Partner Article

Green Business & the Exhibition Industry

The economic downturn we have been witnessing over the past few years brought with it the danger that green concerns would be pushed out as companies struggle to maintain their bottom line. However, commitment to such principles has remained strong during the recession due to sustained market demand driven by environmentally-conscious consumers.

There is growing recognition that, contrary to traditional business values, people and the planet must be central concerns in any business plan. This does not mean that profits should have to suffer; in fact many green initiatives can boost a company’s bottom line as well as its reputation. Both the exhibitions industry itself and businesses who take part in trade shows can and are continuing to make changes in a bid to be greener.

The Exhibitions Industry during the Recession

The exhibitions industry in the UK is pivotal in ensuring businesses reach their target audiences. Indeed, in bringing together supply and demand, exhibitions can act to stimulate business and thus the national economy. Exhibitions and trade shows attracts visitors to the UK and are a powerful tool for businesses in gathering domestic and international attention.

Despite experiencing a decline in the number of events in the current economic climate, the exhibitions industry has managed to expand in terms of employment and revenue. According to research by Oxford Economics, the industry contributed £5.6 billion to the UK economy in 2010 alone, constituting 0.4% of total GDP and accounting for 0.5% of all employment.

Whilst it is a sector that has long carried a heavy carbon footprint and been responsible for signification waste creation, this is changing. Sustainable ideals are percolating through different the levels that make up the industry. Consumers place a high value on authenticity and green principles cannot be purely rhetoric. Therefore, employees, partners, venues, exhibitors and manufacturers are all taking real steps to become more eco-conscious.

Green Efforts within the Industry

Exhibition stand manufacturers have taken significant steps to tackle the issues of waste and pollution. By diversifying the services they offer, adopting new practices, and paying attention to the materials they use, both problems are able to be reduced.

Components are being made from recycled and recyclable materials such as polyester stall parts over aluminium products. The printing process is now water based as no solvents are emitted yet the printing quality remains high. This also prevents pollution and removes potential health risks to employees.

Some exhibitions stand manufacturers, such as Nimlok, provide end-of-life disposal of stands as part of their complete service. Exhibitors return the stands to the company once they no longer have use for them. These old stands are then either recycled or where possible, donated to charities. Recyclable Acrylics are also being using by Nimlok in addition to wood from 100% sustainable sources. Green transport initiatives to reduce the carbon foot print for exhibitions stands have also become popular amongst staff on travel share schemes.

The option of exhibitions stand rental is becoming more attractive as it is a much more financially viable alternative to buying equipment for businesses, especially smaller ones. This allows exhibitors to keep up with innovations in a way that is both cost effective and more environmentally friendly. In particularly testing economic times, providers of exhibition displays who offer such rental services ensure that they also sustain profits through meeting the changed needs of their customers.

Green Initiatives for all Businesses

In everyday business practices many green initiatives have found widespread popularity. Something that has been adopted by numerous businesses and organisations, the “paperless office” greatly reduces waste creation. Since it is also less resource-intensive it thus represents another example of how eco-friendly actions can also be suited to cost-cutting during the recession. This has been extended into green marketing by the use of audio-visual equipment at exhibitions instead of paper marketing materials, such as leaflets. Though this technology requires a greater initial output, such innovations are reusable and by offering interactive possibilities allow businesses to stand out when competition is fiercest.

Green initiatives are also instrumental in improving employee morale at a time when other cuts are being made. Engaging employees in creating and implementing eco-conscious ideas can reinstate company loyalty and prevent a slump in productivity. Many businesses have made huge savings by switching to greener power sources and encouraging more responsible energy use. Even small steps such as switching off lights and computers when they are not in use all translate to savings through reduced energy bills.

Highlighting these actions as part of an exhibit lets customers know more about the green credentials of a business. By incorporating this into an exhibition that is also environmentally-friendly, potential customers immediately see this commitment in action therefore maximising the potential of exhibiting during these testing times

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by James Barnett .