Last week I mused on here that this year's SALTEX had some questions to answer.
I wondered would it appeal to punters to attend an indoor show this autumn? And would the exhibitors be pushing new products to dealers and the commercial end-users considering the ongoing supply chain crisis?
Following attending the show for the past two days I can safely say that it's a resounding yes to both!
I must say I was thoroughly impressed by SALTEX 2021. First off, a huge congratulations must go the GMA and their organising teams for putting on an event that clearly ticked all the right boxes for both visitors and exhibitors.
It truly felt like the show that the end-users wanted and the industry needed.
Commenting on the show Service Dealer owner, Duncan Murray-Clarke said, “Planning events during this time have been problematic to say the least. I can only imagine the issues - both contractual and political, as well as the dilemmas faced - of running a large event at the NEC this week.
"Geoff Webb and his team at the GMA have done an amazing job in the circumstances and SALTEX was very much a success. I am sure it will also jump start other considered gatherings in the groundcare industry. Thanks, and well done, Geoff – I bet it has put years on you!”
An upbeat mood
First and foremost, visitors turned up - and plenty of them. I don't know the actual figures - perhaps they might even have been a little down on 2019's edition - but in the context of this event, it didn't matter. What mattered was the feel of the show. And the feel was that it was busy, buzzy and upbeat. There was a palpable sense around the halls that everyone just wanted to get on with business.
Lewis and Stewart Anderson, who were constantly busy with end-users and dealers on the Weibang stand, talking to Service Dealer editor, Steve Gibbs
Every stand holder I spoke to, pretty much held the same view. None of them knew beforehand what the show was going be like. It's probably fair to say, that going into Wednesday, expectations were not the highest. There was a real cloud of the unknown hanging over the NEC before the doors opened.
Milwaukee UK launched at the show. On the stand are the company's Paul Strong and Michael Hind, with Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke and dealer James Hayes
However as day one progressed, it became apparent that any misgivings were unwarranted. The halls filled up quickly. I'd say by 10am the aisles and stands felt properly busy. Most exhibitors I spoke to told me that they didn't have a chance to catch their breath from around 10 till pretty much 2.30-ish that afternoon. A similar pattern was repeated on day two, although with perhaps ever so slightly lower numbers.
Crucially though, what all the exhibitors who I spoke to told me, was that the quality of visitor they had coming on to talk to them was outstanding. Both in terms of the professional end-users they met, and the good number of dealers who also attended the show.
Chris Gibson and the PSD team
It was actual decision-makers for professional establishments who were coming on, making genuine enquiries about the purchase of new machinery. Everyone was talking about the number of fantastic new leads they had picked up. Whilst in terms of dealer interactions, I bumped into several of our readers who were on the look-out for new franchises to stock in their stores and who were impressed with the new machinery options on display.
Guy Overton was delighted with the quality of visitor coming onto their stands
The word I would use to describe the mood in Birmingham this week would be enthusiastic. People appeared delighted to be out once again, meeting friends, colleagues and customers in a safe, real-life environment. But beyond this, there was a real enthusiasm for business. Deals were being struck and there was clearly money to be made - by both suppliers and dealers.
Ashleigh Bradshaw from Toro UK, who had plenty of new product on display
I think it's fair to say, that despite the obvious hardships and struggles of the past 18 months, most in our sector have performed - and continue to perform - really rather well. A number of people I spoke to said they had been concerned that 2021 might have seen a drop-off in demand for outdoor powered machinery following the spike seen during lockdown with people 'cocoon-ing' at home. But that hasn't happened. The demand is still there. Of course now the issue is getting hold of this fancy new machinery.
New products were gaining interest from visitors across the halls, including the Ceora on Husqvarna's stand
In terms of the new kit on display, it was heartening to see that there were lots of new launches across the halls. I won't go into detail today, we'll feature a more extensive report in the next issue of Service Dealer magazine, but suffice it to say, battery was the clear order of the day. The technology was everywhere - even bolted on as a replacement power-source to established brands where you would have expected to see a petrol engine in the past. It's a mark of just far the technology has come in these past 4 or 5 years - and the acceptance they have received from both users and dealers - that an application such as this is now happening. The potential this has for future product design is seemingly huge.
Peter Melrose, managing director EMEA at EGO with Service Dealer's Steve Gibbs
The only negative comment I heard across the two days, and I heard it from both dealers and manufacturers, wasn't anything to do with the show. It was more pointed towards the companies who were notable by their absence. There was a sense of perhaps they were not showing active support for the industry, by choosing not to attend. The feeling seemed to be, we're all here for each other following a period of crisis and uncertainty, so why aren't they?
I think in the final analysis, those missing from the NEC this week might end up kicking themselves. Those who were there, exhibitor and visitor alike, benefited from what turned out to be an excellent event.
Everyone who contributed by putting on the exhibition, by showing off their wares and by attending with the positive mindset to get business done, should all give themselves a huge pat on the back.
Many people commented the same to me this week, that they thought this was the best SALTEX they had ever attended. That's a bold statement, but it's hard to find reasons to disagree. But what did you think of the show? Let us know in the comments below.
The Service Dealer & TurfPro team. L-R: Iain Robinson, designer; Kate Godber, account manager; Duncan Murray-Clarke, owner; Laurence Gale, TurfPro editor; Steve Gibbs, Service Dealer editor
