Designed to help nurture valuable grass-roots product development and one-off design ideas, the Innovators Zone scheme – which has already attracted several participants – will be exclusively available to small-scale manufacturers and those with prototype or pre-entry level designs. For a low-cost, one-off fee, entrepreneurs will receive a ready-to-use 4m² shell-scheme booth, a high profile location within the show, plus ongoing marketing support from Glee’s marketing and PR teams in the lead up to, and during, the exhibition.

The aim, confirmed Glee event manager, Matthew Mein, is to bridge the gap between market-ready new product launches from established companies – such as those are highlighted within Glee’s dedicated new product showcases – and pre-commercial product ideas.

He said: “Launched in 2009 the Innovators Zone has helped over 100 companies to take their first tentative steps into the industry, with many going on to achieve phenomenal success. Our aim is to benefit both the entrepreneurs taking part, and decision makers from across the industry who are looking for brand new commercial opportunities.

“Perhaps an inventor has something they have put together in their shed, or they’ve got a great new idea but they don’t know how to get it to market or get it exposed. Glee’s Innovators Zone could provide the stepping stone into the industry that they have been looking for. With thousands of buyers and influencers visiting the show each year participants will have an unrivalled platform to achieve their goals – whether that means meeting suppliers or manufacturers, finding an agent or distributor, attracting the retailer’s eye or sourcing investment.”

Matthew Mein added: “In order to maximise the opportunity afforded by the Innovators Zone we are offering an all-inclusive, entry level package to all participants. We appreciate that at this stage of their product development a trade event may be an expense they could not otherwise afford.”