We are shining a light on the people that make up Show House, and recently caught up with the latest addition to the team, business development manager, Kirsty Parks.
Introduce yourself
I’m Kirsty, and I’m the business development manager for Show House, the WhatHouse? Awards and the newly launched Show House People Awards.
Tell us about your career path so far. Have you always worked in the housebuilding industry?
I recently joined Show House, so I’m still relatively new to the housebuilding sector. Before this, I spent many years working in sales across the healthcare and education sectors. I was ready for a new challenge and was really keen to move into a completely different industry.
Since joining Show House, I’ve already learnt so much by speaking to all different types of people within the sector, from suppliers and consultants to housebuilders themselves. Every conversation teaches me something new, and I’m really enjoying getting to know the industry. I’m very much looking forward to what lies ahead for me at Show House.
What part of the industry most interests you?
Being new to the sector, I’ve found it fascinating to see just how many different elements are involved in building a home. From the initial planning stages right through to the finishing touches that ultimately help attract a customer to a property, there are so many different people, products and services involved.
It has given me a real appreciation of just how much goes on behind the scenes before a customer ever walks through the front door.
What is a typical day like at Show House?
The first part of my day usually involves working through the calls and meetings I have scheduled. I get to speak with a wide range of suppliers offering all kinds of products and services to property developers and housebuilders – from consultancy and legal services through to interior designers, kitchens and much more.
That’s one of the things I love most about the job: no two conversations are the same, and I’m constantly meeting people from different areas of the industry.
I also really enjoy sourcing new companies, particularly competitors to some of our existing clients. There’s nothing better than a bit of healthy competition!
Do you have a particular area of focus at Show House?
My role currently focuses primarily on Show House, where I have conversations with businesses about the different platforms we offer across print and digital. It’s about helping them elevate their brand and put it in front of a highly targeted audience.
The Show House People Awards also provide a really exciting opportunity for businesses to gain unique brand exposure by supporting and celebrating the people working across the sector. They’re also a fantastic opportunity to network and build valuable relationships in a relaxed and enjoyable environment.
I also work across the WhatHouse? Awards, where clients are able to target the housebuilding industry as a whole, celebrating their company, achievements and successes over the course of the year.
What services can Show House offer clients?
Partnering with Show House gives suppliers the opportunity to engage directly with senior industry decision-makers through a combination of print and digital advertising, editorial opportunities and awards sponsorship.
These platforms can help businesses increase brand visibility, strengthen their position within the market and establish themselves as a leading supplier within the housebuilding sector.
What are the benefits to clients of working with Show House?
For me, it’s about understanding the client first. Every business is different, so I take the time to listen, learn about their company and understand their key targets and objectives for the year.
From there, I can help identify the best ways to get them in front of the right audience, whether that’s through advertising, thought leadership, lead generation or simply building greater awareness and relationships with their target market.
Ultimately, it’s about listening, learning and finding the right solution to help them achieve their goals. When you get that right, it can be the start of a really strong, long-term working relationship.
I also think building a personal relationship with clients is incredibly important. Getting to know them as people – remembering birthdays, family events and the things that matter to them – helps create genuine relationships. I firmly believe that people buy from people.
It’s been a challenging couple of years for housebuilders. What changes would you like to see in the industry?
As I’m still relatively new to the sector, I’m continuing to learn and keep up with the latest news and developments within the industry.
On a personal level, though, as a mum of two young adults who are currently saving for a mortgage and hoping to buy homes for their own young families, I would like to see more opportunities for younger people to get onto the housing ladder.
It’s incredibly challenging for many young people at the moment, and the cost of buying a home can feel out of reach. As a result, renting or living with parents for much longer is often the only realistic option, which can put additional pressure on families. I’d love to see more opportunities created to help make homeownership more accessible for the next generation.
The WhatHouse? Awards are fast approaching. What is your favourite thing about the event?
As I’m new to the business, I’m excited simply to be attending the WhatHouse? Awards for the first time! I’ve already heard so many amazing things about the event from my colleagues, existing clients and housebuilders, and the feedback has been fantastic.
I also recently had the opportunity to attend the WhatHouse? Awards Winners’ Party, which gave me a great insight into just how much the awards mean to people within the industry.
The atmosphere, the celebration and the opportunity to bring so many people from across the sector together make it a really exciting event. I’m looking forward to experiencing the main awards and seeing all the hard work that goes into making them such a success.
How do you spend your time when you’re out of the office?
I’m a mum to two sons, who have very kindly given me grandchildren, so family time is incredibly important to me.
I’m also passionate about fitness. I love getting out on my bike, going for a run or swimming in the sea – particularly as I live just two minutes from the coast!
My passion for fitness has also led me to qualify as a spin instructor and boxing coach. Both require a lot of discipline, focus and dedication, and I think those qualities definitely carry over into my working life. I’m very focused on what I want to achieve and always give things my all.
I’m really looking forward to my future with Show House and being part of such an amazing team. It’s an exciting new chapter for me, and I’m looking forward to seeing where it takes me.
To speak to Kirsty about working with Show House, the WhatHouse? Awards or the Show House People Awards, email her on kirsty.parks@showhouse.co.uk.
