More than 200 exhibitors will be showcasing the latest commercial vehicle technology and services, including telematics, locks, cameras, sensors – and excitingly, there will be high profile vehicle launches. And with the industry’s ongoing efforts to reduce or eliminate emissions, this year’s dedicated Truck Zone will be an unmissable feature for those looking to futureproof their fleet. With battery electric, hydrogen fuel cell and HVO trucks on display from brands such as Iveco, HVS, Renault Trucks and Volta Trucks, it’s the perfect place to get answers on the technology decarbonising our roads.

And of course, complementing the heavyweight haulage workhorse will be the latest light commercial vehicles that help reduce running costs and emissions – visitors this year will have the chance to get up close to the latest LCVs from Ford, Iveco, Maxus, Nissan and more.

It’s a real testament to how far the industry has come in a very short space of time – and that pace of change in technology brings with it a new set of challenges and opportunities, which will be explored on the Road Ahead Theatre programme. Experts from SMMT, RHA and some of the inspiring companies leading the charge will be sharing expert advice and analysis on delivering the transition, as well as how to ensure vehicles and drivers are safe and secure, a perpetual priority regardless of powertrain.

This year’s show is going to be a great opportunity to bring the industry together. Held at NEC Birmingham between 18-20 April, I hope to see many of you there – and if you haven’t already, make sure you register for free to get your fast track entry.

Meanwhile, earlier this week I joined Richard Holden MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Roads and Local Transport, and Janette Bell, Managing Director of First Bus in Leicester. It was an opportunity to take a first-look at a ZEBRA-funded zero emission bus, which was manufactured in Northern Ireland, and hear about the bus operators plans for more electric buses for the city, fast-tracking the transition to a fully electric fleet in the city. It is great to see how government funding is delivering more zero emission buses across the UK, but to ensure we continue the adoption across the whole of the country, more funding is needed.