Amazing days

The 2015 Demo Days were almost certainly the largest single gathering of equipment specifically of interest to the demolition sector that has been seen for many years and built upon the impact that the first Demo Expo, held in Solihul near Birmingham two years ago. Once again the event was jointly organised by the NFDC and IDE and this year took place at the Reading waste facility belonging to J Mould near Reading.

Exhibition space for the event was sold out, resulting in a packed display of the latest equipment offerings of all types for the attendees to browse amongst over the two days. As before, the format was for a more ‘formal’ business day on the Friday and then a more family geared day on the Saturday. The format of the event is such that detailed visitor numbers are not available, but NFDC chief executive Howard Button told D&Ri that he estimated more than 4,000 individuals attended over the two days. While not a bauma-like number, nevertheless the important point for the exhibitors was the quality of the audience, even on the family day. This was evidenced by the universal acclaim offered by the exhibitors, exemplified by Liebherr’s Darren Bennet, who said of the event: “Dem Expo 2015 was a total success for the UK demolition industry. Many key customers visited the Liebherr stand and a few strong sales enquiries were received. In my opinion the UK demolition industry is big enough to have its on trade fair and this was reflected more so this year with a bigger attendance. Looking forward to Dem Expo 2017 already - count us in!!”

Perhaps more attendees from outside the UK will be attendance in 2017. D&Ri certainly believes that the Demo Expo has the potential to become a major draw for the industry around Europe, if not the rest of world. There is no event anywhere that betters this year’s Demo Expo! Hats off to the NFDC and IDE.