We’re proud to report that our exhibitors are staying true to their CSR plans and their own beliefs, and continuing to work hard for charity despite these difficult economic times. Pound Gates Insurance Brokers recently took part in a Dragon Boat Race at Alton Waters for the St Elizabeth Hospice together with their client Crown Worldwide. Sadly they didn’t make it through the heats, but they had a great time and raised lots of money.

Aad Strormann from ECB Group took on an altogether more serious challenge recently – he cycled a Tour de France mountain stage for the charity Ven2-4Cancer. Oh - and he was a non-cyclist before the challenge. From the Netherlands. What an amazing achievement, especially as all the cyclists together raised over 300,000 euros for the organisation.

And there will be yet more charity activity during the show, with Pound Gates and PHS Teacrate both sporting ‘taches for the men’s health charity ‘Movember’, and the show organisers donating space and money to our official charity Help for Heroes. Please bring your pocket money...