Dates and venue announced for AQUA 2019

by | Nov 8, 2017 | News | 0 comments

AQUA, the market-leading showcase for the UK?s water gardening and aquatics trade, will be returning to the Telford International Centre on October 16-17, 2019.

Now firmly established as a biennial event, AQUA attracts the major companies in the industry, who acknowledge the importance of exhibiting their products and services to specialist aquatic and water gardening retailers and garden centres, all under one roof.

Organiser Annie Foord said: ?I am delighted with the enthusiasm shown by exhibitors and visitors to this event. The positive response to AQUA 2017 proves that the event is continuing to deliver the audience our exhibitors have come to expect from the largest show of its kind in the UK. I look forward to welcoming everyone back to Telford in 2019.?

The doors to AQUA 2017 may now be closed, but the industry praise continues to be heard.

Here?s some great reaction from exhibitors at the show:

Chris Hepburn, Regional Sales Manager, Hozelock: ?This was undoubtedly our busiest and most successful of the five AQUAs to date, with a healthy number of new business enquiries in addition to our established customer base. I would commend the show for being well organised (as always) at a venue which is easily accessible and suits the needs of exhibitors and customers alike. It?s an event which has become a great focal point for the aquatic trade in the UK.?

Joey Abrahams, Commercial Director, AQUADIP: ?We enjoyed another fantastic show. It was the perfect place for us to catch up with current customers but also to display the complete range of products we can offer to new customers. Since the show we have been busy non-stop and received great feedback of the new service we introduced at AQUA: branded dry foods and frozen food.?

Andy Bond, National Sales Manager, OASE: ?We had a very successful show. It was definitely the best AQUA to date. The quality of people visiting our stand was exceptional and we spoke to all the right people.?

Richard Pyrah, Sales Director, Kelkay: ?We had a warm reaction to our Easy Fountains during the show and it was great to meet some new faces in the aquatics sector.?

Visitor reaction was equally praise worthy:

Boyd J Douglas-Davies, CEO, Hillview Garden Centres: ?Great show for anyone involved or contemplating the aquatics industry. I was impressed by the quantity of exhibitors and the level they had gone to in creating inspirational and engaging displays. Every element of the sector appeared to be represented. The location is good for our business and the facilities are first class for a show of this size. We operate two aquatic shops within the group so both managers attended the show and found it to be an extremely day.?

Mark Evenden, Devotedly Discus: ?Aqua Telford is an event that I think just about everyone involved with aquatics looks forward to because it is simply unique. There?is not the opportunity elsewhere to view, handle and assess so many?products like it.?The companies exhibiting, with out exception, put on a good show and there are some very good deals on offer. As a visitor it is easy to register and in the build up you are kept up to date with any developments and conveniently ?reminded? of the date and times. The halls are spacious and easy enough to find what you are looking for. I also like the space given to the refreshment areas. For an independent retailer, Aqua Telford is an event you just cannot miss.?

Pete Carey,?Aquatic Operations Manager (Pet Team), Pets at Home:
?Another amazing show by the Aqua team. The show was very busy this year and it was so good to see so many aquatics people together and showing that the industry is thriving and growing. Lots of innovation and new products also added to the vibrant and exciting show.?

Steve Rudd, Partner, Maidenhead Aquatics:? ?As a trade customer I felt the show was well organised. The Telford exhibition centre is a great venue, in terms of both its location and facilities. The vast majority of the UK aquatics trade were present, showcasing both new and existing products. The show is the perfect location to meet up with existing suppliers as well as creating new contacts in an enjoyable and relaxing environment.?

Simon Jenkins, Ripples Waterlife:??The show, the location and evening party were all fabulous and I thought it went well with a very good atmosphere around the halls for the two days. It?s important for the trade to have a well-run show every couple of years to bring people together and catch up on what?s new. Overall, I was very impressed and look forward to Aqua 2019.?

Kevin Rose, Lynchford Aquatics Ltd: ?The show was, once again, a great showcase for our industry. There was a positive vibe from the people I spoke to, both visitor and exhibitor alike. Everything seemed to run smoothly and the layout had a familiarity from previous shows, which meant navigating it was simple. The venue goes from strength to strength with recent external development making visiting an even more attractive proposition.?

Len MacGlashan, Water World Ltd: ?I found Aqua 2017 to be vibrant and full of confidence for the coming year. Aqua 2017 offers anybody within the aquatic industry the opportunity to view new and exclusive products available to us all.?

 

To keep up-to-date with all the latest news from AQUA 2017 visit www.aquatelford.co.uk

more latest news ➡

Steve Morgan

GCR PROFILES STEVE MORGAN, CHAIR OF ZEST OUTDOOR LIVING

A popular and well-known figure in the garden industry, Steve Morgan is the sort of person you would want to be on your side. In many ways he built Zest and the wider P & A Group of which he is also Chair, to the same model. It’s a family business, where the...

autumn

Moving From Summer to Autumn Without Confusing Customers

Seasonal transitions are among the most delicate moments in retail. For garden centres, where atmosphere and emotion drive purchasing decisions, the shift from summer to autumn must feel natural, not abrupt. Customers should sense continuity, not contradiction....

Engineering before technology

Engineering Before Technology

Commercial organisations across the UK are navigating a rapidly changing energy landscape. Energy systems are evolving, regulation is tightening, costs remain challenging,and expectations around sustainability and resilience continue to increase. In this...

Christmas

Why August Matters More Than October for Christmas

For decades, October was considered the unofficial start of Christmas retail, the moment when festive displays appeared, stock arrived, and customers began to think ahead. But in today’s supply‑chain reality, October is no longer early; it’s reactive. The smartest...

spirits

Craft Spirits, Gifting, and Seasonal Tasting Events

Craft spirits have evolved from niche indulgence to mainstream fascination, and garden‑centre retail is increasingly embracing this shift. With customers seeking authenticity, provenance, and experience, craft spirits offer a natural extension of the lifestyle and...

deli and bakery in garden centres

Bakery & Deli Freshness, Display, and the Power of Smell

Few retail experiences are as instantly evocative as walking into a garden‑centre bakery or deli. The scent of freshly baked bread, the sight of golden pastries, and the hum of conversation around the café create an atmosphere that feels both indulgent and...

footwear

The footwear conundrum: A Year‑Round Opportunity

Footwear has quietly become one of the most consistent performers in garden‑centre retail. Once seen as a functional add‑on, it now represents a category that bridges lifestyle, leisure, and practicality, appealing to customers across seasons and demographics. From...









Subscribe ToThe Wednesday Word

Subscribe To
The Wednesday Word

 

Get all the latest news, events & more straight to your inbox every Wednesday.

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This