Health & Safety 07 a resounding success
March 1st 2007 On Tuesday, 20th February, Geoffrey Podger, Chief Executive of the HSE, officially opened Health & Safety '07 at Sandown Park in Surrey to wide acclaim from both visitors and exhibitors alike. In his speech, Mr Podger reiterated the overriding reason for his involvement in such events: "to raise the profile of health and safety, and highlight its importance both as the cornerstone of a civilised society and an essential part of any efficient business". Going local Tim Else, director of the organiser, Western Business Exhibitions, stated "we were overwhelmed by the positive response from all those involved with this first Health & Safety '07 it indicates that we have hit upon a real need in the industry." WBE's specific reason for the regional structure of this new exhibition and seminar programme was to enable those responsible for the health and safety of their workforce to access the very best products and services locally, whilst keeping abreast of industry developments in the easiest, most time efficient way possible. Exhibitor Peter Swan, SBES, commented: "For a first show this has been remarkable. It has successfully attracted local people 95% of the visitors we spoke to came from the South: London, Sussex, Kent and Surrey. The industry has needed a southern based show and here it is!" Garry O'Hara, sales executive Industrial Products, BROEN, added: "National exhibitions have been a huge let down for us in the past so we wanted to change our approach and attend the regional events at both Sandown and Bolton. The strategy worked for us with good quality enquiries obtained over the two days at Sandown. We now look forward to the exhibition at Bolton in October." An emphasis on education Just short of 1,000 visitors attended the two days and as Ian Fox, Major Accounts Manager for Crown Lift Trucks, remarked: "For a first exhibition we were surprised both at the level of interest it attracted and also the level of seniority of the visitors exactly the people we want to reach". A key reason for the high level of attendance by senior personnel was the comprehensive seminar programme hosted by the London Metropolitan branch of IOSH and the separate seminars hosted jointly by overall sponsor, DuPont and event partners, Aearo, Ansell, Principal People and Gore. The subjects covered proved exceptionally popular and many sessions were heavily oversubscribed including 'Control of Contractors', 'Industrial Accident Investigation' and 'The Philosophy of Safety'. This interest emphasised the importance now attached to extending knowledge of health and safety issues. Trevor Jones, chairman of the London Metropolitan branch of IOSH explained: "We were delighted as, firstly it gave our members the opportunity to attend sessions of a topical and informative nature, and secondly to be able to network with other like minded persons and suppliers of PPE." The next Health & Safety '07 is taking place at the Reebok Stadium in Bolton on 10th & 11th October. As Trevor Jones concluded: "I would recommend everybody who has a role or responsibility for Health and Safety at work to attend this event". For further information on the next event to be held at the Reebok Stadium in Bolton on 10-11 October 2007 visit www.healthandsafety07.co.uk. The seminar programme organised in association with IOSH Manchester and North West Districts Branch will be available shortly, however, you are able to register now online. The Bolton exhibition is 150% of the size of Sandown and is already 90% sold-out and expected to be full by May; for details about exhibiting contact Tim Else or Sally- Anne Wood on the number below: More articles from Western Business Exhibitions: | 
