BETA International, the world’s leading trade fair for equestrian, country clothing, outdoor and pet products, takes place at the NEC, Birmingham, from January 22nd-24th 2017 and is well worth a visit.

The number of Irish companies involved has grown steadily over the years and Irish exhibitors include Horseware Ireland, Celtic Equine Supplies, Lubrisyn, TRM and Georgia in Dublin.

Major overseas firms taking part include Charles Owen, Henson Franklyn, Hy, NAF, Shires Equestrian, Toggi, Neue Schule, Battles, Ekkia, Schockemohle Sports among many others.

Well known ITV newscaster Alastair Stewart returns to BETA International, where he will host the 2017 trade fair’s Talking Business feature – an exciting industry debate where the very latest hot topics take centre stage.

“Intelligent conversation is guaranteed from a top-class panel on all that matters to our sport and the brilliant industries that support it,” he said.

Alastair, an equestrian enthusiast who first took the helm when Talking Business put in its inaugural appearance last year, proved a big hit with visitors and exhibitors who gathered to see him oversee industry movers and shakers as they went head-to-head in a meaty discussion that put the latest industry issues in the spotlight.

INNOVATION AWARDS

Meanwhile, BETA International official media partner Equestrian Trade News (ETN) is sponsoring the show’s prestigious Innovation Awards for the eighth year. These highly regarded business accolades, rewarding products that feature thoughtful design, robust research and inspirational invention, are a wonderful reflection of the sense of competition that exists at the trade fair.

Horseware Ireland are no stranger to success in these awards having been past winners and runners-up across the categories for their innovative products and designs.

The Innovation Awards feature eight categories: Country Clothing & Footwear, Feed & Supplements, General, Horsecare Equipment & (horse) Clothing, Pet Products, Rider Clothing & Footwear, Saddlery & Tack and Safety & Security. All exhibitors are eligible to submit products free of charge, provided that they have been introduced to the market no more than 12 months before the show and did not appear at BETA International 2016.

Entries will be judged by a panel of industry representatives – each an expert in his or her own field – during the first day of BETA International 2017, with awards presented to the winning companies during a special ceremony on the Fashion Show stage on Monday, January 23rd.

“We can think of no better sponsor of the Innovation Awards than ETN,” said BETA International organiser Claire Thomas. “As the leading equestrian trade title and official media partner for the show, the magazine plays a pivotal role in the industry it serves. It seems extremely fitting, therefore, that ETN should support a competition that puts members of the trade under the spotlight and rewards their hard work.”

Facebook phenomenon Wocket Woy is set to thrill visitors with professional jump jockeys “Batch”, Mattie Batchelor, and the “Pwoducer”, Marc Goldstein, set to appear where they will take part in interviews, awards and activities on Monday 23rd and Tuesday, January 24th.

“This is a tremendous coup for the trade fair,” said BETA International organiser Claire Thomas. “The Wocket Woy team has attracted a huge following throughout the equestrian world and we can’t wait to welcome Mattie and Marc to the show. Our visitors and exhibitors will be able to enjoy the pair’s hilarious antics first-hand, as well as find out more about the serious side to this iconic ‘brand’.”

Mattie and Marc, who have been friends for 12 years, first captured public attention on social media after their hilarious videos – filmed on mobile phones while riding out on cold, wet mornings on the South Downs – were posted on Facebook.

The Wocket Woy brand continues to gather momentum and now has more than 106,000 Facebook followers, as well as its own YouTube channel and website. Fans just can’t seem to get enough of the jockeys’ exploits ably abetted by racehorses Wocket Woy and Nobby.

NEW PRODUCTS GALLERY

It’s four in a row for Royal Warrant holder Shires Equestrian as it sponsors the New Product Gallery at BETA International again. The popular showcase, which highlights latest lines, brands and launches at the show, always proves a big hit with visiting retailers on a mission to track down new stock for their stores.

Shires sales and marketing director Marcus Cridland said: “Backing the British equestrian industry is vital to us and sponsoring the New Product Gallery for a fourth consecutive year is a great way for us to do this, as well as providing the perfect opportunity to connect with the retailers that are fundamental to our business.”

BETA International organiser Claire Thomas added: “Shires and the trade fair share a long history. The company has exhibited since the early days and we are thrilled that Marcus and the rest of the team have decided to come aboard as sponsors once again. Shires is highly regarded throughout the trade and it is fantastic news that we are able to continue with this successful partnership.”

For more information, visit www.beta-int.com