CONCERNS about the possible impact of zero-10 and petrol duty rises were hot topics on the lips of islanders at the Guernsey Press Home & Lifestyle Show at the weekend. Nevertheless, the consensus among many of the 80-plus exhibitors was that the show was the biggest and best yet.
‘It’s gone fantastically well. It has exceeded expectations,’ said show director and CMA event organiser Suzanne Pontin.
More than 7,000 people visited the event on Saturday and yesterday was also expected to be as busy. It is anticipated that around 15,000 will have attended and final figures are expected today.
‘This is far better this year and well organised and the feedback from the public on the Shell card has been astounding,’ said Fuel Supplies sales team representative Steve Salmon.
‘I think it is because of the pricing of fuel being a topical issue. People seem to be shocked at the duty increase and there has been a lot of comment on the diesel tax,’ he said.
Other businesses were pleased with the event.
‘It’s been worthwhile for the awareness and to get our name out there a bit more and the public reaction has been good,’ said Close Finance business development manager Clive Gibbons.
‘The main aim this weekend is to get the word out that we are in the island.
‘The zero-10 issue has come up quite a lot and the lack of knowledge people have about it. The uncertainty is putting people off borrowing at the moment,’ he said.
Mrs Pontin said the event was an opportunity for people to discover what is on offer in the island.
‘The quality of the stands has been exceptionally high and the entertainment has been well received. I feel we have got the balance right,’ she said.
‘The exhibitors are all extremely happy people and they have all generated a huge amount of business. A lot of them do not have prime locations in Guernsey and for them this reaches a massive audience.’
Bonsai Wood Flooring won the best stand competition, closely followed by Toko and Vitamix.
It was Bonsai’s third time at the show.
‘It’s really positive and I think the show is getting better with a better sense of quality around the place. All the exhibitors have worked really hard and there is a lot of friendliness among everyone on all the stands and they help each other out,’ said director Matt Rolfe.
‘We got this patch as early as we could and have showcased more products than normal to show how the business has developed. It’s good for business and we have tried to make it more customer-friendly.’
Toko appeared for the first time.
‘It’s about awareness for us - there are still a lot of people who do not know about us and where we are. We have had a lot of positive feedback so it’s been worthwhile for us,’ said partner Rob Taylor.
‘For our first show we are really pleased with the way it has gone.’
Kings Life beauty therapist Hayley Fox was able to advise visitors about its new treatment room for health and beauty. ‘People are very interested in the club - it gets people interested in the whole lifestyle concept,’ she said.
Avant Garden was another happy business.
‘I came to the old trade show back in 1999 before we started Avant Garden. The show was quite different then and this seems much more modern, plush and exciting,’ said owner Nick Martel, who was targeting the Christmas market.
‘We are using it as a platform to give people a taste of what we have in the marquee at Sausmarez Manor. It’s another flag-waving operation.’
Mrs Pontin said: ‘I’m really disappointed it’s ending - it’s been so enjoyable and a real team effort.’
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