This is when trade once again became free in Britain and industry took off by being accessible to all. But what brought about this sudden change in trade and how did it change the face of our country?



The year 1815 saw the introduction of the Corn Law. This was a tariff imposed on the price of British corn to protect it against competition from cheaper foreign corns. This helped to beef up the profits of land owners. If foreign corn had been relied upon it would have led to lower labourers' wages.

There was much debate over whether or not this would be a good thing for Britain and it had its supporters and its opposition. Eventually, the corn Law was repealed in 1846 after the Irish potato blight led to a food shortage. It was also argued by ministers that with people paying more for corn without the choice of imports they were left with much less disposable income to buy other creature comforts. This had the knock on effect of reducing all manufacturers profits and leading to a virtual recession.

With the repeal of this law, much trade was opened up. Importation charges were greatly reduced and free trade was once again a part of British life.

Iron and steel output came on in leaps and bounds as did the improvements in steam and machinery. All of a sudden business was booming so much so that it was decided there was a need for an exhibition to show the people of the country just what was happening and what was available to them.

And so was born the exhibition stand designer. Little did they know at the time that this would lead to a whole new profession of its own but people enjoyed the exhibition at Crystal Palace so much that they soon became a regular occurrence. It was a good chance to show off all the innovative ideas that had come about. It didn't take long for people to see this as more of a competition and exhibition stand designers became employed more and more often to display people's wares to the public.

So not only was the repeal of this Corn Law good for the general public in that it made their food cheaper but it also invited the opening up of cheaper trade in all areas, bringing more affordable luxuries and cheaper every day necessities into the homes of everybody. Improving the quality of life and standard of living for everybody, it also brought about a whole new career option of exhibition stand designers.

Today these people have a hugely successful and thriving career and no trade show would be an event of merit without their help. Display stands, lighting, graphics and practicalities such as seating and equipment holders are just some of the things that can be produced by an exhibition stand designer as well as the services they offer from design, 3D plans, erection and dismantling. I hope they are grateful to the repeal of the Corn Law.