W14 looks set to be the most important edition of the manufacturers’ national show for several years. It is not just a matter of size either even though the show totally fills three of the halls at the NEC making W14 one of the largest UK trade shows. More important is the diversity and balance this show is achieving with an exhibitor list which includes some of the great names in machinery, components and materials from across the world.
Like many across the industry, readers of Furniture Production are now daring to feel relatively optimistic about prospects for the industry.
The UK economy is ahead of anything happening in the Euro Zone and there is a new appreciation of the importance of manufacturers.
There is a general cry to build more houses, with political parties seeking to outdo each other in the ambition of their respective construction programmes.
With that comes more construction work in providing an infrastructure for those houses. It is well known that furniture demand tracks construction pretty closely so it is easy to be confident about a fairly solid and continuous recovery, maybe, whisper it, even a modest boom on the horizon.
Despite the need to take a day away from the office or factory, it has to be further good news for manufacturers that W14 is scheduled for the autumn being held from 5th-8th October at the NEC in Birmingham. For those in search of new machinery and equipment, upgrading after some years of making do, or those interested in the latest production techniques, W14 is a must – running machinery and the expertise of an entire industry at your disposal make this event unmissable.
An already comprehensive machinery contingent has been further enhanced by the decision of Biesse to return to exhibiting at the show. A huge Biesse stand in hall six sees the company showing in style this autumn.
Along with Homag, SCM, RW Machines, Felder, Daltons-Wadkin and JJ Smith leading the machinery, W14 represents a who’s-who from across the industry – a feast of technology – much of which can be running throughout the exhibition. W14 delights in its ability to show these big names, who are confident in their product and keen to meet the market.
To see the best in components and materials has, in previous years, required a trip to well-known German or Italian exhibitions – sometimes even further afield. But this year, the market has recognised the potential in the UK leading to an impressive line-up of product in the halls at W14.
A glance down the exhibitor list will reveal that the show delivers on its promise to offer everything for the joinery and furniture manufacturer making the event an incredible proposition and a must-see for anyone planning to exploit the improved – and still improving – market conditions.
Organiser John Smith-Bodden has remained resolutely confident throughout the recent W events, whilst being sure of a return to form in 2014.
“Something told us that W14 was going to develop rapidly this edition when global market leaders Blum decided to show to UK manufacturers. Blum’s presence at the show is part of a trend which has seen a rapid take-up by materials and components suppliers. A glance at the floor plan shows significant players in all areas of supply to furniture and joinery manufacturers will be ready to meet you at W14.
“Indeed, the meeting aspect is, or should be, right at the heart of all exhibitions. Face to face contact between supplier and customer usually produces exciting developments,” says John.
“Exhibitions are really the only media in which the instant two-way exchange is possible. Seeing and feeling the products, watching the demonstrations and applying them to your own business. Finding people you can do business with and stimulating your own thought process. All of this is peculiar to an exhibition, benefiting your business in many different ways.”
Whether a joinery or furniture manufacturer looking to boost profitability in a buoyant market then a visit to W14 in October is a must.
