Andrew Watson, MDM marketing manager, told BB orders written during the two day event exceeded the show's target and produced an increase of more than 50% in sales on the 2004 event.

Andy Ash-Vie, managing director of Harken UK, told BB he'd done £15k on the first day: "That's more than I ever did at the Windsor show, " he said. Harken was one of four non-MDM accounts to take space at the show, the others being Baltic, Humminbird and Gill.

BBwent to the show on the second day and found only one disappointed exhibitor. All the others claimed they were doing excellent business and making new accounts, including the American exhibitors over to support the event.

The show was aimed at customers placing orders to get extra discount of up to 20% off customers buying prices.

The visitors BB spoke to also seemed very satisfied with not only the show, but also the free snacks and the Tuesday evening's entertainment.

In total 43 supplier stands were present at the show and there were special show offers on over 60 brands. MDM also subsidised travel costs for many visitors from far-flung places, like Ireland and the Channel Islands.

Customers were also incentivised with raffle tickets issued with every order placed and a daily draw held for over 50 prizes.

The (free) dinner and race night on the Tuesday evening mixed customers, suppliers and MDM staff to network in a more relaxed atmosphere. The race night event raised over £400 for the Unipart Tsunami Relief Appeal.

The show attracted 170 customers over the two day event with a large proportion visiting the show both days.

"It's great that we've established this show and significantly increased sales and attendance over 2004, " said Dowland. "We look forward to building on the event in 2006."