More than 60 trade stands have already been filled at the ARB Show 2013 – offering a great choice of specialist products and services for arborists and anyone with an interest in professional tree care.
And with just weeks to go before this major trade show, a programme of competitions and demos is also lining up, giving visitors even more reason to come to the ARB Show.
June 14 an 15 are key days in the tree care sector calendar – as literally hundreds of arborists gather at their major annual trade show. The ARB Show in Cirencester, Gloucestershire is "˜the' place to visit for a great range of products and services, competitions and events – it's "not to be missed" if you want a great deal!
Organised by the Arboricultural Association (AA), the ARB Show is proud to be the longest-running and largest dedicated arborists' trade show in the UK today. In fact 2013 marks its 15th year.
Commenting in advance of her first experience of the Show, Karen Martin – appointed last year as the new CEO of the AA says: "Unlike any other UK woodland or forestry show, the ARB Show is dedicated to arborists' specialist needs – making it a "˜must go' for anyone working or interested in the sector.
"I'm really looking forward to meeting as many arborists as possible at the event and am keen to ensure the Association is meeting their needs both directly through our membership services and as representatives of the industry. Please come along, talk to myself and the team – we wan to hear from you and learn your views."
With so many companies exhibiting at the Show, visitors have an almost unique opportunity to see and compare a wide range of products for their specialist needs "˜all in one place and all on one day'. Climbing kit, PPE, machinery and tools, there will be a vast range of specialist products on sale and to see. And anyone working or wanting to work in the industry can talk to a choice of service providers from insurance companies to training schools. New companies exhibiting for the first time at the ARB show, include Greenleaf who are specialists in urban tree pit design, Green Plant UK and Arblogic Limited with specialist software solutions for arb businesses.
A number of exhibitors choose the event to showcase new products and developments and many offer visitors the chance to try before they buy. STIHL for example – main sponsor of the ARB Show – is showing its new MS 150 T top-handled pruning saw at the event this year. The new saw is available from 1st May, so the Show will give many arborists the first opportunity to get their hands on the chain saw, learn about its technology and talk to the woodland-based demo team about its use at work.
Another new product specifically for arborists' needs is Sawpod's new Throwpod – an aerodynamic and lead-free throw weight to ease line placement in a tree. The Throwpod is available from a number of specialist retailers who are exhibiting at the ARB Show.
Chipper companies are also exhibiting some exciting new products this year, with Redwood Global showing the all new Forst premium woodchipper range and Timberwolf using the Show to premier no less than two new models. More heavy-duty machinery comes in the form of stump grinders and access platforms, and first-time exhibitor Kitt Agri will show their Limbinator hydraulic, tractor-mounted chainsaw – another new product, entirely new to the UK. Wallenstein, Wood-Mizer and Timberwolf will all be giving demonstrations at the Show.
Another great benefit of visiting the ARB Show is the programme of practical demonstrations and workshops held at the event. Visitors can learn from leading industry practitioners, hear news from sector leaders and catch up on developments that affect their own businesses in the busy Contractors' Workshop.
Of course no ARB Show would be complete without its competitions and networking, and this year is no exception. The AUS-sponsored Utility Skills competition – held on Friday 14th - sets competitors a series of Utility arb scenarios, and will make fascinating viewing for those at Friday's Show.
Arborists of all levels are invited to test their skills in the popular arbjobs.com-sponsored 3ATC Arborists' Tree Challenge – a work climb in a stunning Cedar on the showground. The ARB Show is hosting the UK Open event and as its name implies is open to novice, expert and premier climbers – so whether you're a first-timer or regular competitor this is the one to go to. The 3ATC runs on both the Friday and Saturday and those wishing to compete are encouraged to book their entry in advance. If last year is anything to go by entries filled up fast, and many people saw the tree and wanted to have a go!
Competing, learning or buying something new – the ARB Show gives visitors a truly great deal and the chance to socialise too. Network with colleagues, catch up with friends – you're almost bound to meet contacts both old and new. As ever the organisers are ensuring a bar and sensibly-priced food concessions; they are also making camping available for those who want to make a stay of it, and a fun atmosphere is expected on Friday evening of the Show.
