The networking opportunities at the WhatHouse? Awards are second to none with over 1,300 senior leaders and housebuilding professionals attending every year.
But don’t just take our word for it.
We spoke to Rebecca de Silva, founder, Built By Partners about the connections she’s made at the WhatHouse? Awards and their impact on her business…
at the 2025 WhatHouse? Awards
How many years have you been attending the WhatHouse? Awards?
I’ve attended every year for the last five years and honestly, I wouldn’t miss it.
Even last year, when I had just launched my own company, developers worked together to help secure me a place at the event. That meant a huge amount, as they understood how valuable the networking opportunities are and genuinely wanted me there. That really sums up the industry relationships and community spirit that WhatHouse? represents.
What keeps you returning?
Every major developer, manufacturer and key industry professional is there, all in one place. It’s a fantastic celebration of the housebuilding industry and a rare opportunity to connect with so many people across the sector in a single day.
Plus the awards themselves showcase the very best in the industry, recognising quality, innovation and achievement, while also bringing together the manufacturers and suppliers that support those developments behind the scenes.
For me, it’s the best networking event of the year.
Tell us how you met your connection.
I’d heard about David Zarcaro, Group Procurement Manager at City & Country, through mutual industry connections before we formally met. For the first couple of years, we would bump into each other at WhatHouse?, say hello and gradually build our relationship. Through that relationship, I was also introduced to other members of the City & Country team.
How has the relationship evolved?
Well I now work closely with David and the wider City & Country team through my own company, Built by Partners. They are a fantastic regional developer in the South East and the relationship has grown significantly over the years to span multiple product categories and opportunities.
Built by Partners represents a select group of specialist manufacturers such as Imperial Bricks and Arc Glazing, and connects them with developers seeking bespoke solutions, particularly for listed refurbishments, heritage developments and high-quality new-build schemes. It’s a boutique operation that’s helped secure over £500,000 worth of business for manufacturers.
WhatHouse? has played a huge part in building these relationships. Every year, the awards allow you to reconnect with familiar faces while also meeting new people, and those conversations evolve into real business opportunities.
Will you both be attending the WhatHouse? Awards this year?
Absolutely. City & Country has won many awards over the years and always have a strong presence at the event. David and I will definitely be making sure we secure our places early!
What’s your advice for new attendees to the WhatHouse? Awards
Networking and relationships are the backbone of this industry, and the WhatHouse? Awards is one of the few occasions where the entire sector comes together in one room. So, my advice is to prepare properly and make the most of the opportunity. Check the guest list and table plan beforehand and reach out to developers, manufacturers and industry contacts ahead of the event.
WhatHouse? also attracts representation from banks, the HBF and many other key industry organisations, so it really is an event not to be missed. I look forward to seeing you there!
