Firstly, to follow on from last week’s blog, it seems that the organisers of SALTEX are happy with this year’s attendance figures. They have issued a press release stating that around 7,300 visitors attended the show over the two days.
The GMA say they believe this has reaffirmed the show’s position “as the must-attend exhibition for the entire grounds management industry.”

They also said that the Learning LIVE programme attracted over 1,000 visitors, addressing many of the current and future trends in the industry.
I personally enjoyed the show. It will, however, be interesting to see how our industry events pan out in the coming years. They may need to change to meet future demands and to attract the necessary visitors to make them a viable attraction.
Talking to many exhibitors, a major issue for them is cost. They are asking themselves, do they have the time and resources to attend all events or do they need select the ones that give them the best return on their investment? Some exhibitors have told me that taking a smaller stand helps reduce cost dramatically, saving on transporting large, heavy machinery to the shows.
They also must balance the need to attend and support other regional, county and local shows.

I personally believe it’s time - and I have said this for many years - that the industry must come together to produce a new international show that covers all aspects of our industry. I think we need to see the ag, arb, landscape industry, sports turf and golf sectors come together to have one large show. This new format would, if successfully managed, be the showcase for our wonderful industry. Also as part of this show, we should have one day that is dedicated for schools to attend.

This would enable the next generation to see the range of career opportunities our industry has to offer. This new event should be aiming to attract more than 20,000 people over a possible three days. And perhaps the show could be held at various locations around the country - or we stick to the midlands.
I feel there will come a time when both of our leading organisations, BIGGA and the GMA, will have to consider the possibility of working together, alongside new partners and organisations to deliver a new show that can promote the essence and value of our diverse and important industry.
Dealer of the Year Awards
Finally, last week I was privileged to be asked to form part of the judging panel for this years’ Service Dealer magazine’s Dealer of the Year Awards - alongside Keith Christian, Steve Gibbs and Duncan Murray-Clarke.

We were so pleased with the number of dealerships and individuals who entered into the awards this year - the competition is intense and the quality of nominees high!
We can’t wait to announce the category winners on the 28th November 2024 at Service Dealer’s annual conference which is to be held in Stratford upon Avon.
The categories judged along with the prestigious sponsors were:
- Garden Machinery Dealer of the Year sponsored by Husqvarna
- Farm Machinery Dealer of the Year sponsored by Ibcos Computers
- Forestry Equipment Dealer of the Year sponsored by Societe Generale Equipment Finance
- Professional Turfcare Dealer of the Year sponsored by Toro UK
- ATV / Quad Dealer of the Year sponsored by Yamaha ATV UK
- Apprentice of the Year sponsored by Kubota
- Star of the Dealership sponsored by EGO Power Plus
- Best New Initiative Award sponsored by STIHL
- Leadership Award sponsored by AGCO
- Overall Dealer of the Year 2024 sponsored by Kress UK and Ireland
Good luck to everyone who’s entered!