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| Firex International is moving back to London after 16 years at Birmingham's NEC |
UBM Live recently announced that the UK-based Protection & Management Series including IFSEC International, FIREX International, Safety & Health Expo and Facilities Show will move from Birmingham’s NEC to ExCeL London in June 2014.
The decision comes at the end of a 12 month period of research and consultation with stakeholders across all communities, which resulted in overwhelming support for a move to London in 2014. The research concluded that re-locating to the UK Capital would ensure the events would continue to be easily accessible for existing visitors as well as allowing the Series to take advantage of London’s status as a global business destination to attract even greater numbers of international attendees: increasingly important to all our exhibitors and partners. In addition, ExCeL London, as a leading international venue will enable visitors to circulate between the four events more easily. As visitors’ requirements have changed over recent years, the Series has witnessed more and more visitors wishing to experience all the shows, not just one. The layout of the shows at ExCeL will ensure an enhanced visitor experience, easier navigation and ultimately a better return on their time.
“The move back to London after 16 successful years at the NEC is informed by extensive customer research and is a natural progression for the Series as the markets we serve become increasingly international. We are very excited at the prospect of a move to ExCeL which will enable us to continue to grow these enormously successful events by taking advantage of both the benefits of a London location and the ability to attract new visitor sectors” commented Simon Parker, Managing Director, UBM Live London.
Leading figures across all industry sectors support the reason behind the move with the British Security Industry Association (BSIA); Institution of Occupational Safety & Health (IOSH); Fire Industry Association (FIA) and British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) confirming exclusive support for the events.
Exhibitors from all four events are wholly supportive of the move. Simon Everest, Head of the Security Directorate, in UKTI DSO summed up sentiments expressed across the board, "UKTI have been a long term active partner and supporter of UBM’s Protection & Management Series (IFSEC, FIREX, and Safety & Health Expo). I am delighted to see that UBM Live is relocating to London, taking on board feedback from their customers. A move to London offers UK businesses an exciting global stage to develop export opportunities".
CEO of UBM Live, Simon Foster expressed UBM’s commitment to the decision, “We would like to thank the NEC for the part they have played in the sustained success of the Protection & Management Series. UBM Live has a clear strategy to evolve and innovate and, having thoroughly researched the proposal with our stakeholders, moving to London means we can fully engage with our communities internationally whilst enhancing our offering to those in the UK. Our commitment to indispensible content underpins all of our events and the experience we can offer at ExCeL London will be both thought-provoking and memorable for all of our customers.”
The Protection & Management Series will continue to provide visitors with access to unparalleled expertise through a comprehensive range of exhibitors; ground-breaking innovations and the most up-to-date legislation and compliance information. Visitors and exhibitors will enjoy doing business in a world-class venue and we look forward to introducing a range of exciting new attractions in 2014, to be announced over coming months.
ExCeL London and the surrounding area – including the O2 complex offer an array of entertainment options to event attendees, including fabulous opportunities for corporate hospitality, and an abundance of hotel rooms to cater for all budgets. The excellent international links to the venue, including Eurostar and five international airports, support London’s reputation as an exceptional business destination whilst visitors from the UK will experience easy access to the capital by both road and rail.
The Protection & Management Series will take place at ExCeL London from, 17 -19 June 2014.
