From strength to strength
Page 5
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Organiser Dave Tallent outlines the continuing growth and popularity of Tip-ex Despite the periodic headlines announcing the dire consequences of a double dip recession in the UK and predicting impending doom for Greece, Italy and Spain, the bulk haulage industry seems to be quietly going about its business and steadily rebuilding following the recessionary shockwaves of 2008. Most of the companies exhibiting at Tip-ex12 are in fact reporting healthy increases in revenues if not margins, and many are actively looking at recruitment rather than shedding labour.
Our industry seems determined to look at a glass that is half-full rather than half-empty, and seems willing once again to invest in the future, whether that means bringing in good new people, investing in more efficient new equipment, or in promoting their businesses through the shows such as Tip-ex. And with over 20 new exhibitors joining the ranks of the many 'regulars', Tip-ex12 is living proof of this optimistic outlook within the industry.
The continued development of the many new products and services on show this year is another indication of the underlying health of our industry. In order to recognise and encourage this vital trend, we are launching the Tip-ex Innovation Award, sponsored by Commercial Motor. This will be judged at the show by the Commercial Motor team who will assess the levels of originality and technical ingenuity on display at this year's show.
Another first in 2012 is the introduction of the Tip-ex Haulier of the Year Award, which is open to any operator with a fleet of 10 or more vehicles in the tipping and bulk haulage industry. The winner will be chosen by a panel of independent judges.
Entrants will be expected to demonstrate a record of sound financial management and a commitment to professionalism, customer care, safety, training and the environment. Sponsored by MAN Truck and Bus UK, we hope that this will become a regular feature of Tip-ex and that it will be seen as an accolade befitting the best in our industry.
Both of these awards will be presented at the annual Awards and Gala dinner to be held at the Majestic Hotel on Saturday 26 May.
As well as viewing the latest and brightest in the tipper world, don't miss our range of need-to-know seminars. On Friday morning Commercial Motor will run seminars on all the upcoming road transport law, with presenters from transport lawyers Backhouse Jones, the new Traffic Commissioner for the North Eastern traffic area, Kevin Rooney, as well as an update on the latest truck and trailer development trends from Paul Bratton, sales director at SDC Trailers.
On Friday afternoon, the Chartered Institute of Wastes Management will be running sessions on health and safety, tipper stability and saving fuel and emissions through accurate vehicle weighing. It will also run a taster session on Saturday morning about how the waste regulations apply to operators.
All of these will take place at the Majestic Hotel (next to the exhibition halls). Any show visitor is welcome to attend the seminars free of charge.
This is our fifth Tip-ex show. When we launched the first show in 2007, our objective was to put together an exhibition that reflected the needs and desires of the tipper and bulk haulage sector of the transport industry. With the assistance of an enthusiastic panel of exhibitors, we have continued to develop the show with this in mind, and hopefully its growing popularity suggests that this objective is being met. However, we need to continue to be ready to meet the ever-changing needs of the industry and we welcome any suggestions of how we can improve the show, for visitors and exhibitors alike. •