RTXploring the Midlands
By Tachosys / June 2024
Having recently returned from our second exhibition of 2024, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on two of the UK’s industry-leading transport events. The Commercial Vehicle Show held at the NEC in Birmingham in April and then at the beginning of June, we were just a few miles further down the road at Stoneleigh Park for the Road Transport Expo (RTX). Both events provided us with great opportunities to reconnect with our reseller network, to hear from customers as well as to gain insights into both industry trends and customer specific needs to help aid our future product development.
The CV Show has been a highlight on our calendar for the past 15 years, and this year was no exception. As we ventured into the NEC, the show while smaller in regards to exhibitors, was still well attended by a healthy mix of decision makers, drivers, fleet managers, consultants, law enforcement and business owners.
We focussed our time at the CV Show on strengthening existing relationships within our reseller network, being able to welcome a number of our overseas partners onto the stand. The location of the NEC lends itself to international visitors having direct access to Birmingham International Airport. This made it a great location as we met with those from Italy, Ireland and Belgium as well as with a dozen or so of our UK resellers.
The conversations were encouraging and with a steady flow throughout the day, we were able to take the time to comprehensively present our products and take time to answer questions. We gained useful and varied perspectives on the current challenges facing the industry; with a number of discussions on the introduction of the Smart2 tachograph with its upcoming retrofit deadline, ideas on sustainability and ways of reducing fleet operating costs through monitoring driver behaviour and keeping on top of vehicle maintenance. We came away from the three-day event inspired and with plenty of follow-up conversations and meetings.
Less than two months later, we travelled back to the West Midlands but this time to the NAEC Stoneleigh for the Road Transport Expo. With an impressive mix of indoor and outdoor stands, we were pleased to be exhibiting alongside a host of HGV manufacturers as well as many other top names within the world of fleet management.
In keeping with their ‘all about the truck’ ethos, RTX put on a great show combining the 250+ exhibitors with a well thought-through conference line up, ride and drive area and a dedicated app to help guide through each day.
Throughout the three days, we had the chance to reconnect with a number of those we had previously seen at the CV Show, building on conversations and pushing forward on a number of collaborative projects. We also found ourselves able to connect with hundreds of new faces, representing all corners of the industry. Each day whilst peaking at the mid-point (11am-2pm), was full of conversation, discovery, questions and demonstrations.
One of the high points of exhibiting is receiving positive feedback about our products. It enables us to continue moving forward, expanding our product range with new ideas and improving our existing products to fulfil the needs of the consumer. To hear firsthand that the solutions we have crafted are being relied upon right across the industry reassures us that our perceived reputation is a valid one. A reputation of reliability, trusty and durable hardware, patient and helpful support, and a team who have a genuine concern for those operating in the road transport sector.
So, as we reflect on our experiences, we’d like to thank the hard work of the event organisers and of our team for the travel, set-up, show days and pack down, the time spent with our partners and to each one of you who visited our stands (and who have read to this point). These exhibitions are about so much more than just showcasing our products. They’re about learning, listening and connecting with the industry that we’ve been a part of for over 30 years. Until next time.
