petercoulson Posted February 11, 2017 Report Share Posted February 11, 2017 A heads up for the National Cutting Edge Show this year - THE show to see your favourite and best suppliers It is being held 24th September at the National Motorcycle Museum If ever you needed an excuse for a weekend this must be one of the best I will be there 2 days early if I can! If this is the only way you heard about it make sure you get on the Cutting Edge mailing list, drop me a line and it will be arranged. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Count Muppet Posted February 18, 2017 Report Share Posted February 18, 2017 Might come and have a nose about this year. Is it going to be a one day event, just on the Sunday? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petercoulson Posted February 18, 2017 Author Report Share Posted February 18, 2017 Hi Muppet yes just the Sunday. Saturday will be the bikes for me.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petercoulson Posted August 16, 2017 Author Report Share Posted August 16, 2017 Just a little update, all the plans are going very well with all the top exhibitors signed up. The show will open from 09:30 to 17:00 to give you time to browse and chat to us all, if the bikes take your fancy or the family want to have a look around we have arranged half price entry for both Saturday and Sunday if you are here for the weekend. Feel free to ask any questions, further updates will be made nearer the time. Tom D 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kobblers Posted August 17, 2017 Report Share Posted August 17, 2017 Might have a pop down with me kiddies............. Be nice to catch up with some old faces. Rick. petercoulson 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom D Posted August 17, 2017 Report Share Posted August 17, 2017 well worth it for the bikes alone nortons bsa vellocette ajs to name but a few classic british metal everyone with a drip tray underneath ? the good old days no electric starts carb tickleing, think id best stop im showing my age Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithm Posted August 17, 2017 Report Share Posted August 17, 2017 We will be there so we'll see as many of you that wish to take the time to see our latest developments! I can vouch for the Museum as i've been a coule of times before, well worth a visit! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hibsjo(SCO) Posted September 26, 2017 Report Share Posted September 26, 2017 another show done and dusted thanks to Chris Wilson for the invite to the meal on the saturday night thanks to cherry blossom for the entertainment at the table the show seemed quiet to start saw Lee 2 or 3 times but was always chatting to someone, have to form a queue the next time to speak to you mate. the chap on the admission desk was a young looking Robin Healy the show was in 2 halls which was ok they were bright and carpeted and all the usual suspects were on show. Good crack with Tim from glenway no jokes involved thank f**k Neal and Peter from siserve always good to see you guys see you in a couple of weeks hopefully Duncan from Hickleys is a legend couple of stands with some very interesting materials on for repairs if you werent there tuff shit not telling you anymore only fault was the MIA Gary Unwin on holiday!! Peter on the Birch stand from the old cuntry was an experience i shall never forget LOL on a final note i wish Darren well in his pursuit of reinvigorating SOMSR good luck (but not in a Liam Neeson sort of way) carry on! Fast Fix Elgin and kobblers 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marky1 Posted September 27, 2017 Report Share Posted September 27, 2017 i was told only 187 people through the doors the quietest show in a long time keithm 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom D Posted September 27, 2017 Report Share Posted September 27, 2017 apparently 2 of those were bikers who just fancied a look around and one fella brought a large family , it was quiet, but remember its our show , if you don't use it you loose it and the shame is it those who don't attend who would be the 1st to moan if there wasn't another one in 2018 kobblers 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
k4mrc Posted September 27, 2017 Report Share Posted September 27, 2017 well i went and enjoyed the day, pity for me I ran out of time and did not get around all the stalls - wish I had dedicated more time instead of rushing away at 2--30 next time I will spend the time to stay till end Thanks to Chris and his gang for getting this show on Great venue hope it comes again kobblers 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithm Posted September 28, 2017 Report Share Posted September 28, 2017 i was told only 187 people through the doors the quietest show in a long time Remember these figures are for everyone who walks through the door, not 187 businesses, I reckon there were only 100 or less businesses represented, most people wre in two's or three's. Only 6 years ago the headcount was double, wake up Cutting Edge! kobblers 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteelCityShoes Posted September 28, 2017 Report Share Posted September 28, 2017 The reason that people aren’t attending is that there isn’t an incentive for the next generation. Products and information are all available online. There needs to be a draw. There was no competition this year. How about awards for different categories/repairs rather than the same thing each year. Actual product demonstrations, things you can’t get online. Hot coffee and cold beer. I decided to go at the last minute, the whole day cost me about £200. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed it, it was good to meet up with other repairers and suppliers, and while I will probably go next year, it’s easy to see why people aren’t bothering to make the trip kobblers 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom D Posted September 28, 2017 Report Share Posted September 28, 2017 there are certain people trying to organise a competition for next year (cant say too much . you do have a point I met several young repairers had a good chat with them ( im 53 ). perhaps with a bit of luck if we have one next year it could be much better attended Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kobblers Posted September 28, 2017 Report Share Posted September 28, 2017 Why not have an on-the-day competition where you are timed to do a specific repair to an acceptable standard? Get the young ones motivated as they're probably the most competitive. What about encouraging people to book for the show online and have a decent mystery prize draw that they can only win by actually attending? Make better provision for hotels, a decent meal and a proper night's entertainment that isn't too expensive to encourage people to turn up the night before and make a good night of it. EG: find a local hotel that's willing to put on a live act or has a 70's or 80's themed night and a disco - I'd most certainly attend summat like that. Also, find a place that doesn't cost an arm and a leg for sustenance....................... Rick. SteelCityShoes and Tom D 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom D Posted September 28, 2017 Report Share Posted September 28, 2017 now your singing from the same hym sheet ive ALWAYS said there should be a pre show couple of pints SteelCityShoes and kobblers 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteelCityShoes Posted September 28, 2017 Report Share Posted September 28, 2017 Something to make a full day of it is a good idea. Really, once you’ve checked out all the stands and spoken to everyone you wanted to see, there isn’t anything to keep you there at the minute. The Greek experience last year was good. kobblers 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom D Posted September 28, 2017 Report Share Posted September 28, 2017 personaly I couldn't understand a word he said . mind in fairness he probabaly wouldn't have understood me, but I do think that there should be events throughout the day " the stillettoe heel challenge " perhaps . trouble is & always has been there are many in this trade who can talk the talk but when it comes down too it how many would participate ? , there you go ive just encapsulated whats wrong with british shoe repairers apathy kobblers 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee Posted September 28, 2017 Report Share Posted September 28, 2017 I spent 8 hours in the van getting there and back & thought it was good, you just need to go with an open mind and a positive attitude. Nothing to do with it, But always remember kiddies the Lee Tom D and kobblers 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom D Posted September 28, 2017 Report Share Posted September 28, 2017 im wondering why the turnout was so poor seems most folks on here were at the show Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Count Muppet Posted September 28, 2017 Report Share Posted September 28, 2017 Maybe only people on here knew about it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grahamparker Posted September 28, 2017 Report Share Posted September 28, 2017 Shoe repairing industry is dying a slow death and although there are some extremely talented repairers around (i don't include myself in that) in the lower income towns shoes are so cheap they are not repaired anymore. Timpsons will end up dominating the industry if they aren't already. We have seen a decline over the last 10 years of sales of polish, laces and sundries as well as the quality of shoes. Long term i cannot see it getting any better (will be different for others dependent on competition) in the near future. If it wasn't going to be such a massive ball ache getting my machines out of the shop i would probably have given up on shoe repairs altogether. Look how Lee who i think is one of the best repairers around has had to change his plans and move into bike repairs to make ends meet. Not all will have these worries but it will explain why so few people attend these shows and why they really need something special to attract people in. wellsy9, Lee, kirkybob and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee Posted September 28, 2017 Report Share Posted September 28, 2017 I agree Graham, mine is a tricky position of nearly killing myself off with the forum though! I was spending too long with and on the site and took my eye off the ball. Timpson opened 2 extra branches in Lowestoft bringing it up to 3 ( I guess they failed in wanting me out! Lol) and another independent came in too, every flea bites. I took stock and initially thought I needed to do something radical and started bikes which has boomed, but also I stopped doing the forum and refitted the shop and the net result is a continuing growth area in bikes but shoe repairs steadily regaining share because I'm on the ball again and doing jobs as fast as I can instead of spending half the day in the chat room and on the site. My refit married the two sides of the business together and I'm having one of the best years in a decade. Things have changed for certain but I still see repairs as an important element and the show an essential tool. Lee Tom D, wellsy9, grahamparker and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom D Posted September 28, 2017 Report Share Posted September 28, 2017 got tp agree with you lee , the days of while u wait repairs have gone ( sometimes wonder how we used to do it), suppose I was younger , for me the way forward has been searching out decent customers with decent shoes, I remember ordering pu tops by the 1000s , not to mention liecesters ? in fairness it the keys and watches that pay the bills repairs is just in the blood , if people ask what do you do for a living , I answer shoe repairer not key cutter watch battery fitter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteelCityShoes Posted September 28, 2017 Report Share Posted September 28, 2017 I've just been looking at the American equivalent, the Annual SSIA Convention, and it seems like just that, more of a convention rather than a trade show. Competitions, seminars, product displays, SSIA news and elections etc. It seems a group discount for attendees is prearranged at a hotel. Whatever the future for Cutting Edge, our show will always be smaller, but I think the SSIA are setting a great example of what could be. On a completely different note – Lee: It’s great to hear things are going well and that you haven’t given up on the shoes! kobblers 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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