The tool, equipment and compact plant hire industry is going from strength to strength following reports from the organisers of the Executive Hire Show 2019 (6-7 February Ricoh Arena, Coventry).
During the annual exhibitor ‘Kick-Off’ meeting at the Ricoh Arena, which took place last week, the team reported that an impressive 159 exhibitors had already signed up for the 2019 Show and the event is now 90% sold.
EHS Show Director, Craig Donovan said, “We expect that the Show will be fully sold out before the end of the year. We are also delighted to report that, out of the 159 confirmed exhibitors, 18 of these will be making their Show debut, which is confirmation of the confidence in the strength of the hire industry.”
The ‘Kick-Off’ meeting attracted a record attendance, with exhibitors both old and new taking time out of their busy schedules, to attend the event and listen to the EHS team talking about the ‘all new’ look for the 2019 Show.
Now in its 13th year, the event organisers felt that the Show needed a whole new look to refresh and reinvigorate it for exhibitors and visitors, – so a complete redesign was undertaken.
Craig reported, “We have a very successful Show with loyal exhibitors and visitors. The event grows year on year. We have expanded into all of the available areas at the Ricoh and have even created new space. The outdoor exhibits have also grown in numbers. But we are not complacent and wanted to improve everyone’s experience of the event, especially as there are no viable alternative venues that satisfy the demands of our visitors and exhibitors.”
Craig added, “We wanted to ‘refresh’ the Show and move it forward. The Ricoh has become the ‘home of hire’ being such a convenient venue for visitors to get to. Therefore, as a team and working with our exhibitors, we have completely redesigned the Show! The exhibitors have all moved stand location, which, in itself, has created a whole new look. We have also changed stand designers and have introduced new colour schemes. We are confident that this new look and feel will create a new and fresh experience for exhibitors and visitors alike – creating more footfall throughout the entire exhibition space as visitors explore the new layout.”
Many of the exhibitors have increased their stand space including UK Caterpillar dealer Finning and access equipment manufacturer Snorkel UK. Armorgard Security Products have doubled the size of their plot and the Show is also delighted to welcome excavator manufacturer Takeuchi back to the Show after a two-year absence and construction machinery manufacturer Mecalac will also return. Check out the latest complete exhibitor list on the EHS website.
There’s not a conference or a meeting currently taking place that does not mention the ‘B’ word and the EHS Kick-Off meeting didn’t shy away from the elephant in the room. Executive Hire Show’s, Alan Guthrie, spoke openly about Brexit – and how hire companies are not letting the harbinger of doom impact on business. – He suggested that, when the UK does leave the EU at 11pm (UK time) on 29 March 2019, it need not affect the hire market unduly.
Alan said, “The hire industry has not been distracted by Brexit and is moving forward confidently regardless. Not only are hirers busy, but they are also expanding, and some are reporting record turnovers. We are a dynamic and resilient industry and are ready for business!”
Attention then focused back on the Show and it was announced that back by popular demand is the Innovation Trail. The Trail was first launched in 2013 and innovation continues to be an integral part of the Show.
The ‘Innovation Trail – Live! initiative– is also making a return – where ten selected Innovation Trail products, which Judges consider to be particularly outstanding, will be exhibited on a specially branded stage area in Hall 2. Alan Guthrie explained the concept, saying, “Each chosen ‘Innovation Trail – Live!’ supplier will be given a dedicated 10-minute slot to present and explain their product and talk the audience through its innovative qualities. These individual sessions will take place on the hour from 11am to 3pm during the two days of the Show. Paul Hutton, a radio, podcast and YouTube channel presenter, has once again agreed to host “Innovation Trail – Live!” He’ll interview each company’s representative live on the stage.”
Last and by no means least, exhibitors and guests were reminded about the EHS 2018 series of industry Road Shows. The next is being held in Cobham, Surrey on 18 October, followed by Haydock on 14 November and Bristol on 5 December.
In a statement, the organisers said: “At these popular regional events, hirers and suppliers can benefit from bargains available only on the day that could boost their business. As well as hearing presentations on key issues and trends, participants will network, catch up with existing contacts while making new ones, and generally get involved. And these events are an exciting prelude to the Executive Hire Show. With Brexit scheduled to happen the following month, the timing could hardly be better, enabling hirers to explore new revenue opportunities, do deals and build a positive future. Make sure you are part of it!”
