Bristol business owners are being given the unusual opportunity to ‘speed date with a difference’ next week to help grow their companies despite the flagging economy.
The city’s first Business Growth Show will include a seed networking feature, enabling owner-managers and entrepreneurs to meet and begin new business relationships very quickly.
The novel scheme, in which attendees have just one minute to talk about their businesses and exchange cards before moving on to the next person, has already proved a great success at previous shows in the UK.
The event takes place on Wednesday at the Future Inn Cabot Circus and is organised by Business Growth Show regional event directors Neil and Tracey Davis.
The show is free to attend for visitors and will include a range of exhibitors.
Neil, who has run a number of businesses in the Bristol area, said: “It is very much like speed dating. When we meet a new person face-to-face, we know very quickly whether we want to get to know them better and whether we could do business with them or not.
“This way, Bristol business people can make the best use of their time. In this economy, businesses are being forced to maximise every penny they have.
“No one has time to sit around and spend endless hours at networking events that very often don’t produce results.”
The show takes place from 9am to 3pm, so there will be plenty of time for business people who do make a connection to continue conversations and to visit exhibition stands. Free coffee and sandwiches are provided.
The show is part of a nationwide scheme to boost business success at local levels. As well as planning regular shows in Bristol, Neil and Tracey are also staging shows in Worcester, Cheltenham, and Gloucester.
Neil added: “I know that the economy is tough at the moment but we know many businesses that are doing exceptionally well.
“Businesses that are flourishing really focus on their networking and marketing and at the Business Growth Show this can be done in a friendly atmosphere in a very natural way.
“Nothing will ever change the fact that people buy from people and that face-to-face meetings are so important.”
For more information and to register for free admission visit www.thebusinessgrowthshow.co.uk and click on ‘Events’ or contact Neil Davis on 07772 026592.
