Glee is set to welcome one of the strongest influxes of American and North American companies for several years, making for an exciting showcase of garden products from ‘across the pond’.
From artist-designed door and floor mats, to homemade glass art, miniature garden accessories, stylish umbrellas and wind-chimes, the variety of products available from this year’s American and North American contingent at Glee promises to entice and inspire a range of garden retailers and department store buyers.
Assisted by White Pebble International, Glee’s exhibitor support partner, which also provides warehousing, distribution and sales support for American companies across the UK and Europe, will be Woodstock Chimes, Jeremie Corp, Kitras Art Glass, San Francisco Umbrella Company and Entryways.
Talking about this exceptional showcase of international design, i2i’s Matthew Mein, Glee event manager said: “England may be the home of gardening but that doesn’t mean that we can’t draw inspiration from other parts of the globe. Being able to confirm that so many international brands are joining us at Glee 2014 is fantastic, and will no doubt further demonstrate Glee’s status as the place to launch products and the latest innovation to the market.”
In total Glee 2014 will be welcoming over 70 international brands from across the globe, ranging from Algeria, Australia, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, France, Sweden, Spain and the Netherlands.
This year the UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) has teamed up with i2i Events and Glee to offer visitors and exhibitors alike unprecedented access to their international trade expertise. Over 30,000 SMEs grew their business overseas in 2012/13 thanks to the support of UKTI, and at Glee, UK garden retailers and designers can get the advice they need to start their export journey.
The UKTI International Business Zone will host a number of UKTI representatives including International Trade Advisers and Commercial Officers, who will be on hand to provide all levels of export advice. Offering knowledge of the garden retail sector and the opportunities around the world for UK businesses, those wishing to start expanding their business overseas or looking to continue their growth into new international markets will be able to get advice from the UKTI.
Crispin Simon, Managing Director: Trade Development, UKTI said: "Business success in international markets is central to rebuilding the UK economy, and UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) support for companies has a crucial role to play in driving sustainable economic growth through exports and encouraging foreign investment into the UK. UKTI is committed to building on the success we have already achieved. Working in partnership with event organisers such as i2i Events will help us to further increase and enhance the support we can offer to UK based businesses of all sizes wanting to export."
The Gardenex export federation and the PetQuip association will also once again be organising and manning the International Buyers’ Centre at Glee 2014. Over the years, the Centre has become the focal point for overseas garden and pet product buyers visiting the show, and a place where British suppliers of garden, leisure and pet products can source a range of business services, international market information and export advice.
Amanda Sizer Barrett, the director general of Gardenex commented on this year’s arrangements; “As an addition to its services to UK suppliers and overseas buyers at Glee this year, Gardenex will be the hosting a two-hour session of International Buyer Connect meetings on the first day of the show, where UK suppliers can apply for short introductory meetings with a few selected international buyers at the International Buyers’ Centre. Similar ‘Meet the Buyers’ meetings that are staged several times a year by Gardenex have resulted in significant export orders for the participating suppliers."
Further details about Glee 2014, including a wealth of additional brands confirming their support for the show, will be announced soon. For exhibiting information, call 0203 033 2160, and to find out the latest show news log onto www.gleebirmingham.com.
