Bigger and better

The Health and Safety Event is getting close now. Can you tell me what's different about this year's event?

Attendees will immediately see the event has increased in size. It's a sold out event and occupies all of Hall 3 this year. The event is over 10,000m² compared with 8,000m² last year and with around 300 exhibitors, regular visitors will definitely be aware of the difference in scale.

Last year, many companies still had to deal with Covid restrictions operating on one level or another, but this year the confidence has well and truly returned and without doubt all the conversations I have had are highlighting a genuine enthusiasm to be in an in-person environment. The visitor campaign is performing strongly with registrations from every level of the buying chain and from a diverse range of industries including, Shell Energy, Siemens, Suez, Live Nation, NHS, Puregym, DHL, HomeServe, Dyson, Carlsberg, Bristol Water, ABB, Abbott Diabetes Care, The Science Museum Group and many more.

In addition, it is a privilege to be able to host IOSH involvement this year too, which we didn't have last year, and they are hosting a two day conference – organised and orchestrated by them, so a great addition to the suite of educational content available for the visitors. 

What sets the event apart from other events that cover the sector?

Location is key and for the health & safety industry, the NEC as a venue ticks all the necessary boxes. There is ample car parking space which is free again this year, a superb train network, an international airport and a great choice of hotels. Resort World with its bars and restaurants is also a fantastic venue for the evenings and many companies network with customers there.

The Safety & Health Excellence Awards take place at The Vox on the Wednesday evening, which Nineteen Group support and sponsor. This is a valuable addition and a fantastic synergy with the Event as it offers another networking opportunity for the health & safety community. So the NEC is the place to be if you work in this industry sector.

Can you give me an insight into which associations will be at the event?

I've already mentioned IOSH and they are responsible for the 2 day conference taking place on the Keynote Theatre. The Health and Safety Executive have committed content for the third day in this theatre. Like IOSH, they also have a stand too, so will be there for the entirety of the show to discuss any challenges and offer advice.

We also have BSIF, NEBOSH, UKATA, Highways England, SAFed, SGUK and other industry bodies and associations attending the show in various capacities. 

The BSIF's Registered Safety Supplier Trail is returning again this year. All suppliers of this trail are BSIF members and have signed a declaration that the safety equipment and services they offer meet the appropriate standards, are fully comply with the PPE regulations and are appropriately marked. Visitors can follow the trail and be assured that the PPE they are buying, is from a Registered Safety Supplier.

Can you tell us some of the brands that will be part of the exhibition this year?

We received support from many of the well-known industry brands at our event last year, but we've even got an even better selection for 2023. Global brands in their respective industry sectors include from the PPE sector suppliers such as RS, Beeswift, Portwest, Cromwell and Milwaukee. Then we have specialists such as respiratory expertise from companies such as Uvex, JSP, Drager, MSA, Honeywell, Sundstrom, Gentex and Honeywell. Some of the best brands in safety footwear such as Sketchers, Puma, U-Power, Ejendals and well-known German brands such as Steitz, Atlas and Uvex. If you are looking for hand protection, then there is a plethora of companies to visit such as Polyco Healthline, Tilsatec, Unigloves, Traffi, Just1 and Ansell. Finally, some of the best manufacturers and providers of workwear are exhibiting including Mascot, Tranemo, ISM, 

Can you tell me about the seminars?

The Health & Safety Event will boast CPD accredited content across five theatres across the three days. In addition to IOSH hosting its dedicated conference on the first two days of the show at the Keynote theatre, The Health & Safety Executive’s conference will run on day three but then we also have The Knowledge Exchange, sponsored by RS Components, covering a series of panel discussions and presentations on challenges faced by health and safety professionals and practitioners.

The Practical Safety Theatre sponsored by MSA Safety will feature a panel of speakers sharing knowledge and practical competence on how to manage risk and protect employees from potential hazards. 

Lone Worker Safety Live will be bringing their conference to the Event. In bite-size interactive sessions, experts, and those with practical experience will share their knowledge to bring you best practice ways to manage the key issues of wellbeing, safety, and security for lone and remote workers.

The Driver Safety Zone in partnership with the Highways England Driving for Better Business campaign, there will also be a dedicated feature Driver Safety Zone. This will share vital information and resources with safety professionals who have responsibility for work-related road risk. Driving for work is one of the most dangerous activities that employees ever undertake and government statistics show there are around 40,000 injury collisions every year involving someone who was driving for work at the time. Visitors will be able to speak to the experts and suppliers who provide specialist road risk management

Will there be any networking opportunities?

We are hosting drinks reception for visitors and exhibitors straight after the show on both the Tuesday and Wednesday in the central catering area in Hall 3 and I can confirm that there will be IOSH groups and organisations attending, which will provide an excellent chance to network and provide the perfect opportunity to unwind and meet other industry professionals.

The Health & Safety Event takes place at NEC Birmingham on 25-27 April 2023. You can register for your free pass at www.healthandsafetyevent.com