A Telford exhibition centre is set to host a major furniture show after organisers needed extra space to accommodate their growing event.

The Minerva Furnishers Guild was launched 20 years ago and is an independent furniture buying group working with high end retailers in the UK and Ireland.

The Guild hosts two private trade exhibitions every year, and in 2011, the first show will be held at The International Centre, Telford, on May 25 and 26, transferring from its previous home at the National Motorcycle Exhibition Centre, in Solihull.

The move comes after the Guild saw a rapid increase in membership, having recruited a wide range of quality independent furniture companies all over the UK and Ireland.

Roy Beagent, for the Guild, said: "We have made the move as a result of demand from suppliers who wanted extra space at our highly successful biannual exhibitions.

"The May show will host around 70 exhibition stands, which is a significant increase in exhibitor numbers, and sets a real platform for future progress, building on the high standards we have already set.

"Our shows are major events in the furniture industry’s calendar, and our first event at Telford will feature the latest designs in a wide range of upholstery, beds, dining and occasional furniture, incorporating pictures, mirrors and lighting."

Retail delegates will also take part in a seminar the day before the exhibition to meet and discuss topical trade issues, and a gala dinner for exhibitors and retail members will be held in the evening.

Tom Gray, Chief Executive of the Southwater Event Group, which owns The International Centre, said: "We’re delighted to be welcoming the Minerva Furnishers Guild to Telford next year.

"Their shows are a real landmark in the furniture industry’s year, and we’re very pleased they have recognised the flexibility of our event space which gives them the capacity to grow their event still further in the future."

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