10 years of EXPO REAL- Europe's biggest trade fair for commercial property
ExpoReal 2007, the 10th edition, is over and as previous years, the fair reached new records when it comes to exhibitors, visitors and exhibition space. The number of visitors this year was 23 800, an increase of 13 %. The increase of exhibitors was 11 %, this ads up to a total of 1 823 exhibitors. The exhibition area had a significant increase of 20 % - a total of 63 000 sqm.The fair is, indeed, enormous and grows bigger every year. Today, Expo Real is Europe ´s biggest trade fair for commercial property. Commenting on the importance of Expo Real is James A. Fetgatter who is Chief Executive of the Association of Foreign Investors in Real Estate from the USA: This is a must-attend conference for serious real estate investors.
One of the strongly emphasized topics at this year´s fair was sustainability in the property sector. Changes in climate and reliable energy supply are of great importance in this century. It is a challenge which is, in the highest degree, a global issue and therefore very appropriate in this type of context. The stand event of Business Region Göteborg was a success where there were, at the most, over a hundred people who were paying attention. The event took place on Tuesday, October 9th, between 3.45pm-5pm at stand B3.111.
John Houdi, magician, comedian and entertainer, started the program by welcoming everyone to the stand of Göteborg Region. He then introducedLennart Olausson , CEO, Business Region Göteborg, who also welcomed everyone and shortly mentioned the two cases, Hornbach and Hochtief, which were at focus this afternoon. Furthermore, Mr. Olausson brought up the fact that this region is continuing its growth.
Klaus Schüffler, from German-Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Göteborg, was the moderator this afternoon as he conducted the interviews with the two participating companies. Mr. Schüffler started off by presenting what his organization does for German companies wanting to establish in the Göteborg Region area. He continued by presenting facts about the region. Just to mention a few: 1.5 million consumers, approx. 2,000 foreign owned companies where 1,294 of these are headquarters, cutting edge companies such as Astra Zeneca, Hasselblad ,AB Volvo etc., well-established clusters such as Automotive, Logistics and Biomedical are present.First case up on stage was Hornbach, a retail company, which was represented by Ronny Hellström and Robert Meier. The moderator asked questions about the advantages and reasons for deciding to establish in the Göteborg Region. Hornbach firstly looked at the three bigger regions in Sweden. In Göteborg Region, they found that there was a good infrastructure, good support from authorities and the decision process turned out to be “fast and clean".
Hornbach decided to try the Swedish market in 2002. The German-Swedish Chamber of Commerce as well as Business Region Göteborg was contacted. A good contact was established and as soon as the appropriate soil was founded, the construction of the huge retail store could begin. Mr. Meier and Mr. Hellström both pointed out that the received service was quick and helpful.
One recommendation from Hornbach was to deeply look into the market situation before establishing. Furthermore, you have to take the potential, accessible customers and their mentality into consideration. To sum-up, Hornbach emphasized the importance of doing a market assessment, studying potential consumers and also contacting relevant authorities at an early stage. Next focus up on stage was the case of Hochtief, a construction company, represented by Matthias Tscheu. This particular company has not (yet at least) decided to establish in Göteborg Region, however, the region is very interested to them and today, the company has finalized its market investigation. Shortly, in a few months according to Mr. Tscheu, Hochtief will have made the decision where the set-up will take place.
Matthias Tscheu talked about the on-going project developments in Göteborg Region which are of interest to a company of a character like Hochtief. The company also realized the growth in this region and, therefore, it was a natural choice to investigate it further. Mr. Tscheu gave his opinion and advices whenever a new establishment in a new market is considered. Firstly, he mentioned the significance of a good network with local players since it can be very helpful at an early stage as well as throughout the process. Secondly, he recommended that you take into consideration a long-term view over the market and not only short-term. Finally, he points out that it is important to understand the business atmosphere and, not least, the cultural atmosphere.
In between the serious elements at this stand event, John Houdi entertained with his magical and comedian skills which evidently were appreciated among the audience.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for this year´s ExpoReal and we are already looking forward to ExpoReal 2008.
The next fair where you have the opportunity to meet Business Region Göteborg will be at MIPIM 2008- “The world´s property fair"- March 11th-14th in Cannes ,France.Last but not least, a special thanks to our partners:
- Alaska Fastigheter AB
- Askungen Förvaltning
- Aspelin-Ramm
- Castellum “Eklandia Fastighets AB, Harry Sjögren AB"
- Chalmersfastigheter
- Diligenta
- Förvaltnings AB Framtiden
- Higab group
- Mannheimer Swartling
- NCC
- NEWSEC
- Skanska
- Vasakronan
- Vinge
- Wallenstam
- Wistrand
- Älvstranden Utveckling
More on ExpoReal: External Link
