The FIT Show 2017 has been hailed a ‘coming of age’, for the event, with an increase in visitor numbers and a change of venue propelling it to another level.
Exhibitors and visitors largely echoed the positive sentiments of the event’s organisers, who reported that almost half of the available stand space for the next show in 2019 was ‘contracted or reserved before the doors closed’ last week.
A key change for this year’s event was, of course, its location. Described by FIT Show MD, Paul Godwin, as representing ‘a coming of age’ for the show, the new venue of Birmingham’s NEC generated a mixed response. While some mourned the loss of the ‘intimacy’ and ‘buzz’ generated by the FIT Show’s former home at Telford’s TIC, claiming that the show seemed quieter, contrary to the organisers’ figures (which show a 17% increase in visitors), others welcomed the extra space and easier access offered by the new NEC venue.
One such supporter for the new venue was machinery supplier, Stuga, which was able to debut its brand new ZX5 sawing and machining centre on a stand some 19m x 6m, a feat rendered impossible in Telford.
Company owner, Steve Haines, reported that the show had been a success for Stuga, commenting: “We’ve had lots of interest in the ZX5. It’s been brilliant to be able to show people the technology.”
Likewise, James Lee, director of marketing and communications at the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) commented how the extra space allowed the organisation to really ‘make a statement’ in celebration of its 40th anniversary. James said: “We enjoyed having more space this year. It allowed us to make a really strong brand statement to reflect our 40th anniversary year. The four metre high ‘founders’ wall’, our members’ lounge and the GGF video on our TV monitors attracted many visitors to the stand.”
The GGF also welcomed another new element for the FIT Show 2017 – extended opening hours on ‘Big Tuesday’. The organisation took full advantage with a ‘life begins at 40’ celebration, complete with live band. Despite some criticism, Big Tuesday was generally well received, with several companies taking full advantage of the after hours atmosphere. Notable activities included AluK’s ‘Big FIT Show Quiz’, an 80s themed party from RegaLead and Lancashire Trade Frames and pints of Guinness at Apeer’s Irish bar. Elsewhere, glass balustrade designer and manufacturer, OnLevel, offered a real treat with a live performance from talented ballet dancer, Nathalie Hombergh; Rehau showcased an ice sculptor in action and Ultraframe’s marching band kept anyone at risk of nodding off after a hard day’s exhibiting, well and truly awake.
For systems company, the Epwin Group, this year’s FIT Show marked the official launch of its brand new installer programme, Excellence As Standard (EAS).
Sharn Samra, Epwin Group marketing director, said: “Striving for excellence and continuous improvement across all project stages is a key part of our core values. This year’s FIT Show is the perfect platform to communicate our new programme to those in our industry. Our new EAS programme will provide a benchmark for consumers for the manufacture, distribution and installation of high quality products within the window and door industry. Members of the programme will pledge their allegiance to excellence through continuous improvement by upskilling, sharing best practice and will be fully supported by the EAS Academy in the process to become EAS certified.”
The organisation further demonstrated this commitment to excellence by backing this year’s Master Fitter Challenge and also laying on a series of ‘mini masterclasses’ with speakers including Fensa’s John Vanstone, Sally Ranger of Thomas Sanderson Blinds and Paul Gray of the Vocational College.
Following months of preparation, Made For Trade returned to the show to follow up on the successful unveiling of its Korniche roof lantern at last year’s event, with former Nuts cover girl, Iga Wyrwal, on stand to promote the silicon free aspect of the roof. The company invited visitors to watch live demonstrations of how a 1m x 1.5 m lantern can be constructed, fully glazed, in as little as six minutes, with Iga and Bullseye’s very own Sarah Knight showing onlookers how it’s done on day three of the show.
Meanwhile, Carl F Groupco was celebrating the anniversary of the launch of SmartSecure, its ‘smart tech’ brand, revealed at last year’s show. The company’s hardware selector, which enabled visitors to easily browse the company’s range of more than 7,000 product lines, was also hailed as a ‘hands down success’.
Meanwhile, it was the new UltraSky Roof and the launch of the Which? Trusted Traders scheme stealing the Show for Ultraframe at this year’s FIT. Alex Hewitt, Ultraframe marketing director commented: “This has been our most successful FIT Show, no question. Interest in our UltraSky Roof was exactly as we’d hoped and visitors were really excited to discover how they could integrate our cost effective, contemporary orangery system into their offer. Equally, retailers also wanted to talk to us about how they could become a Which? Trusted Traders Approved Ultra Installer and use this accreditation to win business locally. It was a fantastic show for us.”
Solidor took a stand at the FIT Show to launch its new £5,000 guarantee, with Gareth Busson, head of group marketing, describing the show as ‘the perfect platform’. Gareth said: “Our stand was small, but perfectly formed! From our perspective, the show was well organised and we had a lot of interest. We were always busy and received a good amount of enquiries from new and potential customers.”
Another company ‘flying the flag’ for composites at FIT, was Bowater by Birtley. The company’s Kevin Kiernan said: “We were promised a bigger and better FIT as a launch platform for us to bring Bowater back in the form of Bowater by Birtley composite doors. The FIT Show delivered. We heard on the first day that visitor numbers were up on the last Telford show but as an exhibitor, even more importantly, the visitors that we spoke to were genuinely on the hunt for new and better products. We were particularly impressed with the number of international visitors that we had on the stand and were pleased to be flying the flag for composites to UK and global visitors alike.”
Meanwhile, ERA’s marketing and innovation director, Will Butler described FIT as a ‘tremendous success’ for the company, which was showcasing 14 new ranges in the ‘ERA innovation zone’. Will said: “There was plenty to see and get excited about. Feedback from visitors was excellent – ERA has got the full package, from cutting-edge hardware to trailblazing smart ware, all backed by the generous reassurance of the Total Security Guarantee.”
The show was also the platform for Composite Wood Company to reveal that it has joined forces with Eurocell to put its timber alternative decking, fencing and balustrades into all of Eurocell’s 170 trade counters covering the UK, kicking off the partnership with neighbouring stands at the show.
Lee Robinson, senior product category manager at Eurocell, said: “Composite wood decking and fencing is an exciting addition to Eurocell trade counters. For installers, it’s fast and easy to fit, and homeowners love having a natural wood feel without the hassle of maintaining it.”
Tony Pratt, sales director at Composite Wood Company, added: “Offering composite wood products through Eurocell trade counters is a fantastic opportunity to further develop our supply to the trade. The Composite Wood Company team is looking forward to developing great working relationships with all Eurocell branches.”
David Wigley, head of marketing at Synseal Group, summed up when he said: “After a busy three days, it wasn’t until 4.01pm on Thursday that we really had the chance to reflect on the show, how our two brands, WarmCore and Masterdor stood up to the competition with their own stands this year, and what the change of venue to the NEC meant for the industry’s premier show. In truth, I missed a bit of the youthful, adolescent energy that FIT Show 2016 had – the entrepreneurial feel of a community coming together. In contrast, FIT ‘17 has a come of age feel about it, which is probably what we all needed in terms of a stable platform for us to engage in a hands on way with our market. It was also great to see installers making up a greater proportion of the visitors this year, as it’s these end decision makers that make or break products in our industry.”
There will be further review of the FIT Show in next week’s Bullseye.
The next FIT Show will take place in two years’ time on 21, 22 and 23 May 2019.
