SED 2004 - a huge success

SED 2004 was a huge success - with a 9.5% increase in attendance figures compared with last year.

The three-day event at Fen Farm, Milton Keynes, attracted 19,500 visitors - some 1,800 more than in 2003, although this figure is subject to an ABC Audit

PMJ editor Colin Sowman said: "The superb weather obviously helped. However, generally there was universal praise from exhibitors, with loads of business being done.

"Merlo, for example, reported that sales of its telehandlers were in double figures, but loads of deals were completed right across the board." 

Three awards were handed out during the National Event for Construction.

Nationwide Access won the SED Best Newcomer Award, presented to the exhibitor with the most eye-catching stand and the most effective display in the demonstration area. The judges found its stand to be "a real crowd puller and a realistic, well organised stand, which showed the potential of Nationwide's equipment."

JCB won the SED Showstopper award for its impressive stand and exciting demonstration areas. The judges were bowled over by JCB's eye-catching stand (avenue 400) and the innovative use of space and design.

There was a double whammy for Terex. Its Terex Compact Equipment scooped The Safety Award, which is presented to the exhibitor that demonstrates the best approach to safety in setting up and operating of their exhibit.

And Terex also won the SED Awards for Excellence in the Earthmoving category for its PT6-AWS dumper.