Direct Golf UK has announced that it will be ending its support to the London Golf Show, a move that means the company will not be the official retail partner for a third successive year at the 2007 London Golf Show. The decision follows careful consideration and will see the company concentrating efforts on its three existing London stores, which have shown significant growth in the past two years, and a fourth southern store opening soon at Tonbridge Golf Centre in Kent – an opening that will see completion of the company’s retail offering in and around the capital.
Commenting on the announcement decision not to be part of the show for a third year was clearly a difficult one but we have to continually review Direct Golf UK’s managing director John Andrew said, “Our strategies must deliver maximum benefit to the business and keep us ahead in what is a highly competitive retail marketplace. It has been rewarding to be part of the birth of London’s first consumer golf show. Constructing and running Europe’s largest retail golf store at the show was a tremendous experience and we would like to wish the organisers every success for 2007 and future years.”
The Golf Show Company chairman, Colin Brunton, said, “A mutual decision to part company has been made by The Golf Show Company and Direct Golf UK, as both parties seek to consolidate their positions within the industry.
“We are currently seeking alternative retail options for the London Golf Show 2007. Ultimately, we are very confident the show will continue to consolidate its position as Europe’s largest retail event for golf.
“We would like to put on record our sincere appreciation to John Andrew and all at Direct Golf for their support over the last two years. The company’s presence at the show undoubtedly helped our launch in 2005 and has secured our position as the number one golf show in Europe.”
The 2007 London Golf Show will once again prove a huge attraction for the golfing public but next year’s event will also be a “must see” for anybody within the golf industry.
A golf conference will run simultaneously with the consumer show for the first two days, allowing exhibitors, golf professionals and other members of the industry to network and learn from the experience of prominent members of the golf trade. The costs of attending will be kept low, as the venue is already booked for the London Golf Show.
The first day of the LGS Golf Conference will concentrate on property development and destinations, while the second will be of interest mainly to PGA golf professionals.
Jay Tyson, project director for the London Golf Show, explained, “It will be a perfect opportunity for people within the industry to network, take part in workshops and discussions relating to relevant issues – on everything from retail through to marketing and planning permissions – enjoy lively debate, learn from informative case studies or simply listen to people in the know talk about the challenging issues currently facing the industry.
“Renowned keynote speakers will lead off the sessions and everything will be geared to making a visit to the conference a firm date in the diary for those in the industry.”
Direct Golf UK www.direct-golf.co.uk
London Golf Show www.londongolfshow.com
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