The NMBS reports that its recent Exhibition has firmly confirmed its position as the trading event for independent merchants. Figures released for the 2015 show, which took place on the 16th April at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry, show record exhibitor numbers, record visitor levels and a record value for deals done on the day.
Chris Hayward, Managing Director at NMBS, said: “Every year, thanks to a combination of careful planning, continued refinement and sustained investment, the NMBS Exhibition continues to go from strength to strength. In 2014, the show set a new benchmark helped in part by the amalgamation with United Merchants and the move to both a bigger venue, in the form of the Ricoh Arena, and a time slot earlier in the year, enabling members and suppliers to make more of deals on seasonal products.
“Raising the bar again in 2015 was never going to be easy but we’re delighted to report that the show’s performance this year has surpassed even our best expectations.”
In total, over 700 member delegates visited the exhibition – more than at any other time in the shows 50 year history. They were greeted by an equally record breaking exhibitors appearing across 340 exhibition stands. Demand for space at the show was at such high levels that it sold out just two weeks after going on sale.
Many of the NMBS suppliers exhibiting had gone all out to attract merchants onto their stands with just some of the many highlights including a golf competition on the Tarmac Building Products’ stand and a mini casino on the Kingspan stand.
There was also the chance to meet celebrities on the day; visitors to the Crystal Direct stand were able to meet a very special guest – former WBO middleweight and super-middleweight world champion, Steve Collins. The manufacturer of PVC-U windows also ran a competition to see who could hit a punch ball the hardest with a pair of boxing gloves signed by Steve on offer for the winner.
On the Parker Merchanting stand there was the opportunity to meet Colin Charvis the Former Captain of the Welsh Rugby Union Team who was signing merchandise throughout the day.
Keen to make the most of the numerous special deals being offered by suppliers on the day, as well as the extra rebate being offered not just at the show but throughout the entire month of April, merchants placed orders at the exhibition worth millions of pounds.
Chris Hayward concluded: “Since its introduction, the NMBS Exhibition has had one clear aim – to be a show that means business. As part of our commitment to strengthening independents, NMBS always aims to deliver an event that encourages and stimulates trading between our members and suppliers for the benefit of everyone involved.
“This year, as every year, it seems the NMBS Exhibition has delivered on that goal.”
