Toolbank branches have reported record attendance at the last three regional trade shows of the 2015 spring season.
"We had again a very successful show, more than 60 suppliers," said Cwmbran branch manager Eddie Brown. "We had quite a few new accounts attending, and some new suppliers supporting the show: Footprint, Dormer, and Ciret."

Attendance at the Norwich show was up by 41%, said branch manager Simon Spanton. "We had visitors from as far away as Ireland and Southampton, and local attendance increased by 9%," he said. "And 17% of the increased attendance was new visitors."

And there was a record attendance at the Great Northern Show in Bolton, organised jointly by the Cleckheaton, Appleton, Gateshead and Glasgow branches. "Attendance by Cleckheaton customers was up 17%, and customers travelled from as far away as the Shetland Isles," said Cleckheaton manager Mark Mulholland.

The winner of the free-to-enter Show Stoppers promotion, winning more than £7,000 of stock, was Jennings Building Supplies of Timperley, Cheshire. And visitors were impressed by an ice sculpture featuring a giant Bahco adjustable wrench, an Irwin saw, and a DeWalt cordless drill. "It's something we are keen to repeat," said Mr Mulholland.

Exhibitor numbers were up too: "We had fantastic support from many manufacturers, for which we are extremely grateful," said Toolbank ceo Wayne Flory. "The Stanley/Dewalt/Black & Decker display was superb, as was the new Wera's stand - both had interactive displays which were extremely busy throughout the duration of the shows."

Many exhibitors used the shows to launch significant new lines, including Hultafors, Marcrist, Insulated Tools, Faithfull, Fiskars, Stanley and Black & Decker.