The British Industrial Truck Association (BITA), co-owner of IMHX 2004, will use the March 2 to March 4 event to inform the industry of its current initiatives.

Top of the list is the association's involvement in the development of Consolidated Fork Lift Truck Services (CFTS). A joint venture with the Fork Lift Truck Association, CFTS was created last year to provide quality assurance and an accreditation process for thorough examination of forklifts.

BITA will also use the exhibition to promote its careers program. Several initiatives are in place to promote materials handling as a career path to students in the UK. Careers officers have been invited to bring students to the exhibition to see what is on offer from a broad range of employers.

BITA will make daily presentations in the "knowledge zone" theatres on several topics, including impending corporate manslaughter legislation and BITA's involvement in harmonising global materials handling standards.

BITA will also promote its Truck User Group membership. For an annual subscription, truck users can join BITA and enjoy benefits including a technical helpline, access to industry statistics, a 20% discount on BITA publications, and invitations to BITA social events.