Timber in strong Interbuild focus

The UK’s biggest building products show has been declared a success, with visitor numbers “broadly in line” with last year’s event, which attracted around 40,000 people.

Official Interbuild statistics will not be released for several weeks, but organiser Emap Construct said it was delighted with the feedback so far. This year saw Interbuild revert to its normal autumn timing as well as being relaunched as an annual event.

Emap said 60 exhibitors showed their products in the TRADA-sponsored Timber Zone, which had to be expanded to accommodate more companies.

“We are very pleased with the Timber Zone,” TRADA’s head of information Jeremy Vibert told TTJ during the show. “The range of products on display is very impressive, and so is the interest they’re generating.”

TRADA’ s central information stand, lounge and seminar theatre were 50% larger than last year. Tours of the zone were organised for construction professionals, with architects, contractors and builders all taking part.

German and Canadian companies formed strong contingents, with the German Timber Promotion Fund and Canadian High Commission co-ordinating representations from the respective countries.

British Hardwoods won Interbuild’s Energy Saving and Sustainability Award for its green floor product, while the Test the Trades competition hosted by original Big Brother winner Craig Phillips was won for the second year running by South Birmingham College’s flooring team, who beat their peers in the building, roofing and plumbing trades.