Business Showcase South West, the region’s largest free business event, returns for a third year in May following its huge success in 2014 and 2015.
After two years at Bristol’s Colston Hall, this year’s Business Showcase (BSSW) will take place at the newly redeveloped Ashton Gate Stadium on May 17. A second BSSW is also planned for later this year and plans are in place to take the concept to other cities. 
The stadium’s £45m rebuild will be completed in the summer, making it the region’s largest conference and events venue.
BSSW has become the major business event for the South West, celebrating the best of region’s innovation, creativity and enterprise.
Previous speakers have included business icons such as Baroness (Karren) Brady, pictured above right, Levi Roots, pictured below right, and Gerald Ratner and big name sponsors from Barclays to First Great Western.
BSSW is staged by Bristol-based entrepreneur, charity auctioneer and broadcaster Jamie Breese, who also founded Bristol’s 
Only Connect exclusive business and social networking business. Three Only Connect events are planned for this year – the first at Ashton Gate in March.
Martin Griffiths, chairman of Ashton Gate owner Bristol Sport, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Business Showcase South West to Ashton Gate this year.
“I’m pleased that BSSW has chosen to host its showcase event here at the stadium and we look forward to welcoming Jamie and his team.”
Chief of stadium operations Mark Kelly added: “As we complete the rebuild we plan to establish ourselves as the go‐to venue for leading businesses in the South West.
“BSSW is firmly established as a premier business exhibition to attend and it is great that we’ve managed to attract Jamie and his team.
“The exhibition combined with the associated Only Connect evening in March will see hundreds of delegates visit Ashton Gate”.
Jamie Breese, who has operated business events in the region for the past eight years and is helping to run the Lord Mayor of Bristol’s Charity Gala Dinner, said: “We are all set for a huge year with two planned showcases, three Only Connects and plans to expand into other cities.
“The next Showcase at Ashton Gate represents a superb opportunity to connect with so many great businesses – from global brands to SMEs. I want the Showcase to be a business‐packed experience that delegates will feel compelled to stay at all day.
“Our delegates enjoy a free event, multiple and useful seminars and inspiring keynotes which help solve the problems and challenges in today’s business world.
“I expect delegates from across the region who will see this as the stay-all-day, must-go-to, business-driven networking mega‐fest.”
The first BSSW took place back in April 2014 and welcomed a sell‐out 91 exhibitors and attracted more than 1,700 free ticket registrations.
Top CEOs from across the South West attended a drinks event and delegates enjoyed inspiring keynotes including a speech from Baroness Brady CBE.
Last year’s Showcase was sponsored by Barclays, First Great Western and Enterprise Rent‐A‐Car and featured Reggae Reggae sauce entrepreneur Levi Roots, Bristol‐born business mentor Bev James and former jewellery retailer Gerald Ratner.
Booking for BSSW 2016 – which will be free to attend, including the keynote speeches – is now open at showcase2016.com. Stands are now on sale with an Early Bird offer at £299.00 ex VAT.
The black tie Only Connect 26 in association With Business West and sponsored by Ashton Gate Stadium, is on March 10 at Ashton Gate’s new Sports Bar.
Tickets are available online at www.onlyconnect.me.uk
Pictured, from left: BSSW founder Jamie Breese at last year’s event with keynote speaker Levi Roots and Business West managing director Phil Smith
