Huge success for south west’s Renewable Energy Marketplace

75 exhibitors “rushed off their” feet by enquiries from 1,200 visitors

The inaugural Renewable Energy Marketplace, held earlier this week at Exeter’s Westpoint Arena has been hailed a huge success by the renewable sector, as exhibitors offered their expertise to over 1,200 visitors that were interested in installing green technologies.

The 70 exhibitors were “rushed off their feet” with enquiries from the broad spectrum of delegates, including famers and landowners, housing associations, construction companies, tourism businesses, local authorities, schools, and the general public

In addition to the main exhibition, the Renewable Energy Marketplace hosted a workshop by Alasdair Grainger – DECC’s lead on the Feed-in Tariffs, where over 400 people filled the lecture theatre to hear about the incentives and ask questions about the proposed changes to the scheme.

Merlin Hyman, chief executive of sustainable energy experts Regen SW, who masterminded the event, said: “This event proved, beyond doubt, that there is a huge interest in renewable energy in the south west. Many of our delegates were knowledgeable about the sector, but wanted to speak to experts and installers about what their next steps should be. The marketplace provided an excellent opportunity for our exhibitors to share their knowledge and offer solutions.”

One of the event’s achievements was the amount of leads it gave to renewables companies that exhibited there.

Daryl Govan, managing director of renewables installer Govan Ltd in Truro, Cornwall, said: “Today’s event has been exceptional. We’ve done lots of exhibiting before, but this event has surpassed all others as we’ve been rushed off our feet with the constant level of high-quality enquiries.”

The sentiment was reiterated by Anne Barradine of Insulated Homes, who said: “We were so busy on our stand that the first chance I had to take a break was four hours into the exhibition. The quality of leads is the best I have ever had at an exhibition.

Renewables companies that wish to avoid disappointment by booking their spot for 2012 now should contact Rachel Hayes, Regen SW’s event manager, on rhayes@regensw.co.uk, 01392 494399.

To see the presentations from the day’s workshop’s visit: http://www.regensw.co.uk/events/regen-sw-events-/renewable-energy-marketplace