THE THIRTEENTH Railtex, which took place successfully at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham from 9 to 11 May, attracted 7,052 visiting rail industry managers, engineers and buyers. A further 2,703 were present as members of exhibitors’ stand teams, bringing the total number attending the show to 9,755.
A total of 475 exhibitors took part in the show, more than at any Railtex event over the last decade. Of these, 152 were exhibiting at Railtex for the first time, while growing foreign interest in the UK rail market was reflected by the presence of almost 100 companies from 23 countries outside the UK.
The programme of Railtex supporting events – keynote speeches, technical seminars, project briefings and discussion forums – was the most extensive ever and was widely acknowledged to be the best yet, drawing large audiences. This was despite several last-minute programme changes brought about by the announcement of the June General Election, which placed speaking restrictions on Government ministers, civil servants and representatives of state-funded bodies.
Meanwhile, with another well-received Railtex concluded, organiser Mack Brooks is now focusing attention on its next UK rail event, Infrarail 2018 at ExCeL London from 1 to 3 May next year. Visit www.infrarail.com for more information on this, the 12th international railway infrastructure exhibition.
