The atmosphere at the show this year seemed generally buoyant. We welcomed around 5,000 visitors through the doors. People seemed positive, enthusiastic and ready to buy!

I certainly had a great show and got the opportunity to meet some of you while filming this year’s video. Perhaps you chatted to me? Perhaps you were brave enough to do it to camera!?

I hope you had a good show too and achieved your aims. I’m sure you’ll have your own highlights and favourite bits.

For us the FSB (Federation of Small Business) sponsored newcomers’ area was a definite highlight. Also well received was the regional food and drink area. The industry experts offering retail surgeries for visitors, were kept busy throughout the four days.

One of my favourite stories was the one I heard about the 17 bank managers from the region. They were invited to the show by Business Mentors South West as the individuals tasked with managing the high growth business fund. Apparently none of them had ever been to a trade show before and they were encouraged to take their ties off for the occasion!

Did any of you spot this illustrious group of people walking the aisles?

Other visitors of interest were two researchers working on the next Mary Portas project for Channel 4. They chose our show as a good place to start to build up a picture of the gift industry. Perhaps they spoke to you? Perhaps you were able to share some valuable insights?

If so, I’d love to hear about it or indeed any of your highlights or interesting anecdotes from the show…………