THE organisers of the Tackle & Guns Trade Show are adding a second hall for next year after another record-breaking event last month.

As the curtain came down on the largest and most successful fishing and shooting trade show ever, held at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, plans were already well underway for an even bigger spectacle next year.

An extended airgun range, a redesigned pole alley, a specially designated carp area plus the introduction of paintball and archery sections are all on the cards for 2004.

But this year’s success owed much to many of the 110 exhibitors, who were launching new products or ranges during the show or were offering show specials with specific deals for the two day duration.

And it seemed to work, as more than 1,345 visitors attended – 798 on Sunday, October 12th and 547 on Monday, October 13th.

More importantly, the number of retail outlets visiting the show was 522, split between 338 on the Sunday and 184 on the Monday.

Visitors travelled from across the country to attend the show and this year saw a rise in people travelling from Scotland and Ireland.

The majority of exhibitors have already pledged to be back in 2004, with many asking for even more stand space.

Peter Martineau of BSA Guns said: “The show was very worthwhile to us and we will definitely return next year. We wrote a 40 per cent greater order value than we did at last year’s show and this figure is likely to increase over the next few weeks as further enquiries are followed up.”

Bob Rothery of John Rothery Wholesale added: “We had a great show and orders were 40 per cent up on 2003. Next year, not only will we be taking more space but we will also be taking more staff!”

Mark Kitson from Sovereign Superbaits added more than 50 people to his database as well as opening new accounts and taking orders.

He commented: “We have had an excellent show. We couldn’t have asked for more.

“ I could not believe the amount of queries coming from Ireland, I really did not expect to see anybody from that side of the water.”

One of the biggest stands at the show was taken by YYS International. Boss Mike De-Bear said: “This is our fourth year at the show and we are, once again, absolutely delighted ­ and absolutely exhausted!

“At one point we had 78 people on the stand at one time – that must be some kind of record! We’ll back, probably with an even bigger stand next year.”

Visitors vowed to return too. Rich Mabbitt, the manager of Thomas Turner Gunmaker told T&G: “The exhibition was a fantastic way to source new products and suppliers under the one roof, particularly as you can talk freely away from the public. This was my first T&G show and will certainly be put in my diary for next year.”

One of those making the trek from Scotland was Aberdeen-based Somers Fishing Tackle.

Linda and David Craik said: “We really enjoyed our time at the show and would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to all involved in the organisation. Our stay at the Royal Court Hotel was superb and the gala dinner was thoroughly enjoyed by all. See you next year.”

The dates for the 2004 show have now been confirmed as Sunday, October 24th and Monday, October 25th.

For further information about getting involved with the 2004 Tackle & Guns Trade Show , contact Sean O’Driscoll or Jemma Funnell on 01327 311999 or email info@dhpub.co.uk .