UK export federation signs non-exclusive deal with Glee after a number of its members expressed a continued interest in the Birmingham-based show.
The Federation of Garden and Leisure Manufacturers Ltd (Gardenex) has confirmed that it will once again be working closely with Glee, as it signed a non-exclusive agreement to support the September show in 2010.

The move follows news announced in June that the federation will be supporting rival trade show Garden Expo - also on a non-exclusive basis. Garden Expo will be held on June 28-30 at Stoneleigh Park.

Gardenex director general Amanda Sizer Barrett explained that the federation had polled members in recent months to determine their preferred timing for trade exhibiting and while some were attracted to earlier June dates, others opted for September. Around 70% of Gardenex members who exhibited at Glee last year have rebooked for the 2010 show.

She commented: "We are extremely pleased once again to be working closely with Glee. The continued relationship will provide benefits for our members, such as a 12.5% discount on stand space. The federation will also be helping to build the international status of the show through a revitalised collaborative marketing programme, which has been designed to deliver an even greater international audience to the 2010 show. In addition to this, Gardenex will also be organising and manning the International Buyers' Centre."

She added: "This and recent events have caused the federation to reconsider the way that it plays its role in helping members to develop export opportunities at trade shows, and rather than provide exclusive support for one show or another, our new aim is to provide maximum support for our members at whatever type of trade events they may wish to attend.

"Under the new non-exclusive arrangements our members will be able to choose which event is preferable for their marketing needs but still take advantage of the discounts and other opportunities that will be on offer via the federation.

"The federation's remit is to provide the highest possible service to our member companies, in order to help them to increase their business in export countries and we believe that the newly negotiated trade exhibition terms will help to achieve that aim."

Glee show director Daniel Thurlow said of the agreement: "We are extremely pleased to be working so closely with Gardenex once again in the lead up to our 2010 show... It is one of our aims to develop Glee's international appeal. Our research shows time and time again that the potential to meet international exhibitors is a key attraction for many UK visitors; whilst for exhibitors the opportunity to meet so many top quality, international buyers is something that's offered nowhere else within the garden exhibition sector."

Glee will be held at the NEC Birmingham on September 20-22.