With the attendance up by more than 10% and nearly 200 exhibitors, this year’s show was deemed a success by its Leamington based organisers, Expo Management.

SAE-UK Publishing Consultant, Jonathan Masding took time out to visit the show and notably SAE-UK Corporate members Optare and Sika Adhesives to find out at first hand what makes the show tick.

Optare had easily the busiest stand at the show, and for good reason – their bright new Solo SR mid range bus, launched amid great fanfare and interest, possesses enough aesthetic qualities to excite the imagination and stir the emotions, apart from which it is both accessible for less able passengers and thanks to its stunningly aerodynamic shape and large panoramic windows, gives increased passenger visibility and comfort.

Sales Director, Chris Wise, pictured centrally here talking to SAE-UK Publisher, Jon Masding right and Brian Wiggins left ,

Optare’s Group Materials Director and much valued SAE-UK North Section Committee Member, was genuinely buoyed by the reaction to the new model. Sales are far ahead of expectations he declared, with firm orders taken at the show. SAE-UK.org were also privy to hear talk of plans for yet further expansion at this major manufacturer, who already employ in excess of 500 at their Leeds and Rotherham plants.

Next stop was to see Sika Adhesives where Sales Manger Paul Scott and Charles McCoy have recently launched a new range of adhesives aimed particularly at the CV and Bus industry. With sales climbing steadily since its introduction, more information of their new range is featured elsewhere in this issue.

Also pictured are Phillippa Ewart, Head of Marketing, left, and Amy Knapman, both of Farnborough International Air Show. With no less than 9000 defence standards alone, and in the light of the exceptional progress being made by our dedicated defence publication and website both called www.DefenceIntegration.org, there is a distinct possibility that SAE-UK will be attending this major Air Show. Watch this space! In the top photograph, Claire Roberts of Filtration Control demonstrates the new range of extended service life air filters launched by the company at the Show .