Tasty order book thanks to BIC show (From Business in Dorset)

Tasty order book thanks to BIC show

9:00am Wednesday 17th March 2010

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Orders to the value of £500,000 are expected as a result of this year’s Hotel & Catering Show at the BIC.

That is according to show organiser Anna Wallis, of CEM Group in Ashley, who says visitor numbers are up by 10 per cent on 2009.

In the first couple of hours of the two-day event, 700 buyers and 600 young chefs attended.

“People are fighting the recession and trying to make positive improvements to their bottom line. They’re looking at new ways to stay ahead of the game,” said Mrs Wallis.

Businesses from across the UK are exhibiting with a view to winning new customers.

Andy Botham from Coast Seafood, a start-up wholesale fish and seafood supplier in Poole, has invested £7,000 on its presence at the show, which it is hoped will “gain new business”.

“If we could get 20 to 30 converted contacts, I’d be happy,” he said. “We’ve had a lot of interest; it’s better than cold calling.”

Jo Laffoley from Coastline Produce in Christchurch felt that exhibiting was very worthwhile.

“If we get 15 to 20 new customers it would make it worthwhile,” said Ian Stansbie from Dorset Piddle Brewery, the microbrewer in Piddlehinton.

Vicky Wood from Blackacre Farm Eggs in Wincanton was keen to attract more hotels. “We’re trying to grow our free range sales,” she said, adding that Blackacre already supplies Wrights Dairies in Poole.

Jessica’s Farmhouse Cakes in Bridport produces 800 cakes a week and has 130 customers. Richard Bowditch, whose wife Jessica established the business, was after “a couple of good year-round customers”.

“We’re here to raise the profile of the college for education purposes,” said John MacArthur, head of hospitality at Brockenhurst College.

“Years ago further education and industry didn’t really go but now they do.”

Sam Boshier from Bournemouth & Poole College was promoting hospitality courses.

Well-known brands including Danone, Electrolux, Schwartz, Nestle, Knorr and Unilever are sponsoring the event, which hosts heats of the Wessex Salon Culinaire chefs competition, part of WorldSkills.

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