Despite a smaller show and reduced visitor numbers (12,470 subject to ABC audit) the mood at SED remained buoyant and upbeat amongst both the visitors and exhibitors.
Contracts were signed, deals were done and the SED sales team confirmed that at close of play 29% of stand space at SED 2010 had been sold at this year’s event – which is an encouraging indication that the dark days of the economic slump are waning and there is still confidence in the market.
Here’s what some of the 250 SED 2009 companies had to say.
Steve Orr marketing manager for New Holland “We have sold twice as much this year than last year which is attributed to the finance offers tailored to 3 key sectors of the market, which are demolition, waste handling and residential.” Orr concluded, “We have absolutely no doubt we will be back next year as we are keen to support the industry and our ever growing loyal customer base.”
Kim Dudley UK sales manager for Doosan said “It’s the best SED ever for us – we have had numerous enquiries and good quality visitors.”
Case marketing manager Scott Freeman was very pleased with the show,” We really like the new location of our stand and want to be here again next year. We sold 4 machines off stand and had plenty of good leads. We always support SED it gives our customers both existing and new an excellent chance to try our machines.”
Westquay Trading was in two minds whether or not to exhibit this year because of the downturn, but the company is very glad they did! “What a great show! We’ve sold 2 Takeuchi tracked loaders off stand with attachments. And we have also sold a CB40 crusher bucket, which we launched at the show,” reported Hollie Kehoe, international sales executive. “On the Wednesday of the show we were run off our feet and could not get to everybody! The leads we have had have been quality too.”
It was the first show for Red Rhino’s new owners; they wanted to test the water, before committing to a big outdoor stand, so booked a stand in the Pavilion. Red Rhino’s production director Alan Hardisty said, “We only took over Red Rhino in March of this year so it’s all very new to us. It’s our first show with this product and it’s been brilliant. We launched the 2000 Multiform Crusher at the show and the interest has been phenomenal – so much so we have decided to expand the range on the strength of feedback from the show.” Hardisty concluded, “We will certainly be back next year and will be considering an outside plot with demo area.”
Rod Leyland managing director of Anros also reported excellent sales leads he said, “We have had a really good few days the leads we have generated I am confident will convert to sales. We weren’t pushing to hire our equipment, but we have secured a number of hire deals, which we are really pleased about. We’ll be back in 2010.”