Organisers preview The Emergency Services Show and Conference taking place on November 23rd-24th at Stoneleigh Park in Coventry. It is, they say, a key event for anyone involved in emergency planning, response or recovery, both in the UK and abroad.

 

Natural disasters, terrorist attacks and the impending 2012 Olympics are just some of the events that place a strain on fire and rescue services throughout the UK.  As fire and rescue funding continues to be slashed, pressure remains for these organisations to make significant savings but at the same time deliver a high quality service for the communities in which they work. To help this sector cope with this markedly different environment and overcome the challenges of the future, close working relationships with partners is vital. Networking and collaboration with suppliers, colleagues and contemporaries is and will continue to be, an essential part of ensuring an emergency is dealt with as efficiently and effective as possible; The Emergency Services Show and Conference 2011, facilitates the necessary communication by bringing together everyone involved in emergency situations. 

 

The Emergency Services Show

Now in its sixth year, The Emergency Services Show is a firmly established annual show that promotes multi agency collaboration by bringing together all stakeholders involved in an emergency - from the strategic planners and first responders, to the manufacturers and suppliers of equipment and services used by these leading professionals. With over 380 exhibitors and approximately 4,000 visitors attending the successful show last year, The Emergency Services Show's overall aim is to improve public safety.

Operations managers, emergency planning officers, chief fire officers and watch managers are just some of the roles within the fire and rescue sector that will benefit from attending. 

Visitors to the exhibition can discover the latest fire and rescue equipment and services from a range of leading companies. Among those organisations confirmed to attend this year's exhibition are: WH Bence, TEEX, BMW, Godiva, Bristol Uniforms, Cosalt International, Angloco, Pinnacle Response, Polyco, Angus Fire, Scott Safety, Draeger, Vimpex, DuPont, Peli Products and North Fire. The products and services on display include: personal protective equipment, communications and IT, first response equipment, station equipment, training and education, vehicles and vehicle equipment, business continuity and outsourcing. Many exhibitors will also be carrying out a number of live demonstrations throughout the two days.

David Brown, Show Organiser, Emergency Services (MMC) Ltd, remarks: "As well as allowing exhibitors to showcase their latest products and services, the exhibition provides an ideal way for professionals to discuss co-operation, ideas and initiatives and learn from each other in preparation for major events taking place over the coming years or prepare for the unexpected. 

"Furthermore in light of the government's response to the independent review of the fire and rescue service in England, the reviews objective's - bringing back a focus on local communities and local accountability, rather than a requirement for firefighters to reach targets set by central government - can be facilitated at the show by networking and sharing best practice with industry peers."

 

The Emergency Response Zone

There will be approximately 100 end users exhibiting within the Emergency Response Zone. This zone (essential for operational staff and emergency planning officers) is made up of Category 1 and 2 Responders, Professional, Government and Voluntary organisations, and hence offers perfect networking opportunities to affiliated organisations. British Fire Service Association, Retained Firefighters Union, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, Fire Officers Association, the Met Office, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, Asian Fire Service Association, Fire Service Fund Raising Shop, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Training, the Fire Protection Association and the Flood Forecasting Centre, are just a few of the organisations exhibiting in this specialist area. There is also a dedicated UK Search and Rescue (SAR) Zone including exhibitors: Mountain Rescue England and Wales, Maritime Volunteer Service, Association of Lowland Search and Rescue and the National Search and Rescue Dog Association.

Mike Pearson, Commercial Training Team Leader at Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Training Ltd, who attended the show last year commented: "This show has the complete package of products, services and technology in one location, supplemented by key industry commentators in attendance. It is a unique experience for anyone in emergency services." 

Additionally, Nick Emberson from Airfield Volunteer Fire Service remarked: "The show and its exhibitors were so well organised. We were able to attend the show with ideas of what we needed and came away with all the answers. My thanks goes out to all the exhibitors for their friendly approach and for the event organisers for putting on a brilliant show."

 

'Doing more with less'

At a time when budgets are being squeezed, this free to attend exhibition provides the perfect opportunity for visitors to research methods of 'doing more with less' funds. Visitors will be able to speak to exhibitors about how they may operate more effectively and efficiently, thereby resulting in the highly desirable outcome of 'more for less'.   

David comments: "In these uncertain times it is more important than ever for all emergency professionals and associated agencies to communicate with one another, this may allow resources to be shared and budgets to be maximised. The Emergency Services Show offers the unique opportunity to meet with specialist equipment and service suppliers from the UK and abroad to facilitate mutually beneficial buying arrangements and discuss new important innovations and products."

 

Conference

This year, the conference will be hosted in the dedicated conference centre (opposite the exhibition centre) at Stoneleigh Park. To help organisations cope with a markedly different environment and overcome the challenges of the future, this year's conference will be free of charge to attend. This is in recognition that organisations' budgets have been cut and in many cases restrictions put in place regarding individuals attending events. However, it is vital that emergency and resilience professionals continue to learn and network amongst one another to allow both professional development and learning, with the overall aim of improving public safety. The conference will be CPD certified.

 

Register now for your free visitor pass

To register for your FREE visitor pass or to learn more about attending The Emergency Services Show and Conference 2011, visit the event's new website: www.emergencyuk.com 

 

Posted October 10th, 2011 at 0925 by Andrew. Comment by emailing: andrew.lynch@pavpub.com