A new packaging show for the north of Britain is set to launch in Manchester later this year.
UKPackaging Expo, which takes place from September 3-4 at Manchester Central, has vowed to showcase the latest cutting-edge packaging solutions for sectors ranging from retail and e-commerce through to food & drink, beauty, and pharmaceutical.
Manchester has been chosen as the location due to its status as the ‘beating heart’ of the UK’s manufacturing and industrial sectors.
Over 70 exhibitors are expected to attend, with organisers anticipating this number to grow to between 300 and 350 over the next couple of years.
Jordan Bamford, director at UKPackaging Expo, told Packaging Scotland he’s expecting the trade show to be hugely popular with Scottish businesses. Drinks giant AG Barr will be among the Scottish-based firms represented at the inaugural event.
“I want to create a home for packaging in the north,” Jordan explained. “The north of the UK doesn’t have a dedicated packaging show. I’ve spent many years seeing packaging trade shows being run out of London and Birmingham.”
The catalyst came last year when Jordan realised just how many major companies and distributors have huge centres in the north. He cited the McVitie’s factory in Greater Manchester and Unilever’s Port Sunlight R&D hub in the Wirral as just two examples, with northern Britain being a hotbed of packaging technician and engineering expertise.
“We really want to create one of the packaging hubs for Europe,” Jordan added. “We’ve got a great buying base. We want to be a standout in the market. For us, we want to make sure this is the event for the packaging technicians and engineers to come and learn, source innovation, find new packaging solutions, and find cheaper packaging solutions.
“We’re listening to the buyers, technicians, and engineers. What do they need to learn and get out the show to make it valuable for them? We’re facilitators at the end of the day. I’ve worked in events for many years; I’ve run really big trade shows all over the world. I think the key to this is that we remember not to overcomplicate it. We’re just introducing buyer to supplier; that’s our job.”
The northern location will potentially open trade shows up to companies that, for logistical reasons, haven’t been able to exhibit at events previously. This is particularly true of smaller businesses that don’t have the staffing levels to accommodate teams of people being on the road for a week. For local firms, a Manchester event opens the possibility of rotating employees between the show and the office.
The event will also feature a full conference programme. Confirmed speakers so far include INCPEN CEO Paul Vanston, as well as north east-based premium chocolate maker The Chocolate Smiths, who will detail the positive impact of packaging on their product.
Despite living in the digital age, Jordan is certain that there will always be huge demand within the packaging industry for face-to-face events where people can network, do business, and check out the latest innovations in a relaxed and informal setting.
“If you can get ten minutes of face time with someone, that can make all the difference when trying to cultivate a new business relationship,” he added. “We need to get out into the real world and see products, especially in an industry like packaging where you can feel and touch the product that’s going to make a big difference to your overall experience of actually using packaging. You have to be there to see it.”
• For more information, visit www.ukpackexpo.co.uk
