Naidex Birmingham

Mobility companies exhibiting at this year’s Naidex have shared their views following the announcement that the show is to be rescheduled to later in the year to prevent the risk of coronavirus being contracted by vulnerable and vital visitors.

Set to be the 46th Naidex, the event’s organisers announced the decision to push the event back this year to protect attendees as the virus spreads.

Concerned about the safety of visitors ahead of the announcement, both Active Mobility and Recare have said the decision was the right one to make.

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“We welcome the decision to postpone the show,” commented Annie Holland-Oakes, Marketing and Motability Specialist for Oxfordshire-headquartered Recare.

“It is widely accepted that a wider scale outbreak of coronavirus is imminent so we are glad that Naidex has taken the right steps to protect both consumers and exhibitors.

“The show posed a substantial risk to the audience if held in March as many of those attending are elderly or have ongoing health needs. For it to have gone ahead would have completely ignored our duty of care as an industry to that vulnerable demographic.

“We welcome the opportunity to exhibit when there is less of a threat to public health and look forward to welcoming visitors then.”

Echoing Annie’s comments, Tracy Suther, Co-founder of Stratford-upon-Avon-based Active Mobility, also highlighted the decision was the right one to make and suggested there could be a potential silver lining as well.

“Really pleased that Naidex46 has taken the decision to move the dates of the Naidex show,” she said.

“It is unfortunate that this has had to happen and affect exhibitors’ plans and organisation for Naidex but it is the responsible thing to do regarding the public and for the safety of our own staff.”

“Possibly by doing this, we may actually get an even better turn out from the public with the extra publicity this will cause and hopefully nicer weather conditions.”

With exhibitors understanding the decision to move the show, the postponement will still come as a blow to trade-only suppliers planning to use the event as a launchpad to introduce new innovations to dealers.

Speaking with Tim Mills, Head of Business at Motion Healthcare, he told THIIS: “We are disappointed the show has been postponed but given the current circumstances, we appreciate that it was the right move to make.

“It is a shame as we had planned to showcase our new products to trade partners ahead of the busy spring. We are currently exploring other options to make sure dealers still get a chance to see our latest offerings ahead of the summer season.”

Similarly, Darren Legg, Sales Manager UK & Ireland for Dietz Power, noted: “This is disappointing news to hear as we were very much looking forward to showing our full range of powered wheelchairs to the trade and to introduce a very innovative smartglasses solution to the market, but we are obviously happy that it protects all the trade and end-user visitors to the show.

“In the meantime, we will look forward to seeing the trade on an individual basis, where they can take advantage of our show offer and will put in some additional plans for the show when it reconvenes.”

In an official statement from Roar techmedia, Naidex’s organisers, it commented: “While this is not a decision that has been taken lightly, we feel that it is the right one – not just for the care and health sector but for the wider community as a whole. We are of course, in ongoing communication with our exhibitors, speakers, partners and suppliers. Those we have managed to speak to thus far have been exceptionally understanding.”

Exhibitors that have been affected or have queries are advised companies to contact the event team directly at Enquiries@ROARB2B.com or +44 (0) 117 990 2092.

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