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Business South 2012: talking, doing and growing business
Gaining new contracts and generating sales to grow business were prime objectives for both companies exhibiting and visitors to Business South 2012, now in its third year at the newly-rebranded Ageas Bowl, formerly known as The Rose Bowl.
Billed as “a business directory brought to life, representing the broadest cross-section of the regional business community“, Katy Roberts, project and marketing manager at organiser JobServe Events said: “Providing an opportunity to talk business, do business and grow business, Business South offered some fantastic features, more than 100 exhibitors, in excess of 1,000 registrations and visitors, quality business leads and networking opportunities.“
Although some exhibitors reported quieter spells on day one, many found that the leads they obtained were solid with extremely good potential while the seminars were packed and well received. PR and social media manager for Fair Oak- based Splice Marketing, Nicky Hirst, said: “The social media masterclass that I did with three others was full. People spilled out onto the sides and out the back of the session. We have also received feedback from several companies that the quality of leads was very good.“
The Wow Business Growth Zone featured workshops, discussions, debates and expert advice, including a keynote presentation “12.5 Secrets of Super-Successful Business Owners“ by UK serial entrepreneur and mentor to UK small business owners, Nigel Botterill, who has built five separate million-pound-plus businesses from scratch.
Business South is constantly changing to meet the needs of the regional business community and this year’s New Business Zone featured five newcomers, some of whom had attended in the past, as visitors.
Helen Llewellyn, managing director of Gosport-based Direct Protect Solutions, which won the Best New Business Stand award, formed
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her company in December after working for various insurance brokers. “I set it up to get the best products and services for my clients. We don’t just sell, we present options for clients to choose from. We’re a translation service rather than an insurance brokerage. The leads we are getting are quality ones and it is great exposure,“ she said.
She has been asked to give presentations on income protection, something which higher tiers of management may be aware of if they have IFAs, but not always those workers a little bit lower down an organisation’s structure. “If you run a small business, have you insured the main asset – you? Unless you have another income stream, if you are ill or injured you can’t earn,“ she added.
Niamh Cullen, director of Hoot Marketing, based at Emsworth Yacht Harbour, which uses creative tools and techniques to “get the word out“, continued: “We want to be part of the Hampshire business community and at our growth stage need to know what is going on within that community.“ Hoot has clients in various sectors, including marine.
StressFree World, at Park Gate, offers websites and bookkeeping and is frequently integrating stock management with accountancy services, giving clients as much or as little support as they want. CEO Alexander Robinson said: “Small businesses can have a worldwide impact while still remaining small. Dealing with technology can be stressful, therefore we are here to remove that stress. Business South is great exposure.“
Meanwhile, the venue, home of Hampshire County Cricket Club, ran a competition to win “The Rose Bowl Experience“, a £3,000 package capturing every aspect of what it provides, which is a lot more than cricket. The prize included a day-delegate meeting package, Christmas party and Fireworks Night tickets, match tickets, and golf and gym passes.
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – SOLENT & SOUTH CENTRAL – APRIL 2012
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