At Nelton we have many years of experience as publishers and trade exhibition organisers in the woodworking industry. While recognising the importance of the major international events such as Ligna+ in Hannover and Xylexpo in Milan and the pre-eminence of the Working with Wood series at the NEC, we nevertheless feel that, as far as the UK is concerned, a compact regional event remains relevant for both woodworking companies of all hues and their suppliers.
Analysing the attendance at the major shows led us to launch the Woodworking Ireland exhibitions in the mid-90s; the seventh in the series of these popular events takes place this year. A similar analysis has led us to the conclusion that, with twice the number of companies in the field compared with Ireland, Woodworking Scotland was a worthwhile market.
We have to be honest and say that the original idea was not ours, but was put forward by a number of exhibitors in Ireland who felt that the concept would also work in Scotland. The comment that “Birmingham might be the centre of England but not of Great Britain” lent weight to the idea.
Devolution has also changed attitudes north of the border where it is now expected that if you wish to sell in the market you must go to the market, not wait for them to come to you. Suppliers to the woodworking industry recognise this and either have a dedicated sales operation or work through Scottish agents to reach customers. As far as Nelton was concerned a dedicated exhibition was the logical next step.
The response from exhibitors has been most gratifying. Despite only being launched towards the end of 2006, Woodworking Scotland is virtually sold out, with most of the international players in machinery, ancillary equipment, handling, storage, extraction, tooling and software exhibiting either under their own name or through their Scottish agents. More than 60 companies covering 120 brands have taken stands. For those interested in machinery there will be a number of companies covering classical machinery, with others covering the whole spectrum up to CNC machining centres. Tooling and grinding are well represented, as is waste management including extraction and heating. Specialists in the software field, suppliers of timber, sheet materials, veneer, edgebanding, joinery and furniture components, plus specialist handling and storage are all well represented. There is something for everyone from cabinetmakers and joiners through to major producers of furniture, joinery and timber frame housing.
The location at Edinburgh’s Royal Highland Centre is ideally placed, being within easy reach of both the M8 and M9 motorways, making it accessible, not just to Scotland, but also to the north of England. For those who like to fly, the show is within walking distance of Edinburgh Airport.
Scotland’s trade woodworking and furniture production exhibition, Woodworking Scotland 2007, takes place on March 22-24, from 10am to 5pm, with free entry and parking. Why not put it in your diary?
For further information contact Neil Herbert-Smith or Tony Cox, tel: 01474 536535; e-mail: exhibitions@nelton.co.uk or visit www.nelton.co.uk
