Commenting on the recent Footwear UK exhibition held at the NEC Birmingham, UK, Martin Ingram, managing director of Josef Seibel footwear, reinforced the need for players in the industry to support and attend trade exhibitions.

The industry and its key players need to support exhibitions such as Footwear UK. Today’s challenging economic environment continues to put pressure on retailers and suppliers alike. Coupled with changes in consumer’s attitudes and purchasing patterns it is becoming increasingly important for industry players to increase visibility and stay abreast of industry trends.”

According to Ingram exhibitions are a highly effective means of keeping abreast of industry and market developments. Exhibitions are a rich source of new ideas and applications and, therefore, play an important role in planning and business generation. [They] provide unique opportunities to network and develop business contacts and should remain a focal point for the industry, in order to attract a broad cross-section of representatives, from buyers and sellers, to trade associations and the media.”