RETAILERS finding it hard going in the high street have hailed the revamped Kent Show as a bright spot amid the gloom.

Martin Lukehurst, owner of the long-established furnishing company Gerald Lukehurst, has been an exhibitor for 25 years and was among the first to pay tribute to the new-style show.

He said it was a big improvement, and his new location as part of the themed zone arrangement had given him the best sales figures for a long time.

"We had a record day yesterday," he said on Saturday, the second day of the show. "This is a much better location."

He admitted that high street trading was not terribly buoyant and he called for an interest rate cut to help the situation.

He said the slow property market, high interest rates, and a general lack of confidence had all affected trade at his shops in Rainham and Sittingbourne.

"House sales are a bit stagnant and that tends to drive our business," he added.

"We’ve had five or six good years and business has come in through the door but there is a definite downturn."

In the food and drink tent, Brenda Targett, sales manager for Kentish Hills Natural Spring Water in Westerham, saw business booming during the sun-baked three days.

Commenting that the show’s redesign had improved trade, she said: "Business has been going very well. I like the way they have organised the show this year."

Pet product retailer Wahl UK, Herne Bay, said business picked up after a quiet Friday when visitor numbers were up 10 per cent at 19,030. However, there was a serious accident on the M20 which caused traffic chaos

"The problems with the M20 on Friday definitely reduced numbers," said Wahl supervisor Mel Say.

"But business has been going well. Small items are selling well but we have noticed that people are holding back on larger purchases."

But belt-tightening is not just affecting Kent traders. Richard Hills had brought his display of Farmers Cottage Lamps from Birmingham.

"We cover about 80 shows a year and Kent is definitely one of the better ones, but this year we have noticed that people are definitely holding onto their money for a lot longer.

"At this year’s Ideal Home Show we took only half of last year’s trade, people are just not spending as much at the moment."

Mr Hills claimed that a gradual switch towards entertainment attractions was also affecting trade.

"It changes the demographic," he said. "You get more families and less serious buyers coming along now."

Mr Hills had also noticed that trade had still not recovered from Foot and Mouth, a crisis that severely reduced agricultural spending.

Car dealers were upbeat while admitting the market was tougher. F G Barnes, the Maidstone-based Vauxhall dealership, was delighted with its new position next to the showground’s main entrance.

A spokesman said: "We have a great stand this year, and although the market is definitely harder, as a garage we are still hitting our targets."

Lind BMW of Aylesford has seen a downturn in the market in the last three months, but business at the County Show was up to its normal level.

Jim Rose, sales manager for West Malling Mitsubishi dealership Humphries & Parks agreed that the show was becoming more about entertainment than trade, but he echoed Mr Lukehurst in calling for an interest rate cut.

Women in Business exhibited for the first time and attracted a lot of interest.

"Business is still male-dominated and women still earn less than a man," said member Jane Dickson, a PR consultant from Rochester.