NEWS | Industry Updates
Water bottler invests in future manufacturing talent
Vendies Live brings a new exhibition to the vending industry
Q: What is Vendies Live? A: Vendies Live is a brand-new, dedicated exhibition for the vending industry, launched by Datateam Business Media, organisers of The Vendies Awards. The one-day event will give suppliers a dedicated platform to showcase their latest products, technologies and innovations to vending operators, buyers and other industry professionals.
Q: Why has the format been changed? A: The Vendies has traditionally featured a morning product demonstration area alongside the awards programme. However, feedback from across the industry highlighted demand for more time and space for suppliers to engage with customers. Vendies Live expands that concept into a full-scale exhibition, taking place the day before The Vendies Awards.
Q: When and where will it take place? A: Vendies Live will be held on Tuesday 8 June 2027, from 10am to 4pm, in the Chablis Suite at the Novotel London West. The Vendies Awards will follow on Wednesday 9 June at the Grand Connaught Rooms.
Q: What can exhibitors expect? A: The Chablis Suite is a purpose-built exhibition space offering both space-only and shell-scheme stand options. Exhibitors will have the opportunity to demonstrate their products in person, meet potential customers and build relationships in a focused trade show environment.
Q: What makes Vendies Live different? A: It will be the only dedicated vending exhibition in the south of England, creating an important new opportunity for the sector. Its position alongside The Vendies Awards should also help attract operators and industry stakeholders already travelling to London for the awards.
Q: How will you attract visitors? A: Datateam will support the event with a targeted marketing campaign across vending media, industry associations and operator buying groups, helping exhibitors connect with a relevant audience.
Q: How can companies get involved? A: Exhibition space is limited, so companies interested in exhibiting are encouraged to secure their stand early.
Visit
vendies.live/exhibit for more information or contact Natalie Harman at
nharman@datateam.co.uk. Visitors can register at
vendies.live/register.
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vendinginternational-online.com
Shropshire water bottler Wenlock Spring is developing practical skills across engineering, production, logistics, marketing and data through apprenticeships, internships and placements. The company is using apprenticeships, internships and engineering placements to give young people practical experience across production, engineering, logistics, marketing, finance and data analysis at its Shropshire bottling operation. The approach gives students and early-career employees
responsibility on live projects while helping the business develop skills across manufacturing, operations and customer- facing activity. Matthew Orme, director at Wenlock Spring, said: “Local businesses have an important role to play in helping young people take their first steps into work. These opportunities can build confidence, develop practical skills and show how someone’s interests or studies could translate into a future career. Manufacturing offers far more variety than many people realise, and by opening our doors we can give young people a clearer view of the different routes available across production, engineering, logistics, marketing, finance and data analysis.” Rhys Page, a Shrewsbury College student completing a T
Level in Mechanical Engineering, first joined Wenlock Spring on an engineering work experience placement. After impressing the team, he moved into a paid part-time summer role and has already helped produce a component for one of the company’s crown capping machines. Charlie Ralphs is completing a Multi-Channel Marketing
Apprenticeship, supporting content creation, campaigns, events and promotional activity. Kaitlyn Orme has joined through the University of Bristol’s SME Internship Scheme for 2026 and is working across finance and marketing, analysing sales data, market trends and product information. Young people are also gaining experience with production and warehouse teams, bottling lines and day-to-day operations, with some completing certified forklift training. Site visits give students a closer look at blow-moulding and stretch-moulding, preventative maintenance, quality checks, safety and waste reduction.
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