Two of the UK's largest architecture, construction and facilities management publishing groups have formed a joint venture company to focus on new opportunities in the events and exhibition market.

Miller Freeman, part of United News and Media and well known for its annual FM Expo event, is joining forces with The Builder Group, publisher of Building and of the new Facilities Business magazine to be launched next month.

Between them the two companies have a significant roster of brands in the construction and related markets, including Building Design, RIBA Journal and Security Management Today. Builder Group also owns Barbour which has recently published a research report on the FM market. The two companies already have a joint venture in Property Week.

The decision may have been prompted by a view in the market that the massive Interbuild exhibition is too generic and does not address individual audiences - particularly the top-end contractors and architects/designers. Speaking to i-FM, Pam Barker, Group Director at the Builder Group said, "I think the jury's out on Interbuild and whether its move from November to May is in the best interests of the industry." She said planning was underway for events to run from next year and cited the MIPIM model as an example of an event which serves its community well.

Tony Keefe of Miller Freeman said that FM Expo was a successful, established event and was not about to be re-launched or re-positioned as a result of the joint venture. He said existing relationships with FM publications which supported the show would continue.

Whilst denying any specific pressure from Miller Freeman's parent to exploit exhibition brands beyond the event itself, he acknowledged that the internet was one way to keep exhibitors and visitors talking year round.

Richard Byatt