Having grown up in rural North Yorkshire, spending his time fishing and shooting, Graham Turner has a strong background in the industry, having worked for Gilsan Sports in Richmond, before moving into distribution with another well-known Yorkshire company, Viking Arms, and then to his current position as brand manager at Edgar Brothers.

Graham said: “I am fortunate to have worked for three excellent organisations and gained an insight and in-depth knowledge of the trade from all angles.

“It is certainly the strangest of times for our industry, as it is for all industries. We are seeing unprecedented demand for products as more people look to new outdoor interests or rekindle old pastimes.

“Couple this with supply problems caused by factory shutdowns, logistical issues such as lack of shipping containers, the US election result and of course Brexit and the result is empty shelves in the gun shops and a long back order list for the distributors.

“As frustrating and disappointing as it is for everyone, the situation is only temporary and things will improve. I know that our manufacturers are all back up to full production, indeed they are investing and expanding in order to clear the backlog in orders.”

Graham added: “With this in mind, I feel it is time for us at Edgar Brothers to once again venture out from our HQ in Cheshire and look to start attending some of the excellent events that we are fortunate to have in this country, such as the unique World Gunmakers’ Evening, where we will be showing the very best in shotguns from our Italian manufacturer, Antonio Zoli.

“I’ve been lucky enough to have experienced World Gunmakers’ Evening several times over the years and it really offers the gun trade something totally different. At no other event can you view such a collection of high-end products from the world’s best manufacturers in such a prestige setting, this year moving from the luxury of a five-star Knightsbridge hotel to arguably the most famous building in the UK, and certainly the most appropriate to our trade, the Tower of London.

“I am very much looking forward to once again meeting both distinguished clientele and colleagues alike, enjoying the first class reception whilst being entertained by what is always an unmissable speaker, this year with the added bonus of a private viewing of the Crown Jewels and front row view of the ancient Ceremony of the Keys.

“World Gunmakers’ Evening offers an experience that no other show or fair can compete with, it has become an unmissable date in the calendar.”