by lockey1963 » 5 Oct 2008 17:37
It was far bigger than expected with 24 major exhibitors , The new key machines on show from city safe were an eye opener, but the price tag a downer.
The advance in cylinder technology from evva on the aldridge stand was amazing, talk about some serious locks comming out.
The special prices available on the day were welcome from all , and it was a good mix covering upvc , safes , bio-metrics, access control as well as the tools and the normal suppliers showing their wares.
It was great that so many different backgrounds were there, ICL , MLA , locksmiths with no association memberships, and all in a relaxed and friendly enviroment, no politics , no fall outs , just an enjoyable day all round, where anyone from the trade regardless of affiliation was made welcome.
Highlight for me was the sneak preview of the new ICL mortice lock and easy repin cylinder range, and the proposed price of them, the 6 lever mortice with heavy warding and restricted curtain was a beast, with no one managing to pick one and take the £100 cash prize offered on the day.
shame the stadium tour was cut short when the team manager kicked us all out of the changing rooms, including that corrie actor.
last years show was small , this years three times the size with around 1200 people passing through on the day, on par with a large mla regional meeting, alot to live up to next year.