SED closed down; replacement show being lined up

The SED show in the UK has been closed by organiser RBI (Reed Business Information). RBI is also closing the associated Site Equipment Manager magazine and the website, SED365.co.uk.

The show, which has been running for 44 years, was scheduled to return on 17-19 May next year after a one-year postponement. Around 108 exhibitors had booked for the event, down from a peak of more than 415 when the construction market was buoyant.

RBI said continuing difficult conditions in the construction market meant that the show was "unlikely to meet our expectations." It has closed the show and exited the construction sector completely.

IRN understands there is the possibility that a replacement show could be organised. Rob Oliver, chief executive of the UK's Construction Equipment Association (CEA), told IRN that the CEA hopes to find a way to help its members show their equipment in 2011.

“With a track record that goes back over 40 years it is sad to hear that the event will not take place", said Mr Oliver, "However, with ever restricted marketing budgets, exhibitions must have a clear focus – which, perhaps, SED lost with its move to Rockingham.

"Certainly many of our member companies felt the venue was not ideal in that the extensive demonstration facilities, the original rationale for SED, were no longer available. We will now be working with our members to see how we may be able to help them with a suitable showcase in 2011 and beyond”.

The closure of SED and its associated publications means the RBI is no longer involved in the construction sector.

Robert Brighouse, the RBI managing director responsible for construction events and magazines, said in a statement issued to exhibitors; "The recession in construction has continued to affect suppliers' marketing budgets and despite the hard work of the sales team and goodwill from the market, the current level of commitment to next year's show is not what we had hoped and our feeling is the show is unlikely to meet our expectations. We therefore feel that we have no alternative but to cancel the show.

"Since the closure of Contract Journal, RBI has supported SED with the monthly magazine Site Equipment Manager, and the website SED365.co.uk. Both these brands will close with immediate effect as a result of the cancellation of the show."