New cutting-edge products designed to meet the specific needs of hirers and their customers will be highlighted in the Innovation Zone at the Executive Hire Show in February. The initiative attracted a record 40 entries from exhibitors, with no fewer than 14 ultimately being shortlisted by the Judging Panel.
The shortlist comprises:
ArcGen Hilta – TL-90 LED lighting tower
Demon International – Hurricane Combi
Gantic – GantiCharger
Global Construction Plant & Equipment – Pro-Screen PVG12V-84
Hire Supply Company – Elite Heat
Leica Geosystems – 3D Disto
Lifestyle Appliances – Santorini patio heater
Lombardini – Kohler Direct Injection engines
Makita – BLS 713RFE slide compound mitre saw
Metabo – Mag 28 LTX 32 cordless MAG drill
Scaffolding Solutions – Skaftray
Stihl – TS 500i cut-off saw
Tacklestore – TM12 lifting, rescue and man riding device
TowerLight UK – VB9-LED lighting tower
The panel of judges comprised: Andy Connor, Supply Chain Director of Speedy which sponsors the Zone; Jim Field, Commercial Director of Supply UK Hire Shops; Carl Banks, MD of P.E.T. Hire of Crewe; Andy Earll, MD of Ace Line Plant of Rugeley; and EHN Editor Alan Guthrie.
“Overall, the judges were very impressed by the quality and variety of the entries, which ranged from cordless power tools and work at height solutions, to fuel efficient engines and low energy lighting towers,” said Alan Guthrie. “This demonstrates the value of the Innovation Zone, which celebrates new equipment addressing issues that hirers and end users are concerned about, such as safety, efficiency, quality and environmental impact. It also proves that manufacturers continue to invest in R&D, developing new products that hirers need to keep informed about by visiting the Show.”
The January/February 2012 Show preview issue of Executive Hire News will provide an editorial analysis of the line-up.
The 14 finalists will be displayed in the large Innovation Zone situated in the ‘Top Tier’ of the Show. All visitors will be invited to vote for their favourite product by simply leaving a business card in the ballot box beside their chosen item. All business cards will also be entered into a prize draw to win £500. The winning exhibitor will be announced at the Show at 3pm on Thursday 9 February and will win the Speedy Innovation Award at the Show.
Pictured during the judging session are, from left, Andy Connor, Alan Guthrie, Andy Earll, Jim Field and Carl Banks.