The UK industry’s longest-running trade exhibition, the Manchester Furniture Show, continues to sell out every summer, and 2012 was no exception, with the largest event in over a decade. Over 140 exhibitors were present, including many well-known companies as well as several new companies showing for the first time – notably BakerBedford, Whitemeadow, Christie-Tyler and IFD.

This year’s event will take place between 14-17th July, and already the main hall is well over half full, with many companies including Morris Furniture, Corndell, Baker Furniture, Ashley Manor, Buoyant, Harrison Bros, Whitemeadow, TCH, TCS, Lebus, La-Z-Boy and Furmanac having confirmed their participation. Furniture Origins and Wood Bros will also return to the show.

The show attracts a loyal core of retailers each year. Jane Westoby, of online success story World Stores, based in Twickenham, says: “The Manchester Furniture Show provides us with a good opportunity to visit suppliers in a more relaxed atmosphere than some larger shows, which can often be more formal. As we always have so many suppliers to visit, the timing of the show is also excellent, allowing us to catch up with some key suppliers mid-way through the year.”