This professionally-organized event includes exhibitors from all aspects of the industry, with overseas producers and stone contractors meeting with architects, designers and contractors; overseas suppliers wanting to break into the U.K. market; existing importers who want to meet new customers and specifiers; British companies wanting to sell overseas; and international machinery and tool suppliers showing their latest developments to the trade.

The biennial Natural Stone Show has been established as the U.K.'s top event for the stone industry and its customers. It is supported by the representative organizations of both the trade and professionals and receives full coverage in the U.K. industry's magazine, "Natural Stone Specialist," to maximize exposure of exhibitors to the market.

Stone Federation Great Britain has also arranged a "Stone Village" as a central attraction of the show, with members showing their goods and services and Federation members on hand to answer technical questions.

The Stone Federation is also involved in the show's accompanying lecture program, which covers many of the issues involved in the use of stone for new construction and conservation. Professional organizations such as the Royal Institute of British Architects, English Heritage and Historic Scotland, are also closely involved.

Even before orders started to be accepted for the 2004 exhibition, 70% of the space had been reserved, although such is the flexibility of ExCeL that if extra space is needed, the show, which is entirely under cover, can be extended seamlessly to accommodate demand.

The list of confirmed exhibitors already includes some of the largest U.K. quarriers such as Albion Stone Quarries, Bath Stone Group, Hanson Bath & Portland, Woodkirk Stone and major international companies such as Antolini Luigi, Cremar, Adolfo Forti Marmi, Edilgraniti, Marmi Graniti Favorita and Efesus Stone.

The major U.K. distributors of stoneworking machinery, including Pisani, BrianWaters Stone, Harbro Supplies and Combined Masonry Supplies will be showing their principles' latest developments, while specialist stone contractors and restorers will be displaying their skills.

"Everything is on course for the best show yet in this well established series. I have great respect for the exhibitors, whose efforts make this show so successful," said Natural Stone Show Exhibition Manager Richard Bradbury. "I look forward to welcoming regulars and newcomers alike to the 6th U.K. Natural Stone Show."

For details about the Natural Stone Show and to book space, contact Richard Bradbury, Natural Stone Show, 7 Regent Street, Nottingham NG1 5BS. Tel: +44 (0)115 945 3889. Fax:+44 (0)115 958 2651. Email:stoneshow@qmj.co.uk. Web site: www.stoneshow.co.uk.