All change for London DIY Show

Visitor numbers to the show were increased over those of the previous year, and exhibitors noticed a greater number of independent retailers visiting the show.
Once again, however, as has been the pattern for the UK DIY Show, buyers from the national DIY and merchant chains were conspicuous only by their absence.
The show organisers took the opportunity of the opening day to announce a further evolution of the exhibition concept, which was been developing over the eight years since its inauguration at London’s Olympia exhibition centre in 1995.
In 2003 the name of the event is changing to the DIY & Garden Show. “Because the show is constantly evolving,” says exhibition director, Christopher Leonard-Morgan, “the new name is a natural development, and is absolutely in step with what is happening in the marketplace, and within the show itself.
As for this year, decorating trends were a major feature, centred around the Decorative Trends Area - a giant walk-in paint tin, standing six metres in height and containing a collection of colour and design predictions for the coming year.
The DIY Show and Garden Expo took place in London at the end of January.
There was also a significant overseas participation this year, with a group stand for the first time from the American Hardware Manufacturers Association, as well as group exhibits from Canada and Malaysia. Overseas companies exhibiting independently at this year’s event included companies from Belgium, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, New Zealand, Switzerland and the USA.
According to the organisers some 200 new products were launched at the show in a vast number of different areas. As in each year there was a New Product Stand and awards presented for the most innovative new products.´The 2003 DIY & Garden Show will take place from Sunday 26th to Tuesday 28th January at the ExCel exhibition centre in London’s Docklands.