Optimistic outlook

The footprint of IMHX has been increased by 20% to meet continued demand for exhibitor space. With the show still several months away (19th to 22nd March at the NEC, Birmingham), the amount of floor space reserved is already approaching that booked at the 2010 event.

A recent addition to the show's line-up is Linde. Andrew Daly, director of sales and marketing, says: "Closer engagement with our customers, providing them with efficiencies, cost reduction and greater flexibility have been a key focus for us at Linde and IMHX gives us the ideal platform to demonstrate these values and the full breath of our capabilities." The economic climate is not denting the confidence of the British Industrial Truck Association, coorganiser of IMHX, whose members met in May for their AGM. A positive economic forecast from the latest research carried out for BITA by Oxford Economics, combined with the success of the association's new apprenticeship scheme - the BITA Academy - meant that members demonstrate an optimistic outlook.

Presenting the research findings on behalf of Oxford Economics, Scott Livermore said, "Although output in 2011 has been weaker than expected and the statistics indicate that manufacturing activity is expected to remain sluggish this year, evidence provided by BITA members provides room for cautious optimism.

"Order books and actual sales in the sector appear to be in better shape than the macroeconomic position would suggest. Although manufacturing felt the brunt of the weaker-than-expected second half of 2011, with growth averaging just 0.5% compared to an expected 2% last September, survey data has picked up over the last six months. This has been helped by a rebound in new orders, both total and export orders."