The 41st StudyWorld was one of the biggest ever, with 400 agents from 62 different countries attending the event, meeting over 300 educators. Record numbers of appointments were pre-booked, with 84 per cent of available slots taken before meetings began on Tuesday morning.

"There's been a really good buzz about the event this year, and agents and educators have been telling us that there's lots of good meetings happening - and they're very positive about the business they are doing," said Siobhan Baccas, English UK's International Events Manager and StudyWorld London organiser.

Sue Edwards, Chair of English UK, which organises the event, was also very positive.

She said: "People here are very buoyant about the future. I know there are challenges, but the message I am getting from agents and educators alike is that people are trying to deal with them. Schools understand how to ensure the visa system works, and agents are looking to find new ways of developing their businesses. This is anything but a depressed market."

The event guide and information pack got a radical makeover this year. In place of the bulky ring-binder full of event information and participant details was a glossy A4 brochure and a memory stick, sized to slip into hand-luggage.

Annie Wright, Deputy Chief Executive of English UK, said she was delighted with the fresh new look of the information pack. "We know agents have wanted something which was easier for them to get home, because they've asked us to ship the old-style binders to them after the event in the past. We're getting very positive feedback about the new format," she said.

In a busy week for English UK, StudyWorld London also saw the official launch of its new partner agency scheme, which was attended by almost 100 agents interested in joining, as well as a new dedicated website for the English UK Fairs: www.englishukfairs.com.

And attendees also got a first look at Light Up Your Potential: Discover English in the UK, the new promotional film produced by English UK and the British Council.

Educators and agents alike reported a productive two days' business. Andreas Schweitzer of the College Internacional de Cannes was at the event for the first time. He said: "I think the agents here are more serious than at some other events. It's early to say, but I think it's gone well and I'm happy."  

Anastasia Satarina of Foundation Initiative in Russia was on a return visit. "It's very good - well organised, with good services. I've done lots of business, met some old partners and had discussions with new ones about new initiatives."