The first South East Homebuilding & Renovating Show 2019 "defied expectations" despite the stuttering UK climate by attracting 50% more visitors than anticipated. The event, which took place for the first time between 18-20 January 2019 at Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre, welcomed over 9,700 visitors across the two days, with an average project spend of £154,834 per person.

The organisers have said the inaugural event’s success demonstrated how buoyant the self-build property market is within the South East region,  with over 75% of visitors having a live project underway within the next 12 months, creating potential significant sales opportunities for exhibitors for future shows.

Consumers were also looking to increase their knowledge and skills on everything from design, planning and construction to period renovations. The best-attended seminars and masterclasses included those on building homes with value, design inspiration for self-builders and renovators, while one-on-one consultations with industry experts were also popular.

Data gathered from the South East event revealed that 15% of visitors were trade, a strong turnout for a first-launching event. Exhibitor attendance was also high, with the event hosting over 130 companies. The show’s floor space consisted of tradespeople keen to network with likeminded professionals, discover the latest industry trends, and explore the most recent and innovative products on the market.  

Nick Noble, commercial & events director at Future PLC, said: "We immediately engaged with a new discerning audience who welcomed the Homebuilding & Renovating Show to the South East region for the first time. The first event was a great success, with visitors queuing round the corner to get in. It left people inspired, motivated and excited to forge ahead with their building plans, giving us great scope for future shows within the region. We’re committed to constantly evolving and improving consumers’ experience even further."

The Homebuilding & Renovating Show is anticipated to offer more events than ever before this year. The events will also be visiting Birmingham from 28-31 March; Glasgow from 1-2 June; Surrey from 29-30 June; London from 4-6 October; Edinburgh from 19-20 October; Harrogate from 1-3 November and Somerset from 16-17 November.