We took a trip over to the Ricoh Arena in Coventry this morning to visit The Hard Landscaping Show, a brand new trade event. It may not sound very exciting to some but I think it's great to go and see new products, improved products and even some old favourites! It's also a good opportunity to network with others in the same or similar industry. We arrived at 9.30am and received a voucher for a coffee and bacon roll (mmm very nice, thank you!) - so off we went around the hall. One thing that did strike us was how small it was, there must have been only about 40 or so exhibitors, a shame really for those travelling a long way.
It is encouraging to see there are more environmentally friendly products available and some with prices that aren't out of the average person's reach too. Blue Daisy particularly liked the grass and ground re-inforcement solutions, whilst not a new product it was good opportunity to talk to the owner of the business. We met people who make environmentally responsible street furniture for urban and rural settings, natural stone and glass water features in the most striking colours and finishes, garden irrigation systems that don't break the bank that use the water from your waterbutts on a timed programme - very convenient!
Before we knew it we had been to every stall and it was only 11am! So not a huge amount to see but for us it was definitely worth the short 15 minutes journey across town!