The UK stationery and office supplies industry saw the return of a dedicated national trade show in April with the launch of SOPX in London – and buyers loved it. They came from across the UK from Aberdeen, Norwich, Crewe, Manchester, Sheffield, Swindon, Birmingham and Belfast as well as London and the South East, representing dealers, major retailers and independents.
NEXT YEAR'S DATES are TUESDAY 7 - WEDNESDAY 8 APRIL 2009.
Theo Paphitis, chairman of Ryman the Stationer, officially opened the show and spent the morning talking to exhibitors. Wishing the show well for the future, he told exhibitors and visitors that “SOPX is long overdue”.
Visiting dealers included Egan Reid in Stockport, Banner Business Supplies in Norwich, Langstane Press in Aberdeen, Accord Office Supplies in Swindon, and OyezStraker Group in Croydon. All the dealer groups came – Advantia, Integra, Nemo, Office Club, Officepoint, Office Friendly and Superstat – as well WH Smith, Woolworth, Staples, Makro, Osborne Stationers, Ryman, and Spicers.
David Willis of CEP Office Solutions was one of many visitors who gave SOPX the thumbs up. “It’s been really, really good to see so many old friends and acquaintances here, but also to see new companies and new people too”, he said.
Steve Keen of Advantia Business Solutions was delighted that there were so many new products and companies to see at the event. There were over 100 suppliers exhibiting and over three quarters of them were showing new products.
“Just in terms of meeting people, the show has been superb” he said. It’s been great to see people in niche markets rather than just the same old, same old in product areas that are in decline.”
Colin Campbell of Aberdeen based dealer, Langstane said: “It took me half an hour to get to the main exhibition area because I kept bumping into people I knew”.
“SOPX has arrived” commented organiser Chris Leonard-Morgan shortly after the close of the show. “Exhibitors have seen serious buyers, and done serious business over the last two days.
“It’s been wonderful to see so much enthusiasm for the show and the venue from both buyers and suppliers. The show looked brilliant, and reflected so much of the dynamic and diversity of the industry. Exhibitors did themselves proud.
And this is just the start. The majority of exhibitors have told us that they are planning to rebook for next year, and a number of companies that weren't able to exhbit this year have already said that they will be participating in 2009".