The South West’s biggest free business event gets underway today with organisers saying it looks set to be a flyaway success.
Up to 3,000 delegates are expected to attend the Business Showcase South West 2015, which returns to returns to Bristol’s Colston Hall today and tomorrow.
Star attractions include keynote speakers Levi Roots of Reggae Reggae sauce and Dragons’ Den fame and ‘Millionaires’ Mentor’ Bev James today and industry icon Gerald Ratner and Stella English, former winner of BBC’s The Apprentice, tomorrow.
Up to 90 exhibitors will reflect the best in innovation, creativity and enterprise and there will be a range of free information-packed seminars over both days.
As the hours ticked down the opening at 10am today, Bev James – chief executive officer of The Coaching Academy and best known for her book Do it! Or Ditch It – urged as many business people as possible to attend.
“This is a unique event and it’s right on our doorstep. You usually have to go to London for something as big as this,” she said as she helped launch the Showcase with director Jamie Breese by releasing dozens of green balloons skywards outside Colston Hall.
“Not only are there some amazing keynote speakers but there are great networking opportunities. It’s the perfect opportunity to connect with local suppliers and clients.
“I always say that in business it’s probably more important to meet and exchange ideas with people from outside your own sector and that’s exactly what Business Showcase South West will offer.”
Bristol-based entrepreneur Jamie Breese added: “We are looking forward to welcoming the region’s business people to this event, which this year champions innovation, creativity and enterprise.
“Business Showcase South West is the event to attend to forge long-lasting business connections, to learn from business leaders and to be inspired by our keynote speakers.”
Levi Roots will speak in Colston Hall’s main auditorium between 11.30am and 12.15pm, with Bev James’ session between 1.30pm-2.15pm.
Stella English will give her keynote tomorrow from 10.30am-11.15am with Gerald Ratner speaking between 11.30am-12.15pm.
Mark Stonham, who trains salespeople and business owners to use LinkedIn to generate leads and sales, will speak in the main hall on both days.
Blue-chip sponsors Enterprise Rent-a-Car, First Great Western and Barclays. Bristol Business News and its sister titles Bath Business News and Swindon Business News are media partners for the prestigious show.
Networking opportunities include speed networking, 4 Networking breakfasts, and an ‘invitation only’ reception for the region’s leading CEOs.
Companies, which have already secured their exhibition stands, range from Business West and Bristol law firm Veale Wasbrough Vizards to Radisson Blu and Nuffield Health.
New exhibitors to the event include Brunel’s ss Great Britain and Avon Wildlife Trust’s Folly Farm Centre, which both offer unique venue hire space for corporates.
Technology is also represented with exhibitors including Cloud Direct, which is also hosting one of the seminars. Other companies running seminars are event sponsors Enterprise Rent-a-Car and Barclays, and exhibitor Nuffield Health.
Bristol Business News will be reporting live from the show.
- For more information go to www.showcase2015.com.
Pictured: Jamie Breese and Bev James launch Business Showcase South West 2015
