COMPANIES which took advantage of an offer to join the Haven Gateway's stand at a top logistics show say they had very positive feedback after taking part.

COMPANIES which took advantage of an offer to join the Haven Gateway's stand at a top logistics show say they had very positive feedback after taking part.

Strong sales enquiries, the chance to network and important promotional opportunities were just some of the benefits reported after joining the stand at the Logistics Link South trade show held in Sandown Park, Esher.

The Haven Gateway Partnership, which aims to bring together organisations from the public and private sector to secure the future prosperity of the region, offered to give local firms in the shipping, ports, transport and logistics sector a presence on the stand.

Representatives from across the sector took up the opportunity, including Hutchison Ports (UK), which owns Felixstowe and Harwich International ports, ABP Port of Ipswich, and TW Logistics, which owns Mistley Quay.

Essex firm Novadata, a transport consultancy and tachograph specialist, was also among those taking part.

“Being at the show was an excellent opportunity to make people aware of what we offer. We made a number of very useful contacts,” said consultant Chris Palmer.

Suffolk-based Anglia Supply Chain Recruitment, was also on the stand.

Simon Myhill, its lead consultant, said: “The show was very beneficial for us. We picked up some really good candidates and made new contacts and the event was also very good for teambuilding within the Haven Gateway.”

Murray Gibson, of Hutchison Ports (UK), said it had led to a good number of sales leads and opportunities for further promotion.

“This was a unique opportunity for us to exhibit and promote ourselves as part of a regional team rather than a single entity,” he said.

Other firms joining the stand included solicitors Ellison and Gotelee & Goldsmith, Roger Lascelles Maps, Fred. Olsen Agencies, P&O Ferrymasters and Skymaker.

“Logistics Link South was an ideal opportunity to promote the Haven Gateway, which represents the UK's most important cluster of ports and is set for huge expansion at Felixstowe South and Bathside Bay,” said Haven Gateway project manager Richard Morton.

“Following the success of this show, we will be looking to take part in other events in a similar way.”