[Cape Town, 21 May 2003] In a first for Southern Africa’s premier design and décor exhibition, Decorex 2003 will have a stand alone, dedicated ‘hot property pavilion’ at Gallagher Estate, Gauteng from 7^th to 10^th August this year. The exhibition, celebrating its 10^th anniversary this year, has just confirmed Cluttons, the international property company with branches throughout the UK, Dubai and South Africa, as the first signed property agency for this annual showcase.

With audited attendance figures of 58 000 in 2002, the Proudly South African exhibition will present an unparalleled opportunity –as a one-stop event –not only for the décor and design enthusiasts, but also home-buyers and sellers in the LSM 9 and 10 category.

According to Andrew Smith, Cluttons’ South Africa Managing Director, Decorex 2003 in Gauteng will be the ideal vehicle to showcase Cluttons’ extensive Cape property portfolio to the Gauteng and upcountry market.

Furthermore, Smith said, “The marketing focus of Decorex 2003 in general, and the Hot Property Pavilion in particular, is not just limited to Gauteng, but to the broader domestic South African market.”

Pivotal to the success of this ‘Hot Property Pavillion’ is the partnership between the UK-based international property marketing company, Grosvenor Property Marketing Limited and the leading exhibitions company, South Africa Rai.

Peter Weaver, owner of Grosvenor Property Marketing, says no effort has been spared in marketing this premier event, with well over R1-million spent in promotions alone.

“With 50% of the space within the main Decorex exhibition reserved within 3 weeks, we are aiming for about 70 exhibitors of residential property in the stand-alone independent Hot Property Pavilion.

“We are confident that the large volume of foot traffic attending Decorex –from those interested in upgrading or renovating their homes, to investors and buyers – as well as the extensive marketing and publicity campaign, will ensure that our target is met both quantitatively and qualitatively.”

According to Weaver, the 2004 Decorex exhibition to be held in Cape Town, which will include a ‘Hot Property Pavillion’ as well, will have a more pronounced international marketing focus. The ‘Hot Property Pavillion’ will furthermore, be participating in property exhibitions in London and the rest of Europe from next year onwards.

ENDS