What are the reasons behind Mears’ ongoing and growing investment in HOMES UK?

Primarily it’s to let people know that we’re there. In the past five or six years, though, it’s been more about showcasing who we are and what we do, as well as widening our reach and our partnerships. We align what our stand looks and feels like, and the content and speaker slots, with our strategic approach and key business priorities. The two things are now linked really well. 

Who are you targeting with this approach?

As everyone does, we absolutely target clients – not just new ones, but existing clients, too. We know that all the right people are going to be in the room. Often you have a relationship with a client, but you might not focus on what else you do besides the services you already offer them. We have grown a lot over the past few years, so it’s just as important that we keep existing clients up-to-date [as it is to generate new business]; that might generate new business anyway, because they might not have realised that we offer X, Y and Z as well as A, B and C. 

What would be your advice for other attendees? How can they make the most of their time at HOMES UK?

Always have a purpose and frame everything you do around that. As an example, our purpose this year is we want to be the most socially responsible business out there. All of our speaker slots and round table events will be linked to that statement. Having a focus also makes it easier to plan and prepare for the event. And make use of the fact that everyone is in the room. Do some networking. Be proactive, get out there. Don’t wait for people to come to your stand. I’d also recommend having a USP. We always have barista coffee, which sounds daft – but it brings people to your stand! 

What’s it like to work with the HOMES UK team?

Nothing’s ever too much trouble for them – and the longer you work with the team, the more they understand your business. I would wholeheartedly recommend the event and the team that runs it as well. But ultimately you get out what you put in. 

What are you looking forward to most this year?

Given this is the first full year of getting back out onto the circuit properly after the pandemic, I’d say it’s being able to network face-to-face. You can’t beat that kind of interaction. 

Finally, how would you sum up HOMES UK?

It is always a well-run and well-timed event that allows us to have a voice, with the right people and organisations in the room, on the wider issues we all face.

Mears will be exhibiting on stand H201 - register for your free* ticket now to visit them at the event.

*A fee applies for commercial organisations