There is something intrinsically warming about going to a London Open Day. It has nothing to do with seeing ‘what’s new’, nor indeed should one fall into the trap of regarding it merely as a gathering of grouchy industry fogies.
Difficult to put a finger on the subtle influences which are at play here. It is perhaps influences of both of those, so the ‘nothing to do with’ should be ‘only partially to do with.’ But it is other things too.
The first half of the year is just about consigned to history and the event provides an opportunity to exchange experiences and lick wounds from the period since the January show with folk in like circumstances and indulge in the industry’s favourite pastime – gossip. And all of it played against the backdrop of Johnny’s sausages or Derek’s elegant sarnies.
I am sure that there are deals done. If there weren’t, then those displaying their fresh wares wouldn’t do it. But even they will largely admit that it is primarily a ‘flag-waving’ exercise, a chance to introduce – as opposed to directly sell – fresh product.
It is easy to hark back to the earlier days of the event, when everyone had big offices there, Brent, Deith, etc, and the memory flits through all those varied occasions of doom and gloom, mixed with euphoria and all overlaid with anxious eyes on the skies, for we have enjoyed open days which have witnessed sunshine equally with those where we have sheltered in the warehouse.
The practical purposes of the Open Day must be paramount to Electrocoin, UDC and those who join them. The event is a ‘mid-season catch-up’ and hopefully a chance to secure a few orders to help with factory flow. It is also a decent draw these days for friends from non-British sources and we regularly meet up with folk from Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain or from the opposite direction in Ireland. Wherever they’re from, they contribute to an ability to head back to the station enjoying a feeling of fulfilment.
It is also an opportunity to pick up my annual tenner from David Gershlick after Wales have given England yet another drubbing on the rugby pitch. And that is worth the trip by its
