BBC Haymarket Exhibitions is a joint venture between Haymarket’s Exhibitions division and BBC Worldwide that stages some of the country’s leading consumer exhibitions.
Launched in 1990, BBC Haymarket Exhibitions has grown from a small subsidiary of the company to become the market leader in UK consumer Exhibitions, says Haymarket.
Haymarket Media will continue to run its consumer exhibition portfolio under the leadership of its managing director, Gavin Brown.
Kevin Costello, CEO of Haymarket Media Group, comments: “We have long enjoyed a great partnership with BBC Worldwide running a very successful jointly owned exhibition business. As part of the ongoing Haymarket strategy, the time has come for Haymarket to focus on its solely owned brands. We are pleased that as part of this process, Laura Biggs, who has been MD of this business for the last eight years, is able to take over the running of this business and we wish Laura and the team every success for the future.
“We will continue to run our highly successful exhibition portfolio which includes market leading shows such as Autosport International, Clothes Show Live and Cereals.'
Nicholas Brett, BBC Worldwide’s director of publishing, comments: “We are delighted that Laura and the senior management team will continue to run the BBC Good Food Shows and BBC Gardeners’ World Live. Laura has been working on the shows for over 12 years and understands the importance and heritage of these core BBC brands.
“Our relationship with Haymarket started over 20 years ago. It has been a very successful Joint Venture from which both parties have enjoyed great benefits. But following a long-term review, we have jointly decided to part company to allow the BBC Good Food Shows and BBC Gardeners’ World Live to develop and prosper further under a new licensing arrangement.”
Laura Biggs comments: “I am delighted that BBC Worldwide and Haymarket have given me and my fellow shareholders and directors the opportunity to be able take over the BBC Haymarket Exhibitions portfolio. I have a great passion for these shows and I very much look forward to continuing to be part of this fantastic business in the future.”
The acquisition of BBC Haymarket Exhibitions Ltd has been funded by Laura Biggs, and outside investors Keith Harris and Paul Michael from Quartz Ltd along with Turret Media, the Abu Dhabi-based media investment group.
Keith Harris, who will become Chairman of River Street Events Ltd, said: “The investors have known Laura for many years and are delighted to be backing her and her team. We look forward to growing the business and cloning the events both in the UK and overseas.”
