Creating custom solutions for the NEC Spring Fair – delivering best experience and outcomes

The Challenge

The annual Spring Fair is a wholesale trade show for home and gift retailers. It is held at the NEC Birmingham and covers a total of 145,000 square metres of exhibition space. The trade show attracts buyers from the European and international retail market. It includes 15 shows and takes up 14 halls. A total of 2,500 exhibitors attend the show and it attracts 58,000 visitors over a five-day period.

The NEC needed a large-scale waste operation and cleaning for this annual event. This had to meet its aspirations for service excellence and provide an outstanding experience for all visitors.

The Solution

Working closely with the NEC, we put in place a detailed plan to execute several services. These included the removal of waste, the clearance of gangways and the cleaning of exhibition halls, stands, offices, in-hall catering facilities, restaurants, and rest rooms in a safe and professional manner.

The operation saw our trained colleagues working closely together, and to a high standard to carry out the two-day pre-show waste removal and cleaning operation. The team were trained and coached by members of the supervisory team and duty management. Specific training included the safe use of equipment, strategic washroom management and mini tractor training for waste removal. A total of 140 operatives and team leaders were trained over the duration of the event.

The Outcome

During the set-up period, our colleagues were on hand constantly removing waste from gangways, exhibition halls and stands which covered 145,000 square metres. As well as cleaning and maintaining all public areas. This allowed exhibitors to set up their stands in a pleasant, clean, and safe environment, free from rubbish and clutter. The essential waste management and cleaning services permitted the show to open on time, in line with the service level agreement.

Cleaning and waste removal continued for five show days. The roles and responsibilities were split between day workers and night workers fulfilling a 24-hour service, involving 52 cleaners overseen by 12 team leaders.

Key outcomes

• Over 300 tonnes of waste accumulated at the NEC, and 75.7% was successfully recycled
• The waste operation consisted of 3 full time operatives, 2 part time operatives and 5 HGV drivers who worked tirelessly to remove the waste from site.

The hard work provided by colleagues allowed visitors to enjoy the show in a tidy, secure, and hygienic environment. Our expert team thrived under pressure and took on the challenge of delivering services to a superior standard and within a tight turnaround. These essential services contributed to the success of the Spring Fair.