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Amy Greaves reports from the Road Transport Expo, where there was a large cross-over between the HGV and PCV sectors
On Wednesday 25 June, myself and CBW colleague Charlie Lewis headed to the Road Transport Expo at Stoneleigh for the very first time – and it did not disappoint! While the show is primarily geared towards the truck world, we were excited to see just how many of our coach and bus industry clients were in attendance. With plenty of crossover between sectors, it turned out to be a fantastic networking opportunity. The scale of the show was huge – a reminder of how much bigger the haulage sector is than bus and coach. The atmosphere was buzzing, and it gave us a great chance to reconnect with familiar faces and discover some exciting new leads too. Here’s a flavour of the show and who we met along the way…
UNITED SEATS is the own-brand seating label of EBLO seating based in the Netherlands. The company has over 35 years of experience in vehicle seating and off ers a range of seats for trucks, buses, agricultural machinery, forklifts, the construction sector and marine applications, and supplies them to a portfolio of OEMs and to a network of distributers. Sales and Marketing Manager Liam Wood was on hand to explain more about the company’s products at the show. AMY GREAVES
MAHA is a well-known manufacturer of workshop equipment, serving MOT and Authorised Testing Facility (ATF) centres, as well as maintenance and repair workshops. Products off ered include brake testers, workshop lifts, headlight aligners and axle play detectors, all designed for a variety of vehicle types, including cars motorcycles, LCVs, commercial vehicles. AMY GREAVES
CHECKEDSAFE is a SaaS (software as a service) platform providing an end-to-end digital cloud solutions package to fleet management across all kinds of commercial fleet, public and private transport, emergency services and plant/construction vehicles. Gary Hawthorne and his team were at the event, and said that it had been a brilliant show with great opportunities for meeting new and existing clients. AMY GREAVES
As is often the case, one of the standout displays at the Road Transport Expo was the impressive set-up from TOTALKARE – and it certainly turned heads. As one of the UK’s major providers of lifting and testing solutions for both heavy-duty and light commercial workshops, Totalkare’s presence was impossible to miss. The hands-on stand showcased the variety of workshop equipment on off er, drawing in crowds keen to get a closer look. With a customer base that spans everything from small family-run businesses to multi-national transport giants, Totalkare’s stand was a sign of why the company is at the top of its game. AMY GREAVES
It was great to catch up with the team at BACKHOUSE JONES during the show, pictured here with Brand Manager Julia Davies (left). Among the most well-known names in the UK specialising in commercial road and passenger transport law, Backhouse Jones has built itself a reputation for its expertise and dedication to the industry. Its stand radiated energy and professionalism, and it was fantastic to see the team engaging with visitors and showcasing why they remain the go-to legal experts for operators across the sector. AMY GREAVES
It was a pleasure to catch up with Chris Turner, Business Development Manager at RIDGEWAY TRAINING, during the show. With a smart and welcoming stand, Ridgeway showcased why it’s a go-to provider for CILT International Transport Manager CPC and Driver CPC courses. Chris was full of insight as we discussed the company’s commitment to empowering transport professionals – a mission the company has proudly upheld since 1995. AMY GREAVES
CBW’s Charlie Lewis caught up with long-term client BEVERLEY BELL CONSULTING & TRAINING, a trusted name in road transport consultancy and training. With decades of hands-on experience and in-depth industry insight, the team specialises in pinpointing operational challenges and delivering tailored solutions, from compliance reviews and legal advice to interactive training programmes. Keen to build strong, collaborative relationships, Beverley Bell Consulting & Training is dedicated to helping operators boost safety, enhance eff iciency, and achieve long-term success. CHARLIE LEWIS
It was great to meet the team from ENVEVO at the show, as the company seeks to make a move into the bus and coach sector. As a specialist in end-to-end electric vehicle charging and infrastructure, Envevo brings a wealth of expertise ranging from initial design and consultancy through to installation and ongoing support. The company believes that its expansion into passenger transport will play a key role in helping operators transition to a greener, more sustainable future. AMY GREAVES
The INSTITUTE OF ROAD TRANSPORT ENGINEERS (IRTE) was the first of CBW’s clients that we had the pleasure of visiting at the show. Founded in 1944, IRTE has long been a respected and influential voice within the UK transport sector. As a specialist professional sector of the Society of Operations Engineers (SOE), IRTE is dedicated to supporting road transport engineers, upholding the highest professional standards, and off ering expert technical guidance. Through its active council and committed membership, IRTE continues to drive best practice and shape the future of engineering across the industry. AMY GREAVES
Wearing our bright red CBW polos in the blazing heat, we were approached by the friendly team at AUTOSOCK, a cool encounter in more ways than one! Developed in Norway and trusted by professionals for over 20 years, AutoSock provides improved grip on snow and ice using smart fabrics and clever friction science. Easy to fit over driving wheels with no special training required, they’re a quick and eff ective solution compared to traditional snow chains to help keep vehicles moving safely in harsh winter conditions. AMY GREAVES
We were invited in for a chat by the team at RALSON TYRES, whose stand was very impressive. A commercial tyre manufacturer, Ralson supplies high-quality truck, bus, and radial tyres which promise a low total cost of ownership with a premium tyre lifespan. The company began production of automotive tyres in 2000 and now lays claim to being India’s fastest growing automotive tyre manufacturer and brand. AMY GREAVES
The final stand we visited during our trip to the show was that of ABACUS FLOORING SOLUTIONS, where we had a great chat with UK Sales Manager Martin Chinn. He shared the company’s ambition to break into the coach and bus industry – and it felt like fate that we crossed paths! Known for its industrial resin flooring, Abacus prides itself on delivering solutions that are built to last, designed to impress, and engineered for a wide range of applications. With hallmarks of quality and innovation at its heart, the company says it is ready to make its mark on the passenger transport sector. AMY GREAVES
