Business Show Swindon a steaming success

Over 500 attendees and 80 exhibitors made Steam their destination of choice yesterday to attend the second Business Show Swindon organised by GWE Business West and sponsored by Team South West, Relays, County Marquees and Manor Printing.

The show featured a keynote speech from James Averdieck, founder of Gü. A packed audience heard a truly inspiring speech from a very pragmatic and interesting entrepreneur.

There was a wide range of exhibitors from a variety of sectors including Hills Waste Solutions, Soaring Worldwide, Nexus Business Centre and Campanile Hotels.

Without doubt the speed networking sessions were a resounding success as they were fully sold out before the event and enabled people to network in a fun, fast paced environment.

The  exclusive espresso bar for members of the GWE Business West’s LinkedIn group once again proved a popular way of bringing members together. These sessions allowed members to network face-to-face and also encouraged others to join the LinkedIn group, with membership now reaching 3,700.

Robin Johnson, Director, Business Transformers Ltd, who attended both the LinkedIn Espresso Bar and the speed networking said: “The combination of speed networking sessions and the LinkedIn espresso bar meant this was an excellent exhibition for making connections.”

Vox PR provided live tweets on the day, which created a great atmosphere at the event. Sue Pycroft, Director, Vox PR said: “The Swindon Business Show had a real buzz to it once again, and proved that despite the current tough trading conditions there are plenty of energetic, creative businesses out there offering customers what they want to buy at realistic prices. Together with the Influence conference in the morning, the show provided an excellent platform for businesses in Swindon and beyond to get to know each other and promote themselves. We left with a wealth of business intelligence, some new friendships and several excellent new leads and are already looking forward to the next one.”

Ian Larrard, Director of the Initiative inSwindonand Wiltshire, GWE Business West said: “A big thank you to all those who attended and exhibited. From the feedback we have received so far the show has been a tremendous success for the local business community by providing an arena to network and meet new business contacts.  We look forward to building on the success of the past two years to create an even more exciting show next year.”

The next Business Show will take place in Bristol on 26 September at UWE Exhibition and Conference Centre.  If you would like to be one of the first to receive details email events@businesswest.co.uk

One week to go until The Business Show Swindon

Excitement is building with only one week to go to the Business Show Swindon.  The show returns on 1 February 2012 at STEAM organised by GWE Business West and sponsored by Team South West, Relays (Regional Educational Legacy in Art and Youth Sport), County Marquees and Manor Printing. The show is an ideal opportunity for Swindon businesses to showcase themselves and will feature over 80 exhibitors from all across the region.  It’s free to attend and will run from 9am to 4pm.

There are only four remaining stands available, prices ranges from £200- £600.  Visit www.businessshowswindon.co.uk for further information.

James Averdieck, founder of luxurious dessert company Gü is set to give a fascinating keynote speech at 12.30pm.  James will share his secrets for success on how he started Gü in 2003 with just £150,000 taking the company to sales of over £30m before selling in 2010.

The show will also feature the innovative LinkedIn Espresso Bar which is exclusively for members of Business West’s LinkedIn group – the largest business group in the South West with over 3500 members.  Organisations can join the group and come along between 11am-12pm or 1.30pm – 2.30pm to enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee and extend online connections offline. Businesses can visit www.bwlinkedin.co.uk to join.

HM Revenue & Customs will be exhibiting at the show. Their specially trained Business Education and Support Teams will be on hand to help you understand your tax responsibilities and give you the confidence to get it right first time. Their services are free of charge and are designed for everyone in business, especially new businesses or new employers.  Drop by stand 36 to find out more about Research and Development (R&D) Relief for Corporation Tax.

Robert Gardner, Chief Economist, Nationwide Building Society has been confirmed as The Swindon Strategic Economic Partnership (SSEP) Annual Conference speaker.  The conference will run in the morning and will provide an update on current activity, including links with the newly formed Local Enterprise Partnership.

To add to the sense of occasion County Marquees will be showcasing their products at the 2012 Show providing a marquee with some stunning extra floor space.  By creating the right ambience for networking opportunities it will allow attendees to meet up with existing or new clients in comfortable and stylish surroundings.

Ian Larrard, Director of The Initiative in Swindon and Wiltshire, GWE Business West said: “The Business Show Swindon 2012 is a great opportunity for businesses to connect with companies in Swindon and beyond, to network, exchange ideas and make new business contacts.  The show provides a platform to connect with hundreds of local businesses in one arena and is an opportunity not to be missed.”

The show is easily accessible from the M4 and Swindon railway station. To register to attend visit www.businessshowswindon.co.uk