The annual National Homebuilding & Renovating Show at the NEC, Birmingham from 26-29 March 2020 is hosting the inaugural ceremony of Homebuilding & Renovating magazine’s awards on 27 March to recognise the success stories within the property sector. The awards form part of Future Plc’s year-long initiative entitled the ‘Year of Self-Build’ to celebrate the publication’s 30th anniversary, and the show promises to offer an expanded portfolio of new products, services and expert advice, while also premiering a new collaboration with John Lewis & Partners.
West Midland’s largest event of its kind is sponsored for the first time by Spectrum Architectural Glazing, which will display its high-performance, low-energy glazing products on stand no. E267. The show will also introduce the John Lewis Home Design Service presented by local stylists from its Midlands department stores within a designated John Lewis Design Lounge at the event. Across the four days, the Home Design Service will assist homeowners in devising a new look for their rooms or restyling a whole house and provide them with a personalised shopping list of curated items. The Midlands department stores are also showcasing their latest colour swatches, fabrics and furniture, designed to create a cohesive scheme for everything from flooring and curtains to the finishing touches.
‘Lady builder’ Sian Astley, project manager for BBC2’s ‘Your Home Made Perfect’ and experienced interior designer and renovator, joins the event for one-on-one consultations and to host a seminar called ‘Building Secrets Explained: How to run your building project’, in which she shares her wealth of knowledge accumulated over the past 23 years.
Over 500 exhibitors and 13 daily seminars and masterclasses will demonstrate top quality, specialist advice, products and services from industries including kitchens; bathrooms; doors and windows; extensions and conversions; eco and heating; architecture; design; financial services; planning permissions and much more. People who have successfully finished a project will also be present to share their experiences with those at the beginning of their journey.
A key area at the show is The Advice Centre, which abounds with impartial guidance for those who are interested in discussing their ideas with industry leaders. Visitors keen to find out more about the design, planning and construction process are recommended to book an Ask the Architect consultation, where chartered specialists from RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) can assist with visitors’ specific issues. The Ask the Builder area, home to members of the Federation of Master Builders, will guide people on hiring accredited, highly skilled construction workers.
For more general tips on all aspects associated with self-build and renovation, the Ask the Expert zone offers 15-minute consultations through interactive sessions with property experts Michael Holmes and Jason Orme; master builder Andy Stevens; building expert Bob Branscombe; eco expert David Hilton; serial renovator Jo Dyson; planning expert Sally Tagg, and finance expert Tom McSherry.
All visitors can navigate their way on site with the help of the show app, available on iPhone and Android. They will be able to schedule and receive alerts for key seminars and masterclasses, browse through the list of professionals available and access the latest offers and information.