Clearview National May 2017 - Issue 186 | Page 60

FIT SHOW 2017 SHOPPING MADE EASIER » » Winkhaus, will be showcasing its range of innovative locking systems for all types of door materials in Hall 7 stand L40 at the FIT Show in May. proving a hit with our clients’ Visitors will be able to see the latest innovations to the autoLock AV3 range on the new enlarged Winkhaus stand. These include the electronic version, AV3-E with the FAB slave door lock function in a timber door; the AV3 Heritage in a composite door and the AV3 Entryguard in an aluminium door. Winkhaus will also be presenting aluPilot, the new fitting system for aluminium windows that saves time and money. The AV3 multipoint autoLock features a ‘daytime latch’ function that delivers added practicality for the end-user by allowing the door to be opened from the outside without a key when activated. This facility is useful when instant access is needed over a short period, for example when carrying in shopping bags. “The addition of the AV3 to our already comprehensive range of locking solutions is proving a hit with our clients,” comments Justin Harris, Winkhaus UK Managing Director. “Convenience has great appeal to homeowners, in turn opening up fresh selling opportunities for installers.” www.winkhaus.co.uk NEARLY 100 NEW EXHIBITORS » » This year’s FIT Show is proving to be a hit with new exhibiting companies, who see the opportunities that they confidently expect will come from being present at one of the best trade shows in the business. The show, which takes place at Birmingham’s NEC from 23rd to 25th May, has attracted no fewer than 99 new exhibiting companies, illustrating the huge interest it can generate within the industry. FIT Show organisers are delighted that so many new companies have signed up to show off their products and services. Companies exhibiting for the first time include Gwent-based AluK, for whom – as the name suggests – aluminium lies at the heart of everything it does. Door companies Longden Doors and Mexin Doors have both booked their spot for 2017, so too has the newly formed price comparison site for window prices for homeowners, Comparemywindows.com, as has sealants company European Chemical Industries. The decision to move the show to the NEC has clearly proved popular with the industry, with its larger exhibition space and the bonus of great facilities nearby, including bars, hotels, restaurants and health clubs. MOTION CAPTURE TECHNOLOGY » » Universal Arches will bring the first ever Motion Capture (MoCap) technology to the FIT Show, which will transform a hidden, live human performance into a pure, interactive and digital experience on stand C63 in Hall 6. Archie and Sasha will be the two life like digital assistants on the Universal Arches stand, which will dazzle visitors in terms of interactive technology and product finish in a unique 60 M AY 2 01 7 ‘interactive and digital experience’ colourway, this year with a distinctly metallic theme. The virtual characters of Archie and Sasha have full mobility and have all the expressions and features that you would associate with an animated video character in the movies, except this one interacts and talks back to the audience live on stage. Leon Day, managing director of Universal Arches commented: ‘It will be our staff that will drive our FIT Show exhibition this year with the likes of Caitlin and Kayleigh on hand each day and supported by our virtual assistants of Archie and Sasha. With our sponsorship, again of the lanyards, we’re also looking to break the record-breaking footfall of 3,217 from last years’ show. www.universalarches.com