Visitors from many of the UK’s largest industrial, commercial and retail businesses came out in force for this year’s Energy, Renewables and Water Events (NEC Birmingham, 15-16 September), organised by i2i Events.
“The energy, water and renewables markets are going through a period of change and end-users are keen to understand the issues and how it will affect them,” comments Alison Willis, Portfolio Director at i2i Events Group.
“At the shows, visitors were able to get advice and information about how to deliver energy efficiency savings, the political landscape surrounding renewable energy and what deregulation will mean for the water industry in 2017. We are really pleased with how well the seminar sessions, exhibitor content and the show in general was received by visitors.”
Energy Connects, a new business matchmaking service, was declared “a huge success”, with hundreds of facilitated meetings taking place over the two days.
Hosted by Sector Marketing, a specialist in integrated marketing services, Energy Connects offered exclusive one to one meetings between the shows’ visitors and exhibitors. Participants included Heineken, WM Morrison Supermarket, Northern Gas and Power, U Direct, Essensys, Almach Energy, Inecsys Limited, Sims Creative, Rural Energy, Nottingham City Council, Severn Trent Water and E.ON.
Rhea Marsden, Business Development Manager for Corporate Business at E.ON commented “We had very successful meetings where we spoke to customers who didn’t know much about this side of our business and are very interested in working with us moving forward. We also took away some valuable contacts from people who approached Steve after the panel discussion. Overall, this was a success for E.ON and the way we took part really helped us engage with our customers.”
The seminars gave visitors the unique opportunity to learn from industry experts including Rolls Royce, Network Rail, News UK, Whitbread Group Plc, Costa Coffee, Bernard Matthews, Bentley Motors, Marks & Spencer, Nestle and House of Fraser.
The panel discussions covered topics including the business case for energy efficiency, solar strategy and getting the most from water supply.
Lord Curry of Kirkharle, who sits on the EU Energy and Environment Sub-Committee in the House of Lords, presented a talk about cutting regulatory burdens within the energy sectors. Dame Frances Cairncross DBE, Gerd Kortuem from the Open University and Fred Pearce, author of When the Rivers Run Dry also captivated audiences with enlightening sessions.
The co-located events provided access to the services, products and advice of more than 190 exhibitors.