ORGANISERS of the Executive Hire Show 2026 have hailed another ‘highly successful’ event.
The annual showcase for the hire sector returned to the Coventry Building Society Arena from February 11-12. While the final audited figures will be confirmed in the coming weeks, early results revealed a total of 2,116 ‘budget-responsible’ hire industry professionals attended across the two days, with 153 exhibitors on the show floor, including 30 debutants.
Visitor numbers were up year-on-year, with attendees eager to see the latest innovations and make the most of the show-only deals on the latest tools, machinery, and solutions.
The Innovation Trail proved popular, helping visitors identify new products and solutions. Peter and Lucas Haddock interviewed the ten selected companies, with all of the ‘Top Ten’ videos available to view on the show website.
Organisers revealed that the show floor reflected a strong appetite to do business, evidenced by a major order placed by Stuart Energy Limited for 20 FG Wilson Pro Range Stage V diesel generators.
Andy Munford, MD at Shindaiwa, said, “This was certainly one of the best Executive Hire Shows yet. It’s always a real highlight in our calendar and this year delivered on every front.”
Peter Beach, director of marketing at Groundhog, said, “It was brilliant to catch up with hire professionals from across the sector, and we really appreciated the number of visitors who took the time to come and talk to us about Groundhog.”
From a visitor’s perspective, the business value of the show was also clear. Will Gough, MD at Will Hire Ltd, said, “It was great to catch up with suppliers and fellow hire companies, and we’ve got fleet purchases inbound as a result.”
Anthony Rees, MD at Rees Plant Services, added, “What an excellent day at the Executive Hire Show. There were lots of new products and new ideas on show, and we also came away having done an excellent deal with Gunn JCB.”
Day One saw the return of the Passionate Hirer Awards. Hosted by England rugby star David ‘Flats’ Flatman, the ceremony took place in front of a packed room. Alide Hire and Hire Services Southern took top honours, while Josh Llewellyn, chairman of the Gaia Group and MHM Group, received both a Special Recognition award and the ‘Industry Legend’ prize.
Chris Moore, publishing and event director of Executive Hire Show, said, “What stood out this year was not just the volume of business being done, but the breadth of new products and ideas being brought to market. Across the show, we saw genuine innovation, from new equipment and technologies through to solutions supporting decarbonisation and more efficient operations.
“Just as importantly, the continued loyalty of both exhibitors and visiting hire companies shows the Executive Hire Show remains a trusted meeting place for the industry. The conversations and partnerships that start here extend well beyond the two days of the event, and that is what gives the show its real value.”
The Executive Hire Show will return to the same venue from February 10-11, 2027.
