Strong sales for Total Processing & Packaging 2010 in the final three months of last year are an indication that the much anticipated and hoped for economic recovery may finally be underway.
Another 130 exhibitors have now signed up for the UK’s largest processing and packaging exhibition, accounting for a further 4,000m² of floor space. This excellent performance reflects the success of the PPMA Show 2009 and the very positive reaction from both exhibitors and visitors.
Some of the most recent independent market data is also showing signs of a recovery. For example, the Engineering and Machinery Alliance (EAMA), which represents 1,400 firms, mostly SMEs, in the mechanical engineering sector, has reported a significant pick up in business activity.
PPMA and BARA chief executive Chris Buxton remains cautiously optimistic. He points out that the EMEA survey states that is it is too early to say whether such improvements will be sustained and develop into a trend. “If Government withdraws its underpinning measures too early, confidence and the small gains made could quickly slip into reverse,” he comments. “The first two quarters of 2010 are therefore going to be crucial.”
However, with this in mind, Mr Buxton believes that the support being shown for Total Processing & Packaging is a clear demonstration that companies are realising that a strong marketing effort is required in order to succeed in difficult times.
“The Americans are past masters in recognising the importance of marketing, as are many of the UK’s major international competitors,” he explains. “It is therefore encouraging that British companies are taking note of this and making efforts to promote themselves more effectively; and as a key part of this, the exhibition environment remains the most cost effective scenario for buyers and sellers alike.”
Mr Buxton says that it is companies which have established a niche market for their product or service that are managing to ride the recession more effectively. “As the effects of globalisation continue to be felt, the need for the UK to differentiate itself from the low overhead economies such as India and China has led to significant innovation in all sectors. This year’s Total Processing & Packaging exhibition will see many of the latest technological developments including the ever growing trend towards complete turn-key ‘solution sales’ as oppose to simple product supply. System integration will also be an emerging trend.”
Ian Crawford, Group Exhibition Director for Total Processing & Packaging 2010, also believes that this year will see a new sense of optimism and a steady improvement in business. “The signs were clearly there at the PPMA Show last September and we have been delighted with the strong sales that have resulted for Total Processing & Packaging since then."
“The exhibition will provide the perfect showcase for the latest innovations and developments in what remains a very proactive, highly skilled – and in many areas – world-leading sector. This will be ably supported by the focused areas of the Packaging Innovation and Interphex hubs and popular features, including the Design Challenge and the thought-provoking seminar series.”
On Stand 5740 Denny Bros will be exhibiting innovative packaging and labelling solutions that offer numerous benefits and opportunities for customers in a variety of sectors. The main markets we cover include pharmaceutical and clinical trials, health & beauty, FMCG, veterinary, DIY, household products, automotive and print management.
Total Processing & Packaging takes place at the NEC Birmingham from 25 to 27 May 2010. Registration is now open. For your free visitor badge go to www.totalexhibition.com/register.
Deborah Conneely, Reed Exhibitions (UK) Ltd, 14 January 2010
