More for Merchants at Interbuild '08

The UK's largest merchant co-operative will be at the UK's biggest building show, Sunday 26th October through to Thursday 30th October, covering an area twice the size of their presence at the 2007 event.

‘The Unimer lounge and supporting member exhibitors created a vibrant meeting place and hugely successful feature at last year's show,’ says Interbuild Event Director, James Gower. ‘I'm thrilled to announce the return of this joint-venture for the second-year running, and look forward to working with Unimer to shape new initiatives with the specific wants and needs of merchants in mind.’

With 1,200 merchant members, and 700 supplier members, Unimer represents a large proportion of this important industry sector. The collaboration with Interbuild presents all Unimer suppliers with the opportunity to exhibit to a standard that might otherwise be too costly for them to undertake alone.

‘The merchant landscape has been irrevocably changed by the corporate acquisitions of the past few years,’ says James Gower. ‘With Unimer's help we're pleased to be able to give the independents and smaller outlets a voice.

‘Our partnership with Unimer also serves to strengthen and broaden certain sector representation at Interbuild. For example, roofing products, landscaping systems and bathroom fixtures and fittings, all enjoyed a successful showing under the Unimer umbrella, boosting these sectors' overall presence at the show.’

Furthermore, latest figures from Interbuild reveal a £1.2 billion increase on the value of 'live' visitor projects underway during the 2007 show. Visitors were working on active projects worth a staggering £17.4 billion and representing a £1.2 billion increase on the previous year. These figures suggest that audience buying-power was at an all-time high, and with the launch of Interbuild as a yearly event, organisers are confident this signifies the start of a new era for the show.

‘It was fantastic for us to be back at Interbuild and our continued partnership is undoubtedly beneficial for all involved,’ says Unimer's Managing Director, Howard Grant. ‘I am enthused by the show's ongoing support and anticipate an even bigger and better presence at Interbuild 2008.’

With plans afoot to further develop existing merchant initiatives - alongside a whole host of new show features - Interbuild's first annual event promises to be a 'Must Go' show for merchants and the entire UK construction industry.

Web: http://www.interbuild.com