Dozens of timber companies are owed thousands of pounds following the cancellation of The Timber Show – the UK’s only exhibition dedicated to showcasing timber.

Exhibitors had been making their final preparations for the March 11-13 event at ExCeL London when organiser East Exhibitions announced it was going into liquidation after being unsuccessful in securing additional funding to stage the show.

An exhibitor list seen by TTJ suggests less than 40 companies had booked to attend the event. The low representation and competition from other shows are believed to be major contributing factors to East Exhibition’s demise.

A creditors meeting has been organised at insolvency practitioner Irwin & Company in Sutton Coldfield on February 22, when East Exhibitions will be placed into liquidation. TTJ understands it is unlikely that people will be refunded booking fees already paid.

Chris Sutton, group panel products director at James Latham, said he was “deeply disappointed” at the cancellation.

Product literature had already been printed, samples processed and Timber Show details sent out on every company e-mail. He estimated Lathams’ outlay at several thousand pounds.

“The timing is dreadful, just four weeks before the show,” said Mr Sutton.

Another exhibitor, Coillte Panel Products, also expressed frustration, with the company already putting together show artwork.

“This was the second year for the show, with it trying to gain some momentum,” said marketing and business development director Geoff Rhodes. “But the Timber Zone at Interbuild has been very successful which maybe cuts across what was trying to be done at The Timber Show.”

East Exhibitions said it was “deeply sorry” about the cancellation.

“Our decision to cancel the event has been taken with the greatest reluctance, and we are greatly distressed that this action will affect most those companies that have shown us their support,” said director Martin Pearce.

The Timber Show attracted about 1,000 visitors and more than 60 exhibitors at its inaugural event in 2006. Reaction was mixed, with some exhibitors complaining about low visitor numbers, but others picking up quality contacts and business.

The follow-up event was due to have taken place last September but was postponed due to a congested trade exhibition calendar.