Reid said that buyer numbers are projected at around 10,587, the same as last year. He also said that pre-registration was at around the same level as last year at around 10,000.
"The industry suffered last year from a lack of confidence but Christmas was perhaps not as bad as expected," he said. "There seems to be a renewed optimism this year."
He also praised the show's new international focus, with 50 countries represented at the show. "It's good to see the return of countries like Italy and Sri Lanka which have not been represented at the show for the best part of ten years."
Other changes to this year's show include prolonged opening hours for today (23 February) and a raft of first time exhibitors.
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