Ambiente cancellation blow for What More UK and consumer goods industry

By Scott Dawson Advertising

07 Jan 2022

tony-grimshaw-what-more.jpg

What More UK, the Lancashire housewares manufacturer, and owner of the well-known brand Wham, has been a regular exhibitor at the annual Ambiente tradeshow for more than 20 years.

News was released yesterday that unfortunately due to the ongoing global pandemic and risks associated with international travel, Ambiente will be cancelled for 2022 – it was due to start on 11th February. 

Ambiente is the leading international consumer goods trade fair. Before the pandemic caused unprecedented disruption, it regularly attracted astonishing numbers of exhibitors and visitors. In 2019 the show saw 4460 exhibitors from 92 countries and 136,000 visitors from 162 countries.

In 2021 Ambiente adapted to be a digital-only show, with a conference programme accessible online. Organisers also created a special digital ordering platform so business transactions could still take place as before. Due to the last-minute nature of this cancellation, there will not be a digital or postponed version of Ambiente in 2022.

What More UK director Tony Grimshaw OBE is understanding, but disappointed with the outcome: “Although we completely understand why the global situation means Ambiente can’t go ahead, and we have strict Covid procedures in place ourselves, it’s still a blow to the industry. Ambiente is such an important event for lots of reasons.

"We’ve always said we don’t make customers, we make friends and we won’t be able to see our existing customers there who have become valued friends. We’ll also find it a lot more difficult to make new export friends this year without Ambiente, which really is the highlight of our year.

"I’m also sorry for our International Sales Team who work really hard, and without Ambiente will have to work even harder to push our export sales. I know many companies who we stand alongside at Ambiente will feel the same way today, it will affect everyone who exports consumer goods.”

Since the pandemic struck, What More UK has done everything possible to maintain business as usual, keeping the country’s shelves stocked. They’ve done all they can to keep their staff safe, whilst still continuing with expansion plans and investing in their staff, premises, products and manufacturing capabilities.

What More UK manufacture metal and plastic housewares of all kinds, from around the sink items to garage and officewares. During lockdown their range of bakeware and cookware was in high demand. The firm also makes products for the garden like planters and troughs. What More is a proud member of Made in Britain and they export UK branded goods to 75 countries around the world, in addition to every major UK supermarket and another 1600 independent retailers. 

Latest news

1

Roundhouse secures approval for new £15m office and industrial scheme in Preston Momentum

Roundhouse secures approval for new £15m office and industrial scheme in Preston

25 Jul 2025

2

Homebuilder's high-performing sales advisers clinch awards Ben Garland and Julia Lorente

Homebuilder's high-performing sales advisers clinch awards

24 Jul 2025

3

Work is set to start on Multiversity project Multiversity Blackpool

Work is set to start on Multiversity project

24 Jul 2025

4

BAE Systems welcomes MOU between Republic of Turkiye and UK for purchase of Typhoon aircraft Typhoon production Warton

BAE Systems welcomes MOU between Republic of Turkiye and UK for purchase of Typhoon aircraft

23 Jul 2025

5

Assystem to double UK jobs to deliver Sizewell C EDF Assystem

Assystem to double UK jobs to deliver Sizewell C

22 Jul 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025
BEC 315 X 315 Px
Networking
25 Sep 2025

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025

Blackpool Football Club, Blackpool, FY1 6HX

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

Preston Tech Connection: Buzz Word Bingo. Challenging Todays's Buzzwords In Tech
July PTC banner long updated.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
29 Jul 2025 - 29 Jul 2025

Preston Tech Connection: Buzz Word Bingo. Challenging Todays's Buzzwords In Tech

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 19:30

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: July
Longer July Banner.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
31 Jul 2025 - 31 Jul 2025

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: July

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – August 14th
Navy--Event Tile.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
14 Aug 2025 - 14 Aug 2025

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – August 14th

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 12:00

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Header (24).png.png
LBV Hub Networking
21 Aug 2025 - 21 Aug 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Mytton Fold, Langho, BB6 8AB

11:30 - 14:15

Morecambe Bay Walk
Walk.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Awards
30 Aug 2025 - 30 Aug 2025

Morecambe Bay Walk

Arnside, CARNFORTH, LA5

09:30 - 14:00

Longridge Soap Box Derby
Screenshot 2025-06-10 090035.png.png
LBV Hub Fundraisers
14 Sep 2025 - 14 Sep 2025

Longridge Soap Box Derby

Berry Lane, Longridge, PR3 3WH

10:00 - 16:30

Cumbria Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880461633-4862066883-1-original.20241022-110415.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
19 Sep 2025 - 19 Sep 2025

Cumbria Business Expo 2025

Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle, CA2 4TS

09:00 - 15:00

Help to grow management course
Help to grow - barriers to growth.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
26 Sep 2025 - 16 Dec 2025

Help to grow management course

Preston Campus , Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 15:00

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women
thumbnail_Emma Weston Illustration WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 18 Mar 2026

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:30 - 15:30

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV 123 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin