In this month’s Suffolk Agricultural Association column, the SAA reveals changes in the rules aim at encouraging smaller, regional and start-up food businesses to take up tradestands

Tradestand holders will no longer be required, but will have the option, to be Members of the Association when they register for sites in 2014.

The Association has changed the rules to encourage increased take-up of the space, particularly by smaller, regional and start up businesses.

“The Association has always offered a reduced rate to local and regional producers to encourage them to showcase their products,” said tradestand officer Paula Slater, “but now this is extending our offer.”

“The great news is that in the Adnams’ Food and Drink Experience and Eat Street site space now costs £100 per metre plus VAT making it much more affordable. However the benefit is a £150 saving on a 3m stand plus the saving on not having to take out membership, giving a potential saving of £200 on an average size stand if they are a Taste of Anglia member or a local producer.”

“Tradestand holders wanting to exhibit in Made in Suffolk also have the benefit of two advertised rates which we have kept as they proved successful. They can have a stand measuring 3m x 6m on their own for £400 + VAT or they can each have a 3m x 3m shared space for £200 +VAT. This offer is also extended to applications for the Made in Essex and Norfolk areas, if there is enough interest. These stands will be located in what was previously a shopping arcade not far from Flower Stand Avenue and in the heart of the showground,” she said.

2014 is already looking a boom year for motor and marine, which also includes motor bikes, where already interest is high. “Watersports and fishing are major leisure interests in the county, the latter also a great source of food of course, and suppliers are already realising the Show provides the ideal place for them to meet potential new customers who want to discover more,” said Paula.

“New tradestand applications are pouring in and we are already ahead of schedule on reservations based on the past two years,” she said.

Returning tradestands have until 30th November to confirm they would like the same site as 2013, but new applicants should apply by this date as spaces are allocated on a first come first served basis (subject to suitability). Email paula.slater@suffolkshow.co.uk for more details.