Unimer means business at Interbuild

Interbuild is calling on Unimer members to make the most of a growing merchant presence at the UK’s biggest building show (Sunday 26th – Thursday 30th October at Birmingham’s NEC).
In support of the show’s drive to recruit further merchant representation, organisers have already confirmed that the Unimer Showcase and Lounge areas will occupy twice the size at this year’s event (as reported in the last issue of Unimer News). Now, Interbuild is working alongside Unimer to communicate the clear business benefits for members, championing the tried and tested ‘strength in numbers’ philosophy.

“Within a week of rolling out the announcement we had a large number of enquiries and the initial take-up is very encouraging,” says Interbuild Event Director, James Gower. Among those already confirmed within the Unimer area are Ellbee – a major supplier of Aluminium and PVC doors and windows; Polyplastics – a specialist wholesale distributor and fabricator of sheet plastics for roofing and glazing; and Salepoint – providers of bespoke joinery, floors, ceiling, graphics and signage to hardware and trade counters.

“Members recognise that exhibiting as part of a cluster of companies offers them a unique opportunity to reach their marketplace more cost-effectively. Furthermore, by forging an alliance of merchant and supplier companies, draws the relevant cross-sections of Interbuild’s 44,000 strong-attendance to one specific area, facilitating more targeted business transactions.”

Exhibiting under the Unimer umbrella at the 2007 show, Cox Building Products and Marley Eternit both reaped the rewards of their collaboration with the UK’s largest merchant co-operative at Interbuild.

“We had an excellent show and were especially pleased by the consistently high number of visitors throughout the full five days,” says Cox Building Products’ Sales & Marketing Director, Phil Beswick.

“As well as the quantity, the quality of visitor was equally as impressive. We had visitors from a wide range of disciplines representing everything from architects through to local authorities, contractors and developers. What is more, though we anticipated we would generate enquiries we didn’t expect to secure any orders, so we were thrilled when we actually managed to confirm a number of deals while on-site at the show.”

Supporting this sentiment, Marley Eternit had an especially good show on the roofing side and were impressed by the newly created Eco Product showcase, launched at last year’s event, which gave them the perfect opportunity to present their new EcoLogic roof tile.

“Our presence at the show was worthwhile,” says Marley Eternit’s Campaign Manager, Jayne Arkell. “The show was very busy and though I was surprised by some of the category of visitors, they were all relevant to our product areas. We had a good show with a good number of enquiries.”

In fact, the 2007 show was so successful that 61% of exhibitors had already booked for the 2008 event while on-site. Organisers are also currently in talks with previous exhibitors from within the Umimer area, with a view to them taking an individual presence in the main body of the show.

“Many companies exhibiting for the first time find exhibitor groups, like the Unimer Lounge, a successful means of gauging the specific value of the show for them,” says Interbuild’s James Gower. “I’m pleased to say success stories, such as Cox Building Products, see exhibitors returning time and time again, which is why we have agreed with Unimer to extend the area for this year’s event.