Devon Business Expo sets date for next year

The inaugural Devon Business Expo 2014 organised by thebestof Exeter held at Matford Centre Exeter and opened by the Lord Mayor of Exeter, attracted over 600 visitors from across the county and as far as Bristol and London.  As a result of the popularity and success of this, the first Devon Business Expo, thebestof Exeter has already named the date for next year’s event as 30^th April 2015.

Dave Barr - Managing Director thebestof Exeter and Lord Mayor of Exeter 

 Dave Barr, M/D thebestof Exeter says: “It has been hard work but very worthwhile.  We had 850 pre-registered delegates and 85 exhibition stands showcasing the products and services of local businesses from a cross-section of sectors. There was a real marketing gap for this type of business exhibition in Devon and we were delighted to organise this event.  The amazing support and positive feedback has proven that going forward it will be a date in the calendar for the local business community.  I promise that next year it will be even bigger, better and bolder.”

Sponsored by Basepoint Business Centres and supporting sponsors, GHQ Training, Thermalogica and Glen King PR/Marketing Ltd, the event began with a welcome address and seminar by Michelle Downey, head of thebestof.  Michelle outlined some of the things that business owners can do, not only to bring out the fun aspect of their business but how to stand out from the crowd.   Other seminars throughout the day included; Basepoint Business Centres, GHQ Training, Thermalogica, Crispin Associates and Q Social Media. A media panel seminar with a full PR mix of senior representatives from local press including; radio, newspapers, magazines and on-line news proved very popular with a lively Q&A session.

There was lots to see and do internally including very popular and well-attended speed-networking sessions.  There were also exciting things happening outside the centre with visitors enjoying cookery and tasting demonstrations by top chef Richard Valder from @Angela’s Restaurant in Exeter. And Exeter Segways a leader in personal, green transportation, developing products that transform the way you work, play and live showcased their fun and eco-friendly personal transporters.

Exhibitor, Clive Garnsey owner of Archway Trophies in South Street, Exeter was delighted with the event and comments: “Only having been in business for three months, I was invited to take a stand at the Business Expo 2014.  I questioned whether this was the right platform to expose my new company, however decided to give it a go and it turned out to be the best thing I could have done. On the day I spoke to lots of people, mainly business owners, and was delighted when I secured an order for a series of Trophies from one company which they wanted over a period of time. I am eager to take a stand at the Business Expo 2015 and would like to thank thebestof Exeter for giving me this opportunity to exhibit, and look forward to doing it again next year.”

Exeter Chamber of Commerce hosted their monthly members’ lunch with over 100 attendees and a presentation by Celia Delaney of ‘Speaking Success’.   An after-show drinks reception sponsored by Business Network (SW) enabled the exhibitors to network with each other and also helped to raise over £200 for the designated show charity, Dream-A-Way.

To book a stand for Devon Business Expo 2015 on the 30^th April 2015 or for more information visit: www.devonbusinessexpo.co.uk

Last chance to register for Devon Business EXPO

There are only a couple of days until the Devon Business Expo 2014 opens at Matford Centre, Marsh Barton organised by thebestofexeter with headline sponsor, Basepoint Business Centres and the Express & Echo as the official media partner.  The event kicks off at 11am with a welcoming address by Michelle Downey, Head of ‘bestof’ and seminar.  Her talk will be about the things that business owners can do, not only to bring out the fun aspect of their business but how to stand out from the crowd.

thebestof Exeter team: David Hastings - Marketing Consultant, Dave Barr - Director, Yana Browning - Office Administrator, Peter Barr - Local promoter and Mike Pattle - Marketing Consultant 

Over 800 people have registered to attend the Expo which concludes with an ‘After Show Networking Party’ at 5.30pm sponsored by Business Network (SW) which will help raise money for the designated show charity, Dream-A-Way.

The official exhibition starts at 12 noon with supporting sponsors, Glen King PR/Marketing, Thermalogica and GHQ Training.  This year’s event has been so well supported that thebestofexeter announces the date for next year! The Devon Business Expo 2015 will take place on April 30^th, again at the Matford Centre. Managing Director Dave Barr said “We are delighted with the response to this year’s Expo; we are now taking bookings for next year. All of this year’s exhibitors who re-book on the day will get 10% discount and the deposit of just 10% of the reduced stand price will be held over for the next three months. I’d like to personally thank all our sponsors and partners this year who have helped ensure the success of the event, and I hope they will support us again in 2015.”

Meanwhile those enjoying the Exeter Chamber of Commerce Lunch, or attending the seminars at the Expo will be impressed by the settings and decor which have been generously provided by Vern Allen Entertainments, who are also exhibiting with their own exhibition stand.

There is lots to see and do internally and exciting things happening externally. When visitors arrive they will find the big red Calor Gas marquee by the main entrance hosting cookery demonstrations by top chef Richard Valder from @Angela’s Restaurant in Exeter. Exeter Segways is a leader in personal, green transportation, developing products that transform the way you work, play and live.  The company will be showcasing their eco-friendly personal transporters gliding effortlessly around the outside area of the Matford Centre.

Exeter Segways will be demonstrating at the EXPO 

If you have not already pre-registered as a delegate you will still be welcomed on the day with a request for a donation of £5 on the door to Dream-A-Way, a local worthy cause who are the charity of the year for thebestofExeter 2014. Dave Barr comments: “I have known Chairman, Jeff Merrett MBE and his ‘Dream Team’ for a number of years and by helping to raise money at this event will help them to continue the great work they do providing holidays and days out for people with disabilities and their carers across the South West. Make sure you visit the charity on stand #93”

Meet the team of thebestofexeter on stand #51 where they will be pleased to explain just how they can help promote local businesses.

For more information visit: www.devonbusinessexpo.co.uk

Devon Business EXPO and Glen King PR and Marketing

Click on image to enlarge 

Express and Echo

Win a stand at the Devon Business Expo 2014!

thebestofExeter promotes businesses in and around the City of Exeter and has become the definitive guide to great businesses in the area. They are currently busy organising the Devon Business Expo 2014 which is going to be a major event in the Devon business calendar. It is being staged at the Matford Centre on Thursday the 5^th June with over a hundred exhibitors and up to a thousand visitors on the day. The Expo is open to all types of business from across Devon including cafes and restaurants, garages, retailers, professional services, charities, digital marketing, social media and training, plus many more.

Now there is a chance for one lucky business to win a free stand to promote themselves at the Expo via a multi media competition in conjunction with thebestofExeter, Express and Echo, Devon Hour, Twitter, Facebook and Basepoint. The prize in detail is a 3m x 2m exhibition stand including shell scheme walls, table and electricity, worth over £400.

To enter simply visit  https://thedevonbusinessexpo.eventbrite.com and register.

You can also register for free admission to the event at the same time.

Even if you are not lucky enough to win there are still a few stands available for exhibitors.

For more information please visit www.devonbusinessexpo.co.uk or call 01392 349135.

Exeter networking organisations jointly support New Devon Business Expo

Two leading Exeter-based networking clubs are joining forces to be part of the new Devon Business Expo organised by thebestof Exeter with headline sponsor Basepoint Business Centres and Express & Echo as the official media partner.  The business exhibition launches on the 5th June at Matford Centre, Exeter with over 100 exhibitors and the capacity for 1000 delegates who can attend the event for free with pre-booking.  The Keynote Speaker is Michelle Downey Head of thebestof for the UK who will open the event which includes seminars and workshops.

Exeter Chamber of Commerce and Business Network (SW) together will be actively encouraging networking at the exhibition which is aimed at businesses from across the region and members of these business organisations will be eligible to 10% discount if they book a stand.

Exeter Chamber of Commerce is holding its regular monthly members’ lunch at the event for the month of June which will run from 12 noon – 1.30pm.

Derek Phillips, Vice President of Exeter Chamber of Commerce says: “Exeter Chamber of Commerce is delighted to be a part of the new Devon Business EXPO it gives members the chance to visit all exhibitors and take part in seminars and workshops.  If you are a member of the Chamber please join us at 12pm on Thursday 5th June and guests who are thinking of joining the Chamber as members are also welcome to attend. To book your place please contact the Chamber team on 01392 431133.   www.exeterchamber.co.uk.

Business Network (SW) run by Sean Humby is celebrating its 21^st anniversary this year. The club is sponsoring the after-show drinks reception in aid of Exeter-based charity Dream-A-Way which organises days out and dream holidays for people of all ages with disabilities or who are disadvantaged. Delegates to the business expo who pre-book on line will be able to enter the event free of charge.  Visitors who just turn up on the day are welcome but will be asked to give a donation of £5 towards Dream-A-Way.

Sean Humby, Director, Business Network (SW) Ltd says: “We are very excited to be part of this new venture and wish Dave Barr and his team every success.  There are some great charity prizes at the after-show drinks party which we are sponsoring to raise monies for this worthy local cause and it’s a great opportunity to network with a large number of people. Networking is a proven formula to develop long-lasting relationships and grow your business and we look forward to seeing our members, as well as new contacts from the local business community, at this not to missed exhibition which promises to be a major success.”  www.business-networksw.co.uk

Managing Director, thebestof Exeter Dave Barr says: “Having the two leading business organisations in Exeter come together to be a key part of this exciting new business exhibition gives a strong message of support and confidence in what we believe is the biggest local event in the business calendar.  We are offering 10% discount on stands booked by members of Exeter Chamber of Commerce and Business Network (SW) in order to encourage as many different industry sectors as possible to be able to promote their products and services.”

To book an exhibition stand or book your complimentary place as a delegate visit: www.devonbusinessexpo.co.uk

thebestof Exeter Expo showcases Devon is Open For Business

Thebestof Exeter promotes businesses in and around the City of Exeter. Established 8 years ago thebestof Exeter has become the definitive guide to great businesses in the area. Clients come from all areas of business from restaurants to garages, lawyers to decorators, gardeners to hair salons, accountants to dance and fitness studios.

Managing Director Dave Barr says: “We are all getting very excited at the moment about the Devon Business Expo 2014 which we are currently busy organising. It is going to be a major event in the Devon business calendar. We are staging the event at the Matford Centre on Thursday the 5^th June with over a hundred exhibitors and up to a thousand visitors on the day. We are very grateful to our sponsors Basepoint Centre, Glen King PR, The Express and Echo, Q Social Media and GHQ Training. They all realise the importance of this event and we are delighted to have their support. Of course it is more than just an exhibition. On the day there will be a number of speakers and workshops, the Exeter Chamber will be staging their monthly lunch at the Expo, and the day will end will a networking party sponsored by Business Network South West. The Keynote Speaker is Michelle Downey Head of thebestof for the UK.”

The Expo is open to all types of business from across Devon including restaurants, retailers, professional services, charities, digital marketing, social media and training, plus many more.

For more information, book a stand or as a delegate please visit www.devonbusinessexpo.co.uk – Telephone: 01392 349130.

Charity celebrates coming of age at Business Expo

The Devon Business Expo organised by TheBestOf Exeter and launching on Thursday 5^th June at Matford Centre, announces its ‘charity of the year’ Dream-A-Way, celebrating its 21^st anniversary, as the designated show charity.  A charity raffle will be held to raise much needed monies for this local worthy cause at the after-show drinks reception sponsored by Business Network (SW).

The business exhibition sponsored by BasePoint Business Centres, supporting sponsor Glen King PR and Express & Echo as the official media partner, will have over 100 exhibitors showcasing their  products and services from across the region with a capacity of up to 1000 visitors at this one-day event.

The exhibition’s designed charity, Exeter registered Dream-A-Way, provides grants for holidays and day trips to people of all ages with any sort of disability who live in Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.  With a loyal team of volunteers, the charity prides itself on giving all the monies raised by supporters to fund trips and do not take any funds for overheads or expenses.

The charity has helped over 10,000 local people since it was established in 1993.  Last year it enabled nearly 2000 individuals to enjoy a very special experience and days out.  Over 1200 guests enjoyed caravan holidays in Devon by the sea and 100 have fulfilled their dream holiday.

Chairman Jeff Merrett MBE says: “Dream-A-Way has always valued close relationships with local businesses and we are honoured to have been chosen as the Charity of the Year for TheBestOf Exeter and selected as the designated charity for the exciting new Devon Business Expo. Without this type of support we would have been unable to help so many amazing local people. We very much look forward to meeting up with even more local businesses at this wonderful new initiative.”

Exeter-girl Catherine who had a liver transplant 15 years’ ago when she was just a baby, was whisked away at the end of last year on a Dream-A-Way holiday to Portugal.  She was joined by Dad Martin, mother Heather and her brother Ryan for a much needed family Christmas break.

She comments: “It was amazing being able to spend Christmas on the beach, we even made a snowman, well a sand man! I jumped into the freezing cold swimming pool and splashed around in the glorious sea. My amazing experience was all thanks to the wonderful Dream-A-Way team.  The trip marked the 15 year anniversary of my liver transplant which I celebrated in December 2013 and it was the best way I could have marked it, ever.  Dream-A-Way for me has been like the tooth fairy, I may have had a tough time but when I look under my pillow, as if by magic, life has a new silver lining and that’s all thanks to the Dream Team”

Catherine and her mum on holiday 

For more information on how to book a stand or to register your place log on-line: www.devonbusinessexpo.co.uk

Basepoint Exeter sponsors The Devon Business Expo 2014

Dave Barr, Managing Director of thebestofExeter, and organiser of the Devon Business Expo 2014 is delighted that this innovative and exciting event will be sponsored by Basepoint, Marsh Barton, Exeter.

Basepoint specialises in the development and operation of flexible business, innovation and enterprise centres. These centres provide comprehensive accommodation and support infrastructure packages to new and early-stage businesses within a supportive and secure environment.

The company operates both wholly and part-owned centres, as well as managing facilities on behalf of public sector bodies. Group operations currently include 30 centres across southern England, the Midlands and Wales with additional opportunities under assessment across the UK. 

Basepoint is owned by The ACT Foundation, a leading UK grant making charity. As the main trading arm of ACT, Basepoint’s revenue does more than simply maintain and develop its business centres – it helps to make a difference to those people in society who need it most, such as the elderly, the disabled and the disadvantaged.

Basepoint offers a variety of benefits to its licensees including an easy-in easy-out licence agreement, quality managed services, meeting rooms, free parking, training and development services and a business portal. Each centre also hosts regular free networking events (“The Networking Hub”) for licensees and the wider business community, to encourage and nurture business growth in the local area.

John Ashment manager of the Exeter Basepoint Centre said: 

“As providers of unique workspace in the region, Basepoint Business Centres are very excited to be sponsoring The Devon Business Expo 2014. I am sure it will be a great event and the Basepoint team are really looking forward to being involved and helping make the Expo a huge success.”

The Devon Business Expo 2014 is being staged at the Matford Centre Exeter on Thursday June 5^th.  For more information visit www.devonbusinessexpo.co.uk or call 01392 349130.

NEW DEVON BUSINESS SHOW LAUNCHES IN EXETER

A new business expo showcasing services and products of businesses across the region is being organised by thebestof Exeter with headline sponsor, Basepoint Business Centres. Taking place on Thursday 5^th June at Matford Centre, Exeter, ‘The Devon Business Expo’ is a one-day event with over 100 exhibitors and looking to attract 1000 visitors. 

The Devon Business Expo evolved from the B2B Expo which took place at Exeter Racecourse in 2012 and has all the ingredients to be a highly successful event which it is planned to run annually. The expo is aimed at business owners, professionals, corporate businesses and start-ups who wish to raise their profile and brand awareness sponsored by Basepoint Business Centres and supporting sponsor Glen King PR/Marketing. 

Dave Barr, Managing Director of thebestofExeter, and organiser of the Devon Business Expo 2014 is delighted that this innovative and exciting event will be sponsored by Basepoint which is based in Marsh Barton, Exeter. 

Basepoint specialises in the development and operation of flexible business, innovation and enterprise centres. These centres provide comprehensive accommodation and support infrastructure packages to new and early-stage businesses within a supportive and secure environment.

John Ashment manager of the Exeter Basepoint Centre says: “As providers of unique workspace in the region, Basepoint Business Centres are very excited to be sponsoring The Devon Business Expo 2014. I am sure it will be a great event and the Basepoint team is really looking forward to being involved and helping make the Expo a huge success.”

The inaugural business show is seeking to attract a large cross-section of industry sectors and free to attend for delegates who pre-book on-line.  Visitors who turn up on the day without pre-registration will be asked to donate £5 to Dream-A-Way, the designated show charity. 

As well as a keynote speaker there will be many interactive activities including seminars/workshops, speed networking and a networking café.  The Exeter Chamber of Commerce is holding their monthly members’ lunch at the event and an after-show drinks reception is sponsored by Business Network (SW) with a charity raffle and great prizes to raise monies for Dream-A-Way.

Dave Barr Managing Director thebestof Exeter says: “There is a growing need for a major business exhibition in the region and Exeter enjoys a close-knit business community so is the perfect venue to hold it.  The B2B show was a pilot event and we were delighted with the support from local businesses.  As a result we are now launching the exciting new Devon Business Expo which will be bigger and better and has the promise to be even more successful. The exhibition is a comprehensive portal to growing local businesses across the County and beyond.  It will offer a wealth of opportunities to promote your business as well as good advice and information provided in the many seminars and workshops throughout the day crucial for business growth in a challenging economy.”

For more information on how to book a stand or to register your place log on-line: www.devonbusinessexpo.co.uk

The Devon Business Expo 2014 brought to you by TheBestOf Exeter

An exhibition for start-ups, entrepreneurs, business owners and corporates wishing to raise brand awareness

Venue: Matford Centre, Marsh Barton, Exeter, EX2 8FD

Date: Thursday 5^th June 2014

Time: 12 noon – 17.30

17.30 - 19.00 - After show networking party sponsored by Business Network (SW)

FREE ENTRY FOR DELEGATES

Call:  01392 349 130 for more information or to book a stand

The Devon Business Expo with headline sponsor Basepoint Business Centres, is a new and exciting event with over 100 exhibitors.  Aiming to attract 1000 delegates from across the region, this not to be missed business event will be showcasing the best that the Devon business community has to offer, with keynote speaker and topical seminars.

Networking opportunities include speed-networking, a networking café, Exeter Chamber of Commerce members’ lunch and after-show drinks reception sponsored by Business Network (SW). A charity raffle with great prizes will raise funds for TheBestOf Exeter‘s Charity of the Year, Dream-A-Way.