All change at CRE: the UK's 'ideal church show'

The Christian Resources Exhibition (CRE), the UK’s largest church-related show, has changed hands in its 40th year and has been taken over by Quartz Business Media.

Quartz Business Media, based in Redhill, Surrey, is a distant relative of Argus Specialist Events, the company which originally launched CRE under the direction of Gospatric and Diana Home.

New owners Quartz take over stewardship of the event from former journalist Steve Goddard and Dr. Allison Goddard who have owned the event since 2016. 

This year's event taking place last month at Sandown Park in Esher, Surrey had over 2300 visitors, a 22% increase from the previous year.  

Tony Crinion, managing director of the new owners, attended the show for its duration to introduce himself.   Speaking at the exhibitor's evening, Crinion emphasized Quartz's commitment to honouring the event’s legacy while introducing fresh ideas - ‘We are committed to honouring such a successful legacy and starting a fresh chapter full of new ideas,’ said Crinion. ‘We will endeavour to help the event adapt and evolve so that it is always reflective of the communities it serves in a world that is constantly changing.

He added: ‘Since 1985, CRE, often dubbed “the ideal church show”, has been a key date in the calendar for people in leading positions of local church management where they can meet suppliers and experts helping them fulfil their mission more effectively. With more than 170 exhibitors and thousands of influential visitors each year, the exhibition keeps embracing new ideas, methods and technology and remains a highlight in the church calendar.’

This year’s two-day exhibition offered visitors a wide range of bespoke products and services covering everything from fund-raising, church insurance, building services and furniture suppliers to clergy clothing and communion wine. On the pastoral side the exhibition offered advice on Sunday School work, counselling and difficult issues like dementia and bereavement.

Malcolm Cunnings, present in 1985 at the first CRE with Cunnings Recording Associates, cut the ribbon to open this year’s event.

‘In those days we were extolling the virtues of a microphone without cables - now an essential in most churches!’ he said. ‘We still love the exhibition because we meet so many clients and are able to help churches communicate the gospel with clarity to new generations.’

CRE 26 (14-15 Oct) will take place again at Sandown Park, Esher in Surrey.

For further information visit www.creonline.co.uk