In its launch year, Offsite Expo certainly exceeded expectations, with universal positive feedback from exhibitors, visitors and speakers. All agreed this was the offsite event that the construction industry has been waiting for.
Industry expert and acknowledged offsite champion Mark Farmer cut the ribbon to open Offsite Expo, welcoming construction professionals from across the UK and beyond to the official launch of the inaugural event at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry.
This highly focused two-day exhibition featured 40 hours of CPD Accredited Masterclass Seminars, an International Offsite Summit and the Offsite Connect Buyers and Specifiers Forum. “It is really inspiring to see the world of offsite gathering to showcase the latest technology options and innovations within the sector,” said Mark Farmer. “Offsite Expo’s positioning, content and timing really reflects the mood within the construction sector and the buzz around the show was exceptional.”
The Offsite Expo exhibition was a total sell-out, with over 100 exhibitors promoting offsite systems, technologies and services but this of course, is only part of the equation. Offsite Expo was developed as a platform to network and create new business opportunities and at the heart of the event, the Offsite Connect Buyers and Specifiers Forum, which was open exclusively to exhibitors, was a hive of activity. With 100 buyers and specifiers registering to participate including representatives from Mace, Willmott Dixon, Kier, Balfour Beatty, Galliford Try, NHS and Apex Airspace. 320 business meetings were scheduled with buyers and exhibitors via the online diary system and of those over 300 actual meetings took place and feedback from both the buyers and exhibitors has been tremendous.
Participating buyer, Simon Stone, Supply Chain Manager for Galliford Try said: “The format worked really well and enabled me to get the most out of the event. I look forward to participating in further events.” Tom Fairlie from Walker Timber Group, endorsed this view saying: “Offsite Connect provided a fantastic opportunity for exhibitors to hold focused business meetings and discussions regarding the benefits of specifying timber frame technology and sustainable modern methods of construction.” Richard Canfer Taylor from Catax was equally impressed saying: “I’ve had numerous discussions and identified partnership opportunities, together with future appointments and I know I will write up some business within the next few days.”
But Offsite Expo was not only about securing business opportunities – the conference and exhibition was developed to inform and inspire through knowledge exchange and opinion sharing. Getting to grips with the latest international offsite methods and smart digital technologies was high on the agenda – the Offsite Construction Summit provided a dynamic and interactive experience focusing on international offsite best practice. Knowledge share and transfer was the prime objective for the Summit and the stellar speaker line-up presented some incredible developments across the global offsite supply-chain.
One of the curators of the event, leading offsite expert from Cogent Consulting, Darren Richards said: “The offsite arena is an exciting place to be. The levels of investment and confidence in the long-term viability of advanced offsite methods of construction, is greater than previously witnessed. The heightened interest in all things offsite was clearly demonstrated at the event. Facilitating knowledge transfer and promoting innovation in the sector, Offsite Expo has been extremely well received.”
Over 80 speakers offered delegates the opportunity to hear from experts offering in-depth analysis and technical know-how in an extensive range of CPD Accredited Offsite Masterclasses. Presented by a host of UK pioneers in two dedicated custombuilt offsite technology theatres, the Masterclasses focused on the latest innovations. “Demand was ramping up and our industry intelligence demonstrated a need for a dedicated offsite exhibition curated by sector experts that focused on cutting-edge content, complementing our Offsite Hub and Offsite Magazine platforms,” said Julie Williams, Event Director for Offsite Expo. “The response has been truly astounding and already, just days after the event, we have 68 exhibitor bookings for 2020 – 53 re-bookings and 15 new companies looking to promote offsite technologies and services at our next Offsite Expo.”
The final word goes to Dan Soulsby, National Construction Account Manager Building Products, EGGER (UK) Ltd: “I’m sure you’ve had many comments like this, but I just wanted to say how good Offsite Expo was! We were well impressed (but not surprised) at the quality of the organisation, the content of seminars, the exhibitors and the attendees. We had some great discussions and met with some really key people and have lots to take away with us, plus all the information we gained from the seminars – most of which were standing room only!”
hsbcad is a leading 3D CAD/CAM software solution provider for the offsite construction industry. The company develops solutions, as seen below, for Autodesk’s AutoCAD® and Revit® platforms, enabling a smooth transition from design to production.
hsbcad’s products offer architects, engineers and manufacturers the ability to create scalable 3D manufacturing models with full quantity take off. The flexible software can be adapted to individual requirements, and it interfaces with the industry’s leading CNC machines.
On The Level are the leading UK manufacturer of bespoke wet room and level access shower floors for tiled, vinyl and resin floor finishes.
Their bespoke shower floor systems can be manufactured to any shape and size and have complete flexibility on the gully location making it easy for offsite manufacturers to incorporate their floors within their design layouts.
On the Level manufacture shower floors for hotels, hospitals, care homes, student accommodation and for many more building types.
Expertise: Designer and Manufacturer of Wet room and level access shower floors.
UK stockist of fastening solutions for Offsite & Solid Wood Construction Technologies.
Full compliance with EC5 design codes for timber structures through manufacturers European Technical Assessments (ETA’s)
Offering a comprehensive range of products and services, from high specification structural screws for construction, reinforcement and the building envelope through to connectors, brackets and lifting systems for use on and offsite.
Working with your engineers we help ensure the right fastening solution is specified for the right application.
Economic and efficient construction is the order of the day in modern timber construction. Efficient connection technology is indispensable in expanding the use of timber and hence timber construction. Screws, bonding agents and innovative connection technologies will acquire greater significance as the future unfolds.
A qualified carpenter, Vinzenz Harrer worked for many years as a polisher and construction manager. Founding Vinzenz Harrer GmbH in 1994, he developed the company from a traditional timber construction firm to become a trade enterprise – the “leading specialist for solutions in timber construction”. Among others, the company focuses on near-natural and sustainable construction products for energy-optimised building, and now operates in many areas of timber and prefab construction. Our sales channels in over 30 countries have helped establish outstanding expertise in a variety of building standards.
The SHERPA connectors deliver a high degree of standardisation, helping to introduce automatic procedures as quickly as possible to the practical field in planning and processing. Nevertheless, the system finds repeated use in individual solutions. This is only possible based on suitable planning documents. The new SHERPA Manual, its extensive technical data and explanations, also the calculation examples, is intended to provide for precisely this need.
In its design, a clear and conscious focus was placed on practical topics, including connections between wood and steel or reinforced concrete.
Protect Membranes is a UK producer of technically advanced construction and roofing membranes. Its range includes external breather membranes, air & vapour control layers, construction membranes for walls, floors & ceilings, membranes for specialist applications and roof underlays and accessories.
Its sister company Passivent manufactures the Hybrid Plus2 Aircool® – a natural ventilation system which is growing in popularity, not only within the education sector, but also in other commercial sectors where offsite construction is used. Visit Stand G7 to see our latest products.
GROHE is a global leader in premium bathroom and kitchen fittings, offering complete bathroom solutions including baths, basins and toilets, alongside an expanding portfolio of digital and professional product offerings. All products are developed with the brand’s core values in mind; innovative technology, sustainable credentials and superior quality and design.
GROHE the favoured choice for many specifiers worldwide and an ideal solution for the offsite sector too, with suitable products for a variety of different POD projects – from student accommodation to commercial buildings and hotels.
Metsä Wood provides premium-quality wood products for construction, industrial and distribution customers. They use 100% traceable wood from northern forests, a sustainable raw material of the finest quality. Their facilities are surrounded by forests, which ensures a never-ending, reliable supply. Their primary products are Kerto® LVL (laminated veneer lumber), birch and spruce plywood, and Nordic premium timber.
Hadley Group is a world leader in advanced cold rolled steel technology, with manufacturing facilities in Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia, and more than 800 employees worldwide.
We deliver innovative solutions with applications across sectors as diverse as construction, automotive, industrial and agriculture.
At the heart of this is UltraSTEEL®, a patented cold rollforming process that enables the production of components with up to 20% more strength and a similar reduction in raw materials.
Our heritage extends back for over 50 years and has been built on the skills of our workforce, ongoing investment in innovative and productive technologies, and the long-term relationships that we maintain with customers around the world.
We have shaped our business around adding value for our customers; understanding their diverse needs and, through local expertise, market insight and manufacturing capabilities, delivering beyond expectation.
Balancing the elements of Heat, Air and Moisture movement are essential in ensuring any building is an energy efficient, healthy, moisture free building envelope.
The A. Proctor Group can provide condensation control and air barrier solutions for all areas of the building envelope, for varying projects including Offsite. With many years of experience, and a dedicated team of technical advisors, they can provide the wide range of solutions needed to meet even the most complex project requirements.
Representing over 700 competent members supplying quality structural timber systems.
As building offsite solutions in timber are gaining traction across the industry, the STA’s mission is to enhance quality and drive product innovation through technical guidance and research, underpinned by a members’ quality standard assessment – STA Assure. This scheme offers reassurances to the construction community that our members meet or even exceed current legislation and regulatory requirements.
Along with quality and safety, the STA’s core objective is to be a leading provider of technical research and industry insight.
EOS are pioneers in the manufacture of light steel framing systems, specialising in the design, manufacture and supply of a wide range of component-based and panelised solutions.
EOS offer a comprehensive range of services – from pre-contract solutions and design to structural calculations and value engineering. Our experienced teamwork as an integral part of your business to deliver the most inclusive and cost-effective design solutions.
The MPBA plays a key role in connecting all sectors of the modular and portable building industry. Regardless of size or business type, MPBA membership presents a variety of value-adding opportunities for your business.
The MPBA is the single recognised voice for promoting and marketing our members high-quality products and services. Through our excellent reputation spanning 80 years, the MPBA now represents over 170 companies specialising in modular building applications.
MPBA represents the industry with governement and other regulatory bodies on regulations that affect the industry with committees that are represented by member companies of the MPBA. This association voice is represented by the industry manufacturers and suppliers.
The Light Steel Frame Association (LSFA) has been established to influence legislation, regulation and to support the overall objectives and growth of the steel framing sector.
LSFA works with light steel framing members to raise awareness of the performance and productivity benefits of steel frames. Robust, dimensionally-stable, moisture-resistant qualities make steel structures fundamental to offsite solutions. LSFA is the representative body for forward-thinking light steel frame manufacturers. We enrich members’ provisions through access to industry contacts, technical expertise and market knowledge.
Promoting the industry through marketing and PR activities, our aim is to raise the profile of our members while also promoting the use of steel frame technologies as an essential, sustainable construction material.
We use a range of marketing strategies to enhance the image of steel in construction and obtain more market share for our members.
Voestalpine Metsec plc is the UK’s biggest construction specialist cold roll-forming company and part of the largest globally-leading technology group, providing products for the construction and manufacturing industries.
Established for over 87 years, voestalpine Metsec plc is owned by the voestalpine Group. The Group has 500 companies and locations in more than 50 countries on all 5 continents. Metsec is part of voestalpine’s Metal Forming division, the world’s leading provider of high-quality metal processing solutions.
voestalpine Metsec products include; Metframe, SFS, Cable Management, Purlins and Custom Roll Forming which is our bespoke engineering service.
ARV Solutions are recruitment specialists in engineering, construction and manufacturing. Placing permanent and contract candidates from Graduates and Designers to Directors and Executives across the UK and internationally. We are leaders in recruiting for timber frame, modular building and the wider offsite and construction, and sustainability sectors.
We provide tailored and personal recruitment services, with professionalism, innovation, and good communication all intelligently combined. This is backed up by our clients, the majority of whom bring repeat business and/or are referred to us.
As one of the largest manufacturers of building products in the UK, Forterra is constantly working to keep Britain building.
The chances are, you’re never far from a building or a structure made using Forterra products.
We create bricks, blocks, precast concrete, paving and many other vital products at our extensive network of 18 manufacturing sites, employing approximately 1,800 people, and making us one of the leading names in British building product manufacturing.Our wide, diverse and trusted range of concrete and clay building
products is recognised and respected across the construction sector, and includes London Brick, Thermalite, Formpave, Cradley, Red Bank and Jetfloor.
We have also recently added Bison Precast to our list of prestigious brands, one of the largest precast concrete manufacturers in the country with a pedigree that dates back almost a century, and in doing so have effectively doubled our existing precast concrete production.The sheer variety of top quality building products we offer is unique among British manufacturers, and with product development at the very heart of what we do, our extensive range covers all your requirements, from initial groundwork through to finished build.
Kondor Pods design and manufacture modular showers and bathrooms for the student accommodation, hotel and residential markets in the UK and overseas. Utilising our experience, we developed a product that is completely unique within the market place. A truly modularised solution that can be easily adapted to suit individual requirements, it can be provided to site as a fully assembled unit or as a kit of parts for quick and easy construction. Well thought out, clean, functional, lightweight and robust.
