Emap Connect has confirmed the loss of its construction group exhibition director, James Gower, after just 10 months at the helm.

The talented former AEO director has confirmed that he is to launch an event of his own, details of which are expected to be announced as early as next month once industry and capital investor contracts have been completed.

Gower made an immediate impact upon the ailing construction industry brand, overseeing the evolution of Interbuild from a 26,000sqm biennial event to a 20,000sqm annual event at a time when the industry is beset with trading difficulties.

"We anticipated the need to focus more towards the commercial and public sectors, and away from residential, to reflect the continued public sector investment and the lesser affected commercial building programmes such as the supermarkets. The industry has responded positively and the show`s future looks secure for it,” commented Gower.

According to Gower, the net result should see a 66% uplift in revenues including annual sponsorships of £300K as compared to bi-annual sponsorship revenue of just £60K at the point at which he took control. Despite the offer to complete the event, Emap Connect divisional MD, Steve Newbold, has assumed temporary control of the event that takes place at the NEC in October.

The transition in fortunes of one of the UK`s oldest and most established exhibition brands, wholly acquired by Emap following a joint venture with previous owners at the Montgomery Group in 2004, undoubtedly reflects the pedigree of the 38 year old’s commercial talents who enjoyed previous success with DMG World Media and with National Boatshows before his move to Emap.

To learn about the new event, look out for EVENTS:review`s exclusive TV interview with James Gower, to be broadcast shortly.

Pic strap: Gower - going it alone