Feature
Are we heading for a supply crisis?
EN editor Saul Leese talks to suppliers across the exhibition
industry to gauge if a supply crisis is looming
A
n EN investigation has
revealed that there could
be potential supply problems
in delivering the increased
number of exhibitions now
taking place in Q3/Q4, 2020.
ESSA, director, Andrew
Harrison, has issued a
widely welcomed early
warning, that unless the
Government issues clarity
over the ‘lockdown’, and
financial support packages
are extended to suppliers,
businesses may not be here
when they are needed most.
He said: “We need
immediate recognition of the
part events and exhibitions
will play in reigniting the
UK economy post the
outbreak as they stimulate
economic impact across
hotels, airlines, restaurants
and other business tourism
activities all over the UK.
Seek explicit reference
as being part of ‘Leisure,
Hospitality and Tourism’ – to
avoid ambiguity on inclusion
in all current and future
packages and measures.
“We need the Government
to create a specific industry
support package in line with
other countries (including
Australia, Denmark and
Hong Kong) to protect the
sector, ready to run events
and stimulate markets.”
When asked if Harrison
envisages a shortfall
in suppliers or skilled
workforces needed to deliver
the increased number of
exhibitions, he added: “In
short yes. This is potentially
compounded by any shortfall
in any of the above measures
and equally our sectors
ability to work together.
Leadership, ingenuity,
pragmatism, possitivity,
togetherness and alliance are
just some of the key features
that exist in abundance in
our sector and we must draw
on it like never before. We
will find a solution, we are
solutions people, but it’s
going to be the toughest
eight months of all of our
working lives.”
EN sat in on one of the
many Zoom meetings held by
ESSA with its members, and
asked supplier businesses
to give their view on the
potential problem.
Steve Barrett, MD, Full Circle
Events
“I do not foresee where there
will be any, as to me if you
move your trade from one
fiscal quarter to another, and
you have the infrastructure
and the support of exhibitors
and visitors, it should all be
possible without any real
issues. It will all be about
the mind-set of everybody
involved.
“From a contractor/supplier
point of view this could be a
car crash! Car crashes can be
avoided but only with carful
panning, with the right
people being consulted and
the necessary budget going
to the right people at the
right time, let’s face it
May — 29