The UK and Ireland’s two leading pro buying groups, Foremost/Alliance and TGI Golf, will stage their annual trade shows back-to-back at the Harrogate International Centre later this year.
In a move that has been welcomed by the trade, the TGI Golf Show, 5-6 November, will be followed on consecutive dates by Foremost/Alliance’s GTEC Show, 7-8 November.
Paul Hedges of Foremost and Ian Johnston of TGI Golf said the move to the same venue in the same week was designed to benefit the golf industry as a whole. In a joint statement they said, “We believe that by moving our respective shows to the same venue on consecutive dates there will be significant combined benefits for both our members and suppliers.
“Retailers will have access to all the major golf manufacturers and service providers in one place – and suppliers will benefit by being able to optimise sales opportunities, while also reducing logistical costs.”
The trade show format has proved successful for both groups, with members able to conduct their forward buying face-to-face with suppliers. Educational seminars contributing towards CPD points, the sharing of information at forums and workshops, plus the camaraderie of an industry get together, have also proved a draw to retailers from across the UK and Ireland.
David Wells, chairman of the British Golf Industry Association, welcomed the initiative. “This is good news for the golf industry and both groups should be applauded for co-operating in this way,” he said. “Clearly, there are benefits for both professionals and suppliers and I believe this is in the best interests of the British golf industry as a whole.”