Speedy employees vote for products at 'mini-show'

Speedy Hire held its own ‘mini-exhibition' at which hundreds of its employees viewed the latest equipment from as many as 60 of its core suppliers.

The show, dubbed ‘Up Close and Personal', was part of a wider conference for Speedy employees and was held on 21 September at the same Ricoh Arena venue as used for the Executive Hire Show. Suppliers paid between £3000 and £7500 for stand space, with exhibitors including Husqvarna, Gunn JCB, Atlas Copco, Youngman and TowerLight.

David Graham, managing director of UK hire at Speedy said; "Speedy hasn't hosted an event like this in five years and despite the current economic challenges facing our industry, we felt that the time was right to address the business' future plans and engage with the people who will make them a reality.

"Speedy delegates were encouraged to visit all of the suppliers' displays and vote for the products they would like to be included for our updated 2011 fleet in a scheme we called ‘View From The Front'. The products which have proven most popular will be considered first for next year's fleet".

Mr Graham said the Speedy conference went beyond meeting suppliers; "We believe that in order to be successful in our aims we need the support and understanding of everyone within the business. The conference has provided an unprecedented opportunity for our employees to have their say in Speedy's future."

Many of the same exhibitors will be returning to Coventry on 9 and 10 February next year for the next edition of the Executive Hire Show. Show director Robert Applin said that 70% of space had already been booked for the event, with Speedy once again sponsoring a special product zone in the exhibition hall. The theme for the zone will be Innovation.