The Sun Shines on PestEx 2022 in London

 

LONDON — Organized by the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) there was a marked spring in everyone’s step to match the sunny spring weather and the general feeling of elation that life is returning to some sort of normality. 

 

This event always attracts a large number of international delegates and this year was no exception. Of the 92 exhibitors, over one-third came from overseas with a large contingent from the EU. Representing U.S. companies were Woodstream, Bell, Kness, AP&G Catchmaster and Trécé. For Kent Gutzmer, vice president of sales for Bell Labs, it was the first time for over two years he had been able to meet up in person with his European team. 

 

BPCA welcomed 1,458 exhibition visitors, again many coming from abroad. However, BPCA Chief Executive Ian Andrew, said, “There is no point in comparing this to previous years as the world and how we live our daily lives has changed. The whole events sector is still very much in recovery, and while I’m sure attendance figures will grow again in the future, we were extremely pleased with the number of visitors who did attend.”

 

PestEx is more than just an exhibition, as running alongside was a series of 29 seminars covering a range of technical and commercial topics. Then add the meetings, discussions and ideas shared in the coffee bars and restaurants and you appreciate the significance of such events.

 

The event coincided with the association’s 80th anniversary and to celebrate this a reception was held in the Churchill Rooms in the Palace of Westminster overlooking the river Thames, hosted by Nigel Mills MP. 

 

One of the many international delegates was Dominique Stumpf, CEO of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) who was more than excited to be visiting the Palace of Westminster. “I was delighted to join BPCA for their 80th anniversary celebrations and also as they get back to business. Such links are important to me as a global ally, supporting participation from the global community. PestEx had a diverse, international showing and great participation,” said Stumpf.

 

The products on display were not the only subjects of discussion. The very recent announcement of the sale of Bayer Environmental Health to Cinven was a talking point, as was the proposed acquisition of Terminix by Rentokil which involves the divesting of the Terminix UK business.