No-Dig Live 2008

NO-DIG LIVE 2008

An excellent show and a record attendance

Since the NO-DIG series went ‘Live’, featuring outdoor demonstrations some 16 years ago, last month’s show at Stoneleigh Park, near Coventry in Warwickshire proved to be the biggest and most successful in its history - a chieving an increase in visitor attendance of 25%. The exhibitor participation was also significantly greater, with more than 100 companies, represented by the local agents for a worldwide spread of te chnology.

The principal objective is of course to attract the right people to the show and in the largest possible numbers. The organisers are reporting a very positive response to their post event survey, with many complimentary comments from exhibitors stating that the quality and quantity of visitors met or exceeded their expectations. Several ‘regulars’ have also sited the 2008 show as their best NO-DIG exhibition to date.

The three day show attracted a strong following of industry visitors from around the , but they were also joined by colleagues from a total of 20 countries thus providing the show with an international feel. The organisers report that the percentage of industry segments attending were 44% water, 10% gas, 4% electricity, 4% telecommunications, 4% cable companies, 3% oil and gas. Contractors were represented by 16% of the audience, whose activities no doubt also span the other industry categories.

More than 300 visitors signed up to attend a Breakfast Briefing seminar on the second day of the show, debating the highly topical issue of the proposed transfer of private sewers to the water companies. Chaired by David Sankey, Executive Chairman of South Staffordshire plc, the panel of speakers featured Phill Mills of Water UK, Toby Siddall, Dyno Group and Martyn Hopkinson, Future Environmental Services. In addition, representatives of the local Woodlands Residents Association attended to put forward the consumer points of view. A lively question time with the audience followed the presentations and regional follow up seminars are likely to be staged in response to the enthusiastic response from the audience.

“NO-DIG LIVE’S popularity with the Industry would appear to be safe and well.” comments show director, Caroline Prescot . “I believe the show fulfils the ongoing need to keep abreast of the suppliers’ expertise in producing goods and services that make for a better environment and utility infrastructure. Those that came were rewarded with a great opportunity to see a huge variety, both static and demonstrated equipment, in one place, at one time. This has to be one of the most efficient uses of time that all employers should take on board.”

NO-DIG LIVE certainly continues to do its bit for the market. With the support of the UKSTT and other influential organisations, it is this team effort that bodes well for the future as the industry strives to influence an increase in public expenditure on tren ch less technology that can only lead to a significant decrease in traffic ch aos on our roads.

The next NO-DIG LIVE event will be held in Autumn 2010. Dates are to be announced soon. Keep up to date with all NO-DIG and TRENCHLESS events at www.westrade.co.uk Or call Paul Harwood for information on exhibiting. Tel: 0845 094 8066.