PEST CONTROLLERS ENJOY YEAR’S BIGGEST EVENT

[THE UK’S biggest pest control event of 2023, PPC Live, saw huge numbers of visitors when it landed in Harrogate, Yorkshire in March. More than 500 visitors came along to the British Pest Control Association’s event on 22 March, beating attendance figures from 2020.

With a showcase of more than 55 exhibitors and a range of seminars and demos to attend, there was never a dull moment for the crowds of pest professionals at the Yorkshire Event Centre.

The indoor demonstration area proved popular once more, as visitors got a chance to see hands-on talks about application equipment, insect identification, bird netting and more. For outdoor demonstrations there was a walk-around with two of BPCA’s technical team, Natalie and John, plus a working at height demo and a talk on bioacoustic bird management.

All were well attended, and Simon Whitehead’s talk Old meets new: traditional tools for modern rural pest management was a particular hit, with the stands overflowing.

During the day the winner of the Best Pest Pic 2023 competition was announced, with Justin M Lisney taking the £500 prize for his photo of a mouse stuck in a car vent.

On the BPCA stand visitors were treated to a first glimpse of the new BPCA Registered CPD app. Plus there were lots of donations for BPCA’s 2023 charity of the year, Mind.

There were also several new exhibitors at the event, who were blown away by the interest in their products. One of those was WowNow Hire, who commented: “It was an outstanding day; we’ve been busier than any other event this year. We’re already looking forward to seeing everyone at the ExCeL next year!”

Lauren Day, BPCA’s events manager, declared: “The whole BPCA team had a brilliant day, seeing many familiar industry faces as well as lots of new ones. We couldn’t have asked for a more fun, productive day and the feedback has been wonderful.

“This industry is packed with incredible people who know that pest management is more than just a job. It’s a dynamic profession and they’re passionate about staying informed. Events like PPC Live and our larger show, PestEx, are the place to do that.

“We were also delighted to be back in Harrogate again, after receiving great feedback about the venue at our last PPC Live show in 2020.

“We can’t thank everyone enough for their support in making this event happen, from exhibitors and sponsors to venue staff and, of course, visitors. We look forward to seeing everyone again at PestEx in 2024!”

Planning for PestEx 2024 is already well underway. It will showcase the best in pestrelated products and services at the London ExCeL. q

• For more information visit bpca.org.uk