NEC - November 2019

[amarshall]

We've been attending the NEC show for 10 years now and I found last year's particularly hard work. Not because of lack of support from wedge owners, but because it felt like we were being penalised for being honest.

I've always made sure that we declare the number of cars correctly - and make sure that we have that many cars available - even if it means phoning and emailing the night before because someone's been tinkering in spite of warnings... Every year it gets a little bit easier, and the standard of cars on show goes up.

However, several clubs deliberately inflate the number of cars they "plan" to show in order to get extra space and passes, without having any intention of getting anywhere near that number into the hall. Last year, we were squeezed into a tiny space, in spite of having guests booked in and arranging something for the Lotus 70th anniversary with the factory, and really weren't able to show things to their best advantage. I felt worst for Gill who was meeting the club members for the first time, but whose car was squeezed into the back corner where it was almost invisible.

Equally, I'm aware that several clubs attend the show without the mandatory insurance in order to keep costs down.

It's not the fault of the club liaison person (Alison) or her team. They do a great job, but Clarion have been getting stricter and stricter and issuing warnings, without actually enforcing their rules properly.

I'm minded not to apply for a place this year and take a break to do something else in November. There's a few options which might make a nice change, but I'll be guided by you. Options are in the poll, or feel free to suggest another approach. I need some sort of consensus by 7th March as that's the deadline to apply for this year.

My own feeling is that we don't fit the profile of the November show as it seems to be more about shiny things than usable cars. The Restoration Show (March) feels like a more natural place for us.

[Johnwindwood]

The insurance situation has changed this year (Starting with the restoration show in March.) Unless clubs can prove they have proper insurance cover, it is provided and billed to them.

[amarshall]

The insurance situation has changed this year (Starting with the restoration show in March.) Unless clubs can prove they have proper insurance cover, it is provided and billed to them.

About time too. I haven't seen that requirement, yet. Haven't managed to sign the contract either - keep getting a broken/expired link.

[Pete Boole]

I find the restoration show much more enjoyable. I get a little tired of saying "How Much!!!? " at the November show.

Pete

[alanmoss]

The insurance situation has changed this year (Starting with the restoration show in March.) Unless clubs can prove they have proper insurance cover, it is provided and billed to them.

They issue an invoice for £55 almost as soon as the contract is signed to provide £2 million of cover.
This is going to everyone. I got one for the Sporting Bears even though they had already seen our cover separately
I have sent the insurance certificate under the new system and had response within a day from their insurers confirming we were ok.
(Not sure Clarion have actually issued the credit note yet.)

This will catch all the clubs that have been economical with the truth about liability insurance, because it is in the contract and therefore legally enforceable.

[amarshall]

It's going to be "interesting" for us - our renewal date is 21st March...

I guess I need to contact the broker and get it sorted early this year.

[richardw]

For what it's worth, I think we should definitely keep attending. The wedges need to be showcased and in particular this year we could use the Elite/Eclat 45th anniversary as a theme on the stand. I should be getting a couple of banners done as well as anniversary car stickers. The NEC Classic and Restoration shows are different horses for different courses. I'm happy to shoulder some of the organisational burden if that helps - especially as I'm local.

If everyone else is overestimating the numbers of cars on their stands, then so should we. More space means a better and more accessible display!

Cheers, Richard

[amarshall]

Well, there's a nice surprise. Our £5million PL and Product cover costs the same as it did last year and is a bargain compared to £55 for £2million for 3 days.

[Johnwindwood]

I would offer to help, but unfortunately I have the Allegros to organise!
Gill might be persuaded to help out again though

[richardw]

Hi Angus,

Do you know when you'll make the decision about the club's attendance at the NEC?

Thanks, Richard

[amarshall]

6th March is the last day I can realistically submit the application.

If one is submitted then there are two subsequent decision points - when we're offered space and when the contract has to be signed.

[amarshall]

OK - 'tis done, with a note about numbers and size of cars. We shall see.