There are more people looking for a home in the UK than there are houses to choose from, according to the latest RICS UK Residential Market Survey. In addition, monthly house buyer demand has risen by 10 per cent since October, outstripping supply. To help address this shortfall, The National Homebuilding & Renovating Show is gearing up to return to the NEC, Birmingham from 23-26 March 2017, sponsored for the first time by Everest, a British company with over 50 years’ experience in double glazed windows, conservatories, doors and more.
Over the last couple of years, the UK’s largest self-build exhibition has grown by over 10 per cent and is expected to grow by a further five per cent this year, accommodating over 500 companies which have already signed up from a multitude of sectors including kitchens, heating, flooring and structural systems.
Nick Noble, deputy managing director of Centaur Home Interest Media, says: “We are expecting more growth in visitor and exhibitor figures at the national event compared to last year’s shows. This prediction is based on our strategic marketing activities, the information density we’re continuously updating and also because of the increasing unmet demand in the UK’s property market. This year, we’ve also signed a key partnership with Everest, a trusted British brand which will support our presence in Birmingham; Glasgow; Surrey; Edinburgh and Harrogate. As a result, our upcoming exhibitions are already attracting companies from all around the UK.”
The Homebuilding & Renovating Shows, part of Centaur’s portfolio, attract exhibitors across a wide range of sectors to cater for all interests. From design; architecture; financial services; kitchens; bathrooms; doors and windows; ventilation; heating; planning permission and much more, companies will offer visitors an overview of the latest products, services and technologies available in the UK market.
In addition to sought-after daily seminars and masterclasses, the exhibition will feature in the Advice Centre various areas of interest for keen self and custom builders. This hub will host the Ask the Expert zone, where people can attend a 15-minute consultation via interactive sessions with some of the UK’s resident property specialists. In addition, it will also provide access to the Ask an Architect area, where chartered specialists from RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) will offer free one-on-one appointments covering topics including building regulations and structural engineer calculations for loft conversions, extensions, internal alterations, new builds and more.
For practical recommendations, the Advice Centre will be introducing an Ask a Builder zone, where members of the Federation of Master Builders will be offering visitors tips on effectively finding vetted and approved construction workers to commission for a project.
During the event, The National Homebuilding & Renovating Show will also support and raise awareness of a new legal duty within the Housing and Planning Act 2016, dubbed the ‘Right to Build’, which commenced on 31 October this year. Through this, the local planning authorities in England have to ensure the delivery of sufficient serviced building plots to meet local demand for self-build and custom build homes. Visitors who are at the start of their property ventures will be advised by experts on their legal rights and guided on how to find and apply for a plot of land, a step which will influence significantly the pace of their projects.
The National Homebuilding & Renovating Show will take place at NEC, Birmingham, from 23-26 March 2017. There are further events held throughout the country each year. For more information on the upcoming exhibitions, visit www.homebuildingshow.co.uk or contact the sales team on 01527 834418.