EW issue 1 2025 | Page 38

History

Empowering exhibitions for 130 years

Max Steventon reports on Montgomery Group celebrating 130 years of innovation and global impact
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Group marks its 130th anniversary , a milestone that underscores its distinction as the UK ’ s longestserving events company . From its founding in 1895 to its position today as a leading global exhibition organiser , the story of Montgomery Group is a testament to innovation and a commitment to connecting people and ideas .
What has been the secret to Montgomery ’ s longevity ? Its timeline reveals a family-run business that has thrived by embracing change , pioneering new markets and impacting industries worldwide .
Damion Angus , CEO and chairman at Montgomery , says “ The culture is key ”. He adds : “ People tend to enjoy working for us . We have always tried to empower our teams and allowed them to seek forgiveness rather than permission . One of our core values is empowerment .”
1949 : A royal endorsement Queen Elizabeth , wife of King
George VI visited the Building Trade Exhibition at Olympia , London bringing significant press attention .
Queen Elizabeth ’ s 1949 visit to Olympia
1895 : The beginnings Montgomery Group was founded in 1895 by Greville Montgomery , a liberal politician with a vision . That same year , the company launched its first event , The First Building Show at the Royal Agricultural Hall , London . Designed to support the struggling clay industry , the event exemplified the altruistic spirit that would define Montgomery . Yes , it was a business venture , but it was also a way to bring people together who needed to be brought together . The First Building show subsequently became a biennial event . Montgomery Group had begun .
1903 : Seizing new opportunities
In 1903 , Montgomery launched
The Colliery Show , its first mining-focused event . Hosted at the Royal Agricultural Hall , the ground-breaking event highlighted Montgomery ’ s knack for identifying new markets . Montgomery ’ s early successes provide a good template to how they have grown : seizing new opportunities , entering new markets and affecting lives by bringing likeminded people together .
1935 : Resilience to adversity
Against the backdrop of the Great Depression ( which occurred just six years earlier ), Montgomery launched the Hotel ,
Restaurant and Catering Show ( now HRC ) in 1935 in
London . The six-day event attracted over 30,000 attendees and was hailed as “ the greatest exhibition in the history of catering ” by UK magazine Caterer and Hotelkeeper . Montgomery stayed resilient , created new shows and new ideas despite a tough economic environment .
1967 : Going global Montgomery would cite
1967 as a pivotal year – the year Montgomery went international .
Specialised Exhibitions was founded by Sandy Angus and Bryan Montgomery in South Africa . It is still part of the Montgomery Group and is one of South Africa ’ s leading exhibition organisers .
The move to international markets affirms how
Montgomery never stood still . Damion Angus says a key to the group ’ s success is its “ ability to launch trade shows globally ”. He adds : “ The global market has been integral for Montgomery . ”
1908 – The Colliery Show
39 Issue 1 2025 www . exhibitionworld . co . uk