The British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA), which hosted the Innovation Zone at Totally DIY Totally Tools for the second year running, “had an amazingly successful show”, according to DIY sector director Paul Grinsell.

The Innovation Zone not only yielded the top prize winner in the show’s New Product Awards, but it also secured one confirmed listing from a leading DIY multiple, as well as numerous other leads for the exhibitors.

One of the companies participating was Great Yarmouth-based Tileution, which was showing its PeelThenStick tiling adhesive. Stuart Saunders, managing director of Tileution was delighted by the response, not least the fact that it was his innovation that secured the top prize in the show’s New Product Awards. He said: “This product is a simple idea, which has taken time to perfect, merchandise and secure its Europe-wide patent. To see it exhibited to an audience of peers and be judged indisputably the best new product was a great result and gives real credibility and value to the business.”

Another Innovation Zone exhibitor was Rotarad, demonstrating its radiator valve, which enables full access behind radiators for decorating and cleaning with no need for disconnection, draining of water or heavy lifting. The product attracted a lot of attention from retailers and distributors throughout the duration of the show.

The Totally DIY Totally Tools received strong support from across the industry, with buying teams in attendance from the biggest DIY retailers, as well as great representation from the UK's high street hardware retailers, plumbing and electrical wholesalers and decorative, timber and builders’ merchants.

Mr Grinsell concluded: “Everyone involved with the Innovation Zone had a productive and enjoyable time. All the exhibitors secured some great leads and offers of support. We'll be very happy to support this area again next year."