The very first Workwear and Corporate Clothing Show has been described as a resounding success, after over 1,600 visitors and exhibitors came from all over the world to support it.

The show, which is organised by Corporate Clothes Show LLP, took place on Wednesday 2nd and Thursday 3rd April, at the Birmingham NEC. It is the only exhibition dedicated to senior buyers, specifiers and suppliers working in the vibrant and dynamic working garment industry, and, as such, drew international delegates, exhibitors and attendees from as far as China, Japan, Pakistan, India and Europe.

A Warm Reception
Apart from the 60 plus stands that filled the hall, the two-day event featured stunning catwalk fashion shows sponsored by Russell Europe, a series of interactive and informative workshop seminars sponsored by Syscom PLC, and a buyers' champagne cocktail party sponsored by Buffera.

Joint managing director of Corporate Clothes Show LLP Lorne Cheetham said: “The show has been extremely well received by visitors and exhibitors alike. Our attendance and the feedback we have had from our exhibiting companies has been very positive, and we have proved there is a real need for an inspirational event for fashionable image conscious buyers of uniforms and workwear clothing.”

Karen Sparrow, head of uniforms at Virgin Atlantic, who attended the Workwear and Corporate Clothing Show and took part in the Buyers Advice Forum, said: “The Workwear and Corporate Clothing Show has provided me and my team with the ideal opportunity to meet with manufacturers, suppliers and textile producers of a variety of different products. The exhibition has also provided a good overview of the industries development of new products in the direction of sustainability and featured both large and small exhibiting companies.” Derek Robertson, UK sales director for CAT Workwear, said: “We’ve been doing exhibitions since 2005 and the Workwear and Corporate Clothing Show is in the top two exhibitions we have ever done. We’ve had a very busy show and every single person who’s come onto the stand has presented a genuine business opportunity.”

The Only Way Is Up
Not content to simply sit back and enjoy the fruits of its labours, Corporate Clothes Show LLP already has some plans up its sleeve for next year’s event. Joint managing director Yvette Ashby said: “New features for the 2009 show will be the Young Designers and Business Managers Awards in corporatewear, workwear and PPE, which will be awarded at an industry gala event.”

Held in style at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel, on the evening of the 1st April, the Business Manager’s Awards will be given out during a black tie, champagne dinner and dance. And if that wasn’t enough, it will be hosted by designer and founder of The Clothes Show Live, Jeff Banks.

In the mean time, Corporate Clothes Show LLP is on the hunt for talented, young fashion designers. Students from three top universities will be invited to design a uniform specifically for the corporate clothing, workwear and PPE industry. Those shortlisted will then have their designs paraded in the fashion catwalk show at the 2009 Workwear and Corporate Clothing Show. A panel made up of industry experts will judge the designs, awarding the winner with an apprenticeship with one of the country’s leading designers.

To avoid missing out on all of these exciting events, be sure to book your stand, reserve your ticket, or set aside your sponsorship early. We look forward to welcoming you at the next Workwear and Corporate Clothing Show on the 1st and 2nd April 2009.