Space only means no walls, no carpet, and no electricity, just a marked-out area on the floor.  

All space only exhibitors are responsible for their own stand design and construction, and for ensuring that they, or their contractor, has received a written ‘Permission to Build’ before arriving on-site.  

All work must be carried out in conformity with the Rules and Regulations of the venue and the Local Authority. The eGuide provides guidance on achieving common regulative standards for events.  We recommend that exhibitors use a Member of the Event Suppliers & Services Association (ESSA) to build their stands, which will provide the security of knowing their contactor is backed by the association's Code of Conduct, Quality Charter, and Bond. 

Please click here for a list of contractors recommended by Montgomery Group.

Make sure your contractor checks the location and orientation of your stand in relation to an up-to-date floorplan, and that they build within the given parameters. The thickness of walls must be calculated inside the outer dimensions of the stand. The Organisers will not be liable for any costs incurred to rectify mistakes or adjust on-site. Below are some considerations when planning your stand. 

• How many walls will be required?  An exhibitor’s Contract to Exhibit will indicate ‘one’, ‘two’, ‘three’ or ‘four’ open sides. Three open sides indicate the need for one back wall, two open sides indicate the need for two walls etc.  
• Space only exhibitors may not make use of walls provided by neighbouring stands that are built from the Organisers shell scheme. 
• What are the other requirements or issues that need to be taken into consideration, e.g., store area, reception desk, and kitchen or sink requirements, disposal of waste from sampling etc. 
• If services such as water and waste are being used, exhibitors should consider the use of a platform to avoid unsightly pipes and connections (which could also cause a trip hazard) from the service ducts. 
• What floor covering should you have?  If you have a kitchen area, carpet is not a suitable floor covering – the floor here should be washable. 
• How much lighting do you need?  Use spotlights to highlight particular products or graphics.
• You may supply your own electrical fittings, provided that all pre-wiring is carried out before you arrive onsite. Whoever has done the wiring then needs to sign a certificate to the effect that the work has been done by qualified personnel and in accordance with all rules and regulations governing electrical installations. This certificate needs to be handed to the electrical contractor before power to the stand is made live. 
• When appointing a contractor, exhibitors should obtain guarantees that the stand will be finished and all litter and stand construction materials removed from the exhibition halls by 2000hrs on Sunday 16th March.

When creating stand plan proposals, please ensure that you take the exhibition timetable into consideration and ensure that stands can be built and taken down in the given timeframe.

You will need to ensure that the build of your stand at the event is carried out safely.  The CDM Regulations provide a framework to help you ensure that your stand is constructed safely and fulfil your legal obligations.

As organisers we carry out a number of activities as part of our own responsibilities some of which will help you fulfil your obligations. Please contact the organisers if you need any further help or information.

Organisers Support:

• We ensure that all Space Only Contractors provide us with, Construction Phase Plans, consisting of Risk Assessment, Method Statement, Stand Plans and Welfare Arrangements.  We employ Scott-Baker to provide help and support to Space Only Contractors with CDM queries -standapproval@montgomerygroup.com.   They can provide templates to assist in the completion of these documents.
• We ensure suitable welfare facilities are available including toilets, seating, access to drinking water and food outlets.
• We provide Health and Safety Site Rules to all contractors and exhibitors prior to coming onsite and onsite at entrances to the hall.  There is no access to the hall during Build Up and Breakdown without having received the Site Rules and passes are issued only on this basis.
   

Exhibitor Responsibilities
Under CDM you are defined as The Client with regards to the build of your stand.  Below is a list or your responsibilities, we have highlighted those that can be delegated to the Principal Designer and / or the Principal Contractor:

• Make arrangements for managing your project i.e., building your stand.  You do need to ensure that someone is named as responsible for ensuring all the required roles are fulfilled.
• Appoint a Principal Designer and Principal Contractor.  These roles are often the same company or person and can be an external company or someone you appoint within your company.
• Ensure construction work is carried out safely and that welfare requirements are complied with. This would be delegated to your Principal Designer/Contractor.
• Ensure that a Construction Phase plan is drawn up and a Health & Safety file is prepared.  This would be delegated to your Principal Designer/Contractor who will do this as part of their obligations under this and other Health and Safety legislation.

Principal Designer Responsibilities
The Principal Designer is the person or company in control of the ‘design’ of your stand and they must:

• Ensure that planning, design, and pre-construction is carried out in compliance with the law.
• Ensure that risks are identified, eliminated, and controlled at the design stage.
• Ensure that pre-construction information is provided to contractors.
• Ensure a Construction Phase Plan is drawn up and a Health and Safety file is prepared.

Principal Contractor Responsibilities
The Principal Contractor is the person or company in control of the ‘build’ of your stand.  If they employ a 3rd Party to deliver onsite this company would become the Contractor, whether one company or two they must:

• Plan, manage and monitor the construction phase (build-up & breakdown) and the way the construction work is carried out, ensuring it is safe to construct and remove within an event environment and that it has little or no impact on the neighbouring constructions or contractors.
• Ensure work is carried out without risks to Health & Safety.
• Draw up site rules for the stand area (these will often mirror the Event’s rules, but should not be limited to this), ensure suitable inductions and welfare facilities; provide information, instruction, and training.
• Restrict access to your site if required by the work being carried out at the time.
• Liaise onsite with Event Operations team.

Proposed stand designs must be forwarded to Johanna Shirley by Friday 3rd January 2025.

As per the CDM Regulations above please ensure a Construction Phase Plan is sent to Johanna. If you have a stand contractor, they will do this and it should consist of: 

• Stand Plan 
• Method Statement 
• Risk Assessment 
• Contractor Health and Safety Declaration - Including the Welfare Arrangement Declaration

Please use the Space Only Submission Form to submit these forms, do not email Johanna directly. Examples and templates can be found within the submission form.

• All space only stands are responsible for building all their walls and cannot make use of neighbouring stand walls whether they are space only or shell scheme stands.
• All work must be carried out in conformity with the Rules and Regulations of the industry accepted e-Guide and the UK Building Regulations including all BS Standards. Click here for the e-Guide. 
• We recommend that exhibitors use a member of the Event Suppliers & Services Association (ESSA) to build their stands, which will provide the security of knowing their contactor is backed by the association's Code of Conduct, Quality Charter and Bond.  If you would like to put your stand design and build out to tender visit ESSA – Submit Your Contract for Tender.
• The maximum height for Space Only Stands is 7m, including multi-story stands.
• The minimum height for Space Only Stands is 2.5m.
• All advertising and logos must be within specified height limits.
• On divided sites if your wall is above 2.5m you must decorate the back of your wall facing your neighbours stand, down to 2.5m. These walls must be finished in a neutral colour only to the satisfaction of the Organisers. 
• No advertising and logos will be allowed on the reverse side of dividing walls.
• Do not allow any off-site construction to begin until written approval has been received.  If written approval has not been received building will not be allowed to commence onsite and last-minute approvals could involve the exhibitor in delays and / or additional costs.  
• Stands must be designed in a way as to not discriminate against disabled visitors. 
• All work must be carried out using non-flammable materials. 
• The design of the stand must be such that it can be erected and dismantled within the published time schedule (You can download a PDF of the exhibition timetable in the operations zone)
• The Organisers may, at the expense of the exhibitor, remove or alter anything forming part of any stand, if in their opinion it is desirable to do so in the interest of the exhibition. 
• The stand floor area must be covered with a suitable floor covering e.g., Nonslip, easy clean surfaces in food preparation areas. 
• Any presentation or demonstration likely to interest groups of 10 or more people must be located towards the centre of the stand and clearly shown on stand drawings.   
• If any presentation or demonstration causes obstruction in the gangway and/or nuisance to any other exhibitor, we reserve the right to cancel the presentation or demonstration or restrict the frequency. 
• Vehicles are not permitted without prior written approval from the Organisers. 
• No fixings can be made to the hall floor, or any other part of the hall structure. Any damage to the floor or structure of the building will be charged to the exhibitor. 
• Exhibitors are responsible for all actions of any contractor they employ to work for them. Any damage caused will be charged back to the employing exhibitor.  
• Balloons are only permissible with written approval from the Organisers.  
• All stand structures: signs, etc. must be confined within the area allotted and must not project into or over the gangways.   
• All painting onsite must be carried out using water-based paints. 
• Designs incorporating long runs of solid walling will not be approved.  At least 50% of each frontage must remain open or fitted with an approved transparent material. This is subject to the approval of the organisers.  
• Solid walling over 5m in length on a designated open side must be set back at least 0.5m from the stand perimeter.  
• Doors from offices, stores or meeting rooms must NOT open outwards on to a gangway. Vision panel windows must be fitted to all doors built into the interior of a stand. 
• Drop wires, rigging of banners and lighting are permitted. See further information under General Stand Building Information – Rigging found below. 
• Exhibitors and their contractors should familiarise themselves with the Working at Height Regulations 2005, and amendment published in 2007. 
• Exhibitors who have two stands either side of a gangway who wish to connect them in some way must contact the Organisers for permission and specification regulations before implementing any design work. 

Jenni Green
Showlite
T: 01264 365 550
E: j.green@showlite.co.uk
W: www.showlite.co.uk

Please click here for the electrical order form  

Showlite are responsible for and will carry out all electrical work on stands within the exhibition halls.

Please place your orders by Thursday 13th February to receive early bird prices. Other prices can be provided if required.  The price for fittings covers the hire, power requirements, maintenance during the open period and removal at the close of the exhibition.

If you have any questions about the exact electrical requirements for your stand, please contact the electrical contractor using the details above who will be happy to advise you. 

If machinery or working equipment is to be operated, please inform the electrical contractor, including the electrical requirements and ratings; this applies particularly where high fluctuating currents are involved. Electrical supplies (three- and single-phase) will be assessed on the information provided.  The contractor will then be responsible for ordering the required mains from the venue.  The installation of these supplies will be subject to a connection charge.

The standard supplies of electrical current available are:
Single-phase alternating at 240 volts, 50 Hz
Three-phase alternating at 415 volts, 50Hz

Listed below are examples of "typical" loadings for items plugged in to socket outlets:

500 watt sockets:	computers, TV’s, video’s, spotlights to 500W, refrigerators
1000 watt sockets:	domestic filter coffee machines, lighting up to 1000W
2000 watt sockets:	kettles**, machinery up to 2000W
3000 watt sockets:	hired coffee machines, machinery 2000W to 3000W

Note ** kettles and refrigeration / freezer requirements vary between 200 and 2000 watts.  Please check with the supplier or check the reference tag or plate on the machine.

Early Bird – orders placed before Thursday 13th February 2025

Standard Rate – orders places between Friday 14th February 2025 to Sunday 2nd March 2025 (20% on early bird rate)

Surcharge Rate (includes onsite rate order) - orders placed from Monday 3rd March 2025 (20% on standard rate)

During the build-up period, an enquiry desk will be located outside the Organisers Office (N8) to assist exhibitors with any electrical queries or problems. The desk will be manned from 0800-1800 hours daily.

Electricity will be energised to stands as quickly as possible during the build-up period, subject to satisfactory inspection and testing of installations.  Occasionally delays may occur because adjoining stands are not complete and ready for inspection.

The organisers have arranged for exhibitors to request 24-hour supply on their socket free of charge. Please note you will need to let Showlite know what you are running off the sockets and whether a 24-hour supply is required, otherwise the power will be switched off 15 minutes after the show closes each day.

Any exhibitor needing electricity for the running down of machinery or refrigeration equipment etc when the exhibition closes at 1700hrs on Wednesday 19th March must inform the Organisers’ Office of their requirements no later than 1700hrs the day before, Tuesday 18th March, for this to be organised in time.

If you require a temporary power supply during the build-up period, you should order this direct with Showlite.

Every circuit installed on an exhibition stand must be tested before it’s finally energised. Costs for this are shown separately on the electrical order form. 

For further information on how this impacts your stand, please contact Showlite.

What is Better Stands? 

Better Stands is a programme aiming to ensure that all core elements of exhibitor stands are reusable. Help us to reduce the environmental impact of Surface Design Show by committing to the Better Stands programme framework and show that your company values being part of sustainable and socially responsible events. 

Did you know that one medium sized disposable stand produces around four tonnes of waste, which is almost 10x the average person’s household waste per yeari. Designed to be used only once, they have a significant impact on the environment, in addition to increasing health and safety risks onsite.  

 

What’s in it for me? 

• A better quality, more attractive & sustainable stand 
• Opportunity to promote the sustainable credentials of your brand 
• Smoother, more efficient build up and breakdown periods 
• Lower work hours and reduced construction costs 
• Reduce or eradicate your waste bill 

 

What do I need to do? 

To make your commitment to Better Stands and contribute to a more sustainable event: 

• Familiarise yourself with the Better Stands framework found below 
• Share these guidelines with your contractor before they begin designing your stand (if you are a self-build, you will be asked to submit the 10-point checklist within your stand plan submission) 
• Ensure the stand reaches at least a bronze level, meaning the stand structure and walls, platform or raised flooring, furniture, equipment, and lighting are all reused. 
• Ensure that the submitted stand design clearly communicates how your contractor will meet the Better Stands guidelines 

 

How will we help? 

• Once you have submitted your framework, our stand plan approver will send back information on what you can do reach the Bronze, Silver or Gold Better Stands rating. 
• If you tell us all elements of your stand are completely reusable, congratulations! You have already   reached the Better Stands Gold standard. Our Better Stands representatives will be onsite during build up and breakdown to check this.  
• You will receive an email post show with a detailed report and your Better Stands rating.  

 

 

If you require any further information or guidance on the Better Stands programme, please contact standapproval@montgomerygroup.com

 

ExCeL is adopting the Voyage Control pre-show vehicle booking system for deliveries to the show floor to ensure clarity in terms of access and to reduce waiting times. For a seamless process, it is essential that all vehicles needing access the venue’s loading bays are pre-booked on the ExCeL London Vehicle Booking System.  

To book your vehicle please go to excellondon.voyagecontrol.com

Any exhibitor or contractor vehicles that are not booked system will be denied access to the loading bay by the on-site traffic team.

If you do not plan to construct a stand but utilise a “pop up” structure as a backdrop, all stand regulations still apply to your stand.  You are required to submit a Stand Plan, Risk Assessment and Method Statement and any additional CDM Regulation information.   

No carpet is provided for space only sites.  Appropriate floor covering e.g., carpet or non-slip, easily cleanable floor covering in food preparation areas must be installed to all space only sites.  Whoever is responsible for laying the flooring down to the hall floor must ensure that an acceptable tape is used and that all flooring and tape is removed from the hall along with all other stand fitting material at the end of the exhibition.  Failure to do so will result in a dilapidation charge of £25.00 per linear metre.  

Exhibition flooring if often disposable generating a lot of waste so we encourage exhibitors and contractors to use sustainable options where possible such as reusable flooring or carpet that is recycled after the event.  

If a large number of services (water & waste, gas, electrics, etc.) are required, the Organisers recommend the use of a platform. Please contact Expo Floors Ltd direct for a quotation. 

Exhibitors requiring a gas supply on their stand should order via the web shop by 20th February 2025 to receive the early bird rate. 

To locate the position of your nearest duct, please request a ‘Ducting Plan’ from ops.fdhw@montgomerygroup.com.

 Please note that the use of LPG is not permitted at ExCeL, please contact ops.fdhw@montgomerygroup.com for information if it is essential in the demonstration of an appliance specifically designed to operate on LPG.

• The minimum height for walls on space only stands is 2.5m
• The maximum height for walls on single storey space only stands is 7m, including multi-storey space only stands.

 

Work outside the timetabled hours will not be allowed. In emergency situations e.g., unavoidable delays due to circumstance outside the contractor’s control, an hourly charge PER STAND, PER MODULE will be required to be paid onsite to cover extra costs incurred from the venue, security and for Health & Safety cover. These charges are:  

From 1800 – 2000 will be                                                         £250 + VAT PER HOUR, PER STAND, PER MODULE

From 2000 – 2200 will be                                                        £350 + VAT PER HOUR, PER STAND, PER MODULE

Under no circumstances will work be permitted 2200hrs on Sunday 16th March.

Depending on when any late working is requested, we cannot guarantee that a sufficient amount of required support, from the venue, Health & Safety Officer etc can be provided.  We therefore require all exhibitors and contractors to ensure that space only stands are designed to be completed in the time available.

There are strict regulations governing the materials used in the construction and decoration of stands and in the demonstration of products. 

PLEASE NOTE – CHIPBOARD MUST NOT BE USED AS A WEIGHT BEARING MATERIAL. If you are using chipboard, you must declare what you are using for in the space only submission form. We have onsite auditors checking the use of chipboard at the show.

All stands will be inspected during the build-up by the Health and Safety Officer and the Venue Fire Safety Officer. Any fittings or materials not meeting the fire regulations will need to be removed, or the stand will be closed down.  You should draw attention to these requirements to any contractors working on your behalf. 

• Decorative materials used for stand dressing must be flame proofed or purchased already treated with an appropriate chemical. 
• Artificial flowers and plants are highly flammable and give off toxic fumes and must not be used for stand dressing. 
• Gangways must be kept clear and free from exhibits, stand dressing, furniture etc at all times during the open period of the exhibition.  Offending items are liable to be removed without warning.
• No empty packing cases may be stored on, around or behind your stand, as this constitutes a fire hazard. 

For more information, please check the e-Guide page 133.

A Construction Phase Plan as required by the CDM Regulations must be sent to Johanna Shirley ASAP, but definitely before the deadline date – FRIDAY 20th December 2025. Please ensure your stand contractor (if you appoint one) complies with this deadline date, failure to do so could result in delays and / or additional costs. The design of the stands must be such that it can be safely erected and dismantled in the limited time available. 

• CDM Regulations requirements are:  
  • Stand Plan – these must include:
    • A ground plan and elevation drawing 
    • All dimensions, which should be to a recognised scale (e.g., 1:20, 1:25, 1:50, 1:100)
• Method Statement including materials to be used
• Risk Assessment including a Fire Risk Assessment that covers precautionary measures to be undertaken during build-up if working within a hazardous environment such as welding, toxic or flammable substances, etc. 
• Contractor Health and Safety Declaration - including the Welfare Arrangement Declaration

All drawings and Health and Safety details MUST be submitted via the Space Only Submission Form. 

If a stand is considered to be ‘Complex’ the Local Authority requires certification by an Independent Structural Engineer. There will be a charge for this inspection and certification of £385.00 + VAT. If you have any questions about what constitutes a ‘Complex’ stand, please contact Johanna Shirley.  

No construction will be permitted in the hall until permission to build has been issued.

 

Stands Over 4m or Complex Structure

For stands incorporating features over 4m, or deemed a complex structure, plans must be submitted by FRIDAY 3rd January 2025.

Complex structures are defined as follows in the eGuide:

• Any structure, regardless of its height, which requires structural calculations
• Multi-story stands
• Any part of a stand or exhibit which exceeds four metres in height
• Custom-built/bespoke suspended structures
• Sound/lighting towers
• Temporary tiered seating (refer to Temporary Demountable Structures section)
• Platforms and stages over 0.6m in height and all platforms and stages for public use (not including stand floor flats and platforms).

The organiser reserves the right to deem a structure ‘complex’ where not correctly identified.

• All suspended elements which are constructed from timber and/or metal structure will be deemed as complex structures. Suspended elements consist of canopy, fascia, trusses clad with timber etc. Click here for guidelines. For further details on Complex Stands - Suspended Elements.

 

Structural Calculations

If any of the above apply to your stand design, you must provide your own structural calculations together with your drawings proving stability of your structure.  These calculations and drawings will then be submitted to our structural engineer for checking.

Complex rigs must include connection details between venues rigging point to suspended elements, constructed details of joints between elements etc.  Calculations are to provide that the rigging elements are capable of supporting the weight of the elements.  Lifting points should be clearly indicated in the drawings together with magnitude of load for each individual suspension point. A factor of Safety of 1.5 should apply to the rigging load.

The Organisers will forward this information to an independent Structural Engineer, ExCeL and Local Authority who will (if satisfied) complete a Certificate of Integrity (Design Stage) for the plan at which point you will receive a Certificate to Build. The same Structural Engineer will then attend onsite during build-up and when satisfied you have built as per your drawings submitted and calculations will provide the stand with a second Certificate of Integrity (Construction Stage).

There will be a charge                  £385 + VAT for stands over 4m in height and stands deemed to be complex

                                                         £515 + VAT for double decker stands

For advice and a quotation please contact Expo Floors Ltd directly on
T: +44 (0)1922 721177
E : sales@expo-floors.com

The use of platforms should be avoided wherever possible, to provide level access to exhibits and services.

Where the use of platforms is unavoidable, they should not exceed 170mm in height (one step) and ramped access should be provided for people with disabilities. 

The distance between supporting timbers of platforms constructed from battens (25mm thick minimum) and sheet materials (plywood or MDF, 18mm minimum), must not exceed 400mm from centre to centre. 

Platform corners must be splayed, rounded or angled and there must be a contrast in colour between the gangway and the platform to denote the change in level. 

Where a bevel edge is applied to the perimeter of a platform, it must be conspicuous. 

Please check the e- Guide from page 129 for Regulations relating to the use of ramps and handrails.  

To order drop wires and rigging points please contact the ExCeL rigging department or click here.

Banners directly above your own stand are permitted and will be considered as part of your stand build. You will need to book rigging for any banners directly with the ExCeL rigging department. All rigging is required to be a minimum of 4 metres from the floor to the underside of structure / banner. A maximum height of 7m from the floor is permitted.

When submitting drawings to standapproval@montgomerygroup.com for your stand please advise if the rig you are doing has a complex element.

All rigging other than lightweight banners and lighting rigs made of truss (without cladding) are now subject to checks by a Structural Engineer. Those with complex rigs must submit the signed Certificate of Integrity to the organisers before the rig can be flown. The organisers arrange for a Structural Engineer to check these stands, but will pass the cost onto the exhibitor.

There will be a charge                  £385 + VAT for single storey stands

                                                         £515+ VAT for double decker stands

Drop wires are not allowed to be used for stabilising stand fitting. All works from the halls roof cannot be connected to anything that touches the hall floor.

Please complete the Contractor Nomination Form as soon as possible but by no later than Friday 20th December 2025.  We will then liaise with them regarding any information required.   

Use An ESSA Member

As an exhibitor, you have a responsibility to appoint a competent exhibition contractor.  For the supply of products and services at this event, we strongly recommended that you use ESSA Members – ESSA is the Events Supplier and Services Association. All ESSA Members observe a strict Code of Conduct and Quality Charter, which covers service, ability, experience and business practice.  Full members are also covered under the ESSA Bond – you can find more information here  https://www.essa.uk.com/find-a-supplier/why-use-an-essa-member

In addition, ESSA Accredited companies have attained an annual company-level H&S qualification for event suppliers and contractors. Independently audited, it provides demonstrable proof that a company is operating at the required level to meet industry standards. For those constructing stands, it assesses against stage one requirements of assessing competence under Construction Design & Management (CDM) 2015.  You can find more information here https://www.essa.uk.com/accredited/essa-accredited

Accredited ESSA members also have an option to undertake a module in Sustainability enabling them to demonstrate to you that they are considerate of their impact to the environment in their working practices.

All ESSA members will be able to provide you with an up to date certificate of membership and logo or you can find your ESSA company here www.essa.uk.com/members / https://www.essa.uk.com/accredited/accredited-members

Before appointing your stand builder, please read our Sustainability and Waste Policy and ensure that you and your stand builder consider these points.

Should you need assistance on which stand builder to approach to build your stand, please click here for our Recommended Stand Builder list.

Exhibitors are responsible for the waste created in the building, decorating and dismantling of their stands. Any waste created must be planned for. The idea would be that the appointed stand builder will take away any stand construction waste with them daily. Make sure you agree this with the stand builder at the beginning. Should they not be able to take the waste away, then please pre book the waste bins/skips required for waste. One of these two options will be far cheaper than booking than booking waste bins/skips onsite or worst will be is as organisers having to charge the exhibitor the waste bin charge (price dependent on the amount of waste) PLUS a fixed fine of £300. For more information please click here.

To order your waste bins now, click here.

Exhibitors requiring a water and/or waste supply on their stand should click here to make orders. Be sure to order by 13th February 2025 for advanced rates!

If necessary, it is advisable to build a platform to cover unsightly pipes and connections, and to avoid potential trip hazards. To obtain a ‘Ducting Plan’ showing the location of the ducts on your stand, please contact Johanna Shirley.