Expo: Let’s Do Business in Brighton

June 13th saw Falmer’s Amex Stadium play host once again to the Let’s Do Business Brighton exhibition; but with a special twist for 2019. This year’s exhibition in association with PRG Marketing Communications featured an exciting innovation zone offering visitors the chance to see and find out about some of the South East’s most innovative products and technologies. 

Exhibitors and visitors from across Sussex, Surrey, Gatwick and Kent were wowed by demonstrations of the latest in cutting edge technology in the zone, which was sponsored by East Sussex College Group. These included leading VR and augmented reality company Showstorm launching their All Senses Immersion virtual reality and the University of Sussex showcasing Quantum: the computer that could change our lives. 

There were interactive experiences for guests on the day including RFID wristbands, an interactive discount rickshaw and a 3d printer. There were also experts on hand all day to discuss everything from innovation in education, innovation in the workplace and innovation for tackling climate change.  Other aspects of innovation discussed on the day included funding and inspiring innovation in education and among workforces. While many exhibitors and visitors had different ways of encouraging innovation, all agreed it was crucial to the survival and futureproofing of business as the UK navigates an uncertain political and economic climate.

 The theme of innovation didn’t stop there though, as the expo also featured the Regional launch of Clean Growth UK, one of the show’s headline sponsors. Their launch was a timely one, given that sustainability, climate change and environmental impact have been high on the agenda for UK businesses this year. The initiative is led by three Universities including the University of Brighton, and aims to help businesses tackle climate change. Zoe Osmond, Director of Green Growth Platform also spoke about innovation and climate change at the exhibition as part of the accessing innovation support discussion panel. 

Leading business advisory firm and headline sponsor Quantuma also had business experts on hand to discuss maximising business value.  Adrian Howells, Quantuma’s Director of Corporate Finance also chaired the panel discussion on funding innovation. The theme of innovation ran throughout the exhibition exploring and encouraging innovation in the workplace and streamlining processes. More than 80 exhibitors were on hand on the day to meet key decision makers from the region. The all new exhibition also featured a work zone, enabling visitors to keep in touch with the office throughout the day. Larger corporations networked with SMEs and start-ups to share thoughts and meet potential leads. 

Also new for 2019 was the addition of two panel discussions as part of the popular seminar line up. The panels featured representatives from funding initiatives and local businesses discussing funding innovation and accessing innovation support. Other speakers on the day included Garry James of Switchplane who discussed the future of social media and Mark Bellinger of Showstorm discussing virtual and augmented reality. The expo was sold out weeks before the event and this year saw hundreds of visitors pre-register for the exhibition as well as further delegates arriving on the day. 

Feedback from the event was glowing – but don’t take our word for it! Matt Bigwood of Print Matters, the show’s print supporter said “It was our very great pleasure to support such a wonderful event. All the hard work you put in to making the show such a success really paid off. We were delighted to be a part of it.” The exhibition not only proved business in Sussex, Surrey, Gatwick and Kent is thriving, but the event also demonstrated the diversity and creativity shown by businesses from around the region.

The event is the only exhibition from the Let’s Do Business Group for 2019 and saw a wide variety of businesses from a broad range of industries represented. This year’s event also saw more visitors than ever before attending from further afield, with many Gatwick and Crawley based delegates attending the event. Mandi Lloyd of Gatwick Diamond Business said “It was a brilliant day! Gatwick Diamond Business totally enjoyed it and the buzz of the day was great!” 

This year’s event also saw the expo entrance area made a feature of thanks to sought after BMW cars parked outside the venue’s reception courtesy of exhibitor Chandlers BMW. Leading trade office furniture supplier Fieldskill also showcased their Dynamibus, an innovative mobile furniture platform housed in a double decker bus which proved a hit with visitors arriving to the show. A pre event breakfast was hosted at the Amex Stadium by Brighton & Hove Chamber of Commerce giving guests the chance to meet prior to the event.

Sean Dennis, Deputy Chief Executive at the Let’s Do Business Group said ‘This year we once again collaborated with PRG Marketing Communications to bring the Let’s Do Business Brighton exhibition back to the AMEX Stadium. The theme of innovation this year proved to be very apt and we are glad the expo represented the diversity and innovation demonstrated by businesses in Sussex, Surrey, Gatwick and the South East.

‘The new panel discussions to this year’s seminar proved a popular and thought provoking addition to the event.  We’d like to thank all of our sponsors, speakers, exhibitors and visitors for once again making this year’s Let’s Do Business Brighton event a success.’

To find out more about the Let’s Do Business Group, please visit letsdobusinessgroup.co.uk or email info@ldbgroup.co.uk. A video of the day will be coming soon – please see https://www.facebook.com/letsdobusinessexhibitions/ for updates!