The annual budgets of almost all visitors to this year’s Care Show have increased significantly year on year, demonstrating a vibrant UK Care Sector. Most notably, 447 additional visitors with an annual purchasing authority of over £250,000 attended, an increase of over 7%. The Care Show closed yesterday at the NEC Birmingham, with exhibitors reporting a burgeoning care market and significant business success from their two days of meetings.

Visitors from care homes, home care agencies, the NHS and associations across the country attended the pioneering Care Show 2014 to identify new products and services, learn from and be inspired by the topical educational programme and network with industry peers.

Event organisers UBM also announced that The Care Show 2015 – taking place 3 and 4 November 2015 – will introduce a simultaneous, high profile, two day International Dementia Conference in partnership with Dementia Services Design Centre (DSDC), University of Stirling.

James Samuel, Event Director of The Care Show Portfolio says: “We are delighted to be working with the DSDC, as one of the world’s leading authorities in dementia design to create a dedicated International Dementia Conference to run alongside The Care Show 2015. This new conference will add significant value to our clients in this burgeoning sector, highlighting how government, business and society as a whole can work together to effect change for the provision of care in the future.”

Stephen Dorrell MP who featured in the debate, ‘The State of Care in the UK: how can we fix the broken system’ at this year’s Care Show comments:

“Here at The Care Show, I am delighted to be among so many like minded people who share a core vision of a truly integrated health and care system. The future of this industry is truly bright and there is much potential to work together at important events such as this.”

Professor June Andrew of the DSDC, University of Stirling adds:

“The Care Show allows us time to talk and really build relationships. We see new and interesting things here that we will tell people about for the coming year. We are delighted to be working with The Care Shows in developing a dedicated International Dementia Conference in 2015 and look forward to engaging with even more visitors from wider afield about what is both practical and effective for their future plans.”

Other exhibitors at this year’s Care Show in Birmingham were enthusiastic in their praise: Matt Tuckey, Sales and Marketing Director, Due Diligence Checking Ltd says:

“This has been a superb show – we have made some really good quality new business leads. In fact, we’d beaten our target within half an hour of the first day.”

Shaun Doran, CEO, FRC Group says:

“What a great event – we have met with many new contacts and are delighted to have had the opportunity to welcome MP Stephen Dorrell to our stand to cut our 25th anniversary cake. This has been only the second time we have taken part in The Care Show but we will certainly hope to return.”

Brett Smith, National Sales Manager, Gainsborough Specialist Bathing adds:

“There is no doubt this has been an ideal platform for Gainsborough to launch our new Dorset assistive bath which we will be introducing in early 2015. Feedback from both new and existing customers as well as our industry colleagues has been overwhelming and we will definitely be back at The Care Show next year.”

Chris Watson, Sales Director, teal LifeCare concludes: “Over the last two days at The Care Show, we have had genuine interest from purchasing decision-makers with a live interest in our products. Our conversations have reconfirmed our anticipation of the way our market is developing and we have already confirmed our participation for next year.”

Visitors from across the country included Heather King, Home Manager, Loxley Lodge, Kirkby-in-Ashfield who says: “The Care Show is a wealth of information in one place – I have met so many interesting and inspirational people with an extensive knowledge of care today.”

And Ruth Lakin of Four Seasons HealthCare concludes: “The Care Show has been truly innovative and inspiring. I can’t wait to return next year.”

For further information on taking part in The Care Show 2015 (3 and 4 November 2015), please contact: jonathan.lancaster@ubm.com