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See ALL the pictures from the 2007 show here A total success! Before the doors opened on Friday 15th June, it was obvious that the show was going to be a hit with a crowd of buyers already waiting to enter. The exhibitors had pulled out all the stops to present glittering displays of products, proving that Britain now has an exhibition that fits perfectly into the international circuit of funeral events.
Just
a few images from the show, there's more below By midday the aisles were full, and government minister James Plaskitt was touring the hall after opening the show. His speech began "Can I first say how delighted I am that you have invited me to officially open the National Funeral Exhibition 2007. This is particularly so as I understand that this trade exhibition is the largest ever organised by the funeral industry in the United Kingdom." Just a few shots from the show - there will be many more soon
The Tradex / Craftex section was always busy
There aren't many industries who party as hard...
Is it Art?
The organiser says "I needed some pictures to decorate parts of the halls and as photography is one of my passions I trudged around the local churchyard at 5 a.m. on a cold spring morning. If anyone likes them we will sell them off to the highest bidder with all proceeds to Cruse Our Grafitti wall raised over £300 for Cruse and The Motorcycling Vicar's hair-rasing rides brought in another £100
April 2007 - the president's message
March
2007 With
2 halls and over 130 exhibitors the National Funeral Exhibition is destined
to be the biggest event of its kind ever seen in the UK - if you're
in the business you just cant afford not to be there. But its not all
work - there's entertainment and features to keep you and your staff
occupied all day - in fact you might even have to stay the night December 2006 Hall 2 is a sell out! The first hall at the June show is now fully booked and new exhibitors are being offered space in hall 1 alongside the NAMM Tradex exhibition. Not that you'll feel lonely; we've already allocated a number of sites and added a new products stand and the overseas centre as well as the exhibitors club. November 2006 NFE in Philadelphia
The NFE was present at the world's biggest funeral exhibition last month, the NFDA's Convention and Expo. Will NFE be this busy? With the amount of enthusiasm, very likely What's the difference between the big American show and shows on this side of the pond? Very little. The hype I expected was virtually non existent, though I did have some very interesting conversations with two make up companies who believe that the departed should look as good in death as in life. Better in fact. If you want your deceased relative to have a suntan it’s easily applied with the skill akin to movie make up artists. Hearses appear bigger than ours, and possibly they need to be to house those magnificent caskets, but you can also be taken to your final destination in a superb Custom Harley hearse. The Americans like to have fun and one of the features of the show was NFDA Idol. Similar to Pop Idol on the TV, it invited exhibitors and visitors to sing and be voted on by a panel of judges. It was hosted by American Idol™ finalist and NFDA-member funeral director, Jason Horn. The convention takes Place next year in Las Vegas and we are looking at the possibility of getting a few British companies to exhibit. You can find out more on The NFDA's website September
2006
Marketing Campaign hits the magazines Funeral Director Monthly and Funeral Service Journal will be carrying advertising and editorial for the show every month from now right up to the exhibition. This month's Funeral Director Monthly devotes its cover to the exhibition and there's a two page article inside. The whole industry is now talking about THE event in 2007
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NAMM
JOINS THE NATIONAL FUNERAL SHOW
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The National Association of Memorial Masons will join with the National Funeral Exhibition in their Centenary Year in 2007. The Tradex/Craftex Exhibition will be incorporated into NFE and means that the show will now take on a second hall at Stoneleigh. Plans for the new hall are now being prepared and many of NAMM members have already begun to plan their requirements Alan Slater, CEO of the NAFD says: " The 2007 National Funeral Exhibition is now less than eighteen months away and I am delighted to announce that the National Association of Memorial Masons has decided to incorporate its Centenary Tradex 07 show within the National Funeral Exhibition. This will create the largest trade Funderak exhibition that has ever been organised within the UK. By deciding to hold its Tradex 07 in conjunction with the National Funeral Exhibition, the National Association of Memorial Masons will be giving visitors the opportunity to see another important aspect of the industry, and its National Executive Officer, Ian Gostling, shares my enthusiasm for what will be a tremendous three days. This is another example of how the profession is able to work together, and I am so pleased that, represented alongside the NAFD, will be the British Institute of Embalmers, the British Institute of Funeral Directors, FIAT/IFTA, the Funeral Furnishing Manufacturers' Association, the Society of Allied & Independent Funeral Directors, and now the National Association of Memorial Masons." Ian says "The National Association of Memorial Masons has been delighted to accept a kind offer from the National Association of Funeral Directors to run its Centenary Tradex 07 in association with the NAFD's prestigious National Funeral Exhibition to be held at the Stoneleigh Exhibition Centre in June 2007. The National Association of Memorial Masons' Exhibition will, as in the past, incorporate the Craftex competition for both established and student letter carvers and sculptors. The National Association of Memorial Masons firmly believes that, overall, this joint event will rank among the best in Europe for the industry, and will provide an opportunity for British suppliers to show their wares to a broad international customer base and for British customers to view products on offer from across the world. An exciting opportunity for all involved.'' |
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NFE LAUNCHES INTERNATIONAL SELLING CAMPAIGN |
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NFE 2007 exhibits at the Funeraire exposition in Paris Report by David Hyde I'm well used to trade exhibitions, but I was interested to find out whether an industry show with such a serious subject could also be exciting. Well, as you can expect from the French, they don't do things by halves and style is something they excel at. The logo of the Funeraire, a lily set in stone, was echoed throughout the exhibition, in the lounge areas and on banners, and the information points were all staffed by beautiful women in matching light yellow suits. I've been to many exhibitions in the UK and around the world but, for sheer presentation, this show rivalled anything I've seen before. The large hall buzzed with atmosphere throughout the entire show and was packed with positive suppliers and visitors. I'm told that many French funeral directors are family based but I was still amazed to see how many had brought their children and, in some cases, even the dog with them. If this trend is echoed at NFE2007, maybe I should consider introducing a crèche and kennels. I've already mentioned presentation but I really didn't expect to get excited about coffin design. Hopefully, there's plenty of time yet before I need to consider my own casket but one product almost had me reaching for my cheque book - a wonderful egg shaped coffin in shiny black or white that was straight out of Star Trek. If anyone outside the industry had viewed just this one stand, they might have been excused for thinking that this was a piece of high design furniture rather than the final resting place. The coffins are produced by Uono from Germany
Another stand, Epocca from Germany, had exclusive hand painted coffins but, again, in true continental style they were presented in a rather unusual way. In England, we would probably just demonstrate the painting technique on a coffin, but in France it seems, a lightly clad young lady being body painted is much more effective. Far from being tasteless, the graceful movements of the model attracted as many females as men to the stand but I've a suspicion that the British market isn't quite ready for a similar presentation at NFE2007. |
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News Releases Batesville Casket, and how a couple of words can make all the difference Major companies like Batesville take a considerable amount of care when preparing for an exhibition. Every aspect of their participation, from choosing the stand position, designing the stand through to the wording in the catalogue entry is carefully planned. So, when Sean Smith, General Manager of Batesville Casket U.K. Ltd, opened his advance copy of the catalogue he was more than a little displeased to find that a very unfortunate edit had completely changed what the company was trying to say. Says Sean, "We provide products that are a fitting tribute to the deceased and as a company we believe our products have an edge, but we don't boast about it. The edit made to the entry totally destroyed what we intended to say. David Hyde, Organiser of the NFE says, "Each catalogue entry is an advertisement and Sean and his team had obviously chosen their words very carefully. I fully appreciate Batesville's concern and as with every exhibitor, will do my best to ensure that their participation at the show is a pleasant and rewarding experience. As the overseer of the NFE I have to take full responsibly for all aspects of the exhibition and hope that Batesville will accept our apology for the error. The correct entry will be inserted into the catalogue which will be available for all visitors to the show. The correct entry reads "Batesville Casket is one of the world's leading manufacturers of the highest quality metal, wood and veneer caskets both for burial and cremation. Founded and headquartered in the small town of Batesville, Indiana, the company operates many manufacturing facilities within the United States, Canada and Mexico. Because of our manufacturing expertise we believe we make a superior product giving families the best value available anywhere." back Win a Diamond at National Funeral Exhibition Your personal Heart-In Diamond will be created for a lucky winner of a lottery which will take place during the National Funeral Exhibition 8 May 2007 - London, United Kingdom - Heart-In Diamond invites you to participate in a lottery to win a personalised diamond at the National Funeral Exhibition. Heart-In Diamond is created from human or animal hair or ashes. It is becoming well known to people because it helps them commemorate the most precious moments of their lives. From a wedding to a child birth or an anniversary - Heart-In Diamond helps them celebrate special relationships by creating a bond with their loved ones", says Natasha Starkell, managing director of Heart-In Diamond UK. "We are now privileged to be able to provide comfort to families also in their most difficult times as it helps them deal with a loss". The company welcomes all visitors to take part in its promotion. A personalised Heart-In Diamond will be created for a lucky winner to symbolise a bond with their special person or to incorporate their own "equivalent of DNA" which in a shape of a diamond will last forever. Heart-In Memorial Diamond varies in size and colour. A small 0.03 carat (2 millimetre diameter) mini-Heart-In Diamond can be set in an existing piece of jewellery, whilst a 2 carat gem can be set as a centrepiece in a ring or a pendant. The colours include honeycomb yellow, light sparkling green and deep pomegranate red. "Our diamonds are certified by UK's leading gemmological certification service AnchorCert (Birmingham Assay Office). It gives our customers comforting assurance that our diamonds are genuine although they are grown in a laboratory". Heart-In Diamond will be exhibiting at Stand C4E in Hall 1 at National Funeral Exhibition in Stoneleigh Park Exhibition Centre in Warwickshire. About Heart-In Diamond The Heart-In Diamond, made in a laboratory but nonetheless a diamond that lasts forever - can be created from hair or ashes. It is intended to celebrate special relationships or support people in difficult moments of their lives and give them comfort when they need it most. Heart-In Diamond is certified by the UK's leading gemmological authority AnchorCert. Contact: Natasha Starkell at Natasha.starkell@heart-in-diamond.co.uk +44 208 133 87 44 Wilcox and Co Limited are pleased to announce that the NEW Volvo S80 hearse and limousine will be launched at NFE. They will also be showing their ever popular ranges of Jaguar and Vauxhall hearses and Limousines back The NAFD Fast Track Debt Recovery Service is launching its new 'Options' range of services through The Debt Recovery Bureau LLP. Clive Margetts, Head of business development at the Debt Recovery Bureau commented "The focus has been on providing funeral directors with options, ensuring the client recieves a service that can be tailored to the needs of their own business back Samada Uk continues to offer all the renowned Adama range of products plus new products such as Long Bed Saws by Emmedue,SAD Engineering, Noat and Nuova Camet. Ibenstock Hand Held Wet Drilling motors and Electric pump kits. More info on the stand back As the traffic on British roads gets busier each year (currently 33 million vehicles) it becomes harder to keep a funeral procession together, especially if some of the bereaved are traveling in their own vehicles. At Flags of Substance, we are introducing the newly registered design cortege flag which will help to distinguish those who are part of the procession. More info on stand 1 B4e back Lifegem offers an exclusive and unique memorial that never has to leave your side. A high quality certified diamond created from the carbon of your loved one. David Hampson CEO of Lifegem UK says, "Since our Launch in January 2004, we have seen a steady increase in interest and families choosing LifeGem. The new range of colours, especially the white diamonds will prove most popular. LifeGem offers a unique and personal memorial: you do not have to visit a cemetery as your loved one is with you always" Fine Timber Products, one of the foremost suppliers of environmentally friendly coffins, will be exhibiting their Seagrass Coffins for the first time. The company will also be launching their new range of bamboo coffins which compliment their willow and pine models back The Organiser says "Melissa Abraham is making a long trip to be at the show, all the way from Australia for the British launch of her book: "When We Remember". Melissa is both an author and accomplished musician and the book includes a CD of appropriate music. Being the son of a Baptist minister I couldnt resist this track" Melissa is bringing with her some new and very effective strategies for Funeral Directors – be sure to stop by and see the Aussies while they are here!”
Dead or Alive? Small business fights the Dragons in the Welsh hills Are you dead or alive? - is the first question asked at funeralwishes.co.uk - a new website for arranging a funeral either before or after someone has died! The company, Dignity Software Limited run by Roger & Alison Harrop in their stables in the hills above Wrexham on a short string for ten years, waiting for the chance to grab the opportunity to be the first website in the world where you can arrange a funeral online. Rejected after auditioning by Dragons Den and the "Business Angels" (put forwards by the Welsh Development Agency) Roger decided to go it alone with the help of his wife Alison and their long suffering and underpaid friend and colleague, Jeremy, who is the brilliant technical programmer behind the site, says Roger. He also says that: "There really has been nowhere where you can arrange a funeral properly and completely online which is surprising as there are some big companies in this business. If you make arrangements before someone dies or afterwards at your computer in the comfort of your own home you can arrange and share the funeral online with your family which may help all the mourners to grieve better and honour the deceased more appropriately." We only allow users to arrange funerals after death with the help and support of their local funeral director, as there are things that only they can do, so we are launching the website at the National Funeral Exhibition to be held at Stonleigh Park on 15th-18th June 2007 For more information contact Roger Harrop Telephone 01352 770189 Fax 01352 770111 Email raharrop@funeralwishes.co.uk Website www.funeralwishes.co.uk Media Centre, Hall 2, Stoneleigh Park Coventry 15-17th June www.nationalfuneralexhibition.co.uk Dignity Software Limited The Stables, Bodlondeb, Ffrith, Flintshire, LL11 5HY back Batesville Press Release: 13 June 2007 West Glamorgan, United Kingdom Batesville Casket Company United Kingdom, Ltd. is looking forward to this year's National Funeral Exhibition (NFE) so it can demonstrate how the U.K. based company approaches funeral service in this country. Sean Smith, Managing Director of Batesville U.K., says "Batesville's presence at this year's show will demonstrate the company's commitment to ensuring the varying cultural needs of our country are being addressed. Specifically, whether a family's approach to funeral service is deeply religious based, or has more of its roots in secular service, Batesville has made products available to UK funeral care professionals to fulfill the wishes of the families they serve." Michael Ludy, Director of International Sales for Batesville Casket Company based in Batesville Indiana (U.S.A.), is also attending this year's NFE convention. Mr. Ludy states, "We have had a long, mutually beneficial relationship with the funeral care industry in the United Kingdom and are proud of how the U.K. based Batesville employees have ensured the Batesville name has grown as the industry in the U.K. has matured. It is important to state, however, that while Batesville sells its products in several countries around the world, we do not believe one size fits all. That is why it is important for us to see the varying approaches families take in honoring their loved ones and, rather than predetermining the U.S. products that will sell In the U.K., provide products that fit the UK's needs, whether burial or cremation." Mr. Ludy went on to say that "understanding how families approach the celebration of a loved one's life in the United Kingdom also helps Batesville in the U.S. prepare for the manner in which death care may evolve in the U.S. or other countries around the world. At the end of the day, Batesville wants to provide nothing short of the highest quality products to ensure that the container used for a loved ones remains is of no worry to the funeral professional or the family. In this way, the focus is kept where it should be: on the life of the one who has recently passed." Should you have any questions or wish to elicit any additional information about Batesville Casket Company in the U.K, both Mr. Smith and Mr. Ludy will be available at stand number B8 for the entirety of the NFE show. Press Release: 13 June 2007 West Glamorgan, United Kingdom Batesville Casket Company United Kingdom, Ltd. is looking forward to this year's National Funeral Exhibition (NFE) so it can demonstrate how the U.K. based company approaches funeral service in this country. Sean Smith, Managing Director of Batesville U.K., says "Batesville's presence at this year's show will demonstrate the company's commitment to ensuring the varying cultural needs of our country are being addressed. Specifically, whether a family's approach to funeral service is deeply religious based, or has more of its roots in secular service, Batesville has made products available to UK funeral care professionals to fulfill the wishes of the families they serve." Michael Ludy, Director of International Sales for Batesville Casket Company based in Batesville Indiana (U.S.A.), is also attending this year's NFE convention. Mr. Ludy states, "We have had a long, mutually beneficial relationship with the funeral care industry in the United Kingdom and are proud of how the U.K. based Batesville employees have ensured the Batesville name has grown as the industry in the U.K. has matured. It is important to state, however, that while Batesville sells its products in several countries around the world, we do not believe one size fits all. That is why it is important for us to see the varying approaches families take in honoring their loved ones and, rather than predetermining the U.S. products that will sell In the U.K., provide products that fit the UK's needs, whether burial or cremation." Mr. Ludy went on to say that "understanding how families approach the celebration of a loved one's life in the United Kingdom also helps Batesville in the U.S. prepare for the manner in which death care may evolve in the U.S. or other countries around the world. At the end of the day, Batesville wants to provide nothing short of the highest quality products to ensure that the container used for a loved ones remains is of no worry to the funeral professional or the family. In this way, the focus is kept where it should be: on the life of the one who has recently passed." Should you have any questions or wish to elicit any additional information about Batesville Casket Company in the U.K, both Mr. Smith and Mr. Ludy will be available at stand number B8 for the entirety of the NFE show.
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