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UKFT monitors TAP supported tradeshows amid COVID-19

11 Mar '20

2 min read

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UKFT is monitoring its TAP (Tradeshow Access Programme) supported tradeshows very carefully around the global COVID-19 outbreak. In the period from February-March 2020, most fashion and textile event took place, with fewer buyers than usual, especially from Asia and the US. Since then, some larger shows in Asia and Europe have been cancelled or postponed.

Looking ahead to the fashion and textile trade fairs from June 2020 onwards, most are recruiting (or have already done so), but all of them are keeping a close eye on the situation.

It is very important that business carries on with a business as usual attitude wherever possible. This means committing to the tradeshows and other activities you would normally have supported in 2020 and beyond. The shows are accepting space bookings. If space bookings are down, some may decide to reduce hall space so it would not be a sensible approach to wait and see nearer the time, according to UKFT.

UKFT has already been in touch with Government to request an urgent confirmation of the TAP programme beyond June 2020 (which is late again this year) and to highlight the need for early decision-making and planning as well as flexibility if things have to change nearer the time. Outside the TAP programme, it is campaigning for greater flexibility and support for smaller companies which find their cash-flow affected by the fallout from the outbreak.

Companies committing to a tradeshow in the next few months, should ask the show organiser questions like when will they make their final viability (go-ahead) decision for the fair; what will be their cancellation/postponement policy; and will they guarantee to refund all monies in the event of postponement or cancellation.

They can also wish to ask the same questions to stand constructors and freight companies and check insurance policies to see whether they would be covered in case of postponement or cancellation and what would need to happen. Clearly, no insurance policy can cover company if a show goes ahead but suffers from reduced turnout. Companies may also need to consider what would happen if key sales personnel were unable or unwilling to travel.

UKFT will keep a close eye on the situation but in the meantime, it urges urge companies to make their grant applications (where appropriate) and confirm space at the shows without delay.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (GK)

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