The recent Harrogate Week show seems to have exceeded expectations. The final attendance figure for the three days, according to organisers BIGGA, was 7538. Last year’s was 8641,but the best direct comparison would be the 2007 event when last its exhibition halls were without the big name manufacturers like John Deere, Ransomes and Toro and 6653 attended.

Beforehand, BIGGA chief executive John Pemberton hadsaid there was apprehension and concern about the impact the present economic climate would have. As well as the surprisingly buoyant show, the training and education programme had been better attended too apparently.

The exhibition did however get off to a slow start on the first morning. This may have been caused by many visitors choosing to travel then and cut accommodation spending. The exhibition halls – reduced this year from five to four because of the biennial absence of some of the major companies in the industry were soon as populated as ever, and remained so.

The seminar programme this year included several that were free of charge and this may account for the standing room only reports.

Newly elected BIGGA chairman Peter Todd from The London Golf Club, said that this year he had sent more of his staff to attend the education programme than he had in 2008.

“In this climate it’s even more important to up your game to meet the challenges ahead,” he said.

After hours Harrogate Week was very upbeat too. BIGGA replaced its usual dinner with a social evening at The Majestic Hotel and this was attended and enjoyed by well over 400. The reception hosted by the British Association of Golf Course Contractors attracted course architects, contractors and suppliers also showed that morale in the industry remains high.