Best of Britannia Expo Back up North

 CHAMPIONING NORTHERN-BASED BRITISH BRANDS
WITH AN OFFER FOR FLOOD-AFFECTED BUSINESSES

After a hugely successful debut event in 2015, Best of Britannia (BOB) heads back to Lancashire with a bigger and better BOB North (12-13 March), promoting the best of British Manufacturers from across the North West, North East and Yorkshire.

BOB North will showcase the best in contemporary British design and manufacturing featuring a host of inspiring brands, of the highest quality, from across the North of England.  The BOB team is also offering support to brands, whose business and manufacturing has been adversely affected by the recent devastating floods, by offering FREE exhibition space to boost their profile and stimulate sales opportunities following a very challenging period.

Taking place 12 – 13 March 2016 in the historic Post Office building and Market Square in Preston supported by Preston City Council. BOB North will be a unique celebration of British brands designed and manufactured across the North of England, an important networking opportunity and an amazing retail experience. The weekend will offer style-conscious shoppers a unique retail experience in the historic centre of Preston.

As usual BOB will be keeping fashion enthusiasts happy with an array of beautifully crafted apparel, footwear and accessories. Joining Preston-based performance clothing brand True Mountain will be Leeds-based knitwear designer Ross Barr and ties from LAD. These will sit alongside furniture and furnishings, textiles, art and fragrances from The Thomas-Coles (from Chorley).

Exhibitor Rory Thomas-Coles commented, "Best of Britannia North was the first big event for The Thomas-Coles, and it was a great success for us – we sold out on each of the three days! We also had multiple enquiries from stockists, all of whom we continue to do business with to this day.

"We're very much looking forward to exhibiting at BOB North again this year, as it's a great platform to build relationships with other makers as well as stockists. We're proud of our Lancashire heritage, and it's wonderful to be part of an event that showcases Lancashire talent across such a wide field of creative industries."

Creative Lancashire will be bringing the hottest new designers and makers to the show and with the University of Central Lancashire ensuring that the creative stars of the future are well represented, in a showcase featuring some of the finest work created by students past and present.

Speaking about BOB, non-executive Director, renowned designer, Wayne Hemingway MBE said, “As a born and bred Lancastrian, I was delighted to have opened the inaugural BOB North in 2015. The quality of the produce on show was wonderful and it is great that the event is returning to Preston to continue to provide a focus for celebrating the creative and manufacturing force of the region”

Ruth Connor, Chief Executive of Marketing Lancashire said, “The North of England is renowned for innovation and creativity in manufacture.  As the renaissance of the Northern Powerhouse continues, we are in a good position to showcase the talent and skills that run through our DNA and the platform offered by Best of Britannia, helps significantly boost our national profile.

“We need the whole of the North to support our creative businesses, to encourage involvement in BOB North and most importantly to buy the outstanding quality products that are produced locally.”

Executive Member for Culture and Leisure Services, Councillor Afrin said, “We are very pleased to have Best of Britannia back with us this year and look forward to seeing what is on offer for 2016. This is a great opportunity for Preston, not only to welcome manufacturers and buyers from across Britain into the city, but also to have access to a range of British-made products.

"In particular, this is a great chance for local talent to be showcased. 2015’s exhibition list included UCLan graduates and Preston-based artisans, who we hope will be joining us again with their fantastic wares.”

Businesses interested in exhibiting at BOB North, including those in flood recovery, should contact Director, Joe Pidgeon on Tel: 07557 375500

Best of Britannia is supported by Creative Lancashire, Marketing Lancashire, Preston City Council and the University of Central Lancashire.

Dates:
BOB NORTH (PRESTON)        March 11-13 2016
Advance Tickets: £4.00  (Available to purchase online at www.bestofbritannia.com )
 
 
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For media enquiries please contact:
Anna Izza, Head of PR and Communications   Tel: 01772 426 459
Laura Crabb, PR and Communications Executive  Tel: 01772 426 456

Exhibition Contact
Joe Pidgeon, Event Director, Best of Britannia [email protected] or 07557 375 550