The long-awaited return of the live London Homebuilding & Renovating Show 2021, taking place between 24-26 September at ExCel, has been hailed as a resounding success by exhibitors and visitors alike, with the organisers reporting a total of 13,546 people attending the first of its physical events since the pandemic and a 70 per cent exhibitor rebook.

Strong exhibitor interest in the event demonstrated that suppliers of products and services to the committed and enthusiastic audience of self-builders and renovators were keen to meet with visitors face-to face after a two-year hiatus. Traditionally, the Homebuilding & Renovating Shows have enabled the trade to find healthy opportunities for leads and sales within the self-build and renovating market, and this show was no exception.

This positive outlook was further evident through the aspirations of self-builders and renovators themselves, with show data revealing that two out of three Brits were inspired during lockdown to carry out work on their homes with the average value of a project coming in at £147,000. More than 85 per cent continued to research their projects during this time and 65 per cent put aside the same budget as before to carry out their plans.

Consumers were also looking to enhance their knowledge and skills on everything from new home trends, gaining planning permissions, and creating a sustainable home, to planning and project management. The best-attended seminars included those on ‘DIY SOS’ and ’60-Minute Makeover’ interior designer Julia Kendell’s ‘Virtual Room Design Service’ and her kitchen design advice.

Nick Noble, Commercial & Events Director, for the Homebuilding & Renovating Show says: ‘We’re back! The London show was vibrant and busy, and the feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive. The show continues to reinforce its relevance to the consumer audience and we pride ourselves on remaining the first-choice event in this space for suppliers of products and services in the construction industry.

James Harley of Kutchenhaus said, ‘What a great show to start back on the road to normality; totally exceeded our lead targets and have signed up for all 8 next year now.’

Simon Lever, Simply Sound & Vision, commented, ‘Nervous pre-show about the event but the quality of the visitor was notably proportionately higher than previous shows.’

Daniel Rubenstein of Quooker added, ‘It was a very tiring but rewarding non-stop few days on the stand. The demand for the brand and the product was incredible with customers lining up all day just to try and get a demonstration.’

The Homebuilding & Renovating Show has a calendar of events spanning the UK this year and next. The shows will also be visiting Harrogate from 5-7 November 2021; Somerset from 20-21 November 2021; Farnborough from 15-16 January 2022; NEC 24-27 March 2022; Glasgow 21-22 May 2022; Surrey 25-26 June 2022; London 30 September-2 October 2022; and Edinburgh 15-16 October 2022.