What started out as a low-cost shop window for small manufacturers to display their products has developed into a must-visit event for major players in the agricultural sector. In the three decades since the Lincolnshire Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers (LAMMA) show was first launched, manufacturers of farm machinery equipment and a wide range of service suppliers from the UK and abroad have flocked to the Newark event.
Over the years, the nature of the show has evolved from being predominantly focused on arable machinery to one that now includes a wide range of horticultural, amenity and livestock equipment, as well as green energy products, seed suppliers, agro-chemical, farm management and financial advisory services.
This year - for the 31st event in the show’s history - some 750 trade stands, from the UK and further afield, will exhibit a range of agricultural products and services. Visitors will also be able to sign up to a full range of consultancy services at the Lincolnshire event.
Cliff Preston, LAMMA’s sales and marketing director, is expecting more visitors than ever given the wide range of exhibitors.
“We have a very good cross-section of potato-orientated and vegetable companies, as well as manufacturers of handling equipment, such as machinery,” he says. “There will also be companies specialising in bio-digestion, wind power and alternative energy supplies.”
A number of European companies that have never previously exhibited in the UK, such as tractor and equipment manufacturers, will exhibit at this year’s LAMMA. “We have French, German, Italian, Spanish, Dutch and Danish companies taking part,” Preston adds. “For some it will be the first time they will show their products in the UK. At the same time, the growing diversity of exhibits attracts a more international visitor base. Our visitors now include trade representatives from across Europe and as far afield as India, China and Australia.”
Aside from that, smaller companies that are rarely seen at a national level will be present. Preston also predicts that a lot of business will be done at LAMMA. “A lot of companies report back that they are getting orders and enquiries that will keep them busy for the best part of half a year.”
The networking aspect is certainly one of the main reasons behind LAMMA’s ever-increasing popularity and the association prides itself on the show’s friendly and informal atmosphere. As Preston points out, everyone is welcome to visit the admission-free event. “It will be a great opportunity for anyone to have a look at the latest developments in the farming business,” he adds. -
No comments yet