We attended the GOMCS 2019 Trade Exhibition
So pleased to be involved with the friendly and very well attended Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps GOMCS 2019 Trade Exhibition. Another great networking, learning and information sharing event. Not only was it a lovely venue but the organisation, catering and whole atmosphere had a wonderful vibe.
Everyone browsing stands, talking shop, talking chimneys, sweeping, woodburners and all the associated issues is wonderful and the whole area was buzzing. Sharing knowledge and information amongst everyone as well as having the opportunity to learn and understand more from those at this GOMCS 2019 event has been so beneficial. The opportunity for us to spread the up to date Thatch Fire Safety advice, where chimney care and maintenance is so important, is always appreciated.
The enthusiasm and hard work of the organisers in setting up and promoting this exhibition has surely paid off. In their own words “set to be the biggest and best to date”.
We just have to tell you more about it.
From the venue and plan, to the exhibitors and events, we hope our summary of the event does it justice.
GOMCS 2019 Exhibition Venue
The GOMCS 2019 Trade Exhibition was held at the Q Hotels Chesford Grange Hotel, Kenilworth on Friday 1st (9:30 – 4:30) and Saturday 2nd (9:30 – 3:30) March. At the end of the Exhibition, on Saturday, the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps hold their AGM (for members only). The AGM is followed by the Gala Dinner (open to all) with a band and casino.
Unlimited tea, coffee, juice and water were provided throughout the event, which was most welcome.
The hotel catered not only with the exhibition area but also for the seminars and catering requirements with lovely food and drinks provided. We were well positioned between the large SnapLock Rotary Seep System stand (main sponsors) and the NFU Mutual Insurance stand. However, over the two days, we managed to meet pretty much everyone exhibiting there, as well as the large number of chimney sweeps and other visitors who attended.
GOMCS 2019 Exhibitors
- Ability International
- AMAC Cameras
- Brewer Cowls
- BurnRight
- CB Creative
- Colt Cowls
- CTS/NVQ Training
- Digital Sweeps
- Dust Control
- Exodraft
- Flue Cube
- Flue Technology
- HETAS / Woodsure
- Kerstar Vacuums
- Landy Vent
- Logs Direct
- Midtec Products
- NFU Mutual
- OFTEC
- Panda Press
- Percy Doughty
- Rodstation
- Rodtech
- Rotary Power Sweeping
- Solid Fuel Association
- Stove Industry Supplies
- Snaplok
- SWP Training
- Tamar Brush
- Thatch Advice Centre
- Valiant Fireside
- Wakefield Brush
- Warma Fuels
- Wohler CCTV
- WT Knowles
GOMCS 2019 Exhibition Events
The GOMCS 2019 Exhibition not only had all the above trade stands but also held some events.
The Free Prize Draw
The Charity Raffle.
The Charity Raffle was, as last year, raising money for the CO-Gas Safety charity. There were many fabulous prizes including generous donations which allowed those selling tickets to ask “Do you want to win a stove….. or two?” Woodwarm Stoves donated a fantastic Phoenix Firegem and Stove Industry Supplies donated a beautiful Hamer HD5. Wow.
Voting
Voting took place for the Best Supplier and Best Product as well as the Best Van competition.
We were thrilled that one of our Thatch Advice Centre Associates, Sparkling Flues won the Best Van competition – Well done Emma.
GOMCS 2019 Seminars
The GOMCS 2019 Trade Exhibition held two free Seminars on the Saturday.
Firstly there was the Chimney Sweeping NVQ (National Vocation Qualification). Phil Cleaver and Chris Geeves, from Chimney Skills Training (CST), believe that “it’s time for chimney sweeping to become professionalised on a wider scale and become officially recognised as a trade”. Both being teachers and approved assessors, they gave an informative presentation and answered questions on the NVQ they have created.
Secondly and, very well attended, was the seminar on the BurnRight Consumer Awareness campaign. This seminar was held by Lawson Wight and David ‘Mr Soot’ Sudworth and marked exactly one year since the campaign was first launched! Their presentation on this campaign and how it has affected the Government’s recent Clean Air Strategy 2019 was well received along with all the information on how everyone can get involved. This important campaign is one that we are particularly pleased to be promoting as it not only will be having benefits to air quality, the environment, safety and cost of heating but it also fits in so well with our Thatch Fire Safety advice. The power of #workingtogether is so important in this regard.
Their Fireplace Facts leaflet will be sent to us to use to help better explain/answer some of the queries arising from the governments Clean Air Strategy.
GOMCS 2019 Exhibition Thanks
Our thanks go to all involved for inviting us to this event and making us, as ever, feel so welcome and included. Thanks also for giving us the opportunity to share the important Thatch Fire Safety message. This fire safety advice so importantly includes chimney and stove maintenance and the opportunity to meet everyone is really appreciated.
Thanks also to everyone who visited our stand and who will be helping promote the Thatch Fire Safety message in one way or another.
And Finally
We also want to thank those of you who gave us some lovely pens:-
- WT Knowles and Sons Ltd
- Solid Fuel Association
- Logs Direct
- NFU Mutual
Did you know that the St Florian is the patron Saint of Chimney Sweeps, Firefighters and Soap Makers? Thanks to Digital Sweeps for the lovely book mark and for this last piece of information.
Thanks to everyone who made the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps GOMCS 2019 Exhibition such an enjoyable and worthwhile event. Looking forward to next year!