The coach and bus industry was out in force at the NEC, Birmingham, last week – checking out the next wave of vehicles, technology, equipment, accessories and business services launching onto the market at Coach & Bus UK 2017.
The two-day biennial show on 4-5 October welcomed 5,908 attendees. And, there was a notable increase in the number of visiting operators looking to do business.
A higher proportion of visitors were bus or coach operators (+2.4%), and there was a higher representation of senior personnel, with a 4% increase in visiting owners, partners, CEOs and MDs.
With 191 exhibiting companies, the UK’s biggest show in the passenger sector was a resounding success, say the organisers, and reflects the general good health of the industry.
There were over 70 vehicles available to view across the show floor, in the new miniplus area, and outside display area, including many exclusive launches.
Many have hailed it as a phenomenal success – praising the excellent quality of attendees, high level of engagement, and quantity of new leads and orders over the two days.
“This year’s Coach & Bus UK was a phenomenal success for Irizar UK and was by far the busiest exhibition we’ve ever exhibited at. As a team, we did not manage to stop for a breath through the two days and really enjoyed being part of the exhibition,” says Steve O'Neill, Director at Irizar UK.
“This was a landmark show for Arriva Bus and Coach and one that will live long in the memory,” agrees Andrew Cullen, Commercial Director at Arriva Bus and Coach. “We have been overwhelmed by the incredible reaction of everyone who visited our stand and look forward to doing it all again next time.”
“It was a very good show. We always keep our diaries free for Coach & Bus UK, as it gives us the opportunity to see many of our suppliers in one place, and to learn about some of the new technologies emerging in our industry. It is definitely worth the time,” says Ian Luckett, Director of Lucketts Travel.
The next event – Euro Bus Expo 2018 – is already 75% sold out of exhibition space over a year before doors open. It returns to the NEC in Birmingham on 30 October-1 November 2018. Coach & Bus UK will take place the following year, in 2019.
Find out more: www.coachandbusuk.com and www.eurobusxpo.com.
