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GOOD NEWS AND HARSH REALITY
Page 16
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This week was a highlight for the road transport industry. Year on year we get used to bad news poor performance, more legislation and weakening bottom lines but each spring there is one great moment when the whole industry can come together and celebrate all the good stuff. You can share views, news and products, kick the tyres on launch vehicles and get up to speed on all the issues you've missed. It is, of course, the CV Show and there are sound economic reasons why we should celebrate it. There is a direct correlation between the strength of trade shows, the advertising market and the economic health of a sector. When things are bad end users don't spend and the advertisers knot their purse strings.
Shows can be seen as an unnecessary and cumbersome expense. The fact that this CV Show is the biggest ever reflects a fundamental confidence in the market. And its not just about sales or networking. There are all kinds of opportunities for training, professional development, learning about legislation and having the time to absorb information on a grand scale. Everyone and everything you need is under one roof at the NEC.
The organisers also hoped to bring at least 1,000 non-transport people through the doors, from schools, colleges and other sectors. The industry desperately needs this fresh injection of recruits so let's hope this initiative bears fruit. It certainly deserves our support. Another group which richly deserves our support is Transaid. Pall-Ex boss Hilary Devey has just returned from Ghana where she has been sharing much needed expertise with women trying to organise commercial transport (see page 36). Away from the glitz and glitter of the CV Show, the situation in Ghana, as in so much of the developing world, is a stark reminder that an effective transport infrastructure is literally a matter of life and death, The UK road transport industry has a wealth of experience to offer the developing world. This is not only charitable; it's only through self-sustained trade that poor countries will ever fight their way free of foreign aid and end their negative impact on the world economy. Congratulations to Hilary and Transaid for a job well done.