And even though it insists the show will be reinstated following the 2008 centenary celebrations of the Daily Mail Ideal Home Show, DMG has yet to confirm a new date.
Simon Mayle, the show’s marketing manager, said: “Next year’s 100th anniversary will be a focus for the team. We want a clear differentiation between the shows. It will take place again. Whether it will be under the guise of the Autumn Ideal Home Show, I do not know.”The show launched in 2003 and most recently visited Earls Court between 6-15 October last year.
Robin Beaman, group show manager, said: “In the long-term this move will benefit both events and allow us to develop stronger, separate identities for each brand.”The announcement follows the release of DMG’s financial results in November in which its consumer shows – which make up more than a third of the business – struggled, with profits falling 20%. This was attributed to slower high street spending and weakening consumer confidence. DMG’s recent trading statement acknowledged this trend across the UK, North America and Australia with the impact on the London Ideal Home Show the most significant.
The business-to-business sector fared better, helping the group’s operating profits rise by £300,000 to £24.4m. Revenue also rose by 7% to £163m.• DMG has secured celebrities Ainsley Harriot, Carole Smillie and Fearne Cotton as the official faces of the advertising campaign for the 2007 Daily Mail Ideal Home Show, which takes place from 9 March to 1 April. NPower has also been secured as title sponsor for the fourth year and will be joined by Marks & Spencer, which is sponsoring the show house feature.