The three-day SOLEX 2026 exhibition, which took place at the NEC Birmingham this week, has been hailed as a sizzling success with LOFA Chairman Alwyn Williams happy to agree it had been fantastic show.

Alwyn said: "SOLEX 2026 has been a fantastic show. The members have made fantastic efforts in the quality of their stands, the quality of the product that they're showcasing and I think the level of detail that people have gone to inspire the retailer of how to sell the product, has been exceptional.

"The people that have come into the show, the retailers have been quality retailers. The numbers of people visiting versus the time they spend in the show has been better than ever. The feedback from other members that I've spoken to has been the same, that it's about the quality of the people that are coming, that are making the show, what it is.

"The awards night on Tuesday was great. It gave us an opportunity to come together, to highlight the innovation, the detail that people have gone to in designing the product and making their stands what they are and to be able to award some of them.

"We're all about engaging the retailers, getting them excited about what we have and what we can offer in order for them to then take that back into their shop floor, because that at the end of the day, the product has got to sell and we need the retailers to sell those products for us.

"For me at SOLEX it’s about the fun that you have with people as well, the camaraderie between not just the retailers and the suppliers, but between members too. I always say it takes three different elements. You've got the supplier, you've got the customer and you've got the employee. And it takes all three to make things work. Not one is more important than the other.

"As the show comes to a close I just want to thank everybody, from all of our members and the hard work that they've put in over the not just the last three days, but the time they've spent to create everything that they needed to bring it to life here at the show.

"Thank you to all the retailers that have taken the time out of what is a real busy time for everybody at the moment. Without both of those there is no show. We cannot do this without the members putting the time and the effort in to coming here and the retailers coming to see us. As an association (LOFA) we only have a show because of you.

"Also a big thank you needs to go to Gina and Sam for the hard work that they put in for the whole year leading up to this to make sure that when we as as members turn up it's a seamless operation.  That only happens with hard work and these guys put it in.

"So thank you to everybody that's taken their time to do it."

LOFA's General Manager and SOLEX Event Director Gina Hinde revealed the feedback from both visitors and exhibitors had been overwhelmingly positive. Find out what she had to say about this year’s event.

Gina said: “As SOLEX 2026 comes to a close, I want to say how incredibly proud I am of all our exhibitors. Once again, they have shown exactly why SOLEX is such an important event for our industry.

“Every exhibitor brought something new and exciting to the show. The standard of the stands was exceptional – beautifully presented, clean, well-organised and thoughtfully colour coordinated. The sleek furniture collections and the exciting new colour palettes for 2027 created a real sense of inspiration throughout the exhibition.

“The BBQ sector was equally impressive, with displays both inside and outside the halls showcasing innovative new shapes, striking colours and the latest technology. It was fantastic to see so much innovation and creativity on display.

“What impressed me most was the amount of thought, passion and hard work that every exhibitor had invested, not only in their stands but also in the products they were launching. That dedication was evident everywhere you looked.

“Thank you to every one of our exhibitors for making SOLEX 2026 such a tremendous success. Your commitment, innovation and enthusiasm continue to raise the bar for our industry, and I couldn't be prouder of what we have achieved together.

“The feedback I have received from both visitors and exhibitors has been overwhelmingly positive. Time and again, people commented on the quality of the exhibition, the professionalism of our exhibitors and the welcoming atmosphere that makes SOLEX so special.

“Finally, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who visited SOLEX 2026. Your continued support, enthusiasm and engagement are what make this exhibition such a success year after year. We hope you leave feeling inspired by the innovation, creativity and passion on display, and we look forward to welcoming you back next year.”

See you next year for SOLEX 2027, 6th - 8th July 2027.