A survey of all 672 exhibitors, itself a record number, found some 90 per cent said the three-day event was a commercial success.

Nearly 90 per cent were happy with the event, with a similar number very pleased with the all-important visitor quality score and footfall around their stands. They also said they preferred a three-day format.

"This is excellent news and confirms our own belief that the show was an outstanding success," said Tony Young, exhibition manager. "And we've already had a record number of exhibitors asking about space at next year's event. This is not surprising as independent data just released by the Audit Bureau of Circulations shows that we had a record 30,376 visitors this year."

Next year's CV Show and ATS at the NEC has already been scheduled to run from Tuesday 24th to Thursday 26th April inclusive.