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SED2011

30 Apr 2010

Chris Hendy– the power behind Brendon Power Washers talks about SED

Louise Murphy talks to Chris Hendy. Sales Director/Joint Managing Director, Brendon Powerwashers

Brendon Powerwashers began its history in the late 1970’s, when brothers Robert and Chris Hendy joined forces to create what is today one of the largest and most successful manufacturers of engine driven Powerwashers in Europe. Still a family run business 30-years on, Chris Hendy tells PMJ about his personal experiences at SED over the years.....

Memories of your first SED?

Whipsnade! We had a small stand with a van parked on it; we thought it was ‘state of the art’ back then! I can also recall it snowing at Whipsnade and sweeping snow off our machines.

How many times has Brendon exhibited at SED?

We have exhibited at every show since 1987; it was the first national event we had been to. The 2010 show will be our 23rd consecutive appearance, which I guess makes Brendon Powerwashers SED veterans!

What was your ‘best ever’ experience at SED?

I really think my best was definitely Brendon’s first! I can remember me and my brother Rob, with another colleague, setting up our stand and waiting for the visitors to arrive with anticipation. We were both very young (in our early 20’s) and this being our first show we really didn’t know what to expect. We stood there for a while and when no visitors arrived we decided to go ‘walk about’. After an hour or so we returned to find our stand swamped with visitors and our colleague saying “sorry lads I’ve sold the first machine!” What we hadn’t factored in was that visitors had to be ‘transported’ from the Zoo to the SED site, so all of a sudden a whole host of people arrived at once, and of course SED was not as big those days!

Why is coming to SED important to Brendon?

SED is a very important event in our calendar and we have a lot of history with the show and view it as the cornerstone of a market. If I was asked if there was another show that compared to SED, I would have to say no, that’s what our customers say about us. Despite being a smaller show, due to the economic situation, SED’s ethos remains the same, a working construction event where you can demonstrate your products, which I think is key in this current market. I also think that because of the dreadful exchange rate people will be looking more to UK exhibitions – and supporting UK manufacturers. SED is also a great place to see new and existing customers. Consistency is important in these changing times and by being at SED and showing our products it builds confidence.

What can we expect to see from Brendon this year?

We are constantly striving to stay ahead of the game, this is the only way to succeed, at Brendon we genuinely love what we do, we have a small dedicated team and it works for us. Our strength has allowed us to introduce new products and this year we will introduce the Brand New Hot Bowserwasher. We will also be introducing more new products in 2010 which will be quieter; more fuel efficient taking environmental issues into account.

Brendon Power Washers will be back at SED 2011 on their new plot and will also be demonstrating. SED 2011 17th – 19th May.

Brendon Power Washers
Station Road Industrial Estate
Wiveliscombe
Somerset
TA4 2LX
Tel: 01984 62450
www.powerwashers.co.uk