Space Only Definition
- A Space Only stand is a marked out area on the hall floor on which your stand can be built.
- There are no walls, floor coverings, electrics or furniture provided. The exhibitor is responsible for providing these.
- The exhibitor may build a stand themselves or appoint a contractor to do this on their behalf.
- Either way specific information as detailed below must be submitted to the organisers and or their appointed health and safety specialists.
If you are unable to fulfil your own stand build and need to change to a shell scheme stand please contact operations@agriconnect.com.
Submission of Plans & Paperwork
- Space Only exhibitors must submit stand plans to be checked for compliance with the venue and local authority regulations
- The deadline for all plan submissions is Friday 28th November 2025.
- You or your main contractor must supply the following documentation via stand audit website
There are two main types of space only plan submissions –
- Exhibitors that are positioning vehicles and/or agricultural machinery on their stands with no build element to their stand at all.
- Those exhibitors that are designing a stand and as part of their space only stand are erecting temporary structures/ stand build.
If you are in any doubt as to which category applies to you please do contact KRM Safety Management Ltd on karl@krmsafety.management and ask.
For those exhibitors to whom the first category applies KRM Safety Management Ltd will require the following information from you –
Basic plan showing your vehicles plotted within your space.
- Risk Assessment - to include elements of marshalling your vehicles into position and demonstrating that any necessary safety features of your machines are in place for the show open.
- Method Statement
- Your public liability insurance.
For those exhibitors who are planning on having their stand built and designed, hence falling under the 2nd category, the following information is required -
- Plan view of stand, showing external dimensions and which sides are open onto the gangways.
- Plan view showing your stand's orientation i.e. how your design relates to those stands surrounding your space.
- Plan view should detail any hall column incorporated within your design, its dimensions and the distance to the nearest stand edge.
- Elevation views, with clearly marked heights.
- Details of the materials used to construct the stand.
- Colour visual of stand.
- Risk Assessment and fire risk assessment.
- Method Statement.
- Construction Phase Plan
- Your public liability insurance (stand builder)
All plans and documentation must be submitted in English and must clearly state the exhibiting company’s name & stand number and the name and contact number of the responsible contractor.
All drawings must show the scale used, which should be no less than 1:50.
Ultimate responsibility lies with you, the Exhibitor, to comply with all Health & Safety and plan submission requirements and ensure the safety of all persons at all times on your stand.
After submitting your plans you will receive either written questions and comments about your plans or a Permission to Build Notice. Please ensure you respond promptly to any questions to ensure that we are able to issue your Permission to Build Notice. Work may not commence on your stand until you have received this.
Once you have received the Permission to Build Notice you should not alter the design of your stand. If you do need to change your design you must resubmit your plans for consideration.
Complex Stands
Complex Stands – definition:
A complex stand is any stand at any height that through its design may require the input of a structural engineer.
The following is a list of commonly accepted complex stands but a further assessment will be made on submission of your designs:
- Designs that contain any structural elements
- Designs with any part over 4m in height
- Designs that include a platform of over 600mm above floor level to which persons have access OR a platform at any height which allows general public access.
- Designs and or exhibits that contain steps
- Designs that will require the submission of calculations proving the strength and stability of the structure and the engagement of a structural engineer to issue a certificate of structural integrity.
- Designs that have anything made from wood that is rigged
If the Stand design is complex the following must also be supplied:
- Structural Calculations and construction drawings
- A completed certificate of structural integrity for the design by an approved structural engineer.
- The stand will also need to be inspected for final sign off on site, once built, before the exhibition is opened to the public.
*Note the exhibitor is liable for all charges relating to this.
Construction Regulations
- MAXIMUM BUILD HEIGHT FOR SPACE ONLY STANDS IS 4M.
- Space Only Stand Adjoining another Stand – Exhibitors are not required to build a partition wall between their stand and the adjoining stand. We do understand that as part of your stand designs you may wish to build a partition wall and where this occurs you must ensure that both sides are finished to an acceptable show standard. The rear of these walls in their entirety should be finished in a neutral colour and should not include graphics, logos or company information.
- ALL STANDS MUST CLEARLY DEFINE THEIR OWN STAND SPACE WITHIN THE HALL. THIS COULD BE THROUGH IDENTIFYING THE CORNERS OF THE STAND WITH ROPE AND POST, DISPLAY CABINETS OR USE OF CARPET TO THE STAND AREA ETC. IDENTIFYING IT WITH THE POSITIONING OF YOUR MACHINERY WOULD ALSO BE ACCEPTABLE ALTHOUGH IT IS IMPORTANT TO ENSURE YOUR STAND WELCOMES VISITORS ONTO YOUR SPACE.
- A minimum of one third of any front is to remain open. Open sides may not be entirely blocked off.
- Logos and branding are not permitted to the rear face or partition walls when these walls overlook a neighbouring stand.
- Exhibitors will be charged for making good any damage to the hall such as paint marks, tape, bolt/screw/nail/staple holes etc.
- Any construction that backs onto a gangway must be finished on the reverse.
- You are responsible for examining your allotted stand space and ensuring your stand is built on the correct markings. If you are in any doubt, please inform the Organisers Office onsite and our Floor Managers will be happy to help you.
- You are not allowed to fix to the fabric of the building or to sprinkler pipes.
- All stand construction must be completely self-supporting.
- The Organisers and Hall Fire Officer will inspect stands during build-up and they may remove any offending materials, or close a stand if they do not comply with regulations.
- The construction material for all stands, signs and fascias must be non–combustible material, inherently non-flammable or durably flame proofed.
- Electrical mains boxes must be concealed in suitable housing. Exhibitors are not permitted to leave their mains supply on the venue floor.
- The trim height to the top of all banners and truss should be a maximun of 6m.
Contractors – appointment of
Space Only exhibitors are free to appoint stand designers and construction contractors of their choice (for advice please call Event Supplier and Services Association (ESSA). It is, however, your responsibility to advise them of the exhibition Stand fitting and Health & Safety regulations.
Disabled Access
Under regulations set out by the Equality Act (formerly the Disability Discrimination Act) a vertical ‘lip’ or ‘up stand’ of more than 13 mm will present a barrier to some disabled people. If the stand design requires a raised floor section, a ramp must be incorporated into the flooring or a portable ramp can be deployed when required. An alternative is to have multiple floor areas of the stand to make a credible attempt to deliver the services to an area of the stand, which does not require a platform. Please see the regulations above relating to platforms.
Access for disabled people is not only about physical access to buildings for wheelchair users but also includes access to written information for people with visual impairments and access to the same standard of service for all. It is important to take account of health and safety legislation, which has primacy over disability regulations, as mentioned.
Distance
All travel distances must comply with the eGuide regulations - ‘The maximum travel distance from any part of a stand to a gangway shall not exceed 50 metres. Where there is only one means of escape from the stand this must be reduced to 20 metres. For more information please consult the eGuide.
Doors
If you are building a storeroom /office, doors must have a minimum clear width of 800mm; however, it is recommended that double doors are used for at least one of the exits in order to accommodate larger types of wheelchair.
Doors must have a vision panel with a zone of visibility of between 500mm and 1500mm above the floor. The exception to this is doors to small storerooms, where a small panel may suffice.
A suitable exit sign must be positioned above each doorway.
Doors should open outwards in the direction of escape and be suitably recessed so they do not protrude into gangways.
Fabrics
Textile fabrics used for interior display purposes on the stand must be flame-proofed or purchased already treated with an approved chemical in accordance with BS5438/BS5852. Certain fabrics such as wool, twill or felt need not be proofed.
Fire Safety
The Fire Officer will provide fire extinguishers in designated areas to meet the Local Authority requirements. These extinguishers are not to be moved or covered. It is important that all exhibitors ensure that their staff and contractors are familiar with their operation and acquaint themselves with the location of the fire exits and alarm points in the venue.
Fire extinguishers are also available for individual stands. If you require a specific type of fire extinguisher for a particular type of work, please contact the Organisers.
Once the show is open it is important that fire extinguishers are not moved into the aisles.
Fire Regulations
To ensure as safe a show as possible there are strict regulations governing the materials that may be used in the construction of stands and in the demonstration of products. A copy of the full regulations are available from the Organisers. All materials used for building, decorating and covering of stands must be of nonflammable material (class one spread of flame).
Materials must comply with British Standard Numbers BS476 and BS5570 and/or BS3120. Your stand will be inspected during build-up and the Fire Safety Officer may remove any offending materials, or close down a stand if it does not comply with fire regulations.
The following regulations are included in the eGuide and must be complied with by all contractors and exhibitors. They do not apply to exhibits.
All materials used in the construction of stands features and displays, including signs and fascias, shall be:
- Of a suitable nature and quality for the purposes and conditions of their intended use adequately prepared and fixed in order adequately to perform the functions for which they are designed.
- Non-combustible, inherently non-flammable or durably flameproof in accordance with BS476-Part 7
- Water-based, where applicable, e.g. adhesives and paint.
- British Standards are the minimum acceptable standards for construction materials. Suitable samples of materials may be submitted to the venue for approval. Materials may be tested on site to ensure that they comply.
Painting and Decorating
When using spraying equipment or pressure vessels, care must be taken of possible risks from fumes. Barrier creams and masks must be provided.
The use of lead based paints and primers must be avoided.
Cellulose paints are flammable and must not be used in stand dressing.
Contractors should be continually aware of the attendant fire risks associated with paints. Good housekeeping is essential and hygiene is particularly important.
Painters must not work in confined areas unless adequate ventilation is available. All waste products must be disposed of properly.
Platform Flooring & Ramps
The provision of a platform may be regarded as necessary in order to cover some electrical installations and is the responsibility of the exhibitor.
Flooring must not be less than a nominal 25mm (1”) thick and wood chipboard or block board 18mm.
Flooring must be laid with close joins and be of a strength and stability sufficient to carry and distribute the weight of stand fitting, personnel, visitors and exhibitors.
Open corners of stand floors and platforms must be rounded or angled, if not protected by exhibits or displays, to avoid sharp corners and tripping hazards. Platform edges must be fully highlighted and the use of the platform must be included within the Risk Assessment.
A vertical “lip” or “up stand” of more than 13mm will present a barrier to some disabled people.
If the stand design requires a raised floor section, a ramp must be incorporated into the flooring or a portable ramp can be deployed when required.
An alternative is to have multiple floor areas of the stand to make a credible attempt to deliver the services to an area of the stand, which does not require a platform.
Ramps must be a minimum width of 1.5m, gradient no more than 1:12, have a slip resistant surface and a colour contrasting with that of the stand floor or landing.
Changes in height must be protected; all ramps require a kerb of 100mm high which is visually contrasting and ramps with a gradient steeper than 1:20 must have a handrail either side to prevent falls and assist users.
Adequate space must be maintained around the ramp and stand area for wheelchair manoeuvring. The use of the wheelchair ramp is the responsibility of the contractor and exhibitor and adequate public liability insurance must be in place.
Platforms exceeding 170mm in height will require handrails and balustrades complying with eGuide regulations.
Plastics
Plastics must conform to BS476 - part 7- Class 1. Perspex is not permitted to be used at this venue for stand-fitting purposes, including displays. An alternative polycarbonate, conforming to BS476 part 7 (class 1) must be used instead.
Naked Flames
Exhibitors are not allowed lit flames unless they are an integral part of your product or service.
Naked Flames may not be displayed at the front of the stand or in reach of the public. Some kind of protection should be fitted around the flame if the design allows.
Prominent signage advising of the naked flames must be provided. Only a minimal amount may be lit at any one time.
The above is at the Fire Officer’s discretion at the opening of the show.
Timber/Wood
Timber of any thickness if impregnated to BS476-Part 7 class 1 standard and branded as fireproofed is acceptable. Timber framing of stands may be of natural unproofed timber of a minimum thickness of 25 mm.
Counters and floors of stands may be of natural unproofed timber of a minimum thickness of 21 mm. Where natural timber is used for floors it must be close-jointed.
Wood, chipboard or blockboard to a minimum thickness of 18 mm, may be used in the construction of internally lit units, display plinths and for display screens or panels provided that these screens or panels are not of such a size as to form internal dividing partitions.
Plywood, hardboard, pulpboard or fibreboard rendered fire-resistant by an approved process of impregnation and bearing a distinguishing brand mark to indicate that it has been impregnated.
The applied decorative finish of stands may be of natural (unproofed) timber to a minimum thickness of 21 mm provided that the area of vertical wall services does not exceed 2.5 m for each square metre of exhibition floor area occupied by the stand.
Where such timber is used on the inside of the stand and extends within 600 mm of a fabric ceiling, such fabric shall be inherently non- flammable or durably flame proofed.
The use of softwood board is prohibited apart from counter tops and platforms, in which instance it must be impregnated to render it nonflammable and branded with a recognisable trademark.
Decorative Materials
Decorative materials used for stand dressing must be flame proofed or purchased already treated by use of the appropriate chemical.
Untreated wallpaper and similar thin surface finishes, not exceeding 1mm in thickness, may be accepted, provided they are firmly fixed.
Artificial plants and flowers are combustible and give off toxic fumes. Therefore they must not be used for stand dressing. Silk-type flowers are acceptable, providing they are fireproof or have been treated and marked as such.
Fabrics, drapes, curtains and hangings
Drapes, curtains, hangings, etc, must be inherently or durably flameproofed. Otherwise they may be treated with a proprietary flame retardant. Test certificates must be available for inspection for any materials intended to be used
Fabrics used for interior stand decoration must be fixed taut and/or in tight pleats (not loosely draped) to a solid backing, secured above floor level and not touching light fittings.
Curtains on exit routes should hang 75mm clear of the floor be parted in the centre and not conceal any exit signs.
Glazing
All glazing used in the construction of stands must consist of safety glass (laminated or tempered) a minimum of 6mm thick. Areas of glazing within 800mm of floor level and over 0.5m2, where the smaller dimension of the pane is greater than 250mm, must conform to the thicknesses shown below (in order to comply with the ‘Code of practice for safety related to human impact’):
Any uninterrupted, large areas of clear glazing shall be indicated with warning stripes, dots, logos, etc. Overhead glazing shall be of wired or laminated glass, or be otherwise adequately protected from shattering.
| Normal Thickness |
Maximum pane size dimensions |
| 8mm |
1100mm x 1100mm |
| 10mm |
2250mm x 2250mm |
| 12mm |
4500mm x 45000mm |
| 15mm or thicker |
No limit |
Night sheets
Night sheets must be made of inherently non-flammable material or of material satisfactorily treated to render it non-flammable.
They shall be stored rolled-up and firmly secured and not cause any obstruction while not in use.
Paint
Only water-based paint may be used on site. If paint-spraying equipment is to be used, the method must be approved by the venue and not cause a nuisance to others.
Protective measures shall be taken to ensure that no paint is spilt or sprayed on to the fabric of the building.
Upholstery
Upholstered seating must be non-combustible and marked with the appropriate standard.
Electrics
Please ensure that you and your contractors read the electrical information in the Show Information and Health & Safety sections of this manual.
For further information please contact the Official electrical contractor for the show.
Please note that you must make arrangements for housing any mains boxes on stands and these cannot be left on the venue floor.
CDM (Construction, Design & Management) Information for Space Only Exhibitors
Why CDM affects you as a space only exhibitor:
Under the Construction, Design & Management (CDM) regulations, whenever an exhibition is in build and construction work is taking place, the show falls under CDM regulations and becomes a ‘CDM site’. The Organisers appoint their own contractors and manage the CDM site according to the arrangements they have put in place to manage the build safely.
As a Space Only Stand, the stand will in effect become its own CDM site within the overall CDM site of the show. As the stand is its own CDM site, you are also required (under the CDM Regulations) to follow the same processes as the Organiser’s Principal Contractors, to ensure the overall safety, welfare and control of activity taking place on your stand.
Where Space Only Exhibitors and their Contractors fall in the structure of the whole CDM Site:
(Exhibition Build up Site)
The diagram below shows how the lines of responsibility flow between the Organisers / the Exhibitor, the sub-contractor (Space Only Contractor) and any further subcontractors you in turn appoint:
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CLIENT - Agriconnect Organisers |
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PRINCIPAL CONTRACTOR & PRINCIPAL DESIGNER(S) Agriconnect 2025 Operations Team |
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SUB-CLIENT Space Only Exhibitor |
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| SUB-PRINCIPAL DESIGNER - As appointed by the exhibitor or the exhibitor themselves if designing their own stand. |
SUB-PRINCIPAL Contractor - appointed by the exhibitor or the exhibitor themselves if building their own stand |
CONTRACTOR - Sub-Contractor’s as appointed by either the exhibitor or the sub principal contractor or exhibitor themselves if building their own stand |
| The person or company who is in control of ‘designing’ of the stand. This could be the space only exhibitor |
The person or company who is in control of ‘building’ of the stand – this could be the space only exhibitor or their contractor. |
The role of Contractor could be provided by the same company as the above, who also fulfil the Principle Contractor role. However, should the Principal Contractor employ a third party to actually deliver on-site, the third party would take on this role of contractor |
The above roles may be carried out by a Space Only Contractor or by people within the Exhibitor’s own company, by one external party or by 2 separate parties. The same person can also carry out all of these roles.
What are your responsibilities under CDM?
Your responsibilities will be dependent on your role (as per the above table). The breakdown of the responsibilities for each of the roles is as follows:
The Principal Designer’s Responsibilities (Person Designing the Stand)
- Ensure that all planning and design, pre-construction, is carried out in compliance with the law.
- Ensure that risks are identified, eliminated and controlled at the design stage.
- Ensure that a Construction Phase plan is drawn up and a Health & Safety file is prepared and revised where necessary.
- Ensure that pre-construction information is provided to contractors.
The Sub-Principal Contractor’s Responsibilities (In Control of Building the Stand)
- Plan, manage and coordinate the construction phase (build-up & breakdown). 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
- Restrict access to your site as and when required by the work being carried out at the time.
The Appointed Contractor’s Responsibilities (Actually Building the Stand Onsite)
- Plan, manage and monitor the way construction work is carried out. This includes ensuring it is safe to construct and remove within an event environment.
- Plan construction in such a way that it has little or no impact on the neighbouring constructions or contractors.
- Provide information, instruction and training.
- Liaise onsite with the Event Operations team and floor managers
Additional Responsibilities of Space-Only Exhibitors
- Make arrangements for managing a project. The Exhibitor should appoint a member of their own team to act as the CDM Coordinator; they do not need a specialised CDM Coordinator, however, they do need to ensure that someone is named as responsible for ensuring all of the required roles are fulfilled.
- For Space Only Contractors, you may find your client (the Exhibitor) delegates some of these responsibilities to you (depending on the role you are performing).
- Ensure construction work is carried out safely and that welfare requirements are complied with. This may be delegated to contractors for exhibitors who use a contractor to construct their stand.
- Ensure a Construction Phase Plan is completed and Site Induction & Site Rules are drawn up. These documents should run alongside existing Risk Assessments and Method Statements that should be produced as part of your obligations under other legislation. Please contact the Operations Team if you need a Construction Phase Plan Template.
- Appoint a Principal Designer, Principal Contractor and Contractors, if using any. (These may be members of your own company).
Site Rules & Site Induction
- The Organiser has issued the site rules and regulations for which the site induction below needs to be completed. It is essential that anyone coming onsite – including your own staff, temporary staff, contractors etc. – has a copy of these and has completed the induction.
- If you are performing the role of a Sub-Principal Contractor Principal and have been delegated to produce the Site Induction & Rules for your stand, you should consider these rules when formulating their Construction Phase Plan and your own site rules.
Click here to view the site rules & induction Form.
What You Need To Do Prior To Coming Onsite
In addition to the space-only plan submission as detailed above:
- Create your own Site information & Rules document, pass on to your Client (the Exhibitor) if this is not you, and cascade this down to any of your team who will be present during the build / breakdown period.
- Complete a Construction Phase Plan (this forms part of the space only plan submission form) Ensure you have a process in place for restricting access into your own space only stand build area (your own CDM Site) and that this information is provided to your client if applicable (the Exhibitor) and cascaded down amongst you staff.
- Please check with your client (the Exhibitor) if this responsibility will sit with you if applicable. Click here to view the show site rules and induction. Ensure each member of your company / club has read and understood these documents.
- Create a build and breakdown schedule and supply this to your client if applicable (the Exhibitor), any of your own staff present during the build / breakdown period and any of your own appointed Sub-Contractors.
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