This is the third time the show has been held at the futuristic Wing building, which during the motor racing season plays host to the world’s top racing teams and the spectacular circus of Formula 1. Although the screaming engines of the F1 cars and the glamourous brolly-girls had long since moved on there was no shortage of things to see with over 40 exhibitors, the ever popular Learning Zone, and displays of the most impressive removal vehicles in the UK, all competing for a prize in the Matthew James sponsored Truck Show competition. 

As always with the Movers & Storers Show the visitors were well-targeted and although overall visitor numbers were down this year at 624, there was an increase of 9% in the number of senior decision makers, bringing the total up to 70%. This resulted in a hugely successful show for the exhibitors, with many reporting very high onsite sales and lots of first-time visitors. The show organisers Animo Events were also thrilled to welcome a number of junior staff members from all over the industry, helping them to achieve their aim of encouraging education within the sector as well as the cultivation of new and existing relationships. 

The Learning Zone, sponsored by Basil Fry and Co, had a bumper programme of free seminars, presentations, debates and even some guitar playing by The Mover magazine’s editor Steve Jordan on each of the two days. Social media is an ever growing trend, and this year the inclusion of a social media wall on the exhibition floor saw a flurry of tweets and a massive increase in the use of the show’s hashtag #MoverStorerShow.  

The Simpson Packaging Packer of the Year competition was as popular as ever, and each crew’s attempt was performed in front of a sizeable crowd leading to quite a tense atmosphere by the end of the day. Massive congratulations to MGR Removals for winning the contest for the second year running, and a big well done to Britannia Reeves who organised the competition.  

The Truck Show was a little down on numbers this year – almost certainly due to the show being held earlier in the year – but thanks to sponsorship and support from Matthew James Removals, the competition expanded to include two categories, Practicality and Livery. Congratulations go to MJ Christopher & Son who beat off stiff competition to become the winner of both top prizes. 

The number of show attendees who stayed overnight grew significantly this year, with most people staying at either the Snoozebox Hotel at the circuit, or at the nearby Whittlebury Hall which was the venue for the Party Night on Tuesday evening. The party kicked off to a great start with guests being welcomed by the fabulous Busking Bellas, which transitioned nicely into dinner and the start of the Charity Auction, with some amazing lots kindly donated by exhibitors. This year the show organisers decided to join Reason Global in fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Support, and the overall total for the auction, the Busking Bellas collection bucket and Reason Global’s driving simulator challenge was an impressive £3,291.90. The evening was a lovely setting for exhibitors and visitors to celebrate the wonderful industry they work in, and the organisers would like to thank everyone who donated for their generosity.