 |
 |
||||||
[June 2007]
Eco Themes Will Headline at Interbuild
Interbuild is flying the 'green' flag for British construction with international interest in the UK's biggest building show at an all-time high, reports the show organiser.
The 'eco' theme running throughout this year's event is proving a particular pull for European counterparts who have long championed the environmental effort.
“Countries such as Germany, Austria and Sweden have historically been far more forward thinking on green issues,” said Interbuild Event Director, Gordon Thomas. “With environmental initiatives high on everyone's agenda, European manufacturers see the current climate as the opportune time to present their products to the UK marketplace.
“And because Interbuild is the one event that attracts visitors from every facet of the UK construction industry – including architects, specifiers and buyers; through to major contractors, general builders, housebuilders, developers, local authorities, housing associations, plumbers, electricians and roofers – it offers the best way to reach a wide cross-section of the trade, all at the same time.”
So far, 80 individual companies from 23 countries have already signed up and 14 international pavilions are being staged across the whole show. There has also been notable interest from a number of international trade groups. The Austrian Trade Commission, German Timber Council and Canadian High Commission – along with groups from the Far East, Denmark, Italy, Malaysia and Belgium – have all committed to the five-day event, keen to develop their presence in the UK market.
The Portuguese government has taken it one step further by pledging to offer financial support to any of its businesses exhibiting at Interbuild. As a result, The Portuguese Association has been assigned a dedicated space within Hall 3's flooring section, where a pavilion of Portuguese companies specialising in furniture, furnishings and specifically flooring, are anticipated to be a valuable addition to this area of the show.
“The increasing number of international exhibitors at Interbuild is a great reflection of how the UK construction market is being perceived overseas,” said Gordon. “The response so far has been very encouraging and we hope to welcome many more international companies come show time.”
Interbuild 2007 has been rescheduled from spring to take place from Sunday 28 October through to Thursday 1 November 2007. The organiser said that this was simply because exhibitors and visitors told them that autumn was the time of year they would prefer. The event has also been moved – within the NEC complex – to halls 3, 3a, 4 and 5 (the biggest hall at the NEC). This, said the organisers, will allow them to make better use of the space and form a show that is far more easy to navigate for visitors.
www.interbuild.com
ENDS