ExCel, London, 25-27 September
www.homebuildingshow.co.uk/London
Coinciding with the latest report that the South East of the UK has seen the largest rise in self-builders in 2015 with the numbers increasing YoY by 16 per cent, the up-and-coming London Homebuilding & Renovating Show, sponsored by Anglian Home Improvements, is set to attract thousands more visitors at its new spacious and contemporary venue, ExCel, London from 25-27 September. The event this year will celebrate the 25th anniversary of Homebuilding & Renovating magazine, the show’s media partner and Britain’s best-selling self-build publication, by taking its content off the pages and bringing it to life at the event, supported by new experts, exhibitors, seminars and masterclasses.
To commemorate a quarter of a century of publishing for self-builders at the impressive ExCel exhibition centre, the event will showcase how the property market, architectural and design trends, which have shaped the social aspects of the UK families, have evolved over this time. In addition, throughout the three-day event, people who are still unsure how to undertake a project efficiently from inception to fruition will have access to expert guidance and tailored advice at 15-minute consultations, in-depth seminars and masterclasses hosted by the UK’s leading property experts and companies. The show’s new location, ExCel London, will see more exhibitors than ever before, with over 350 companies displaying the latest products and services in the market place.
For the first time, Gabrielle Blackman, BBC’s ‘DIY SOS’ interior specialist, will be making her debut on the London show expert panel to provide attendees with inspiration, advice and recommendations on how to tackle architectural and interior innovations. Gabrielle is a firm believer in vanity decorating and encourages people to opt for colours that suit their personality so she will also be on hand to help visitors add their own stamp to their property.
Charlie Luxton, sustainable architectural designer and presenter of More 4’s new ‘Building the Dream’ series, and Julia Kendell, interior design expert and co-presenter of ITV’s ‘Rebuild Our Home’, will return to meet with the London event audience and share their invaluable insight on current industry trends and tips from their latest projects. Topics such as eco living, homes of the future and new architectural ideas will be covered by Charlie on the Friday of the event. Julia will be attending on the Saturday to speak with those looking to find out how they can spruce up their homes through clever interior touches.
The Dulux Interior Design Clinic is where attendees will find insightful decoration advice on the latest tonal schemes, wall coverings and furnishing. The company’s roomset at the event will be a real life inspiration corner to demonstrate how colour and patterns can make a real difference to the final appearance of a project.
The Ask the Architects zone will be hosted by four experienced members of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) who will be available to provide solutions on how attendees can navigate their building projects and overcome challenges on the way.
Highly trained architects from Oakwrights, the oak framed home company, and a team of skilled self-build specialist from Potton Design Lounge, renowned for building sustainable timber homes, will be offering their services at the Design Consultation area to cater for every homeowner’s tastes and needs. Both companies will be delivering one-to-one sessions to visitors interested in how to use their building resources efficiently to meet their plans and budget requirements.
To tackle the challenge of obtaining planning permission, Sally Tagg and her team of experts at the Planning Clinic will advise those with a building or renovating project in mind how to make an application and jump through all the hoops in the process. The Foxley Tagg specialists will update visitors on the latest rules, regulations and caveats to be aware of, saving self-builders time and money.
The 15-minute consultations, designed to be individual interactive sessions with over 20 property specialists, will be available at the Ask the Experts zone, where attendees can show their plans and discuss ideas with: Michael Holmes (editor-in-chief of Homebuilding & Renovating Magazine); Jason Orme (editor of Homebuilding & Renovating magazine); David Snell (Homebuilding & Renovating magazine’s self-build and plot finding expert); Douglas Kent (expert in the care and repair of period properties); Bob Branscome (chartered surveyor and builder); Chris Reeves (Homebuilding & Renovating magazine’s Legal Expert and chartered builder and lawyer); Mark Brinkley (author of the Housebuilder’s Bible) and Andy Perkins (renewable and sustainable heating expert).
Standard tickets are £12 in advance or £18 on the door (children under 16 go free). For further information visit www.homebuildingshow.co.uk/London or call the ticket hotline on 08712301086 (calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras).