With over a thousand visitors, a sun-blessed Let’s Do Business 2018 proved a huge success for exhibitors.
The annual combined Staffordshire and Birmingham Chambers of Commerce expo at Uttoxeter Racecourse is a firm favourite with companies looking to showcase their products and expertise.
Many exhibitors return year after year citing a diverse and high calibre audience flocking to Uttoxeter from across the Midlands.
Mark Bailey, Customer Support Manager at M & M IT, said: “We support Let’s Do Business every year. The venue is brilliant both because of its location, lay out and ease of accessibility from all points of Staffordshire.
“We regard it as a major marketing exercise with the M & M brand being seen by an audience from a wide catchment area. M & M also sees it as a show of support for the Chambers of Commerce; if we all support the business community in Staffordshire, the local economy benefits and that means more jobs and growth for all.”
Nik Hardy founded Hardy Signs 25 years ago and his business has built a national client base. “Let’s Do Business is a focal point in our annual programme,” said Nik. “It is a great way of promoting our business, the venue is ideal and there is no other event where we see such a diverse range of businesses.”
Let’s Do Business is also popular as it attracts companies from across Staffordshire, joining Hardy Signs, from Burton, and Stoke-on-Trent based M & M, were Moorland Contract Cleaning, of Cheadle, and Stafford’s Call Handling Solutions.
“It is a brilliant networking event and the venue is fantastic, with plenty of indoor and outside space,” said Suzanne Davy of Moorland Contract Cleaning. “We are the contract cleaners for the racecourse and that gives us an extra boost as we can show people what we do.”
Bruce Ridley, of Call Handling Solutions, added: “This is an excellent way to raise brand awareness. There’s a lot of networking going on and we are making new contacts.”
Alongside over 120 exhibitors, Let’s Do Business offers visitors the chance to participate in business events and networking. Michaela Wain, a semi-finalist in the 2017 series of The Apprentice, entertained delegates with her business story, there were showcases on exporting and Business Support Clinics hosted by the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Growth Hub, speed networking and a Let’s Do Mentoring meeting which featured mentoring success stories and advice on GDPR for employers from Stoke-on-Trent based employment lawyer Karen Coleman.