How visitors and exhibitors rated the trade fair.
This year’s BETA International (28/29 September) saw its return to the NEC, Birmingham - the show’s former home of 25 years before four years at Stoneleigh.
The move inevitably prompted comparisons with trade fairs past, writes ETN editor Liz Benwell.
Yes, there was occasional reminiscing about the fashion shows and carpeted aisles of ‘the old days’ at the NEC. However, everyone in this year’s busy exhibition hall agreed that the show’s long-lasting ability to unite the trade and market new products remains strongly intact.
Overall, the atmosphere was upbeat with everyone genuinely wanting BETA International 2025 to succeed.
Indeed, several visitors endorsed the educational seminars and co-location with the PATS pet trade show, which they said gave them fresh ideas to improve their businesses.
A few of the trade’s notable ‘faces’ were spotted prowling the aisles. It’s to be hoped they liked what they saw – and will return with stands to support next year’s running.
It had much to prove, but in the event, BETA International 2025 was too good to miss.
What BETA International 2025 exhibitors told ETN:
“A fantastic show. As ever, we’re here to support the trade. Say what you like about AI, you can’t beat a proper face-to-face conversation!” Dean Cox, Red Gorilla.
"A great show, we’ve had two solid days back-to-back [doing business] and are incredibly busy. It’s good to be back at the NEC and I would encourage other absent traders to come to next year's BETA International." Ali Fenton, Woof Wear
"It was busy yesterday and today, and we’ve been meeting lots of retailers." Danielle Thompson, Bite Back
"A very good show, and extremely good for trade purposes which is what it’s all about. We preferred the atmosphere at Stoneleigh last year, but the NEC is much better for trade. We had an easy set-up and everything has run smoothly." Nicola Baillie, Baillie Haylage
“Sunday was quieter but today [Monday] there’s been a nice, steady flow [of buyers].” Nick Dustings, Fennington Fibres (producer of miscanthus bedding)
“We’re very happy and are really pleased with the level of interest from lots of retailers. We’ve only been going two years, so it’s been great for us.” Steph Tear, Sandstorm Equestrian
“An absolutely brilliant show! Our Christmas gift ideas have been going really well.” Elizabeth Ellis, Jenkinsons/Elico.
“It was a bit of a slow start on Sunday, but today [Monday] has been non-stop. Our water repellent socks have been especially popular; people are looking for practical products.” Frank Nolan, Platinum Agencies.
“A few important brands seem to be missing, but we will come back because we’re writing orders,” Marco Jensen, Roeckl
“We’re 100% pleased to be back at the NEC; this show will go from strength to strength. People who don’t come don’t realise what they’re missing.” Bobby Taak, Gallop Equestrian.
What visitors told ETN
“We’ve come to look for good quality UK and EU made products because of the tariffs [on imports into America]. We want genuine European brands, not stuff that’s made in China with a French label on it.” Jesse Kassner, Dressursport.com, e-commerce retailer based in Wisconsin, USA.
“We last came to BETA International 20 years ago, and have come back because we’re reviving our tackshop. We’ve been looking at saddlery and clothing and found lots of new products that we like. It’s been a very useful visit.” David Young, Horeton Equestrian, Wexford, Eire.
“A really good show, lovely and busy with a nice atmosphere. It’s been well worth coming for lots of fresh ideas,” Minty Spilman Penn, William Powell [country clothing retailer], Banbury, Oxon.
“It’s my first visit and there’s such a lot to see, something new around every corner. The [seminar] speakers were interesting and it’s been so good to connect with other professionals. And, of course, seeing so many saddle brands across so many price points has saved a huge amount of legwork.” Hannah Nutting, saddle fitter, Lampeter, Ceredigion.
BETA International 2026 is on 27/28 September at the NEC, Birmingham.
