'Buzzing' Executive Hire Show reflects UK upturn

The recovery in confidence of the UK rental and hire sector was evident at last week’s Executive Hire Show, which has reported an 18% increase in visitor numbers to 1908.

A total of 2472 people attended the show, including non-exhibiting suppliers, consultants and other non-rental businesses. The two-day show is held every year at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry.

Among the exhibitors was Manitou UK, whose sales manager Paul Bidwell said, “We had a ‘super-sized’ stand this year and it’s been really really good for us. There’s plenty of optimism around and we have seen a good mix of people.”

Andy Munford, director of Shindaiwa, said the show had exceeded its expectations; “We have also secured substantial orders. Martin Plant Hire (Glasgow) placed an order for 15 Power Centre Generators in a deal worth £120000.”

Also happy was Ian Brown, sales director at Thwaites; “We saw an excellent level of visitors it’s been a really positive show. The mood was confident and hirers are buying again – we have taken orders for machines – therefore happy!”

The show’s director, Robert Aplin, said both exhibitors and visitors were upbeat and positive; “There really was a buzz around the arena. We are already looking forward to next year’s show and the 2015 dates are Wednesday 11^th and Thursday 12^th February.”