The exhibition, LEEA’s second, was “rated a success by exhibitors,” added Bailes, who aims to “grow the event further in 2007.”

John Brindley, of Brindley Chains, the UK PEWAG distributor, said he had visitors on the stand “continuously.”

Bailes added: “There were 25% more stands than last year including several taking two or three pitches – and the diversity of product and services on show was considerably greater.”

A number of awards were presented at the AGM. David Grigg, of Arbil Ltd, received the Cyril McCaully memorial prize for the best paper in the Lifting Gear General examination.

He also received the Harry Brown Memorial Shield for the best overall paper in a specialised subject. The awards were presented by LEEA president John Kilby.