As a result of the popularity and success of this, the first Devon Business Expo, thebestof Exeter has already named the date for next year’s event as 30^th April 2015.

Dave Barr, M/D thebestof Exeter says: “It has been hard work but very worthwhile.  We had 850 pre-registered delegates and 85 exhibition stands showcasing the products and services of local businesses from a cross-section of sectors. There was a real marketing gap for this type of business exhibition in Devon and we were delighted to organise this event.  The amazing support and positive feedback has proven that going forward it will be a date in the calendar for the local business community.  I promise that next year it will be even bigger, better and bolder.”

Sponsored by Basepoint Business Centres and supporting sponsors, GHQ Training, Thermalogica and Glen King PR/Marketing Ltd, the event began with a welcome address and seminar by Michelle Downey, head of thebestof.  Michelle outlined some of the things that business owners can do, not only to bring out the fun aspect of their business but how to stand out from the crowd.   Other seminars throughout the day included; Basepoint Business Centres, GHQ Training, Thermalogica, Crispin Associates and Q Social Media. A media panel seminar with a full PR mix of senior representatives from local press including; radio, newspapers, magazines and on-line news proved very popular with a lively Q&A session.

There was lots to see and do internally including very popular and well-attended speed-networking sessions.  There were also exciting things happening outside the centre with visitors enjoying cookery and tasting demonstrations by top chef Richard Valder from @Angela’s Restaurant in Exeter. And Exeter Segways a leader in personal, green transportation, developing products that transform the way you work, play and live showcased their fun and eco-friendly personal transporters.

Exhibitor, Clive Garnsey owner of Archway Trophies in South Street, Exeter was delighted with the event and comments: “Only having been in business for three months, I was invited to take a stand at the Business Expo 2014.  I questioned whether this was the right platform to expose my new company, however decided to give it a go and it turned out to be the best thing I could have done. On the day I spoke to lots of people, mainly business owners, and was delighted when I secured an order for a series of Trophies from one company which they wanted over a period of time. I am eager to take a stand at the Business Expo 2015 and would like to thank thebestof Exeter for giving me this opportunity to exhibit, and look forward to doing it again next year.”

Exeter Chamber of Commerce hosted their monthly members’ lunch with over 100 attendees and a presentation by Celia Delaney of ‘Speaking Success’.   An after-show drinks reception sponsored by Business Network (SW) enabled the exhibitors to network with each other and also helped to raise over £200 for the designated show charity, Dream-A-Way.