Better Business Show 2017

After the Better Business Show, which took place last month at Worthing Assembly Hall, Sussex Business Times feeds back and speaks to attendees to find out their thoughts on the benefits of events like this on businesses 

Collaboratively delivered by Worthing and Adur Chamber of Commerce and Adur & Worthing Business Partnership, the Better Business Show 2017 took place last month, on Thursday 2^nd February, and Sussex Business Times once again had the pleasure of attending. With a strong focus on ‘Buy Local’ and the promise to deliver inspiration and networking opportunities to local Sussex businesses, the Better Business Show was dubbed as a ‘must’ in the 2017 business calendar for companies both large and small, and it didn’t disappoint.

Chief Executive of Worthing and Adur Chamber of Commerce commented post-event: “The show went extremely well. It went better than last year, which was beyond our dreams. We had a constant buzz throughout the day and we had lots of businesses giving out free advice and gifts.”

The Better Business Show 2017 saw more than 90 exhibitor stands and 600 visitors, all of whom were able to get in amongst the endless networking prospects along with the many other opportunities. The event boasted free business support for a wide range of professional services, including information about grants and finance. In addition to this, local procurement teams were on hand to discuss opportunities, including the Adur & Worthing Council heads of department. The Expert Zone offered advice on marketing, PR, branding and legal, while the Google Digital Garage provided visitors with information on how to make their businesses more visible online.

Keynote speakers at the Better Business Show included Chamber Patron, financial entrepreneur and ‘Secret Millionaire’, Gillian Fielding spoke about how she flourished from her roots in London’s East End and used her own resources to achieve financial freedom. Darren Fearing, international deluxe hotelier featuring in the TV show ‘A Hotel in the Clouds’ shared his entrepreneurial experiences and interests, while Shaa Wasmund, recently named as one of the top 20 most influential entrepreneurs in the UK also offered her advice and opinion.

Chamber Operations Manager, Tracie Davey also commented: “We have had some amazing feedback from the exhibitors with some great stories about new business relationships made and old ones revisited. We are already receiving bookings for next year!”

Here is what some of the exhibitors at 2017’s Better Business Show had to say post-event…

Kelly O Haire, Ask for the Moon: “We thought it would be hard to top the success of last year, but once again, the Chamber pulled it out of the bag and delivered an excellent day. The organisation was great, the speakers were engaging and relevant and the room itself was buzzing. We made loads of great new contacts and will definitely be back next year for Better Business 2018.”

Clive Spring, Yoohoo Creative: “Last year’s show was good but this year’s was really great; an event to be really proud of. Well done to all for the great organisation and hard work it took to make it such a success.”

Nicky Dumbleton, Electronic Temperature Instruments Ltd: “We enjoyed exhibiting at the Better Business Show. We thought the show was extremely well organised and we really appreciate all the hard work and effort put into making the event such a success. Looking forward to 2018!”

Martin Bloomfield, Bloomfield Digital: “From my point of view as a small business the show was fantastic and very worthwhile, on many fronts. Not only did I meet potential new clients, but potential associates I can work with, and it helped me reinforce my brand to old clients and business people I meet from time to time. It was so well advertised too; radio, newspapers, banners and emails.”

Julia Johnson, Fine Marketing: “The show was very lively and busy. Lots of different businesses attended and you didn’t know whom you would be speaking to next, which made the day very interesting. We met start-ups and established businesses; everyone seemed to be at a different stage in their journey and the seminars certainly attracted a lot of people.”

Amy Kenward, Bennett Griffin LLP: “This year’s Better Business Show was probably the best yet. The speakers were fantastic and the quality of exhibitors and number of people who attended the show throughout the day just goes to show what a thriving business community Worthing and Adur has. We can’t wait to be involved again next year!”

Paul Green, Empire Print: “Thank you for the support and getting us a last minute slot at the Better Business Show. It was a total success for us, we got to engage with so many businesses and have picked up some new clients, which is just fantastic! I’m guessing we will have to book our place for next year pretty early for 2018 judging by the reaction from other businesses that didn’t exhibit this year!”