Lack of interest blamed for LIO cancellation

The fashion frames event which was to have taken place next February at Docklands' Excel arena had attracted just 20 paying exhibitors. Organiser Jason Kirk said another 20 companies had expressed an interest, but with so little money having been paid the financial risk was simply too great. He said he had already lost a substantial amount of money on the venture, a figure expected to run into 'dozens of thousands of pounds'. 'I think this is a disaster for the UK,' said Mr Kirk adding that interest from potential visitors had been higher than for the first LIO show held almost two years ago. He blamed the lack of vision for higher fashion products in the UK as a reason for the event's failure. 'The concept of LIO was very well received but the execution has not materialised.' Mr Kirk was clearly bitter about the failure of the event and suggested the organisers of Optrafair would be 'drinking Champagne' at the news of its demise. 'It has been their business to put LIO out of business,' he added. Others may well not be drinking Mr Kirk's health at the news. The company which organised the event, LIO Exhibitions UK, will be wound up and will have creditors. Mr Kirk said it was highly unlikely that he would be organising another LIO event although he said he still felt the LIO brand had credibility. Rumours about the demise of LIO had been in circulation for some time, and last week Mr Kirk assured optician that the event would be going ahead. LIO was launched by publishing company Miller Freeman working with Mr Kirk in 1999 and boasted designer names including Oliver Peoples, LA Eyeworks and Mikli. Visitor numbers proved to be disappointing, and Mr Kirk acquired the rights to stage LIO shortly after.