Seminars
Our programme of free Seminars from self build and industry experts gives plenty of Q&A opportunities
Seminars
Seminars are free to attend with no booking required. Below are the topics that our Seminars will cover at this year's show and the times of each presentation. Seminars are 35 to 45 minutes long.
Presenters will be available to answer your questions in the Ask an Expert area or on their own stands when not in the Seminar Theatre.
Saturday 10 Septemeber
10:30 Getting Started
SelfBuild & Design magazine Editor Ross Stokes delivers an introduction to self build, providing an overview of all of the stages of the process including plot finding, planning permission, design and procurement.
11:15 Renovations, Conversions and Extensions – maximising energy efficiency and minimising bills 
Dr Richard Lowes of The Regulatory Assistance Projects and Exeter University
Dr Richard Lowes lives in a ultra-low-carbon terraced house in Falmouth, Cornwall. He is an expert in sustainable heating and low carbon buildings and will talk about the challenges of retrofitting existing properties to maximise energy efficiency.
He will offer advice and tips for those undertaking a renovation, conversion, extension or modernisation to help set priorities to maximise energy efficiency and reduce bills.
12:00 Plot Finding
Peter Johns, Publisher of SelfBuild & Design magazine will talk through the options for finding a plot of land and identifying alternative building opportunities.
13:00 Planning Permission
Andy Moger of Tetlow King Planning will guide you through the essential information you need to know about planning - learn how the system works and how to maximise your chances of securing planning permission, plus learn the jargon on outline planning permission, detailed planning permission, permitted development rights and how to apply the Community Infrastructure Levy.
13:45 Funding Your Self Build Project
Tom McSherry of Buildstore will discuss how to secure funding for your project and how best to manage your money during the build.
14:30 Alternative Construction Methods
Gerald Cole, Consultant Editor to SelfBuild & Design magazine, will discuss alternatives to traditional brick and block construction – including timber frame, SIPS and ICF.
Sunday 11 September
10:30 Getting Started
SelfBuild & Design magazine Editor Ross Stokes delivers an introduction to self build, providing an overview of all of the stages of the process including plot finding, planning permission, design and procurement.
11:15 Alternative Construction Methods
Gerald Cole, Consultant Editor to SelfBuild & Design magazine, will discuss alternatives to traditional brick and block construction – including timber frame, SIPS and ICF.
12:00 Funding Your Self Build
Tom McSherry of Buildstore will discuss how to secure funding for your project and how best to manage your money during the build.
13:00 Planning Permission
Andy Moger of Tetlow King Planning will guide you through the essential information you need to know about planning - learn how the system works and how to maximise your chances of securing planning permission, plus learn the jargon on outline planning permission, detailed planning permission, permitted development rights and how to apply the Community Infrastructure Levy.
13:45 Plot Finding
Peter Johns, Publisher of SelfBuild & Design magazine will talk through the options for finding a plot of land and identifying alternative building opportunities.