Every UK show organiser sets rules that your stand and your contractor have to follow, and they're usually stricter than exhibitors expect. The most common surprises are around materials, working at height, and which jobs you're actually allowed to hire any contractor for versus which ones the venue insists go through its own official supplier — all worth confirming before you finalise your design, not after.
Materials and Fire Safety
Most organisers require all materials used in a stand build — fabric, timber, graphics substrates — to meet specific fire-retardant standards, and often ask for certification on request. This isn't a formality: a contractor without proper certificates can be told to remove non-compliant materials on the day, which is a much worse outcome than checking the requirement in advance.
Working at Height and Structural Rules
Any stand element above a certain height typically needs a structural calculation or method statement, and work at height has its own set of rules — harnesses, trained operators, sometimes a permit from the venue itself. Larger builds, double-deck stands and rigged elements like LED walls or hanging signage almost always fall into this category, so flag anything beyond a standard shell scheme early with your stand company.
Official Contractor Exclusivity
Most venues designate an official contractor for certain services — electrics and rigging are the most common — meaning you can't simply hire whoever you like for those specific jobs, regardless of who's building your stand. Your stand company should know exactly which services fall under official exclusivity at your specific venue, and factor those costs into your quote rather than leaving you to discover them later.
Shell Scheme Restrictions
If you're on a shell scheme, most organisers restrict what you can attach to the provided frame — no fixing directly into walls or panels without approval, weight limits on anything hung from the structure, and rules about how far your display can project into the aisle. Confirm these limits before you finalise your design, not after your graphics have already been produced.
How to Get Ahead of These Rules
Ask your stand company directly which of these rules apply to your specific show and venue, and get it in writing as part of your brief — see our full buyer's checklist for the questions worth asking any contractor before you sign.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do exhibition stand materials need fire certification?
Almost always — organisers typically require fire-retardant materials and can ask for certification on request, with non-compliant materials removed on the day if you can't provide it.
Can I hire any electrician for my stand at a UK venue?
Usually not — most venues designate an official contractor for electrics and rigging specifically, meaning those jobs go through the venue's approved supplier regardless of who builds your stand.
What counts as working at height on an exhibition stand?
Any element above a set height threshold, which usually requires a structural calculation, trained operators, and sometimes a specific venue permit — common on double-deck stands and rigged LED walls.
What can't I do with a shell scheme frame?
Most organisers restrict fixing directly into the provided walls or panels without approval, and set weight limits and aisle-projection rules for anything you add.
Not sure what applies to your show? Talk to our team.
