William Reed shows unite for 2021 grand reopening

From 12–16 April next year, Foodex​​, Food & Drink Expo, Farm Shop & Deli Show, The Ingredients Show, National Convenience Show and The Forecourt Show will return under one roof at the Birmingham NEC.

The event will bring together more than 1,000 leading brands across the food and drink industry and will form the cornerstone of the inaugural UK Food & Drink Week. The event promises to provide attendees with insight and inspiration, new enhancements, new networking and meeting tools and a host of on-demand content.

Enduring COVID-19​

William Reed managing director, Events & Exhibitions, Andrew Reed said the COVID-19 pandemic had been testing for the business and the businesses of its clients. However, he was confident that both would endure – along with William Reed’s face-to-face events – as it has in the past.

“No one is better placed or more experienced to deliver safe and inspiring live events, and no other event in 2021 will have the laser guided sector focus, breadth of exhibitors, content and innovation,”​ he added.

“We look forward to the spring as a time of great celebration, of new ways of thinking, new products, new attitudes and a new start for our industry. We can’t wait to once again welcome exhibitors and visitors to the NEC in Birmingham to kick this week off.”​

AllSecure Standards​

William Reed has worked closely with the Association of Event Organisers in developing the industry wide AllSecure Standards, which are designed to provide the highest levels of hygiene and safety. The move would allow its shows to operate effectively and safely according to Government and local authority guidance, he said.

Anyone interested in attending the shows as an exhibitor or a visitor should register their interest by emailing Julie Adlington at Julie.adlington@wrbm.com​.  

Meanwhile, as Brexit uncertainty casts 'a long shadow over supply chain planning' in the words of consultancy SCALA, Food Manufacture presents a webinar on 20 October​​ to help food processors face future disruption.