Listed Property Show sees 35% increase in visitor numbers
The fourth Listed Property Show has been hailed as the most successful ever by the exhibitors and visitors. The 2010 show closed its doors on 21 February, at the end of the two-day event, with an increase in attendance of over 35% – to 5,743. The number of exhibitors rose by 20%.
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Show organiser Kellymarie Smith, who is understandably delighted by the news, said: “The number of visitors was a pleasant surprise to everyone; but more importantly, the quality of the audience was outstanding, with visitors travelling from as far afield as Devon and Cornwall, North Wales and Scotland. At the same time we had a number of commercial developers and multi-owners looking for advice and suppliers. It is important for the industry to have a high-profile annual exhibition to showcase the wide array of products and services on offer, and this year’s show was no exception.”
Visitors to the show enjoyed over 200 exhibitors, some of which were offering show discounts, competitions and the like. They witnessed many demonstrations, including lath and plaster, ironmongery, hand-made leaded lights, plaster mouldings, timber framing etc.
One of the biggest attractions of the weekend was the free advice from three impartial conservation officers.
“We had a constant queue of visitors waiting to speak to them, many of whom had brought plans and pictures of their properties,” said Kelly. “Once they’d spoken to a conservation officer they were then able to source the contractors and materials they needed from the rest of the show.”
Consultation with exhibitors regarding the development of the Listed Property Show is on-going, with many new concepts and ideas identified and being developed into plans to ensure the event continues to go from strength to strength, delivering a vital showcase for the listed property industry.
Next year’s show will be at Olympia from 19-20 February.
With such a relevant audience making it to this year’s show, exhibitors have been reporting strong feedback and much positive interest.
Kate Griffin of SPAB said: “I just want to thank you for your help in enabling us to take part in the LPOC show. It was very successful for us, as well as being a great opportunity to catch up with colleagues. We found the show was very well organised and efficiently run and thank you for allowing us to take part.”
English Heritage’s Katy Payne declared: “There was a good atmosphere and a large number of people. We were pleased to see our industry colleagues such as SPAB and cadw present as it felt relevant for us to be there too.”
Other comments included: “My first time at the show. I’m converted. Definitely showing again next year!” (Bernard Woods of Bernard Woods Georgian), “First time and really enjoyed the show. Good parking and set-up/breakdown arrangements.” (Barry Holdsworth of Barry Holdsworth Ltd), “Very well organised show; professional atmosphere all round. Clients were focused on their house needs and all have a passion to enhance and ‘groom’ the house.” (Eli Ofir of Home Portraits) and “Even better than last year. More people, more work!” (chartered architect David Barclay).