Door Industry Journal - Spring 2018

Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk THE door industry journal spring 2018 Industry News 6 World’s Leading Trade Fair in Top Form as reports show attendance hits record high The tri-annual R+T show was again held in Stuttgart this year, attracting a record number of visitors and confirming its position as the world’s leading trade fair for roller shutters, doors/gates and sun protection systems. This year’s theme was ‘Fire and smoke protection, security, energy and sustainability’ and the prestigious awards ceremony concentrated on these important sectors. The themes were further reinforced throughout the exhibition by a series of relevant forums and presentations across all product areas. For example, in presentations made to the press by the President of the Messe, Stuttgart, President of the German Confederation of Skilled Crafts and from each of the Trade associations representing the four main elements of the exhibition, many issues were highlighted that exist here in the UK. Whilst they were mainly representing the German market, the common theme from all the speakers was the shortage of skilled craftsmen, the vital need for training programmes and development of apprenticeships, together with increasing the resource base from the high levels of immigration into Germany. In further discussion it was evident that this is a common theme across the whole of the industry and reflected across all of Europe, not just Germany. The second major theme from all speakers was the need for Governments to get behind increasing the speed and availability of high quality digital communication systems as the emerging “Smart home” technology increases exponentially in the coming years.