• Set Up or Breakdown
• Charge note
• Display Vehicle
• Fifth Wheel
• Fixed Cost
• Genny
• Gullwing
• HGV
• Header Board
• KVA
• Operators Licence
• Pod
• Set Up
• Site Survey or Reccy
• Skirts
• Step-deck (or Swan-neck)
• Subsistence
• Tachograph (Tacho)
• Unit Manager, Event Manager
• Unit Manager's Manual
• Variable costs

Jargon Buster

Set Up or Breakdown

Term used to describe the period of time taken to construct or dismantle and pack away a display vehicle.

Charge Note

A monthly summary of chargeable fixed and variable costs for the current month of operation

Display Vehicle

The vehicle provided for the use during the roadshow. Usually towed by a tractor vehicle.

Fifth Wheel

The pivotal connection point between a towing vehicle and a trailer. This is always found on the back of the towing vehicle and is a large disk flat side down covered with grease.

Fixed Cost

A cost that is determined by the duration of the roadshow and is unaffected by the level or intensity of activity.

Genny

Abbreviation for generator.

Gullwing

Means by which the vehicle can increase its internal space. Comprises a combination of a dropdown stage floor hinged at the base of the vehicle and a lift-up roof panel hinged at the top of the vehicle. The vertical gap is then filled with glazed or solid panels.

HGV

Abbreviation for Heavy Goods Vehicle varying in size from 7.5m to 13.6m.

Header Board

Found usually above the main entrance of the display vehicle to display highly visible graphics, branding and messages.

KVA

Kilo Volt Amperes unit of measurement used to describe the output capacity of a generator.

Operators Licence

Licence awarded to a person (s) with an organisation or business that is responsible for a vehicle fleet usually found in operations or transport departments. A company cannot legally operate a fleet of Heavy Goods Vehicles without an Operators Licence throughout Europe.

Pod

A hydraulically operated construction that extends outwards from the side or sides of the display vehicle. Can increase the size of a vehicle by 50% to 100%.

Set Up

Term used to describe the period of time taken to erect a display vehicle.

Site Survey or Reccy

Survey performed by a qualified unit manager to check the suitability of a proposed event site or location. The survey confirms all essential criteria including accessibility, dimensions, suitability, security, further opportunities for display and general assessments of the surrounding area.

Skirts

Cosmetic covers made to conceal the under parts or unsightly areas on a display vehicle when it is set up.

Step-deck (or Swan-neck)

Found only on vehicles that are towed by a tractor unit with a fifth wheel, it the area directly above the fifth wheel. As a result, any facility contained above the fifth wheel is raised higher than the rest of the unit and is often used a kitchen area, staff room or used to house a built in generator.

Subsistence

This is a tax free allowance given to a member of staff who is working away from home overnight. The allowance is sufficient to cover food, drink and other living expenses.

Tachograph (Tacho)

A speedometer combined with a clock which is designed to monitor goods vehicle drivers to ensure that do not speed or exceed the legal maximum for working hours. Tachographs are regulated and governed by the Department for Transport and failure to comply can have huge impacts on the individual and organisation.

Unit Manager, Event Manager

Person who drives, builds, and manages the display vehicle, a multi-skilled person able who work on there own and in teams.

Unit Manager's Manual

Handbook or manual written for use by the unit manager which gives details of specific rules and regulations relevant to that job in theory, given that you had the ability, anyone should be able to perform unit managers job by following this guide. All contains contact details and useful tips.

Variable costs

Operational costs which are dependent on programme activity levels.