“ There is so much going on this sector and FutureScape is the only place they can have that interaction ....”
Eljays44 MD Jim Wilkinson Director Jamie Wilkinson were expecting at ExCeL , but then we had to cancel .
“ When we couldn ’ t do it , as independent business relying on exhibitions as the source of its revenue and profit it was quite a struggle for us . “ Luckily 2021 was a massive success .” Whereas bigger companies were shielded from the losses , independent organisers struggled to stay afloat . By building on the market-leading trust of their brand and magazines in the landscaping sector Eljays44 was able to weather the storm .
Jim says : “ We tend to be a lot closer to the market . We own the awards , the magazine , the show . Because we know them and can talk to them it allowed us to move people along with us .
“ As an independent you ’ re a lot closer . That can work for and against us ,” Jamie adds . “ As a big organisation you can cancel a show and tell people that ’ s the way it is . For us , it feels more personal .” Jim says : “ In hindsight it was really good to do some virtual stuff . It kept the brand alive . From the visitors ’ point of view they were getting some first class interaction . Our exhibitors who stuck with us were appreciative of us doing
the virtual stuff . There was quite a lot of good will .”
After an initial dip , the landscaping sector came back with a vengeance – and the opportunities keep on growing . Even the publishing arm of their business has had its best ever year .
“ There is so much going on in this sector and FutureScape is the only place they can have that interaction . There ’ s lots of live debates , there ’ s lots of Q & A sessions . Because of the strength of the brand we are able to bring in top speakers .
“ Our magazine ProLandscaper is 100 % at the heart of the sector .”
Pictures by FutureScape
February — 11