JULY 2021 Face to face


Dan Gilkes, editor


After almost 16 months of Zoom, Teams and numerous other video conferencing mediums, where we have had to ask questions through chat boxes or ‘raise your hand’ facilities, we finally headed back to an actual live exhibition this month. The Innovation in Transport and Technology Hub


(ITT Hub) show finally took place, a year after it was initially meant to. All credit to the organisers, for persevering


with an all-new show and a very varied format, as the logistics industry battled through an unprecedented global pandemic. There must have been some very relieved people in the organisers’ office, as the doors finally opened and the car parks at Farnborough International started to fill. There certainly seemed to be an appetite for


the event, from visitors and exhibitors, with a first chance for many to see the very latest vans and trucks and to explore the many ways in which their businesses are likely to change, as we transition to an increasingly electric future. There was even an opportunity for potential customers to actually drive the latest electric vehicles, that could form the core of their fleets for years to come. More than that though, it was the opportunity


to actually talk to people face-to-face that was most welcome. It has often been said that this is a people business and that is never more evident than at a major exhibition, as new relationships are formed and existing friendships renewed. It is not just at shows either, as it has actually been possible for us to visit manufacturers and suppliers recently, rather than simply taking part in on-screen activities. With the doors barely closing on ITT Hub, the


industry is already turning its attention to a more familiar venue, as the build-up for the Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham will start next month. We’ll be providing a full preview in the August issue and we look forward to once again seeing people in person in September.


CONTACTS


Editor Dan Gilkes 07802 751473 dangilkes1@mac.com


Editorial assistant Jade Soanes 01502 725840 jade.soanes@micropress.co.uk


Design and production Mark Shreeve 01502 725839 mark.shreeve@micropress.co.uk


Advertising executive Laura Munnings 01502 725866 laura.munnings@micropress.co.uk


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Printed by Micropress Printers Ltd JULY 2021 • VANUSER 3 NEWS


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