Despite the relative weakness of the rand, the ripple effects of the 11 September attack on America had a positive impact on Securex 2002, from 27 February -1 March at Gallagher Estate in Midrand.
"Securex 2002 was exceptional - since September 11, price is no longer an issue," said Brian Leahy of HAB International, supplier of the UK-made Rapiscan security equipment. While buyers considered it too expensive last year, the Rapiscan full body scanner enjoyed a successful stint at the show this time. "To date, we have sold seven. This includes sales into sub-Saharan Africa. Sales to the mines have also been good," he said.
Another exhibitor to whom the strength of the pound provided scant impediment was British-based ARC Risk Management. "We generated a lot of good leads, but also concluded business deals with a number of the visitors," said Simon Wakeling. "This was our first trip to South Africa, with the main aim being to do market research, and build brand awareness. We achieved a tremendous response from this show.
Foreign interest
Foreign buyer interest was again a feature of Securex: "International visitor numbers were up again this year," said Reed Exhibitions general manager Tom McCafferty. "A total of 195 buyers from 29 foreign countries visited the show, many of them from African and European regions."
Included in the list of nations were; Angola, Australia, Belgium, Botswana, Canada, Cyprus, England, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Ireland, Israel, Ivory Coast, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Poland, Russian Federation, Swaziland, Switzerland, Tanzania, UAR, Wales, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Show statistics indicate that around 5 014 visitors attended Securex 2002. Of those who specified their seniority, almost 80% either made (39,9%) or directly influenced (38,9%) their companies' purchasing decisions. Demographics show that installers/manufacturers, security consultants and security product suppliers were a significant presence at the exhibition.
Their main areas of responsibility included the installation of security products and services, the management of corporate security needs and the sale and distribution of security products and services.
Most were there to see the latest access control products (50,5%); CCTV installations (39,3%); CCTV monitoring equipment (33,8%); and intruder alarms (29,7%). Other notable areas of interest were integrated systems (25,8%); computer security (25,4%); and alarm receiving centres (22,3%).
Summing up, SASA president Allan Hadfield said, "Securex 2002 was fantastic; it seems to get better and better every year. The quality of the visitors was good, and there was a lot of new equipment on show.
"Securex is recognised as a reputable and major quality show; that's why it's drawing so many buyers and decision makers from sub-Saharan countries. We would welcome the return of Securex to Cape Town. There is a huge development market there, that would benefit enormously from the reintroduction of this regional exhibition."
"Exhibitor interest in Securex 2003 is already keen, and close to 40% of the available space has already been spoken for," said project manager Jacqui Eggart.
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