Mechanex-PMM Live hailed a resounding success, as visitor numbers rise by a fifth in one year.
The historic racecourse Sandown Park, in Surrey, played host last week to the annual aftermarket trade exhibition Mechanex-PMM Live. The renowned trade event celebrated its 20th anniversary event with more than 60 top trade exhibitors and a free seminar line-up. Crowned a success by exhibitors and organisers alike, the show welcomed 20% more workshop owners and technicians than the previous year, marking a post-pandemic high for the show.
The trade show, which is the only one of its kind in the south of the UK, has built a solid reputation in recent years for hands-on demonstrations of garage equipment, great show exclusive offers on diagnostic tools as well as an entertaining and engaging seminar line-up. This year, the show’s signature free bacon roll and PMM-branded t-shirt were complemented by a winter-beating PMM beanie, which proved to be a smash hit with visitors.
Exhibitors at the show, which included headline sponsor Dewalt, as well as aftermarket big hitters such as Bosch, MANN+HUMMEL, Bilstein, Launch, JHM Butt and Motul have shown their enthusiasm and commitment to the show’s ongoing success, with sign-ups to next year’s Sandown Park event reaching an all-time high.
Show organiser Rob Gilham commented on the show’s future: “After 20 years in the aftermarket, it’s great to see Mechanex-PMM Live continue to grow and attract new audiences. This year saw a fantastic mix of workshop owners, technicians and apprentices which proves the next 20 years will be just as fulfilling. Walking around the hall over the two days of the show made it clear that there is a buzz and an excitement in this industry which we are looking forward to bringing into our two Mechanex-PMM Live events next year, at Harrogate and Surrey.”
Exhibitor & visitor feedback
Feedback from the show’s exhibitors and visitors has so far been extremely positive. Karl Booth, sales and marketing director at Opus IVS commented that “the event provided an excellent platform to connect with industry professionals, demonstrate the capabilities of our diagnostic solution, and highlight our commitment to supporting independent workshops. The show not only allowed us to reinforce our brand presence but also to gain valuable insights and build stronger relationships with our customers. A fantastic event all around.”
Meanwhile MANN+HUMMEL’s product and marketing manager, Gary Winslow, gave his thoughts: “We found the experience invaluable as a conduit to the mechanics and installers of our products. The opportunity to speak directly to garages and mechanics that use our products day in, day out gives us (no pun intended) unfiltered feedback, and we’re always grateful for the immensely positive reputation our brands have in the UK.
“To be able to give first-hand advice and technical knowhow is a perfect reason for us to attend Mechanex, making it a valuable exhibition in our marketing calendar.”
However, it wasn’t only exhibitors who were effusive about the show. One visitor who spoke to the PMM team at show, Chris Burnett, commented: “Mechanex-PMM Live provided a great opportunity to meet and talk to top-tier suppliers and hear about the latest developments in the industry. The technical seminars provided really useful insight into some of the challenges and potential solutions that new technologies will bring to the sector, especially in the area of EV maintenance and repair. The chance to get hands-on demonstrations with some of the latest tools and technologies all in one place was also a big plus. Highly recommended overall, and I will definitely be going next year.”
Companies wishing to exhibit at next year’s Harrogate event, which takes place on the 15th and 16th of May 2025, are urged to contact Rob Gilham or Alex Dilleigh soon as there is limited space left. Harrogate’s show will be launched in partnership with York Motor Factors, a leading parts supplier in the Yorkshire area.
Email: rgilham@hamerville.co.uk
Email: Adilleigh@hamerville.co.uk
