Allan Cheesman on LWF 2014

Just received the latest Harpers and the review of changes for the LWF 2014. Great stuff and a real attempt by Ross and the Brintex team to rejuvenate, invest and bring the fair to the new era - whatever that may be.

I fully understand those companies who are unable to commit to 2014 budgets, etc. and there are certainly some good noises from some of our respected and well-known wine companies and senior managers. But there are still those that seem to enjoy the whinge and trumpet on about ProWein and other fairs - being good for business and all that!

Maybe those companies should relocate to Germany as they do not want to serve the many thousands of trade members who will attend the London event. "Who is LWF trying to reach? What is the benefit?" I would have thought that any wine company manager director or owner with an ounce of commercial sense would understand the simplistic approach - you put on a competitively priced fair, you have a wealth of exhibitors and attendees supported by class presentations, tastings and seminars, and you reach your customers not a bunch of Bordeaux sommeliers or Düsseldorf shopkeepers! Nice as I am sure they are.

Maybe I am too much a supporter or OUR fair, having been to every one these past 30+ years and have never joined the pessimists, I believe in the London Wine Fair, its the only one we have and let's make it work not whinge and find the reason to criticise such good work and intentions.

• Sommeliers
• Emily Kearns