April/May 2021

FIT Show
GETTING FIT FOR THE SHOW
With less than six months to go until FIT Show’s return to the NEC (from Sunday 26 -
Tuesday 28 September 2021), Total Fabricator takes a closer look at what’s happening
behind the scenes to deliver a show-stopping return...
an extended period of restricted
face-to-face business, and with no
“After
industry platform since 2019, we are
more excited about our next event than ever,”
says FIT Show event director, Nickie West.
“We understand that world events over the last
12-18 months have proven extremely challenging,
but have been encouraged by the positive impact
that this has had on the UK home improvement
sector. With the roadmap to recovery well
underway, including the big landmark of
showrooms (and pubs) reopening already passed,
we have seen a steady increase in enquiries from
potential FIT Show exhibitors.
“We are working hard to ensure that FIT Show
returns triumphantly, and the sentiment across
the sector reinforces the excitement and appetite
to get back to doing what we do best, face-toface,
at FIT Show.
“To ensure a safe and successful return, we are
closely following all Government guidance around
Covid. Measures may include mask wearing, the
use of hand sanitisers and enhanced registration
protocols and cleaning regimes.
“The stand contracting industry is very much
prepared for the opening of events and are keen
to discuss with exhibitors what their requirements
are. We believe all our exhibitors should use ESSA
members to build their stands as this is the best
way to ensure their stands will be built within all
relevant guidelines, efficiently, effectively and to a
standard that represents their brand.
“Preparations are well underway behind the scenes
to develop new and exciting content and features
for the show. And I am anticipating that there will
be more new products to see than ever before.
“Since our last event in 2019, the biggest
innovators have been investing in new product
development, streamlining operations and
looking at new and exciting ways to connect with
customers. FIT Show in September will be the
perfect platform for them to do just that. It will offer
that chance for customers to see, touch and play
with all of the latest products under one roof.”
Outdoor living
To reflect the huge increase in demand for outdoor
living enhancements, which have seen a reported
64% increase in demand over the last 12 months,
FIT Show 2021 will see the launch of a brand new
‘Outdoor Living’ feature. The feature will showcase
everything from sun rooms and garden rooms
through to conservatories and canopies, decking
and fencing, awnings, gates and other associated
outdoor home improvement products.
Evan Francis, marketing manager for Renson,
which will headline the new outdoor living
feature, adds: “Events such as FIT Show provide
the perfect platform for us to bring our clients
and prospects together in one place, to meet
face-to-face, either for the first time, or to
re-establish connections. Trade shows are an
essential part of our marketing strategy and we
cannot wait to get back to them when we exhibit
at FIT Show in September.”
The Window Company (Contracts)’s David
Thornton insists that the 2021 FIT Show will be
more important than ever in determining his
company’s future trading partners.
David comments: “It will be a celebration, an
outlet for the pent-up frustrations of being unable
to work, of having to close factories, the struggle
to survive.
“And in fact, I will regard any exhibitors at the
2021 FIT Show as companies that I am more
likely to do business with, simply as they have
not only survived, but they can afford to be there
both financially and logistically. By then they
are likely to have rationalised their products
and services and will have taken a lot of hard
decisions during the lockdown that will make
those companies leaner, fitter and simply better
to do business with.”
Contact FIT Show:
0207 886 3100
fitshow.co.uk
@fitshow
The appetite to get back
to ‘face-to-face’ business
is strong, according to FIT
Show’s Nickie West
48 T F APRIL/MAY 2021 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN