PMM’s editor discloses details about Mechanex 2023
PMM’s editor answers our questions about Mechanex 2023, including how factors can support this year’s show.
This year’s Mechanex at Sandown Park is taking place on the 7th and 8th November. With preparations well underway and the ticker counting down, we grabbed Kieran Nee, PMM’s editor, to give us the lowdown of the event, advise on how you can play a proactive part in bringing customers to the event and bringing the magazine itself to their attention.
Q. Kieran, thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to talk about Mechanex – first-up, what’s new for this year?
A. “We have launched a number of new initiatives this year, prime among them being the introduction of the PMM Live brand to the show. With PMM Live, we aim to bring free learning content to attendees of the show, reproducing the business and training component of the magazine in a live format.
“This year we are also bringing an additional seminar stand to highlight some best practice tips and technical discussions from selected show partners. As if that wasn’t enough, our main sponsor for the show, MANN+HUMMEL, will be doing special seminar talks off their own stand throughout the two days – so there will be plenty of informative content for workshop technicians to take advantage of.”
Q. For those encountering Mechanex for the first time, what is the objective of the event?
A. “Mechanex’s mission is to bring together independent workshops and tool, parts and workshop solutions suppliers in one place. It offers a great opportunity for our partners to showcase their latest products and developments, whilst at the same time presenting workshops with a unique opportunity to get hands-on with the products and technologies coming into the aftermarket. We’ve got over 40 exhibitors lined up, including the likes of LIQUI MOLY, Launch Diagnostics and MAHA UK, with many offering show-exclusive offers and promotions to visitors.”
Q. There are many automotive events around the UK – from trade evenings and training to national exhibitions – what makes Mechanex appealing?
A. “Mechanex, as its name suggest, is designed for mechanics. As such, it focuses on hands-on demonstrations, the latest tools and technologies and the best ways for workshop owners to run their business and increase their profits. On the PMM Live seminar stand, we provide visitors with advice on everything from the latest regulatory changes and policy developments to promoting mental health and tackling the EV challenge.
“Over at the PMM Live Learning Lounge, exhibitors have their chance to educate technicians on tools, products and parts.”
Q. How can motor factors support Mechanex?
A. “This year we are widening the area we are promoting the show in to include the West Midlands and Penzance. This means we are calling on motor factors more than ever to spread the word among their customers!”
Q. As PMM editor, can you explain to our readers why circulating the magazine via factors is an important distribution channel?
A. “For us, reaching readers via the factor is crucial to the success of the magazine. No other method of distribution provides such a direct link to a targeted audience on a scale as large as ours.
“We distribute around 43,000 printed copies each month, which is a huge number and wouldn’t be achievable without the help and dedication of factor staff up and down the UK.
“For the factor, providing free copies of PMM to customers is a great marketing tool, akin to having an extra member of staff behind the counter. It’s not uncommon for us to hear from factors that their regular customers always make an appearance at the start of the month looking for the next issue.”
Q. As well as hosting copies of PMM on a branch counter, what other methods can factors use to supply the magazine?
A. “Many factors deliver the magazine along with parts orders, which is something we actively encourage. Increasingly, workshop owners are pressed for time and can’t make it down to the factor, so bringing them a free copy along with their order means they can enjoy the magazine without having to leave the workshop.”
