In the face of ongoing economically difficult times, exhibitors were embracing the need to push forward and discover new markets and products.

In spite of a tough economic climate, the vast majority of exhibitors said they felt that the Show acts as a centre piece event for the industry and is a vital stage for networking, catching up with existing clients and meeting new ones. Many exhibitors cited how pleased they were with the quality of those visiting the event.

The show is known for the quality of its visitors and the leads generated; and the overwhelming message from exhibitors is that they were pleased with the outcome of the show and are looking forward to next year's event which will also combine the 2014 Professional Clothing Awards.

The accompanying WorkIt! Conference, which this year focused on "Nano and advanced technologies for Performance Clothing" generated great interest from the attendees who were impressed by the high-quality speakers from academia and business. 

UBHEAD: Innovations Area sponsored by SATRA

The Innovations Area sponsored by SATRA proved a big hit at the Show, with visitors being attracted by the products on view and the chance to take a virtual tour of the Silverstone track in the Formula One Simulator

Visitors had the chance to race against the clock in a digital time trial. The competitor with the fastest time recorded over the two days of the show was Jonathan Pollock of Lee Cooper Workwear, who blew the competition away with a speedy time of 1 minute 38.9 seconds. Jonathan, whose prize is a track day at Silverstone, said: I'm very happy to have won and am looking forward to a great day on the track - it's been great fun!

The prize was presented by SATRA's head of communications Jake Locke, who said: "We are pleased to sponsor the Innovations Area. We worked with Director-e last year on the SATRA PPE Innovation Awards and we liked the idea of continuing the theme with the Innovations area."

SATRA was formed in 1919 with the original purpose of helping manufacturers and suppliers to evolve by providing technical knowledge, research and testing (the three pillars of strength). Since those early years, SATRA has developed significantly and today the brand is recognised and respected in over 70 countries across a diverse spread of product sectors.

Jake said: "Our work falls into three areas: research and innovation in the workwear and PPE industry; we're a Notified Body for the EU Directives on personal protective equipment (PPE), toys, and construction products; and we have an understanding of products legislation in many parts of the world.”