Southern Manufacturing is the most popular industrial event in the South. Click here for full-sized version of this, and other images from the showThe organiser of the Southern Manufacturing & Electronics Show (February 11th-12th 2009, FIVE, Farnborough) reports that for the first time in its 11 year history, exhibition space at the event has sold out. The show, widely acknowledged to be the most important annual industrial event in the South of England, has experienced unprecedented levels of interest from engineering businesses across the region keen to attract new customers. Alterations to the hall layout are planned to create additional exhibition space to cope with continuing demand.
Show director, Phil Valentine, says "As the response to this year's event clearly demonstrates, manufacturing business in this country is doggedly fighting its corner against the effects of the credit crunch. It's very encouraging to see industrial businesses responding to the extremely negative sentiments being expressed in the mainstream media by redoubling their efforts to reach out to new customers, search for new opportunities and explore different ways to turn the current situation to their advantage."
With activity within the banking and financial services sectors severely curtailed, the contribution of UK's industrial, manufacturing and engineering enterprise is seen as crucial to the eventual recovery of the economy as a whole. Events like Southern Manufacturing have a vital role to play in ensuring industrial businesses have the right technology, expertise and business relationships in place to make the best use of opportunities as they arise.
"The unique feature of Southern Manufacturing and Electronics is in the sheer diversity of businesses that take part", says Phil Valentine. "In a single visit, it's possible to meet suppliers from virtually every sector of UK industrial enterprise. The whole event is designed to help ensure visitors make the most productive use of their precious time."
The show's convenient location in Farnborough, just off the M3, and plentiful free car parking on site makes it easily accessible by even the busiest of professionals. "Unlike events at the NEC or in central London, visitors don't need to commit a whole day to attend the show," says Valentine. "Many people choose to visit on their way in or out of their offices. It's easy, quick and convenient - plus no need to worry about congestion charges or expensive car parking fees!"
Visitors to this year's event can expect to meet over 500 of the region's top engineering businesses, covering an extremely wide range of industrial products and activities. Technology trails allow visitors interested in specific areas of activity, such as aerospace, tooling or packaging to navigate their way around the show efficiently. Specialist areas such as the Machinery Centre allow visitors to view the latest machine tools in action.
In addition to the industrial hardware on display, the ever-popular free technical seminar programme that runs over both days of the event combines practical advice for businesses in these uncertain times with insights into new trends and ideas that may help engineering enterprises stave-off the worst effects of recession. The seminars are open to all visitors and exhibitors at Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2009. Places are limited and demand is expected to be exceptionally high, so pre-booking is essential. Visitor pre-registration for the event and seminars, together with full event information, is available online at www.industry.co.uk/southern.
Entry to the show itself is completely free to business visitors, and FIVE Farnborough offers plentiful free car parking, superb access by road, rail or air, and an excellent selection of local hotels and restaurants to make your visit as enjoyable as it is productive. To register online for tickets, or to find out about securing one of the few remaining exhibitor places, simply visit www.industry.co.uk or call 01784 880 890.