◆ Pick up some trade magazines.
Copies of various trade magazines are handed out free at the shows and this is an opportunity to read a different publication, to see if it is worth taking out a subscription.
The Trader, a monthly magazine full of advertisements for stock for small shops and market traders is definitely worth picking up. This is a useful magazine to use throughout the year when you are looking to source new suppliers or new product lines.
◆ Make a holiday of it.
In retail you get little enough time off so make an event of your business trips and enjoy them. Accommodation guides can be obtained from the local tourist information offices.
NEC: when visiting Birmingham, I sometimes stay in Leamington Spa or Warwick, but generally opt for Stratford-upon-Avon. This is a very picturesque town with a wide choice of accommodation and restaurants and easy access to the exhibition centre.
There is a park by the river and in September, after a long day at the Autumn Fair, it is lovely to wander through whilst deciding where to eat that night. Stratford-upon-Avon has so many B&Bs that I never book ahead; just turn up in Evesham Place to see where the vacancies are. This is a short walk from the town centre where there are many wine bars and restaurants, particularly in Sheep Street. All can be recommended and a couple of favourites are Sorrento, an Italian restaurant in Ely Street and the Indian restaurant in Chapel Street.
Harrogate: when visiting the Harrogate Gift Fair it is vital to book accommodation in advance if you want to stay in the town itself. Again there is an excellent choice of accommodation and places to eat.
London trade shows: I have found good value accommodation at the hotels in Sussex Gardens, just off Bayswater.The rooms are very small but perfectly functional and close to the underground station.
