Meet the Brand: MAHA UK
We catch up with Neil Ebbs from MAHA UK to find out more about their brand and exhibiting at Euro Bus Expo, on stand 455
Tell us a bit about your company?
MAHA is a premium workshop equipment manufacturer, one that is trusted by MOT and ATF centres, as well as maintenance and repair workshops across the UK.
Our portfolio includes brake testers, workshop lifts, headlight aligners and axle play detectors - all vital solutions to help technicians and testers inspect, test and repair all types of vehicles, such as passenger vehicles, LCVs, HGVs, motorcycles, utility and special-purpose vehicles.
Another key part of our business is our array of chassis dynamometers. MAHA has been a long-standing and trusted partner to vehicle performance centres, motorsport teams and race-tracks worldwide, thanks to our dynamometers' ability to conduct performance measurements accurately and consistently, as well as support customers with tuning and diagnostic capabilities.
Tell us about your latest product(s), service(s), promotions or launches visitors can hope to see on your stand?
Our team will highlight the bespoke features and credentials of our premium workshop equipment. This includes our new C_RGA mobile column lifts, available in both 7.5 and 8.5 tonnes.
With the combination of existing and established technology with new and innovative features, our C_RGA mobile column lifts increase safety, offer smart connectivity and reliability in abundance, not to mention more lifts and less recharging thanks to the lithium-ion battery. The C_RGA is a genuine all-rounder for vehicle maintenance work.
Furthermore, Euro Bus Expo visitors can discover our DVSA-approved LMS axle play detectors, MLT 1000 and 3000 headlight alignment testers, MBT 4250 and 7250 brake testers - and MCD 2000 communication cabinet. These are all connected to our compliant EUROSYSTEM V8 software.
Why is exhibiting at Euro Bus Expo 2024 an unmissable opportunity for you?
Euro Bus Expo is an ideal opportunity for our team to highlight our versatile workshop equipment to the event's visitors. Exhibitions and trade fairs have become a prominent part of our marketing strategy, so to connect with bus and coach professionals on a large scale and show them the benefits of our equipment is an excellent opportunity.
This direct engagement helps us gather valuable feedback and build strong relationships - whether new or existing.
We look forward to showcasing how our workshop equipment can enhance workshop efficiency, safety, and productivity.
Euro Bus Expo Launches a New Networking Platform: ‘Euro Bus Expo Connect’
Euro Bus Expo 2024 today announces the upcoming launch of Euro Bus Expo Connect, a new platform designed to enhance networking and maximise business opportunities for those planning to attend. This innovative tool will be available to registered visitors, allowing them to connect before, during, and after the event, which takes place at the NEC Birmingham from 12-14 November 2024.
Transforming visitor and exhibitor engagement
For the first time, visitors will have access to a platform that simplifies the process of finding and connecting with relevant exhibitors. With over 180 exhibitors, including 21 vehicle dealers, manufacturers, and converters, Euro Bus Expo will showcase products spanning the entire supply chain, from cutting-edge vehicles and technology to essential components and systems. By using Euro Bus Expo Connect, visitors can find what they need with ease and secure meetings before arriving at the event.
Euro Bus Expo Connect allows registered visitors to:
- Search for exhibitors and products tailored to their needs
- Schedule meetings directly with exhibitors either at their stand or in the dedicated Connect Lounge
- Create a personal itinerary with seminars and meetings, supported by helpful SMS and email reminders.
A dedicated support team will be available to assist with meeting planning and making the most of the platform’s features, ensuring that attendees can maximise their networking opportunities and business engagements.
“The platform makes planning your visit seamless,” says Helen Conway, Event Director for Euro Bus Expo. “Visitors can now make sure they connect with the right exhibitors, discover new products, and ensure they make the most of their time at the show. This service transforms the way people experience Euro Bus Expo.”
A game-changer for exhibitors
Exhibitors can also benefit from Euro Bus Expo Connect. They can create a detailed profile, showcase their products and services in an online marketplace, and connect with potential leads before the show begins, gaining a competitive edge.
The platform enables exhibitors to:
- Identify relevant visitors and schedule meetings in advance, guaranteeing that key contacts are not missed
- Prepare for meetings by gathering insights on what attendees are seeking
- Manage meetings efficiently with personal scheduling tools and reminders.
“Euro Bus Expo Connect allows exhibitors to generate leads and schedule meaningful meetings before the show starts,” adds Helen. “This is a game-changer for exhibitor and visitor interactions.”
The Connect Lounge
A new addition for 2024, the Connect Lounge offers a quieter space for focused discussions away from the busy show floor. Meetings can be booked here or at exhibitor stands, providing flexibility for attendees and a quieter, more focused environment for business discussions.
How to access Euro Bus Expo Connect
Registered operators, local authorities, community transport organisations, exhibitors, speakers, and press will receive personalised access links. Visitors who have not yet registered will be granted access upon registration. Those who have not yet registered or booked a stand are encouraged to do so as soon as possible to make the best use of the platform from day one.
Free registration for Euro Bus Expo
Euro Bus Expo is the industry-leading event for the coach and bus industry. With over 180 exhibitors, it offers attendees a comprehensive showcase of the latest products, technologies, and services, as well as expert-led seminars and networking opportunities. The event draws more than 8,000 visitors from across the UK and beyond, making it the must-attend event for anyone in the sector.
Registration is free of charge and available now at eurobusxpo.com.
Demystifying Social Value in the Coach and Bus Industry: A Q&A with Rachel Hughes
As the coach and bus industry evolves, topics like sustainability and social value are becoming key considerations for operators aiming to win new government tenders. At this year's Euro Bus Expo, Rachel Hughes, Director of Surbon Consulting, will present her insights in the session “Demystifying Social Value” on Thursday, 14 November, 2.15 - 2.25pm in the Masterclass Theatre.
What is Social Value, and why does it matter?
Social Value is a term that captures the additional economic, social, and environmental benefits that can be achieved through government spending.
For operators, this is becoming increasingly relevant, as UK central government contracts now include social value as a minimum of 10% of the tender weighting, in place since 2020. Devolved and local authorities, such as Transport for Greater Manchester, are also integrating social value into bus tenders.
Rachel Hughes' session will demystify social value by explaining what it is, how it can be measured, and what 'good' looks like in practice. Through case studies, she will provide actionable insights for operators who want to leverage social value in future government tenders and communications.
Ahead of her presentation, we caught up with Rachel to explore her work, her thoughts on social value, and the advice she has for coach and bus operators navigating the changing landscape.
Introducing Rachel Hughes: Expert in Social Value
Rachel founded Surbon Consulting in 2013 and has worked extensively in the UK and Middle East, supporting the public transport industry with business development and sustainability services. She has designed and implemented social value plans for major operators including Stagecoach and Go-Ahead, most recently completing work in Manchester.
With a BA (Hons) in Geography from the University of Oxford and a master’s in Carbon Management from the University of Edinburgh, Rachel is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Transport and Logistics.
Can you tell us more about your business and what it does?
Rachel: "Since 2013, I have provided business development and sustainability advice to the transport sector across the UK and the Middle East. My projects range from supporting social value initiatives for large-scale bids, such as the Elizabeth Line and Manchester bus franchising, to business development support for a transport start-up in Dubai."
What are the most rewarding and challenging aspects of your job?
Rachel: "The most rewarding and challenging part is supporting my clients to win new work.
My dad always said, ‘Persistence is omnipotence,’ and that advice has stuck with me throughout my career. It’s something I would pass on to others in the industry - staying persistent is crucial for success, especially in such a competitive environment."
What’s your key takeaway of the year (so far)?
Rachel: "The world feels more volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous. However, there are always opportunities. For example, we’ve seen an increase in government funding for electric buses, e.g. since 2020, UK government have spent £3.5 billion which is a significant step forward."
What can visitors expect to learn from your session?
Rachel: "During my session, I will cover what social value is and how it’s measured. Visitors will discover that they might already be doing a lot of social value work within their operations -whether through apprenticeships or charitable giving. I’ll also show how they can use this knowledge in future government tenders and in broader communications, which is crucial as social value is becoming a requirement in contracts."
What advice would you give coach and bus operators to stay competitive and future-proof their businesses in today’s market?
Rachel: "The industry has undergone a lot of change, as has the wider business and political environment in the past five years. My advice is to embrace change and communicate the need for it clearly to staff, customers and the supply chain. To future-proof their businesses, operators should be prepared to be agile and flexible, taking advantage of changes where possible - whether that's adapting to new regulations like social value or evolving business models such as franchising, involving the staff as agents of change, where possible."
What are the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the coach and bus industry today?
Rachel: "One of the biggest challenges is balancing ambitious decarbonisation targets against available funding. Operators need to be proactive and organised while exploring alternative routes and options to achieve these goals.”
“At the same time, there are significant opportunities in continuing to encourage people to travel by bus and coach through market-led services. The more we can demonstrate the value of public transport over private car usage, the better we can position the industry for future growth."
Discover How Social Value Can Benefit Your Operations at Euro Bus Expo
Rachel’s session on social value will provide practical insights that can directly benefit coach and bus operations, especially as the industry increasingly integrates sustainability into its business models. But that's just one part of what Euro Bus Expo has to offer.
With a diverse range of exhibitors showcasing the latest in vehicle technology, digital solutions, and operational tools, the event is designed to help operators discover new ways to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and stay competitive. Attendees will also have the chance to network with peers, gain insight into current regulatory changes, and explore the future of decarbonisation, accessibility, and innovation in the transport sector.
Says Rachel: "Euro Bus Expo brings together a wide range of insightful exhibitors and speakers in an easily accessible location, making it the perfect event for operators who want to stay ahead of the curve and learn about the latest trends in the industry."
Don’t miss the chance to hear from Rachel and other industry experts at Euro Bus Expo. Register for free today and join us for three days of thought-provoking discussions, cutting-edge products, and valuable networking opportunities.