Posted: 28th January 2016 | Back to news feed
BETA International 2016 lived up to its reputation as a trade fair of global significance as an audience of 4,457 industry buyers and 285 exhibitors arrived at the NEC, Birmingham, from Sunday 24 to Tuesday 26 January to take part in the ultimate business and buying experience.
Three packed halls full of companies from the UK and overseas set up their stands, with a diverse range of products and services designed to tempt and inspire an audience of premium industry buyers. Retailers, from small independents to large chains, joined their trade colleagues for three days of brisk business and prime networking opportunities.
Bit and bitting specialist Neue Schule reinforced its support of BETA International by signing to return for a fourth year as main sponsor in 2017. The company’s CEO, Sarfraz Mian, who was awarded the British Empire Medal in the Queen’s New Year honours list, and show organiser Claire Thomas announced the good news in front of an audience of media representatives at the Press Lunch organised by Neue Schule.
ITV newscaster Alastair Stewart hosted Talking Business, an exciting industry debate in which hot business topics were given an airing. David Haythornthwaite, chairman of the Tangerine Group, David “Monty” Stuart-Monteith, owner of Shaws Equestrian, Sara Blackshaw, equine category manager of Countrywide Farmers, John Nunn, president of Nunn Finer, Phil Duff, business consultant and non-executive director, and Lucy Higginson, journalist and brand developer, went head-to-head as they discussed a range of industry hot potatoes, including Black Friday, manufacturer’s advertising price (MAP) and the implications if Britain voted to leave the EU.
Live-action product displays – often involving one of the show’s team of horses – proved a real hit in the Charles Owen Learning Centre @ The Horse Demonstration & Seminar Arena.
Highlights included sessions with the feature sponsor’s managing director, Roy Burek, who shared his vast knowledge of rider safety equipment, bitting expert Heather Hyde, of main sponsor Neue Schule, introducing the company’s new Turtle Tactio bit, and BETA executive director Claire Williams putting safety standards under the spotlight.
The arena also featured scenes with BETA International’s chosen charities, The Brooke and Hope Pastures, giving heart-warming presentations of their work and Elite British Dressage rider Alice Oppenheimer – an ambassador for The Brooke – providing a fascinating insight into her recent fact-finding mission to India to see this international charity’s work first-hand.
Visiting SQPS (suitably qualified persons) claimed 10 CPD points by attending The Dungs and Don’ts of Parasite Control seminar, hosted by veterinary management consultant Jim Wishart.
Another seminar, hosted by Blacks Solicitors, provided useful and thought-provoking advice for visitors on how their businesses might be affected by pensions and the living wage.
Clothing really hit the mark in the Equi-Thème Fashion Show, with the very latest designs paraded on the catwalk for all to see. Equestrian collections ruled the day – stylish competition jackets, beautifully cut breeches and tees and polos in a range of technical fabrics setting the scene for buyers on the hunt for stunning new stock and bags of inspiration. Clothing from Ekkia, Airowear, Champion, Charles Owen, Harry Hall, Horseware Ireland, House of Montar, Kastel Denmark, Kerbl, Toggi and Tredstep Ireland featured in the scenes.
Competition always plays a key role at BETA International and this year’s prestigious Innovation Awards were as fiercely contested as ever. Sponsored by the show’s official media partner, they attracted a huge number of entries across eight categories. All exhibitors are eligible to take part, provided that any products entered have not been introduced to the market more than 12 months preceding the show.
A specially selected panel of industry experts is given the challenging task of selecting the ultimate winners. This year’s judges were Anna Franklin, of online retailer Franklin & Billard, veterinary surgeon Peter Wright, of The Yorkshire Vet TV fame, saddle-fitter and Buckaroo Equine owner
Nicola Barry, international dressage rider and trainer Michel Assouline, Pony Club SEO Pip Kirkby and independent equine nutritionist Catherine Hale.
ETN editor Liz Benwell and advertising sales manager Nicki Lewis presented the winners’ trophies. These went to: Zamberlan/Snugbug (Country Clothing & Footwear), Horseware Ireland (Feed & Supplements), Solar Technology International (General), Matchmakers International (Horsecare Equipment & [horse] Clothing), Absorbine/WF Young (Pet Products), Horseware Ireland (Rider Clothing & Footwear), HRP Equestrian & Wing Saddle Pads (Saddlery & Tack) and Klick and Ride (Safety & Security). SEE SEPARATE NEWS RELEASE FOR FULL DETAILS
The trade fair always features fantastic exhibition stands and every year the bar seems to be raised a little higher. To reward and celebrate the hard work, thought and planning that goes into transforming stands into such professional, attractive and highly commercial environments, BETA International hosts its Best Stand Awards, sponsored by The Wine & Hamper Company.
Every exhibitor is automatically entered into the awards, which are judged by representatives from our chosen charities. This year Danny Greenwood, of The Brooke, and Kim Pengelly, of Hope Pastures, did the honours, selecting Toggi/Champion as winner of the Best Large Stand Award (32 sq m and over) and Stubbs England for the Best Small Stand Award (under 32 sq m).
Winners of the show’s awards were presented with their prizes in a special ceremony on the Fashion Show stage. Members of the industry gathered to applaud and congratulate their trade counterparts as glasses of bubbly and cake were served.
Equine dentist Christie Dreesen, of Bit2Fit, from the Netherlands, was crowned Neue Schule Bitting Adviser of the Year, a national competition introduced three years ago by the company to acknowledge the professionalism and expertise shown by professionals offering a comprehensive bitting service.
The finest skills employed in British saddlery making were put on display in the Society of Master Saddlers competitions, which ran throughout the three days of the trade fair. Apprentices from the Saddlery Training Centre and students from Capel Manor College battled it out to secure the winner’s slot in each category.
Sunday’s competition, which saw entrants crafting a martingale attachment, was won by Corrin King. On Monday, Lucy Ellis’s foal slip was judged the winning entry. On Tuesday, students were tasked with designing a piece of leatherwork with a brief that was revealed only on the day. This was won by Naomi Rogers.
In addition to its annual classes at BETA International, the SMS displayed entries in the Saddlery Pavilion for the President’s Choice class of the organisation’s National Saddlery Competition. Trade fair visitors were asked to judge the entries, with 50 per cent of their marks going towards the final score. The other half are awarded by the National Saddlery Competition judges, with the result set to be announced at the society’s awards evening on 8 February.
Trade fair organiser Claire Thomas was thrilled with this year’s show. “BETA International 2016 has been phenomenal,” she said. “We have had fantastic feedback from our exhibitors and visitors across the board, with many companies reporting brisk trading and retailers absolutely delighted with the exciting range of products and services on offer.
“We’d like to thank all members of the trade who support the show, as well as our sponsors – Neue Schule, Charles Owen, Ekkia, Equestrian Trade News, Hy, NAF, Shires Equestrian, Schockemöhle Sports, The Wine & Hamper Company and Toggi – without whom none of this would be possible.”
BETA International 2017 will take place at the NEC, Birmingham, from 22 to 24 January. For information about exhibiting at the trade fair, contact James Palmer, telephone +44 (0)1937 582111 or email jamesp@beta-int.com.
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