Show News Special


Industry Shows Support For


New SALTEX The recent announcement that SALTEX (Sports Amenities Landscaping Trade Exhibition) will be moving from Windsor to the NEC Birmingham, has been met with enthusiastic support from both exhibitors and visitors. The new look SALTEX will take place on 4 and 5 November 2015. The announcement has been well


received by exhibitors, with close to 100 already committed to exhibiting at the 2015 event - which will incorporate a wide range of educational seminars and turf debates, the unique ‘Ask The Expert’ clinic, and for the first time, will combine with the IOG’s annual conference and awards. “The move shows that the Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) has really


listened to the industry. Birmingham is a more central national location, which offers easier access for existing and potential SALTEX visitors - especially those who couldn’t travel down to Windsor. Vitax wholly supports the move,” said Mike King, sales and marketing manager for Vitax Amenity. Carl Crome, managing director of Indigrow, echoes Mike’s views: “I think this


announcement will bring the UK turf exhibition into the 21st century. I’ve been attending the show since 1976, and welcome the idea of not having to contend with the outdoor elements. The transport links to the NEC are excellent, both for international and UK visitors While Richard Campey, managing director of Campey Turf Care Systems said:


“The move to the NEC is a positive one and we will be there in 2015.” GreenMech, The British Agricultural and Garden Machinery Association


(BAGMA), Dennis, SISIS, Schiller Grounds Care UK, Etesia, Lloyds of Letchworth and Complete Weed Control, were also among a whole host of exhibitors who are quick to publicly declare their support for the move: “Relocating SALTEX to the NEC will provide exhibitors and visitors with


excellent indoor facilities and transport links. The change in date opens up the event to more visitors including those groundcare professionals who previously couldn’t attend the show at Windsor in September due to work commitments,” said Roger Moore, customer manager at Dennis and SISIS. Martin Lucas, sales director at GreenMech said: “SALTEX, over the past few


years has become a regional event. The move to the NEC will open up a new audience for us that has never visited SALTEX before.” While David Goose, managing director of Schiller Grounds Care UK


commented: “Although the timing for us as a company might be the wrong time of


year – it’s the perfect time for our customer – the visitor. The NEC is a better location than Windsor with better transport links. SALTEX 2015 is a show we have to be at.” Social media channels and online forums were flooded with industry


professionals who also welcomed the announcement: “I think that the move to the NEC is a positive move for all concerned. There


are a lot of people who cannot attend at present as they are in the middle of their end of season renovations. And being indoors you can guarantee being in the dry no matter what the weather. A very brave decision but one done for the best of reasons and I believe one that will pay dividends going forward,” said Keith Kent, RFU head groundsman at Twickenham Stadium. “To bring together the trade show, the IOG Conference and Awards is a


positive move that hopefully encourages more people in our industry to attend SALTEX and get involved,” said Neil Stubley, head groundsman at Wimbledon AELTC. “The IOG SALTEX show offers so much for groundsmen and is certainly the


best show in the UK for us. Moving the show to the NEC in Birmingham is a fantastic idea as I believe it’s more central and will offer more,” said Robert Bradshaw, head groundsman at One Leisure. Speaking on behalf of the IOG Board, Geoff Webb, CEO of the IOG


commented: ‘We are absolutely delighted with the support we have received following the announcement. It certainly wasn’t a decision that was made on a whim and is not a change for change sake. We passionately believe that our industry deserves a thriving trade show as its shop window to the world. A new SALTEX, new venue and new date; the industry has spoken and it


appears that SALTEX 2015 is already shaping up to be the unmissable event of the year.


Innovation Zone Launches At Totally Shows With Support From BHETA


With sponsorship and support from the British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA) the Totally DIY:Totally Tools shows are introducing a new ‘Innovation Zone’ for 2015. The Innovation Zone is a new initiative for the Totally DIY:Totally Tools show,


dedicated to the latest innovative products and companies which are having their first showing in the DIY, hardware and tool retail market. It will be located next to the


shows’ existing New Product Zone, an area open to all exhibitors to display up to six of their new products. Understandably, this area is always well used by the shows’ visitors keen to get an overview of what current exhibitors have on offer. The creation of the Innovation Zone will also give visitors the opportunity to


review new and innovative products currently unknown in the DIY retail market, from individuals and companies who have not appeared at the shows before. Exhibitors will also benefit from an ‘all in’ special exhibition stand package, receive one to one advice from BHETA, receive introductions from BHETA to various DIY, hardware and tool industry experts and be able to meet leading buyers,


26 ToolBUSINESS+HIRE


wholesalers and distributors at the show. Paul Grinsell, the show director said, “New inventions and products are the


lifeblood of the industry and as the Totally DIY:Totally Tools shows attract visitors from across a wide spectrum including DIY shops and superstores, tool specialists, garden centres, builders merchants, decorator merchants, hardware shops, grocery and department stores, hire shops, mail order/online stores, wholesalers and cash & carry stores, they are an excellent place for inventors and start-up companies to discover how well their product is likely


to do in this sector for a relatively low cost. “We’re also delighted that the British Inventors Society have agreed to help us


in our search to find some suitable new products for our sector.” In addition, Innovation Zone participants will also be able to network with their


already successful peers in the industry and have the opportunity to attend the industry’s leading awards evening – the DIY Week Awards on the Monday evening of the show.


www.toolbusiness.co.uk


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