THE SUCCESS OF THE BRITISH SHOOTING SHOW

After speaking with exhibitors at this year’s British Shooting Show, one message came through loud and clear – business is booming . Almost every company I spoke to was over the moon with how the show went, reporting strong sales, packed stands, and an encouraging level of trade interest.

For all the challenges facing the industry –regulatory pressures, licensing hurdles, and economic uncertainty – the British gun trade remains resilient. The energy at the show was a testament to that. Distributors were signing deals, retailers were restocking, and manufacturers were showcasing their latest innovations to an engaged and motivated audience. The demand for quality kit, expert service, and in-person connections is as strong as ever, proving once again that this industry knows how to adapt and thrive.

Next month marks a milestone for Gun Trade Insider – our one-year anniversary issue. Over the past year, we’ve worked to provide insightful analysis, practical business advice, and in-depth coverage of the trade, all with the aim of helping retailers and manufacturers stay ahead. To celebrate, we’ll be launching a series of initiatives to engage and support our readers – stay tuned for more details.

THE IMPACT OF US TARIFFS ON UK TRADE

Global trade developments could soon affect British businesses. The US government recently imposed a 25 percent surcharge on imports of steel and steel-linked products, a move that could have significant implications for UK manufacturers and distributors working with American brands. While the European Union has already responded, at the time of writing, the UK government has yet to act, with business and trade secretary Jonathan Reynolds stating that Britain is keeping “all options on the table.”

For the UK shooting industry, the impact of these tariffs remains to be seen. Many firearms, optics, and accessories contain steel components or rely on steel-based manufacturing, meaning potential price increases could affect both imports and exports. UK distributors sourcing US-made products may face rising costs, while British manufacturers exporting to the US could encounter new barriers.

As trade negotiations unfold, GTI will be closely monitoring how these developments impact our industry. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic, please give me a call or email to discuss.

The UK gun trade is facing big challenges, but if this year’s British Shooting Show is anything to go by, there’s plenty of room for optimism. Businesses are not just surviving but thriving, and GTI will continue to champion the industry every step of the way.

Have a great trading month.

ROB SMITH editor, Gun Trade Insider