Packed Lunches Packing Punches
According to Lucy Dixon, who produces content for InstallerSHOW, which opens at the NEC this week, most tradespeople are packing a lunch and avoiding going down the café.
InstallerSHOW takes place from 23-25 June. Early birds will be able to find all manner of breakfast outlets – or of course, bring their own. The same is true at lunchtime with some stands offering food while the concourses have lots on offer from Weatherspoons to Subway.
Insight Data will be a big draw for all the trades that are attracted to InstallerShow. The data company will be launching a new growth program on Stand 4I14.
Packed agenda
InstallerSHOW will have a packed agender of live displays, seminars and product launches. Meanwhile, it seems the nation’s tradies have abandoned the greasy spoon at lunchtime and now have their own packed agenda – sandwiches, salads or other homemade delights are coming to work in Tupperware containers…eating healthy, saving money and staying on site to save working time.
In fact, seven in ten tradespeople now pack their lunch (there are no figures on what drinks are popular but flask and bottles have seen a surge in sales in recent years). The findings, come from a recent survey which indicates that installers are prioritising value and predictability as ongoing cost pressures continue to affect businesses and households.
Meal deals
Dixon writes: ‘Only 12% of those questioned opted for a supermarket meal deal as their preferred lunch and sandwiches and wraps remain the clear main of choice, chosen by 61% of respondents. Crisps were the dominant snack choice, selected by more than half of installers, while fizzy drinks and energy drinks proved the most popular beverage options.
‘Only 4% of respondents are still heading to the café at lunchtime. The same number said they skip lunch all together’.
Having a brew
Tea and coffee with milk and sugar are welcomed by nearly all installers if offered a drink by their customers – with a Hobnob or chocolate digestive (or chocolate alternative as real chocolate rarely features anymore) being the most desirable on the biscuit front.
Register for InstallerSHOW
Lucy Dixon said: “It isn’t surprising to see so many tradespeople prefer taking their own food when out and about. It also reflects our audience’s growing interest in getting a healthy lunch with plenty of protein and veg, although they’re not going to turn down the occasional Hobnob, of course.”
InstallerSHOW
Hall 3a, 4 & 5, National Exhibition Centre Birmingham, B40 1NT. Tuesday 23 June 2026, 10:00-17:00; Wednesday 24 June 2026, 10:00-17:00; Thursday 25 June 2026, 10:00-16:00.
Pre-book your free parking thanks to Blåkläder Workwear via NEC’s online portal. It can be done up to midnight the day before your visit. Use promo code INSTLRVIS.
Register for your free ticket on the link below.
Picture: Packed lunches have become the norm for the UK's tradies.
Lucy Dixon leads on InstallerBUILD content, as well as engagement for InstallerSHOW. She has a background in journalism and a wealth of experience in events, publishing and social media.
