Futurebuild Events Ltd, set up by long-standing Ecobuild brand director Martin Hurn, made the acquisition with the intention of taking the event – held at London’s ExCeL – back to its roots and making it more entrepreneurial under independent ownership.
UBM acquired the show at its height in 2011, paying up to £51m for the event, which recorded revenues of around £9m in that year. Its intention was to double the size of the event over the following four years and expand Ecobuild internationally.
However, the show has shrunk considerably in size and industry concern has been expressed that it has become more of a general construction show compared to its eco-building roots.
Mr Hurn, who has spent 12 years in the building and construction industry, with the last five years running Ecobuild with UBM, will continue to lead the event with the existing Ecobuild project team.
"Taking the show independent is an important part of its evolution,” he said.
“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 agreed to the sale of the show to Futurebuild following a review of its assets and partnerships.
“The decision to sell Ecobuild was taken as part of a portfolio review,” said Nina Wright, who led UBM Built Environment.
“We fully support the upcoming show and wish Martin and the team success with the future direction of the event.”
