BeeTradex

[Patrick1]

The largest show of its type in the UK, not surprisingly we want to expand it to other areas of Beekeeping, we want to encourage local beekeeping skills and marketing of beehive products such as pollens, honey and anything that can be made from the hive. A ground breaking wax exchange program, were we guarantee the exchange rate to be increased each year by underwriting the rate, for those selling UK bred Nucs and queens we have a verry special rate for a stand, the same applies to any small producer or new company wishing to expand, no matter what you are selling or manufacture. Just call and discuss it with one of our customer service team.

 

[Somerford]

I'm not knocking your efforts, far from it, but encouraging the event to expand to other areas calls on an entirely different attendee to come in and let these stands have a good show - first and foremost Beetradex is a trade show, manufacturers selling to beekeepers. Having stands selling hive products etc needs regular customers to attend really...

 

[Patrick1]

I agree in some ways, but not with the entirely different attendees part, why is it we think in terms “different” surely we are all beekeepers first ! the problem is the current formats of any show doesn’t seem to be designed to encourage new beekeepers. They are generally an ego massaging exercise supported by suppliers who actually supply the cash to allow them to do this.

We want to encourage new manufacturers and suppliers through our business innovation scheme, we will give new entrants in this area subsidies stands to promote what they do. Yes, some of the old manufacturer’s won’t like it, but to be honest it’s been a way to cozy position for some for far too long.

When you look at some of the old eastern block countries and see the products they derive from the hive you would think we in the UK live in the dark ages.

We need more younger beekeepers, just look at the BBKA trustees, an average age of around 70 I would guess, all white middleclass, is that really the best we can do, well of course not.

By opening up BeeTradex I hope we can encourage new beekeepers as well as the general population of beekeepers, we are offering subsidized stands for queen breeders and Nuc suppliers, talks on beekeeping.

When we run our planned Festival of Bees events across the country, they will also be aimed at bringing beekeepers together and encouraging new beekeepers. We would like the local associations to join us and show the benefits of training in practical ways.

We would like existing beekeepers to join us in making these shows the windows on our hobby, I hope its not too scary a prospect for existing beekeepers

 

[WoodenBeam]

Good luck with your venture Patrick, BeeTradex was an excellent event & I would wish it to continue. The main attraction to myself were the international manufacturers - with the number of these growing year on year. Carl Fritz, Thomas, Logan, Abelo, koninognog…..nognognog…….however the hell you pronounce it! Swienty, the Italian lot are the ones that spring to mind. I do hope this is an area that isn’t forgotten about as it was the only event outside of Bee Farmers where you could get hands on.

 

[Murox]

I suspect that diversification is the only way many 'things' we used to enjoy will be able to survive if they are lucky. Our 'friendly' approach to visitors now requires the individual to
check if what they plan to do in the UK is even allowed as a Standard Visitor; check you meet the eligibility requirements; and dont forget to check if you need to apply for a visa to visit the UK.
Of course you will need to pay for the visitor visa - £95, but if you are only passing through you can apply for a Visitor in Transit visa instead for £64.
Its probably worth noting that as a business you can attend trade fairs to promote your business BUT you cannot sell things. As for passing on information and expertise well you can give a one-off or short series of talks as long as they’re not for profit or a commercial event (you must not be paid). So good to know our rules encourage business and education and even free enterprise.

 

[Somerford]

I agree in some ways, but not with the entirely different attendees part, why is it we think in terms “different” surely we are all beekeepers first ! the problem is the current formats of any show doesn’t seem to be designed to encourage new beekeepers. They are generally an ego massaging exercise supported by suppliers who actually supply the cash to allow them to do this.

We want to encourage new manufacturers and suppliers through our business innovation scheme, we will give new entrants in this area subsidies stands to promote what they do. Yes, some of the old manufacturer’s won’t like it, but to be honest it’s been a way to cozy position for some for far too long.

When you look at some of the old eastern block countries and see the products they derive from the hive you would think we in the UK live in the dark ages.

We need more younger beekeepers, just look at the BBKA trustees, an average age of around 70 I would guess, all white middleclass, is that really the best we can do, well of course not.

By opening up BeeTradex I hope we can encourage new beekeepers as well as the general population of beekeepers, we are offering subsidized stands for queen breeders and Nuc suppliers, talks on beekeeping.

When we run our planned Festival of Bees events across the country, they will also be aimed at bringing beekeepers together and encouraging new beekeepers. We would like the local associations to join us and show the benefits of training in practical ways.

We would like existing beekeepers to join us in making these shows the windows on our hobby, I hope its not too scary a prospect for existing beekeepers

I agree - but my point is that selling beehive products to people who are already beekeepers (honey/wax/propolis/candles) they won't buy them - it's the general public who will (ie like being at an agricultural show or country fair) buy these. Therefore a big promotion of the Tradex needs to go out to the general public if you hope to make it successful for beehive product suppliers to attend. The bee-keepers/farmers will attend regardless.

On the local associations joining forces - my own debated this and declined as they already supported the Bath and West show Bee Tent and that took a lot of resources to make it come to life and they debated the need for another bee-related show (just feedback for you) Maybe a well worded letter to the Chairs of associations may help ? But not being BBKA affiliated, many turn their shoulder to anything else and to your point re the BBKA trustees etc - 100% on the money with that one Patrick.

BW

Stephen

 

[Patrick1]

Thanks Steven, I appreciate the feedback.

I can see your point and to some extent understand Bath & Wests concerns. The aim for us is to embrace the local culture, give the nearest association to the events the opportunity to hold their honey show, taster days ( money for the associations coffers) and sell product to the public for virtually no hassle, we supply the venue the staff and the most importantly the press and publicity. I am sorry I just cannot see the downside of a freebee.

The first time some people see bees is in the observation hives, they taste real honey and meet the beekeeper at one of these types of events, the propolis and pollen products stir the imagination the whole artisan, healthy dream is on their doorstep and then some will want to keep bees. Indecently, I am in the business of selling candles and candle moulds to beekeepers, I have learnt in my 52 years in business never to assume anything.

We certainly got a lot of feedback from the public that turned into ticket sales.

For the sake of beekeeping, we cannot just keep doing the same old thing, just look at the BBKA and tell me what they actually do for beekeeping, the hive losses over the last 20 years are staggering, the churn rate on membership reaches 30% some years, the informative magazine is slabs of text that few read, another ego massaging exercise. The exams represent the theory of everything the practical of nothing, I believe most members stay for the insurance until they realize they don’t need it. They squandered the tax payers hive in the box teaching aid money, that indecently was supposed to be free to associations and trainers.

Sorry, this turned into a bit of a rant, however I am passionate about my hobby turned business. I desperately want to see something different happen, if we carry on doing the same things then the results will be the same, the decimation of beekeeping in the UK.

BW

Patrick

 

[Skinfaxi]

Just look at all the chilli events going on. I am a chilli head and the chilli events are really fun and well attended.
Why not honey. Dont wait for the in groups to move as the status quo suits them. Paradigm shift it. . Must say uk agriculture is boring and sad. Just the bigs milking land subsidies paid by the half dead tax cow. While real farmers commit suicide. Does not help that the public managers do not see agriculture as important. We must change it.

 

[daroco]

My big question around Tradex is how many of the big domestic suppliers are going to be there? All well and good encouraging smaller suppliers - but realistically the reason I (and I suspect many others go) is to buy standard equipment, not the niche type products smaller suppliers make. At the moment, the other two large companies aren't on the confirmed list - are there plans for them to attend?

 

[Mint Bee]

difficult decision and balancing act for Patrick. Does he actively engage with his major competitors to keep existing attendees of the Tradex happy (established and maybe larger scale beekeepers), or does he push to get newer and non beekeeping folks in. It does look like the latter is the aim, but then this does move away from the original idea of a trade exhibition as an alternative to the the BBKA's Spring convention. Personally I think the planned Festival of Bees would be a better showcase for the general public and demonstrations of new and innovations manufacturers / equipment

Even if Bee Equipment is sole 'main domestic' vendor, I would expect others to offer sales over the weekend of the Tradex, in a similar way to Patrick when he chose to not attend events in person in the recent past

 

[Brian Bush]

24/01/2022 Just checked this morning and very limited list of sellers. Several of the big boys not listed on the website. This has left me wondering
Is the website up to date?
Are some usual exhibitors holding back because of Covid issues in the UK and abroad?
Are some of the exhibitors no longer attending after 2 difficult years for shows and exhibitions?
Are there issues with the price of stand space?
Is there a boycott in place by Patrick's competitors?
Is it a mixture of all of the above?

 

[Newbeeneil]

24/01/2022 Just checked this morning and very limited list of sellers. Several of the big boys not listed on the website. This has left me wondering
Is the website up to date?
Are some usual exhibitors holding back because of Covid issues in the UK and abroad?
Are some of the exhibitors no longer attending after 2 difficult years for shows and exhibitions?
Are there issues with the price of stand space?
Is there a boycott in place by Patrick's competitors?
Is it a mixture of all of the above?

A mixture I would guess

 

[Patrick1]

Hello – and thank for raising some important issues as I’d love to seize this opportunity to clear up some misconceptions.

So here is the back story of BeeTradex

• BeeTradex was offered for sale, as you will probably know. We put in an offer as we always want to support beekeeping and would have hated to see this unique, independent, national show close for ever. There was only one other offer – from someone who did not keep bees.
• It took a while because Covid hit – but we were successful. Now we’re back and we can’t wait for March 12.
• We are still booking exhibitors of course – watch the website as more are coming in every week.
• No advantage will be given to my own company in case anyone’s worried about that - we have the same size stand in the same place as we’ve had in the past.
• It is no secret that we are progressive – proud to be so! - and in terms of turnover we’re the second largest supplier in the UK. That might upset some competitors, but they are all more than welcome to come and take us on!
• By ‘big boys’ you may be referring to Maisemore and Thornes. Yes, there’s a bit of history there but we’re all grown-ups, life moves on and all want to support beekeeping. I would love to welcome them to BeeTradex.
• It’s no secret that Covid has been a worry. But as things ease up we’re finding that traders who were not attending are now changing their minds. We’re all dying to get out and get buying and selling.
• We have stands from BBKA associations - we want to help associations become stronger and encourage better breeding if needed. Indeed, over the last year we’ve sponsored associations by way of free equipment and very favorable prices.
  
  On a more general note I’d love to share how BeeTradex is evolving.
  
  
• We have actively been expanding into areas that we feel deserve a higher profile at the show. We are welcoming people at all stages of their beekeeping journey: novices are very welcome. Rest assured however, it is still THE place for established beekeepers, specialists - and bargain hunters.
• We’re helping spread awareness of Britain’s other vital pollinators and how to help them.
• We are offering reduced stand-rates for new businesses or small companies, to encourage the next generation of beekeepers and their innovations.
• We have been actively pursuing breeders of British bees – for the first time you’ll be able to pre-order NUCs and Queens of all kinds from British bee farmers.
• Our lecture programme majors on the subject of breeding / queen rearing and features insights and techniques from experts such as the BIBBA (Bee Improvement & Bee Breeders Association) and international consultant Michael Collier - plus some intriguing newcomers.
• We are introducing a new-style wax exchange this year that we hope to build on for the future. We believe both wax and honey are seriously undervalued and aim to improve that for everybody over the coming years.
  
  In short, my aim is to help where I can; stimulate where I am allowed to - and generally support British beekeepers. So do come along and see for yourself!

 

[Swarm]

All sounds very exciting after two years of misery, I wish you every success.

 

[Patrick1]

Thanks, Swarm

 

[Brian Bush]

Hello – and thank for raising some important issues as I’d love to seize this opportunity to clear up some misconceptions.

So here is the back story of BeeTradex

• BeeTradex was offered for sale, as you will probably know. We put in an offer as we always want to support beekeeping and would have hated to see this unique, independent, national show close for ever. There was only one other offer – from someone who did not keep bees.
• It took a while because Covid hit – but we were successful. Now we’re back and we can’t wait for March 12.
• We are still booking exhibitors of course – watch the website as more are coming in every week.
• No advantage will be given to my own company in case anyone’s worried about that - we have the same size stand in the same place as we’ve had in the past.
• It is no secret that we are progressive – proud to be so! - and in terms of turnover we’re the second largest supplier in the UK. That might upset some competitors, but they are all more than welcome to come and take us on!
• By ‘big boys’ you may be referring to Maisemore and Thornes. Yes, there’s a bit of history there but we’re all grown-ups, life moves on and all want to support beekeeping. I would love to welcome them to BeeTradex.
• It’s no secret that Covid has been a worry. But as things ease up we’re finding that traders who were not attending are now changing their minds. We’re all dying to get out and get buying and selling.
• We have stands from BBKA associations - we want to help associations become stronger and encourage better breeding if needed. Indeed, over the last year we’ve sponsored associations by way of free equipment and very favorable prices.
  
  On a more general note I’d love to share how BeeTradex is evolving.
  
  
• We have actively been expanding into areas that we feel deserve a higher profile at the show. We are welcoming people at all stages of their beekeeping journey: novices are very welcome. Rest assured however, it is still THE place for established beekeepers, specialists - and bargain hunters.
• We’re helping spread awareness of Britain’s other vital pollinators and how to help them.
• We are offering reduced stand-rates for new businesses or small companies, to encourage the next generation of beekeepers and their innovations.
• We have been actively pursuing breeders of British bees – for the first time you’ll be able to pre-order NUCs and Queens of all kinds from British bee farmers.
• Our lecture programme majors on the subject of breeding / queen rearing and features insights and techniques from experts such as the BIBBA (Bee Improvement & Bee Breeders Association) and international consultant Michael Collier - plus some intriguing newcomers.
• We are introducing a new-style wax exchange this year that we hope to build on for the future. We believe both wax and honey are seriously undervalued and aim to improve that for everybody over the coming years.
  
  In short, my aim is to help where I can; stimulate where I am allowed to - and generally support British beekeepers. So do come along and see for yourself!

Thanks for the explanation Patrick

 

[Black Mountain Honey]

I am excited for Bee Tradex! Not a lot of shows accessible for people North of Watford! Nothing like seeing equipment in person and having a play with shiny things

 

[Somerford]

Patrick - can you enlarge on the innovative wax exchange please ?

KR

S

 

[Swarm]

Patrick - can you enlarge on the innovative wax exchange please ?

KR

S

You bring the wax, a team of bees draws the comb while you wait

.........sorry.

 

[Patrick1]

You bring the wax, a team of bees draws the comb while you wait

.........sorry.

That's fine, I am getting used to being knocked, mind you if you can get that to work I will give you a free stand