VIDEO AND PICTURES: Customers flock to sell-out trade show

The former Caterex trade show, which ran for 36 years before taking a break last year, has been rebranded as East Lincs EXPO.

It was opened on Wednesday at Richmond Holiday Centre by Mayor of Skegness Coun Mark Dannatt, who presented the plaque for best stand at show to Boston's Pilgrim Food Services marketing manager Rachel Hothersall.

Rachell commented: “We haven’t been to this exhibition for a number of years but it’s been rebranded recently and we are very excited to come along.

“It’s been fantastic. The response has been amazing - particularly for things like our vegan sausage roll. People have been a little ‘not too sure’ before they tried it but they love it.”

Coun Dannatt, who is also a customer at the show owning the Seaview Pub on North Parade, said: "It feels great to be here - the show has been rebranded and it's better than I've seen it for a few years.

"I'm here in my official role today but hope to return to do some business."

Remaining a one-stop destination for anyone in the hospitality industry looking to stock up for the 2020 season, the show also features demonstrations and guest speakers on both days..

Mike Bradberry, chairman of organiers SECWHA, said: "We are very, very happy to be back again.

"The response has been great with the floor space completely sold out.

"Even at this early stage the footfall seems to be up on previous years and the traders and our members seem very positive .about the coming season."

Customer Neil Huskisson of Huskys Ices in Church Lane Skegness was delighted to see the show back in its new form.

“I’ve come every year for the last six years.

“It’s always a very relaxed atmosphere and very friendly - and it’s been good to see some new suppliers this year.

“I go to big shows like the one in Harrogate but this is always a nice one.”

Other winners at the show were best food runners-up McCartney Food Services, best non-food Horncastle Networking, and non-food runner-up Mattison Beds of Suffolk.

For more details visit the new East Lincs Expo website at www.eastlincs-expo.com, or call SECWHA at their offices in the Town Hall on 01754 767300.

A full report and pictures will be featured in next week's Skegness Standard.