An impressive array of first-time exhibitors is appearing at AQUA 2013 in October. They will be alongside established show regulars to showcase their products in the UK’s only dedicated trade show for the aquatics, water gardening and reptilian trades.

With four months to the opening of the two-day event at the Telford International Centre on October 9, the sold out signs are ready to be posted as over 97% of the available floor space has been taken, making it larger than 2011 when AQUA was last staged.

The most recent addition to the list of new exhibitors is Interpet, one of the most established names in the aquatics industry. They have selected AQUA 2013 as the first dedicated aquatics trade show for them to support since 2008. 

As experts in both indoor and outdoor aquatics with its Interpet and Blagdon ranges, the company is keen to demonstrate the on-going innovation taking place in the industry.

Jason Booker, commercial manager at Interpet, explains: “We recognise that AQUA has become the prestige trade show for the aquatics industry and we’re looking forward to being part of such a respected event. Interpet prides itself on market-leading aquatic innovation within its brands and AQUA is the perfect event to showcase this.

“We’ll be launching several new products and ranges across all our key aquatic and pond brands and we’ll have some special show offers for our customers. We encourage everyone in the trade to attend to show how strong our industry remains in these tough times. We look forward to seeing everybody there!”

Other new names at Telford include Beaver Plants, Black Knight, Certikin International, DD The Aquarium Solutions, Fish Sciences, Rolf C Hagen, Ocean Aquarium and Peregrine Live Foods. Two American companies Brightwell Aquatics and OmegaSeaLLC are crossing the Atlantic to make their first appearance at Telford.

Certikin International are using the show to promote its recently signed agreement as the exclusive supplier of Heissner’s brand of pond, koi and decorative products to the UK aquatics market.

Looking forward to October, Steve Nelson, Certikin’s commercial manager, says: "Certikin have been known for years in the aquatics market for their skimmer and maintenance equipment but AQUA2013 will give us the opportunity to showcase our extended range of products from our Cepex brand of PVC pipe and fittings to its white ABS range of pipe and fittings, as well as our UV systems, filters and pumps for the larger installations.  

“In addition, Certikin have recently signed a distribution agreement for the welcome return of Heissner as a major player in the UK with their range of pond and fountain pumps, pond filters, water features and its associated products, all of which come with excellent point of sale merchandise.  

"The stand will feature a typical display of the Heissner range of products in a showroom environment along with the smart new Black skimmer from Certikin, designed especially for the UK aquatics market and also samples of Certikin's extended range of products.  

Steve Nelson added: “It will be an excellent opportunity for the UK trade to come and meet with the Certikin aquatics team and find out how we can help them with developing and promoting their business by working with Certikin and Heissner."

Certain to make a big impact at AQUA 2103 are Rolf C Hagen who has booked the biggest stand at the exhibition. Paul Trott, marketing manager of Rolf C Hagen (UK), said: “Following the growing success of the AQUA show in recent years, we have made the decision to support this important industry event in 2013; and we will be doing so in style! We will be bringing our latest aquatic, reptile and pond ranges and in true Hagen style will be exhibiting them on the largest stand at the show. “

Peregrine Livefoods are looking forward to their first appearance at AQUA. “Having watched the show grow over the years, and acknowledging the close link between aquatics and reptiles, the time is right for Peregrine, the UK’s largest reptile specialist wholesaler to take a stand at AQUA 2013” says Tim Green, director.

“The timing is perfect for us,” adds director Dave Perry (right). “It will be a great follow up to our own Open Day in June, and will coincide with the launch of many new products currently in the pipeline. We expect to see many familiar faces and hopefully a few new ones too.”

For Brightwell Aquatics, the goal of crossing the Atlantic to attend AQUA 2013 is to establish contact with a greater number of retailers than those who are already aware of their aquarium water-care products. For company president Chris Brightwell, the exhibition also offers the opportunity to speak directly to visiting buyers. “We can tell them about our company’s philosophy and unparalleled quality of the products we offer, and how these aspects may be the crux of forming a mutually-beneficial business relationship between Brightwell Aquatics and their retail operation.

“I am British by heritage (my family hails from Kent), and the UK market is extremely important to me, so I hope to improve our market presence there through greater diligence and sales efforts.”

FishScience is a start-up enterprise by a well-known industry figure that plans to launch a range of aquarium and pond fish foods at the exhibition. The product line-up is currently under development and is being unveiled on the opening day of AQUA 2013.

D-D The Aquarium Solution Ltd - is fast becoming one of the most well known and respected suppliers of specialist equipment in the market place for use in salt water and fresh water aquariums. They will be showcasing new products in what they say will be a calm and relaxing atmosphere.

Visitors will be able to catch up with regular Aquatees like Aquadip, Aqua Pacific UK, Berry Ring, Casco Europe, Cloverleaf, Gordon Low, Hozelock Cyprio, JMC Aquatics, King British, Mars Fishcare, Neil Hardy Aquatics, OASE (UK), Oasis Atlantis Lotus, Pedigree Aquatics, Reef One, Sibo, Tetra UK, Tropical Marine Centre and Velda BV.

AQUA 2013 follows the successful pattern of previous years which have made it the ‘must-visit’ event for trade buyers. Popular features such as the New Products Showcase and Awards, a full programme of free seminars, free lunches for visitors and the free by invitation exhibition buffet dinner all contribute to the visitor experience.

Full details about AQUA 2103 can be found on the exhibition’s dedicated website, www.aquatelford.co.uk, including the free on-line registration and details of local hotels for visitors seeking overnight accommodation as well as a full list of exhibitors.