Jun 22 2007
With over 700 exhibitors already committed and 71% of previous exhibitors back on board, Interbuild 2007 is on track to be the biggest it has been in recent years.
Henkel, JCB, JJ Smith, Manrose, Eleco, Gartec, Stewart Milne, Potton and British Gypsum are just some of the big name brands already confirmed, and as the build-up to the UK’s biggest building show begins, organisers are confident there will be more to come.
“The response so far has been phenomenal,” says Gordon Thomas, Event Director at Interbuild. “While we set ourselves some ambitious targets in 2006, we’re already on line to match these and more. This year’s show looks set to be the biggest we’ve seen in some time and that has to be a positive reflection on the industry as a whole.”
As well as an encouraging UK uptake, Interbuild 2007 is also seeing increased interest from international exhibitors. 80 individual companies, from across 23 countries have already snapped up space and there has been notable interest from a number of international trade groups. The Austrian Trade Commission, German Timber Council and Canadian High Commission - along with groups from the Far East, Denmark, Italy, Malaysia, Belgium and Portugal - have all signed-up for the five day event, keen to tap into the UK’s buoyant construction market.
“The changes to this year’s format certainly seem to have struck a chord with the trade, both in the UK and further a field,” says Gordon.
“We know from previous market research that the return to the original autumnal slot (28 October – 1 November) coincides with a prime time for buyers in the industry. According to the survey of our 44,436 visitors and 1100 exhibitors in 2006, mid-autumn is the best time for UK buyers to source new products and services.”
A move to the larger exhibition halls (3/3a, 4 and 5) will also be beneficial. Better use of space and a redesigned layout will enhance the exhibitor and visitor experience by providing intuitive and rapid access to all areas.
“More time to obtain product and service information, and less time searching for stands is our overall aim,” says Gordon.