Timber sector companies presented their products to “thousands” of architects, developers, local authority specifiers and others at the combined Ecobuild, Futurebuild and Regenex sustainable construction show in London.
Last year’s event at the QEII Conference Hall saw around 40 exhibitors. This year there were around 200 in its new home, Earls Court 2. The conference programme was also expanded and included presentations on timber technology, with speakers from TRADA and the UK Timber Frame Association.
Among the timber company exhibitors was Arnold Laver which focused on its certified material. Group purchasing director Pat Burke said attending the event paid off on two fronts.
“We’ve made contacts with architects, interior designers, self builders and education professionals,” he said. “And we’ve also had very positive order inquiries which, to be honest given the nature of the event, we weren’t expecting.”
Prescot-based structural insulated panel manufacturer Hemsec SIPs said its attendance was justified within the first two hours.
Managing director Richard Daley said: “The visitors are serious players.”
Leicester-based Big Hardwoods showed its range of unusual high-spec hardwoods, including mango, robina and blue lobo, while panel producer Sonae demonstrated samples of its chipboard, MDF and OSB, with “lots of interest” in the latter product.
Howarth Timber (Windows & Doors) was promoting its SupplyAir window, developed with the Carbon Trust initiative, and Covers Timber Structures focused on its alliance with Canadian partner Corecan.
Other timber building specialists included Pinewood Structures, Stewart Milne Timber Systems, Frame UK, Kingspan TEK and Wave Homes.
Spokesperson Caroline Hale said 5000 visitors had pre-registered for the three-in-one show: “We believe our unique combination of events fulfils a real need by addressing the major themes in design, construction and development,” she said.
