Executive Hire News › Archives › December 2009 › Executive Report: Optimistic outlook
Executive Report : Optimistic outlook
Alan Guthrie assesses new products relevant to hire, displayed at the recent Showman's Show in Newbury.
Despite this year having been challenging for event organisers, the mood amongst exhibitors was one of optimism at The Showman’s Show, held on 21 and 22 October. Indeed, as EHN observed in the introductory article in our Heating & Lighting Market Report in October, the trend has been to downsize events rather than cancel them. Organisers are also aware that guests’ quality expectations are continually rising, and the healthy attendance figure of more than 4,500 visitors reflected their interest in the latest products and services.
New on the Tower Light stand was the compact Hydropowercube lighting tower. Designed for locations where security could be an issue, it has no wheels and can be placed on site by a forklift or crane. The vertical, hydraulically raised telescopic mast has a maximum 8.5m height and can be rotated through 340°. Four 1000watt metal halide lamps are fitted and the 1500rpm diesel engine provides 9kVA of auxiliary power. International Sales Manager, Paul Hay, says up to 20 units can be loaded on to a typical delivery truck.
Also new is the AdTower, derived from Tower Light’s successful VT-1 lighting set. It is fitted with a pre-printed 2m2 semi-permeable fabric and, when fully extended, creates a glowing advertisement or corporate message on all sides. 150watt metal halide lamps are fitted, illuminating the graphics and providing some ground lighting.
Solar powered
Kelly Bros (Solar Signs) of Bristol, which both sells and hires equipment, showed SolarTech Silent Messenger signs that are powered by sunlight. Available in three sizes, they produce no fumes and are quiet in operation. Messages can be changed quickly in situ or remotely over the Internet. General Manager Paul Burnham says the signs were used in 2008 on approach roads for the Glastonbury Festival, and that when fire broke out near to the site, Kelly Bros staff were able to change the messages remotely, helping reduce the traffic chaos.
Another of Kelly Bros’ customers is Watford-based Herts Equipment Rental, which also had a stand at the Show, promoting the Location and Event Traffic Management services it operates from dedicated premises at Pinewood Studios, near Slough. “The specialist event management operation was established two years ago, to meet demand from television and production crews,” says Operations Director, Paul Masters. “Besides supplying equipment like temporary traffic lights, mobile message boards, cones and barriers, we can produce detailed CAD drawings for a site, and liaise with the appropriate authorities. Our staff travel to locations all over the country as required. At the Show, we have made contact with organisers of some significant events who are interested in the equipment, planning and logistical services we provide.”
Included in Herts’ stand display was a pre-production model of the XL Pedestrian, a temporary modular pedestrian crossing solution made by Pike Signals. The radio controlled, cable-less system has been developed as an alternative to more cumbersome mains powered products and can be installed quickly. Pike’s External Sales Manager, Stephen Heaton, says the product has all the required approvals and is designed so that, once positioned, it is very difficult to move and looks like a permanent crossing. Herts Equipment Rental has been evaluating the XL Pedestrian for several months, and Pike plans to officially launch the product at the Executive Hire Show.
Woodlands Generators, an Evesham-based hirer, displayed a selection of items from its fleet, including generators from BGG UK. The company reports particularly strong demand for models that have load-sharing capabilities, enabling several to be linked together to provide increased power capacity as required. Woodlands, which also offers machines from FG Wilson and other manufacturers, has a fleet ranging from 15-2500kVA and serves a diverse customer base including organisers of sports and leisure events, utilities and industrial users. Also on display was the BGG Site Light 908 lighting tower, which has a maximum mast height of 9m and four 1000watt metal halide lamps.
Brisk business
Arcotherm (UK), part of Hire Station’s Climate Hire and Sales division, did brisk business at the Show. “We have taken a lot of orders from marquee hirers and they are impressed by the breadth of our heating range, which now spans 28-200kW and can heat virtually any size of structure,” said Dave Matthews, Commercial Director of Climate Hire and Sales.
The company displayed gas and oil versions of its new Phoen indirect fired heater, which has a 96kW output and allows up to 50m of ducting to be run directly from its nose cone. Also shown was the new FR44 rotary moulded portable dehumidifier, which has been developed especially to meet the needs of the flood restoration market. Large wheels increase manoeuvrability of the machine, which has a capacity of 44 litres per 24 hours and incorporates an hour meter.
Amongst machines promoted by Cool Services was the slimline Zeus utility heater, which it is distributing to the hire industry. The machine carries an IPX5 weatherproof rating, enabling it to be used outdoors as well as inside. Powered from a mains supply, its carbon fibre elements are designed to give a more penetrating heat output. The machine turns itself off after four minutes if its integral sensor detects no one in its vicinity, and it can be used as a patio heater as well as in offices, workshops and similar environments.
New products from portable sanitation equipment specialist, Satellite Thal, include the 2010 version of its Mondo toilet. It has slightly fluted panels to eliminate gaps between the sidewalls and the tank, together with an up-rated door, hinges and springs. The cabin has a ten-year guarantee against cracking, splitting or fading. The manufacturer also launched its HotWash II, an extremely compact 3kW water heater that is designed to be retrofitted to any make of portable toilet. Inbuilt sensors enable hands-free operation of the hot water supply.
The Event Hire Association was officially launched by HAE at the 2008 Showman’s Show. This year, EHA’s stand was located in an impressive marquee from member company Toby’s Tents, with lining supplied by Oasis Tent Hire, and several other members had displays inside, including software supplier inspHire, A-Plant, and John Brown Caterhire, to illustrate the breadth of the Association’s membership. Andrews Sykes provided heating and cooling equipment. “Despite the economic situation we have made progress,” said MD Graham Arundell. “We now have 100 EHA members and they are benefiting from services such as insurance and terms and conditions that are specific to their industry. EHA is also networking with other event industry organisations to promote the benefits of using Association members, and we are developing industry specific training programmes.”
We began our review by saying how The Showman’s Show once again proved positive for exhibitors and visitors. There should be an even more upbeat atmosphere at next year’s event, on 20 and 21 October, as it will mark the twenty-fifth occasion the exhibition has been held. • |
