North West safety event attracts record numbers
October 1st 2009 For the sixth event in succession the Health and Safety series of regional events has
increased the number of visitors attending. HSM looks back on the recent Northern
exhibition and conference, held in Bolton,and analyses the individual components of
the event in order to unearth the secret of its success
At surface level nothing about the regional series of
Health and Safety events, now entering their fourth
year, is very remarkable. Regional exhibitions, as
opposed to large national ones, have been around for a very
long time; having an educational programme that runs
alongside an exhibition – again good, especially as it is free –
but not exactly rocket science; free car parking, top quality
product vendors, networking opportunities – again tick, tick,
tick but is this adequate explanation as to why more people
attend year on year?
When speaking to Neal Stone from the British Safety Council
(BSC), the Official Educational Partner of the events, it becomes
clear that the free educational programme is much more than a
sop, tagged on to the event as an after thought. The seminar
programme at Bolton, put together by the BSC attracted
audiences of between 250 and 300 people (the maximum the
venue can accommodate) and featured high profile speakers
drawn from trade unions, the HSE and professional
organisations.
Commenting on the seminar programme at Bolton, Neal
Stone said, "I am convinced that the topics we addressed in
Bolton were the right ones. The visitor feedback we have had
intimates that the major safety issues such as corporate
manslaughter; the benefits of a positive safety culture and slips
and trips really struck a chord with the hundreds of safety
professionals attending. Also, the speakers we had are all from
the top draw. They are opinion formers at the cutting edge of the
subjects they are addressing."
An important point, which comes across when speaking to
Neal, is that topicality is a major factor when looking at the
construction of the seminar programme, The BSC is already
planning the Sandown and Edinburgh programmes for 2010 and
Neal says, "From the feedback we receive we can include new
issues as they emerge and add new speakers to address topics
from different angles."
With the 2010 seminar programmes to be announced shortly
Neal revealed that he would expect to see such issues as
Donaghy's inquiry into construction fatalities and the first
corporate manslaughter prosecution influencing the agenda.
Neal also said that, "Competence and the regulation of health
and safety people is a contentious issue which I would expect to
figure."
As well as the importance of keeping the seminars fresh there
are different elements added to the Health and Safety series
every year. Last year at Bolton the fire safety demonstration and
the 'Demo Zone' proved very popular while this year the Arco
Safety Experience (a choreographed stage show) introduced a
high energy, glamour element. Commenting David Hinchliffe,
divisional director, marketing at Arco said: "This year's Bolton
Show, coincided with Arco's 125th anniversary in business and
the launch of the latest Big Book catalogue. As the UK's leading
safety company, Arco is dedicated to getting closer to its
customers and we see the regional shows as an excellent
platform to build on local relationships and support our branch
network across the UK. The Bolton Show provided the
opportunity to celebrate our achievements and demonstrate our
ongoing commitment to providing customers with the latest
safety products. Our product runway shows ran throughout the
two days and we were delighted to see so many visitors enjoying
the event. "
Having looked at the major parts of the events and been
impressed by the commitment to keep moving forward in order
to make each subsequent visit more rewarding HSM spoke to
Tim Else, event director, and asked him why he thought the
event series was progressing. He said, "It all comes down to the
quality of what you are offering I believe. Yes, in essence,
nothing about the event is revolutionary but everything about it
is done very well and that's what people expect and deserve, but
rarely receive. The events fulfils a basic need, providing a
platform for buyers, sellers and educators in the safety industry
to interact, but because we are visitor-centric in our approach
we cover those basics very well."
In conclusion, having looked at the elements that go to make
up the Health and Safety series, it seems that there is no secret
to the events' success other than it proves the old adage correct
that 'the whole really is greater than the sum of the parts.'
The next in this series of regional events is Health and Safety
– South held on 23rd and 24th February 2010 at Sandown Park,
Esher. This will be followed by a new event, Health and Safety –
Scotland held on 15th and 16th September at The Royal
highland Centre, Edinburgh. For more information on seminar
content and to register in advance please visit:
www.healthandsafetyevents.co.uk or for those without internet
access registration can be completed by calling the event
helpline on: 0870 4866816. More articles from Health and Safety Events: | 
