3 Fortnum’s Summer Picnic Provisions Boxes to win – each packed with enough delicious food to satisfy four hungry picnickers.

What are you waiting for? Register today to be part of the only outdoor living exhibition organised by the industry for the industry! 

https://www.solexexhibition.com/register-for-solex-2023-the-summer-outdoor-living-exhibition/

Are you planning on attending SOLEX 2023? As an outdoor leisure buyer, there's no doubt that you're looking to make the most out of this event by securing essential meetings with exhibitors and vendors.

However, with so many attendees and limited time, it can be challenging to secure appointments with key exhibitors. Fortunately, SOLEX has the perfect solution – PRIMETIME Appointments system.

Here we explore how this system works and how it can help you maximize your time at SOLEX 2023.

What is the PRIMETIME Appointments System?

Simply put, the PRIMETIME Appointments system is a scheduling tool that allows attendees to pre-book a meeting with SOLEX exhibitors before the event. This means that you can secure your appointment with your preferred exhibitors and avoid the hassle of trying to find them amidst the crowds.

To access this system, visit the SOLEX floor plan via our website and select the exhibitor you want to meet with. From there, press the button bar at the top of their page for easy access to the calendar system. You can book in 30-minute blocks or extend if needed. Once confirmed, an email will be sent out to confirm your appointment.

What are the Benefits of Using the PRIMETIME Appointments System?

First and foremost, this system saves time and improves efficiency. Rather than wasting precious time at SOLEX searching for exhibitors and negotiating availability, you can pre-book your meetings and arrive at SOLEX with a clear schedule and plan.

Moreover, by securing appointments with exhibitors, you can ensure that you get the most out of your attendance at SOLEX. You can leverage your time to explore other areas of the event while knowing that your crucial business appointments are taken care of.

How to Use the PRIMETIME Appointments System Effectively?

To make the most out of this system, we recommend the following tips:

Plan ahead: Before making appointments, identify the exhibitors that are most important to you and prioritize them accordingly.

Be flexible: Keep in mind that some exhibitors may be in high demand and may not have availability at your preferred time. Have an open and flexible attitude while booking appointments and consider alternative times.

Allow buffer time: It's always good to allow some buffer time between appointments in case some appointments run over time or if there are last-minute changes.

What Else to Expect at SOLEX 2023?

While the PRIMETIME Appointments system is a great tool to make the most out of your time at SOLEX 2023, there are several other things to look forward to at this event. You can expect to see the latest and greatest products and innovations in outdoor leisure, hear from industry experts, and network with fellow industry professionals.

The PRIMETIME Appointments system at SOLEX 2023 is a game-changer for outdoor leisure buyers looking to make the most out of this event. By pre-booking appointments, you eliminate the stress and hassle of trying to find key exhibitors amidst the crowds and maximize your time at SOLEX 23. 

If you're a fan of the smoky, char-grilled goodness of barbecue, then you have most likely heard of Marcus Bawdon. Known as the 'BBQ Whisperer'.

Marcus has made a name for himself within the BBQ fraternity as an experienced chef, author, and consultant editor of BBQ Magazine.

Here we take a closer look at Marcus's impressive career, his passion for outdoor cooking, and his upcoming appearance at SOLEX 2023.

Growing up in a large family, Marcus developed a love for simple, honest food cooked over embers and flames. His love for barbecue led him on an expansive journey to try different flavours across cultures all around the world. He's been crowned King of Meatopia, the UK's largest BBQ event, and hosts his website, Country Woodsmoke, which is packed with recipes, videos, and everything you need to know about barbecuing. Marcus also runs the UK's BBQ School, teaching everyone from beginners to chefs’ new skills. Additionally, he is a judge at Grillstock, Qfest & Pengrille events.

At SOLEX 2023, Marcus will be taking on a variety of roles, including judging the Best BBQ Award, conducting interviews with exhibitors in our Loving Outdoor Living Zone, and giving a BBQ masterclass. The lucky winners of the Best BBQ Award can look forward to not only receiving free marketing within an upcoming issue of BBQ magazine but also having their own signed copy of Marcus's new book, which features outdoor-cooked dishes from acclaimed author Marcus himself!

Marcus's passion for outdoor cooking doesn't stop with his work and hails from his love of creating simple, delicious food over live fire. Marcus's philosophy highlights how that pleasure has been a long-standing practice across different cultures around the world and brings people together over the love for the same thing. His approach is to spread that passion and knowledge through his classes teaching everybody from beginners to chef alike. His teachings leave his pupils with a deeper appreciation of BBQ and the shared joy of cooking and eating.

Marcus Bawdon, the "BBQ Whisperer," is a true expert and passionate member of the barbecue fraternity. He has dedicated his life to mastering the art of outdoor cooking, and his efforts have not gone unnoticed. SOLEX 2023 is a fantastic opportunity to meet Marcus, enjoy his cooking, and learn more about the world of BBQ. Don't miss out on the chance to enhance your outdoor cooking experience with tips from one of the best in the business! Be sure to register today to attend SOLEX 2023; it's an experience you won't want to miss.

The outdoor leisure industry is hugely diverse, encompassing everything from garden furniture to shading, BBQs to garden decoration, leisure buildings to outdoor spas and heating products to garden entertainment solutions. It’s also a vital part of the UK economy, however, like many industries, it has been hit hard over the past two years. Supply chain disruption, retail closures, overstocks and consumer uncertainty have all impacted manufacturers and suppliers and in turn their customers. In these challenging times, it's more important than ever to come together as a community and support the industry.

One of the best ways to do this is by attending industry specific trade shows. Exhibitions like SOLEX, The Landscape Show, The National Plant Show and Four Oaks provide valuable networking opportunities, allowing buyers and manufacturers to connect and build relationships that can help drive growth. SOLEX also offers a chance to see the latest innovations, trends, and products, it is a must-attend event for anyone in the outdoor leisure industry. 

Of course, trade shows aren't just a chance to socialise and be inspired, they also play a crucial role in the promotion of sustainability. Our industry is acutely aware of the importance of protecting the planet and addressing issues such as climate change, resource depletion, and pollution. SOLEX exhibitors are committed to promoting sustainability throughout the supply chain, from production to disposal, and exhibitions provide an excellent platform for sharing and learning. 

But what exactly are our exhibitors doing to promote sustainability? The answer is that they're taking a range of approaches, from using recycled materials, to reducing waste and energy usage, to promoting sustainable labour practices. For example, our members have produced sustainable furniture and cushions from marine waste and plastic bottles they have reduced their carbon footprint by developing more efficient heating and lighting systems, used only FSC-certified timber, and worked with suppliers who use sustainable packaging. Many of our members also work closely with charities and organisations, such as Planet Mark, the RSPB and the Forestry Stewardship Council, to promote sustainable production and regeneration.

The Summer Outdoor Living Exhibition 2023 is much more than just a trade show. It's an opportunity to come together as a community, celebrate the resilience and innovation of our members, and promote sustainability in the industry. We hope this inspires you to attend the exhibition (if you're a buyer) or consider exhibiting (if you're a manufacturer). Together, we can support the industry and create a more sustainable future for outdoor leisure.

SOLEX

The only outdoor leisure event organised by the industry for the industry. 

Monday 10 July – Wednesday 11 July 2023

Hall 5. NEC, Birmingham 

Have you thought about becoming a member of the Leisure & Outdoor Furniture Association?

It is important to have the support of a trade association which promotes your business and helps you grow. 

We welcome manufacturers and suppliers of garden furniture through to BBQ's and everything in between. Our aim is to make every member feel supported, informed, and inspired.

Find out more at https://lofa.co.uk/

CHARITY PARTNERS

LOFA is excited to partner with charities that work tirelessly in order to help improve the lives of those within and connected to our industry. 

We hope by working together, we can increase awareness for these great causes while raising valuable funds so they may continue their important work! 

Perennial – Helping people in horticulture for over 180 years, Perennial is the UK’s only charity dedicated to helping everyone who works or has worked within the horticultural industry. 

www.perennial.org.uk

Thrive – They use gardening to bring positive changes in the lives of people living with disabilities or ill health, or who are isolated, disadvantaged or vulnerable. 

www.thrive.org.uk

Greenfingers – Creating magical gardens for children in hospices. 

www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk

COMMERCIAL PARTNERS 

LANDSCAPE Show – A trade event dedicated to qualified garden designers, landscape architects, architects, architectural technologists and contractors. It is a platform to network and source market-leading products to use in high end projects worldwide.

www.landscapeshow.co.uk

BBQ Magazine – This fire, food and outdoor living publication has the perfect synergy with SOLEX in that we are both industry led, we are both passionate about outdoor living and cooking outdoors.

The BBQ Magazine will be supporting our Loving Outdoor Living Zone, this area will be showcasing  premier brands and products in their natural environment and cooking up some tasty treats for visitors to sample during the show.

Check out www.thebbqmag.com for more information.