A NORTH Yorkshire company is marking its 45th birthday by helping retailers prepare for the Christmas shopping rush.

Less than three weeks after Xmas 2018, Joe Manby Ltd of Harrogate is ensuring the success of its oldest client, the Harrogate Christmas and Gift Fair.

From Sunday to Wednesday, more than 90 exhibitors will display what they hope will be the must-buy items for Xmas 2019 in seven halls of the Harrogate Convention Centre.

Richard Manby, director of Joe Manby Limited, said: “When my father started the business in 1974, it had just two clients, one of which was the Harrogate International Toy Fair. Now renamed, the Harrogate Christmas and Gift Fair remains a loyal client more than four decades later and we take real pride in continuing to build on this excellent long-term relationship.”

Joe Manby Ltd provides integrated event services including floor plans, a shell scheme, bespoke standfitting, signs, graphics, electrical installation, carpets and furniture hire.

"Over the years, we’ve seen some big changes in the events sector. Exhibitors today wouldn’t recognise the exhibition stands of the early 1970s which were more like stockrooms, complete with doors to keep them private, rather than the open and inviting ‘shop windows’ that are today’s exhibition stands."

Event organiser Simon Anslow said: “Joe Manby Limited bring real knowledge, understanding and expertise to our events which is much appreciated by exhibitors and ourselves as organisers.”