These include a series of new exhibitors who have signed-up for the U.K. industry’s only dedicated tyre trade event in 2009 and a workshop programme organised by show sponsor the NTDA.
Brityrex continues to attract exhibitors eager to buck the downturn by promoting their businesses to U.K. and international buyers. Among recent signings are Chinese tyre manufacturer Techking; leading electronics and diagnostics supplier Robert Bosch, who will share a 133-square-metre stand space with workshop equipment specialist Beissbarth; Majorlift Hydraulics Equipment; Autogem Motor Concepts; and Profil SP.J. Daly Tyres, the Irish tyre and alloy wheel wholesaler and exclusive distributor of the Kenda, Firenza and Infinity tyre brands in Ireland.
According to ECI managing director Paul Farrant, aftermarket suppliers are taking a very positive view of the exhibition, refusing to let the economic downturn deter them: “There is certainly a feeling that the aftermarket is better equipped to ride out the recession than those automotive businesses involved in OE supply or new car sales,” he said. “The fact that many private motorists and businesses will be keeping their vehicles longer than normal means there will be extra replacement sales and servicing work which can insulate the sector from direct exposure to the worst effects of the slowdown. Brityrex will be a great place to do business for those companies who approach it with that sense of optimism,” added Farrant.
With many tyre and fast-fit retailers involved in mechanical and MOT work the announcement of a joint workshop majoring on the business of MOT testing by the NTDA and the Garage Equipment Association (GEA) will be of significant interest to show visitors.
The NTDA has also linked up with the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) to run a working session on the subject of manual handling of tyres, which is regarded as a critical subject in terms of injury prevention and awareness among tyre retailers and wholesalers.
Paul Farrant explained further: “Brityrex is all about improving your business by meeting new customers and suppliers and picking up knowledge and information that can help in the workplace. That’s why these workshops will be so valuable to trade visitors; they will provide the latest information on important subjects in a short and snappy fashion at no cost to delegates.”
Brityrex 2009 will take place from the Sept. 22-24 at Manchester Central, formerly known as G-Mex. The show is sponsored by the NTDA, who will stage its highly popular Annual Dinner and TAFF Awards presentation as part of the event, on the evening of Sept. 23. (Tyres & Accessories/Staffordshire, U.K.)
