Alongside the property boom of the last 10 years or so, there was another boom: that in property exhibitions. Now, not surprisingly, the organisers are struggling, but there are some encouraging signs that this part of the market is still alive and kicking.
Four months after publisher Brooklands Group went into administration, its "A Place in the Sun Live" exhibition went ahead at Earl's Court at the beginning of April under the auspices of a new company, and hosted some 9,000 visitors. Andy Bridge, MD of the show said: "The industry has been short of good news so it's pleasing to see a proper event take place and for serious people to turn up. The UK is certainly a resilient market." The numbers appeared to be down on the previous year, when 13,000 visitors were reported, but at least the show went ahead.
Along with the British Motor Show, a number of property shows have been cancelled in 2009; among the most prominent is The Homebuyer and Property Investor show which was due to take place at London's ExCel in March, and according to its website has been "postponed".
Among the shows which are still scheduled to take place is EPEX 2009 at Earls Court from 11-12 July, which focuses on luxury and exclusive properties; the organisers list more than 50 companies who have "confirmed their interest" in exhibiting, including a number of big names. Another interesting development of recent years has been the emergence of a number of exhibitions aimed at those planning to emigrate - presumably to escape the depressing outlook in the UK.
The publishers of Emigrate magazine are organising a series of shows around the country during the year; and The Emigration Show is being put on by A Place in the Sun Live at the NEC in Birmingham in October. If the economy hasn't picked up, it may turn out to be extremely well attended.
Alexander Garrett is a freelance property writer who contributes regularly to The Observer and British Airways' Business Life.