With some 65% of registered visitors listed as having purchasing authority, Railtex 2011 succeeded in delivering a high quality audience to the 424 exhibitors taking part on the event.
Held at Earls Court, London, from 14 to 16 June, this was the tenth in a successful series of Railtex railway technology trade shows organised by Mack Brooks Exhibitions.
The decision-making status of rail industry professionals visiting the exhibition was matched by a stimulating range of free drop-in seminars that included presentations by policy-makers shaping the future of Britain’s rail network.
Heading the list as part of a programme presented by The Rail Engineer magazine were keynote addresses by Transport Secretary Philip Hammond, Network Rail Chairman Rick Haythornthwaite and Sir Roy McNulty, author of the much discussed government commissioned study on the value for money of Britain’s rail system.
Also well attended by Railtex visitors was a series of updates on major projects by senior Network Rail managers, providing first-hand insights into significant investment schemes countrywide.
This programme also featured a significant presentation by Network Rail’s Director, Investment Projects, Simon Kirby on the company’s new approach to supplier engagement.
More than 9,200 industry professionals, including leading suppliers, attended the event over its three days.
Exhibitor highlights included a strong presence by Network Rail, plus large stands hosting Bombardier Transportation, Faiveley Transport, Invensys Rail, Knorr Bremse, Siemens Mobility and Tata Steel, among many others.
More than 30 firms exhibited as part of the Rail Alliance Rail Hub and a group of companies from across the Channel combined to form a French Pavilion.
Also featured was the now familiar On Track Display, sponsored by Tata Steel, with Pandrol Track Systems, Rosenqvist Rail, Vortok International, Bance and Semmco among its exhibitors.
And new this year – and a success according to companies involved – was the Recruitment Wall, aimed at helping exhibitors to meet their skills needs by alerting show visitors to job opportunities.
Expressing his company’s satisfaction with the show, Steve White, Rolling Stock Service Director for Siemens said:
“Railtex have laid on a fantastic exhibition. Lots of people have said it’s the best they have ever been to.”
The Railway Industry Association, representing leading UK suppliers, played a prominent role in Railtex, including partnering ‘Meet the Buyer Sessions’ with UK Trade & Investment.
Speaking during the exhibition, RIA Director General Jeremy Candfield remarked:
“There’s a real buzz going around here. With so much communication going on, I suspect that companies are recognising more fully that they need to be here to be in this environment. This is leading to the growth in the show, which I very much welcome.”
Commenting on the success of the show from the organisers’ perspective, Exhibition Manager Michael Wilton said:
“Feedback from exhibitors during Railtex was very positive indeed, with many companies reporting strong leads for new business and commenting on the upbeat mood in the industry.
“Visitors to the show were also very appreciative of the wide range of free seminars available. The keynote addresses and Network Rail project updates were mentioned as special highlights.”
He added: “Taking great encouragement form everyone’s response to this year’s show, we are now looking ahead. Planning is already well underway for Infrarail at the NEC next May, when we will be aiming to deliver an equally successful meeting place for the rail industry.”
Infrarail 2012 will take place from 1 to 3 May 2012 at the NEC Birmingham.
