NEARLY a dozen independent companies are to form part of the Luxurious Lifestyle Pavilion at this year’s Suffolk Show next month.

They will be displaying a broad variety of handmade or specially sourced decorative features which are continuing to prove enormously popular on the county’s shopping list, despite the tough financial climate.

Recent research showed house-proud Brits spent more than �400 billion on home improvements and d�cor in the last five years, despite the economic downturn.

Rosie Hunter, who owns her own interiors firm, believes the economic crunch may well have made families tighten their belts in certain areas, but that they are still as keen as ever to decorate their homes and create an environment they can be proud of.

“I’m delighted to be back in the Lifestyle Pavilion because it’s a great way of engaging with my many customers from across the county,” she said.

“We’ve clearly noticed over the last couple of years that, although there is a great deal in the press about economic downturn, people really do still want to spend on their homes and things which continue to enhance their home environment.”

She added: “Suffolk Show is a great opportunity for independent businesses like Rosie Hunter Interiors to see existing and new customers.

“Having exhibited for the past 15 years at the Suffolk Show, I have achieved a loyal customer base who have become friends, appreciating our service and genuine approach.

“There’s enormous loyalty among Suffolk customers and I know that at this year’s show I’ll be engaging with customers who I’ve helped on and off over many many years.”

Rosie will be joined in the Lifestyle Pavilion by companies from around the East Anglian region, including Pomegranate, Roger Gladwell Landscape Design, Rendall and Wright Barretts of Woodbridge and Smoke and Fire Tiles.

Paula Slater, tradestand officer for the show, said: “We find this aspect of the show to be an enormously popular feature and it has been something which has attracted huge crowds ever since we opened the Events Centre.

“One of the beauties of the Suffolk Show is that it provides for shoppers and business people with every conceivable objective. Whether you’re wanting to network, buy the latest piece of agricultural machinery, or find the perfect Suffolk-made decorative accessories for your home, there is something here at the Showground for the two days of the Suffolk Show.”

The Suffolk Show takes place at Trinity Park, Ipswich, on Thursday and Friday, June 7 and 8. The Luxurious Lifestyle Pavilion, sponsored by Hopkins Homes, will again be located within the Trinity Park events centre.