The Liveryman Demonstration Arena was also making its début, bringing high-octane drama to the show in the shape of working dog training with Ricky Moloney, dog agility with Liz Finchett and saddle fitting with master saddler Kay Hastilow. The arena also included clipping demos, along with teach-ins on bridle and bit fitting. The spirit of competition burned brightly at the show, with this year’s new-format Innovation Awards seeing a flurry of truly original products take the top spots on the podium. Sponsored once again by Equestrian Trade News, the show’s media partner, these prestigious business accol- ades were a winner with the industry as trophies were handed out in four categories – Design Innovation, Technology Innovation, Sustainability Innovation and Judges’ Choice. A specially selected panel of judges, each an expert in his or her own field, rose to the challenge of selecting the winning products. This year, they were Arian and Julie Charley, of Townfields Saddlers, Dr Georgina Crossman, administrator of the National Equine Forum, and Sonya Cox, a key member of the NEC’s sustainability working group. Winners were presented with their awards by ETN editor Liz Benwell. They were: The Wide Boot Company (Design Innovation), Albert Kerbl (Technology Innovation), Horseware Ireland (Sustainability Innovation) and Westgate Labs (Judges’ Choice).
High quality stands are a hallmark of BETA International and the work and creativity of companies going that extra mile to create an attractive and effective retail environment is celebrated in the show's Best Stand Awards. All exhibitors are automatically entered into the competition, which was independently judged by Leanne Silman, who has spent more than 10 years at London advertising agencies such as M&C Saatchi, and Olivia Hayward, a London College of Fashion graduate who specialises in styling, branding and creative merchandising. After touring the halls, they selected The Original Muck Boot Company as winner of the Best Large Stand Award (32 sq m and over) and Likit Products for the Best Small Stand Award (under 32 sq m).
During each day of the show, the Society of Master Saddlers showcased the high standard of work by saddlery apprentices and students. Sunday saw Saddlery Training Centre students make a raised browband, with the challenge won by Gudrun Thuesen. Monday’s competition,
to make an Irish martingale, was won by second-year Capel Manor College student Georgie Chapman. Tuesday's competition, to make a bridle headpiece, was won by first- year Capel Manor College student Emise Baktai. Winners of the show's awards were announced and presented with their prizes during a special ceremony at The Charles Owen Spotlight on Sunday evening, when visitors and exhibitors gathered to congratulate them. Main sponsor Neue Schule also presented graduates of its Bit & Bridle Fitting Course with their certificates. This was followed by free After-Show Drinks, where industry colleagues and friends gathered to celebrate a successful first day of buying and business with the show’s organising team over glasses of bubbly and canapés. BETA International organiser Claire Thomas said: “BETA International 2020 was a sensational show for both exhibitors and visitors, who were delighted with our new feature areas and the wide range of exciting new products in the halls. The royal visit was the icing on the cake for everyone in the halls and a timely occasion as we said goodbye to the NEC after 26 years and prepare to move on to pastures new. “We are incredibly excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and will be unveiling all our plans very soon. But, for now, we are thrilled with this year’s event and are celebrating its success. We would like to extend our thanks to all supporters of the show and our sponsors and suppliers – Neue Schule, Equestrian Trade News, Charles Owen, Shires Equestrian Products, NAF, Henson Franklyn, VetSpec, Toggi, Stubbs England and Aspfase – who really make this all possible.” BETA International 2021 will take place at the NAEC Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, from 24 to 26 January. There will be an exhibitors’ open afternoon on Tuesday 3 March 2020, starting at 1pm, when all are welcome.
For information about the open afternoon and exhibiting at the show, contact Darren Mottershead, telephone +44 (0)1937 582111 or email
darrenm@beta-int.com.
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February/March 2020 59
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