UK show 'NEW 2009' generates plenty of interest and high quality leads

Following speculation over how the show would rise to the challenge of today's economic climate, National Electronics Week has been hailed a complete success by event organisers. Amid reports of visitors attending with the sole aim of purchasing equipment and exhibitors re-booking for 2010, NEW 2009 represents further evidence of a pending industry recovery.

Officially opened by Richard Noble, former land speed record holder and the driving force behind The Bloodhound SSC project; NEW 2009 attracted visitors from across the industry. Featuring three well-attended seminar programmes including the inaugural Electronics Weekly Live design conference, education was a strong theme at the show. But mostly, it was the show's status as a business platform that has dominated feedback so far, with EcoPac's David Sproat claiming: "The quantity and quality of the leads was very good; we found that everyone at the show was genuinely looking to do business. On the back of our success this year, EcoPac Power has already reserved a bigger space for NEW's 2010 show."

Juki's Phil Stokes added; "For the quality of leads and new contacts made this is the best show Juki has had in the UK for the past eight years." Almit's Peter Martin stated; "We also saw a number of people looking to spend money – positive indicators for both the show and our industry. We now have some very interesting new opportunities to follow up." O'Dell Rework Solutions' Jason O'Dell said: "Not only did we get some great feedback from our customers, but we were also delighted to pick up a number of new leads. I will definitely be back in 2010!" James Cawkell from Adaptsys agreed: "I believe the UK needs a show like NEW and its success will benefit all of us. I have already booked for 2010." Nick Theodoris from Wurth Electronics UK Ltd. echoed these sentiments, saying: "Our time at National Electronics Week saw us collect over 100 good quality qualified enquiries – a fantastic result."

Quantum CAD's Heather Norbury added: "We have supported and participated in the NEW show from year one and believe it's a well run, well supported show for the electronics industry." VSMT's David Clements also explained that as a direct result of visitor feedback at the show, the company has decided to bring forward the launch of a new machine for customers who require a quality SMA solution but who do not necessarily need the power of its newly launched vivo5 placement machine. He explains: "We found NEW to be an extremely useful show; not least, because we came away with ten great quality leads - all of which were new names to us. It also provided a valuable opportunity to gauge industry trends."

Show organisers are naturally extremely encouraged with initial feedback. Event Director Claire Jeffreys explains: "Despite the challenges we all face in today's tough economic times, NEW 2009 really highlighted how much the UK industry has to be proud of. The number of exhibitors I spoke to who were delighted by the number of quality leads they were collecting on stand are strong indicators of the long-awaited recovery. I would like to thank everyone who supported us and in turn, the UK industry. We're still the UK's number one electronics exhibition and look forward to returning in 2010!"

www.new-expo.co.uk