On Thursday 3 March, 800 people from the two counties and beyond entered the Three Counties Showground in Malvern for the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce Business Expo.
The Expo, a free event, saw businesses from all sectors come together in one place to be informed, inspired, to make new contacts and showcase their business in a creative and fun atmosphere.
The day began with the networking breakfast, where 250 people gathered together to network and hear from the keynote speaker, Mark Berrisford-Smith, Chief Economist at HSBC UK Commercial Banking. Mark spoke on “Weathering the Global Storm“, informing businesses about the implications of leaving or remaining in the EU. Attendees also heard from Mr Wong, Leader of the Chinese Delegation from the city of Hezhou in China, who was visiting the UK to look for inward investment opportunites on a trip organised by the Worcestershire Ambassadors.
At 9.30am, Ben Mannion from Overall Sponsor Hewett Recruitment opened the exhibition. Over a 100 businesses were exhibiting from varying sectors, ranging from law firms, accountants and banks to local food and drink producers, print companies, hospitality businesses, charities, recruitment agencies and more. There was a postitive atmosphere throughout the day and a steady flow of people entering the Expo, with many businesses sending tweets of their stands throughout the day. The exhibition featured some fantastic stands featuring a range of activities to engage visitors, from table football to related food challenges.
The event also featured a free seminar, hosted by Hewett Recruitment, on “Building Talent Growth“ and a Business Leader’s Lunch, where 70 of the two counties‘ key decision makers listened to Mark explain the EU referendum in more detail.
The day also saw the launch of the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber Business Awards, which take place on Thursday 9 June, and visitors enjoyed exploring the Food and Drink Market Hall, where eighteen local businesses provided samples of local ciders, award winning cheese, fudge, ice cream and more.
Simon and Carole from BigHorn Biltong, a provider of organic and nutritious beef snacks who exhibited in the Market Hall, commented: “The Expo is a great networking event and offers an ideal opportunity to get your brand in front of people. It has been amazing how many local people know who we are and what we do. The venue has been excellent and it has been good to see some local customers”.
Stacey Humm from SME Solicitors said: “There’s been a positive vibe all day and it’s been a good opportunity to catch up with people and to let people know we’re here. The Expo is definitely one of my favourite days of the working year”.
The next Expo will take place on Thursday 6 October at the Three Counties Showground in Malvern. Photos from the event, taken by F8 Creates, will shortly be available at www.hwchamber.co.uk/expo
For any feedback, comments or case studies from the event, please contact rebekahh@hwchamber.co.uk