Rope and Sling Specialists Ltd. (RSS) will take another high-profile sponsorship at LiftEx 2025, which takes place 18-19 November at the Exhibition Centre Liverpool. The lifting and rigging equipment supplier will again exhibit and carry on as the show’s lanyard and water sponsor.
It represents continuation of a long-running partnership between RSS and the flagship event of the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA), having debuted at the 2017 show at The International Centre, Telford. The company took a top-level sponsorship package the following year and has steadily grown a presence since, culminating in a large, open plan stand at London’s Olympia, where LiftEx 2024 took place earlier this month (October).
Steve Hutin, managing director at RSS, said: “We’ve built our business on loyalty and longevity — and we’re looking to cement a LiftEx legacy. There’s a synergy between our growing presence at the exhibition and our expansion away from the aisles in terms of an ever-expanding network of national depots. Recently unveiled plans will take the total to 14 UK facilities.”
RSS has recently opened a new depot in Glasgow, Scotland, expanding a footprint north of the border created by its Grangemouth site. An additional location in Netherton, West Midlands, is also now open, while another facility on the South Coast is in the pipeline. Key representatives and customers from across the country were present over both days of this year’s event.
Hutin added: “We had another productive show, meeting clients that we are already dealing with plus some prospects. As always, the event covers all bases, from the exhibition itself to the well-attended awards dinner, the after-show party, and all the other networking besides. Day one was by far the busiest but, although it was disappointing that our sponsored water bottles didn’t turn up until the second day, that freshened up the exhibit and renewed our focus for the second half.”
Lifting in Liverpool
Liverpool is becoming something of a spiritual home for LiftEx; this will be the third time the multifaceted event has taken place in the port city, having most recently been held at the venue last year. As Paul Glover, national director of operations at RSS, told LEEA’s on-site media team, that proved a hugely successful show for the business, and Hutin is equally enthused about a return.
“We told trade press even in recent weeks how much we enjoyed Liverpool,” he said. “The city and its geography seem to energise activities, so we welcomed the announcement from organisers that they were going back so soon. We had no hesitation in booking a front-and-centre stand and renewing our sponsorship package. As always, we’re looking to go bigger and better next year.”
Visitors can once more expect an immersive experience, with interesting visuals, supported by an expert team and the usual company hospitality. The RSS exhibit has become a LiftEx landmark, with a new-look bar set against a backdrop of enhanced graphics. Lifting and lashing products were given a good reception in London and the overarching theme will travel north.
RSS is expected to enter multiple LEEA Awards next year, having been named in several shortlists at a gala dinner held at London’s Dorchester Hotel. Andrew Hawkins, training manager, was recognised in the Emerging Talent; Excellence in People Development; Technical Excellence and Professionalism; and Trainer of the Year categories, while Alan Varney, engineering services director, was among those shortlisted for Excellence in Leadership.