TELFORD: Over 400 member delegates attended the NMBS exhibition at Telford, generating a hopeful and positive atmosphere that buoyed the spirits of suppliers and merchants alike.
Suppliers had attractive offers and merchants were optimistic enough to be placing orders which, according to NMBS, totalled over £450 000.
NMBS managing director, Chris Hayward said: "This was one of our biggest and best exhibitions to date. With more members attending and more orders being placed it was a success for all involved."
Highlights of the show included NMBS' own website stand which appealed to those merchants who realised the importance of internet marketing as a tool, but were nervous about the execution – a real talking point at the Gala Dinner the night before.
Competition for the best stand was tough as always, but ultimately it was the joint stand by Parker Merchanting and the Walsall Wheelbarrow Company which was chosen by Builders' Merchants News as the winners. It had a football theme like many other stands, but made more of it, down to details such as staff wearing football style shirts with names emblazoned on the back.
Topically, retired football referee Graham Poll was guest speaker at the dinner, and also at the Makita stand signing copies of his book.
