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Tow the Line
Page 50
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The sixth annual European Tow Show was staged in Telford at the end of June. CM took a wander around to soak up the themes
Words: Andy Salter / Images: James Baylis
Like everyone involved in road transport, the drive towards improved efficiency was in evidence among the 60 or so exhibitors showing their wares at this year's European Tow Show. The exhibition, now in its sixth year, was held in three halls of the Telford International Centre between the 26 and 28 June, and while exhibitors reported the Saturday as very quiet, the two "business" days of the show were brisk with exhibitors reporting good levels of enquiry from some serious hitters.
Innovations and ideas For the past six years, this show has been organised by recovery industry stalwarts Frank McAllister and Roy Jones, although in the few weeks before the show, they announced they were selling it to the Road Haulage Association (RHA), which will now take over the operational responsibility. Rumours circulating around the show that this signals the end of McAllister and Jones' involvement were refuted by Jones when CM caught up with him: "I've heard these rumours, but I can assure you we will be retaining our involvement in the organisation of the show," said Jones. "It is an excellent exhibition and continues to go from strength to strength. I'm shocked this year at the number of international visitors we've had. There's been a large delegation from Ireland, as well as Hungarians, Germans, Dutch, French and North Americans, indicating the potential. People are already booking for next year."
The gala dinner and awards ceremony took place on the Friday evening of the show, with more than 450 people in attendance. Nick Overden of Ashford Recovery received a lifetime achievement award recognising his efforts in raising standards in training for the sector.
The show, opened by Nikki King, OBE, managing director of lsuzu Trucks UK, featured a number of new launches and innovations, and it was clear that the main theme was a focus on improving the utilisation of vehicles in the sector and a drive toward maximising efficiency. •