Challenge
The annual Spring Fair, a wholesale trade show for home and gift retailers, is held at the NEC Birmingham, covering 145,000 square meters of exhibition space. Attracting buyers from the European and international retail markets, the event includes 15 shows across 14 halls, with 2,500 exhibitors and 58,000 visitors over five days. The NEC required a large-scale waste operation and cleaning service to meet its aspirations for service excellence and to provide an outstanding visitor experience.
Solution
Working closely with the NEC, we developed a detailed plan to execute several services, including waste removal, gangway clearance, and cleaning of exhibition halls, stands, offices, in-hall catering facilities, restaurants, and restrooms. Our trained colleagues worked to a high standard, carrying out a two-day pre-show waste removal and cleaning operation. Training included safe equipment use, strategic washroom management, and mini tractor training for waste removal. A total of 140 operatives and team leaders were trained over the event’s duration.
BEST Outcomes
During the setup period, our team constantly removed waste from gangways, exhibition halls, and stands, ensuring a pleasant, clean, and safe environment for exhibitors. Essential waste management and cleaning services allowed the show to open on time, in line with the service level agreement. Cleaning and waste removal continued throughout the five show days, with roles split between day and night workers, providing a 24-hour service involving 52 cleaners overseen by 12 team leaders.
- Over 300 tonnes of waste accumulated at the NEC, with 75.7% successfully recycled.
- The waste operation involved 3 full-time operatives, 2 part-time operatives, and 5 HGV drivers who worked tirelessly to remove waste from the site.
- Our team’s hard work allowed visitors to enjoy the show in a tidy, secure, and hygienic environment. They thrived under pressure, delivering superior services within a tight turnaround, contributing to the Spring Fair’s success.
