Ecobuild sold
Author: ross sturley cimcig
Futurebuild Events has announced that it has acquired Ecobuild from UBM.
Futurebuild Events, which was set up by long-standing Ecobuild Brand Director Martin Hurn specifically to acquire and own Ecobuild, says it made the acquisition with the intention of "taking the event back to its roots and making it more entrepreneurial under independent ownership".
Hurn, who has spent 12 years in the building and construction media industry, with the last five years running Ecobuild with UBM, will continue to lead the event with the existing Ecobuild project team.
Speaking about the acquisition, Hurn said: “Taking the show independent is an important part of its evolution. The acquisition of Ecobuild by Futurebuild is an exciting opportunity to ensure the event truly has the flexibility to work as closely as possible with industry and focus on the products, trends and issues that really matter in the UK and to markets around the globe.
“Our vision for Ecobuild in 2017 and beyond is to take the show back to its roots, putting the spotlight on true innovation and much needed debate around fundamental industry issues. Ecobuild will continue to be the forum for the industry to come together to shape the ongoing sustainability debate and share the latest innovations and thinking.
“The future success of Ecobuild will be all about the quality of experience and value gained from the event, measured by the brands and products showcased, the cutting-edge content and innovations, networking and debate that we will deliver for the industry.”
UBM, the former owner and organiser of Ecobuild, agreed to the sale of the show to Futurebuild following a review of its assets and partnerships.
Nina Wright, who led UBM Built Environment said: “The decision to sell Ecobuild was taken as part of a portfolio review. We fully support the upcoming show and wish Martin and the team success with the future direction of the event.”
Concluding, Hurn added: “The 2017 show will run exactly as planned, offering the same investment in themes, features and format, as well as the same exhibitors, speakers and contributing partners. Moving forward, the renewed vision and drive made possible by the acquisition will ensure that the event continues to be seen as the industry platform for driving discussion and debate on the major issues shaping the built environment long into the future.”
UBM paid £51m for the show in 2011, and wrote of the remaining £35m of goodwill in this year's accounts. It is understood Futurebuild paid only a nominal sum for the show.
Materials manufacturers are likely to cheer the news, and welcome the move "back to the show's roots". Some are nostalgic for the days when it was run by an entrepreneur before the UBM acquisition.
It is to be hoped Futurebuild Events succeed, the industry needs and deserves a flagship, cutting edge event to show its innovations off to the World at, especially if it is to modernise its image and attract new talent.