The final tally showed attendance at 4,611 compared to 4,230 in 2012, a rise of 9%. Around 175 companies exhibited, against 150 last year, and 100 at the show’s 2011 debut.
Event director Loretta Sales also said that the show’s move from Coventry’s Ricoh Arena to the Birmingham NEC seems to have paid off with an increase in interest from overseas, both in visitors and exhibitors.
There was also a rise in construction industry visitors, a key target for the exhibition. “This is not purely a numbers game and attracting the right sort of visitor is crucial,” said Ms Sales.
“So we’re delighted to report an increase in architects, engineers, specifiers and contractors – many with live projects.” This trend was borne out by exhibitor comments.
English Woodland Timbers, which said on one day of the event, it had its “busiest five or six hours at an exhibition ever”, reported interest from architects, designers and joinery manufacturers.
Austrian timber construction specialist Wiehag said it was busy throughout, with stand visitors including architects, specifiers and construction industry clients including “senior retail decision makers".
“The quality of enquiries that have come in since the show has been flabbergasting,” said England & Wales sales director John Spittle.
Ms Sales also reported 58% of exhibitors signing contracts and 12 new bookings for next year’s Timber Expo.
