As the UK economy makes a welcome return to growth, exhibitors at IMHX 2010 couldn't be better placed to take advantage.

There is no doubt that 2009 was an 'annus horribilis' for the UK economy - and the logistics sector was no exception to that rule. According to figures published by BITA, the British Industrial Truck Association, orders for forklifts fell buy 33.6% last year. But last year is firmly over and 2010 is looking far more positive.

James Clark, Secretary General of BITA, believes there are reasons to be optimistic. "For some truck categories," he says, "the market has stabilised and is hopefully set to begin to show a positive trend." Clark also points to the CBI's Quarterly Trends Survey (which measures the intentions of UK industry to invest in plant and machinery) for evidence of green shoots. "This has shown four consecutive quarters' increase and can now be viewed as having stabilised," says Clark. "Of course, we must still wait for those intentions to translate into action, but signs are beginning to point in a more favourable direction for the UK forklift truck market."

When it comes to truck sales, there is definite optimism among companies exhibiting at IMHX 2010 (NEC Birmingham, 16-19 November). Simon Emery, Managing Director of Crown Lift Trucks UK Ltd, says: "There is, without a doubt, an increase in activity and enquiries across the board. For smaller orders of one or two trucks, it is still difficult. But larger projects seem to be gathering pace and coming to fruition. IMHX seems to be timed right to ride the tide of an improving market."

IMHX 2010 is set to feature over 300 exhibitors promoting a diverse range of products and services from across the logistics sector. Exhibits will not just include forklift trucks, but automated materials handling systems; health and safety; software solutions; racking and shelving; storage systems; pallets and palletising equipment; property; recruitment and training services; third party logistics; transport and distribution; flooring; packaging; handling system design; financial services; and warehousing.


For further information on exhibiting at IMHX 2010, contact Rob Fisher on + 44 1895 454600 or visit www.imhx.biz