Ocean Media Group has today announced that this year's Stationery Show Manchester has been cancelled, citing a tough retail market, cautious buyers and uncertain suppliers as reasons not to run the event. The second edition of the Manchester show had been due to take place at Emirates Old Trafford on 9th and 10th October, 2018.

“We feel the level of uncertainty in the market is too high to expect our exhibitors to risk supporting a new show,” explains Event Manager, Hazel Fieldwick. “We appreciate the trust and support of those companies who had committed to supporting our Manchester show, and we will ensure all of them are recognised accordingly.”

The announcement comes just days after this year's LaunchPad competition opened for entries. Those already received will be carried forward to next year's London show. “It is frustrating to walk away from an event that the whole team was working hard on and looking forward to, but we cannot ignore the economic realities stationery industry suppliers are currently facing,” adds Hazel.

The team is now focusing its efforts on Stationery Show London 2019. The rebranded event will return for its ninth edition at the Business Design Centre on 30th April and 1st May, 2019. Visit www.stationeryshowlondon.co.uk for details.