Testimonials - Delegates and Exhibitors

Here are some great testimonials from Exhibitors and Delegates.

Tes$monials

What Delegates Say

“I found the business showcase very informa6ve especially Karen Brady's sec6on comparing sport and business. The diversity and range of businesses meant there was a wealth of knowledge to tap into from different perspec6ves added to this as a networking event for future opportuni6es it was an ideal plaAorm. Well done.” Steve Smith - Head of Business, Bristol Audi

”Excellent Show. Lots of good exhibitors making it a very worthwhile event" Steve Windaybank, Western Provident Associa$on

"This was a fantas6c event which was very well run. I made some great contacts here and will definitely be aJending again" Legend Recruitment

"Inspiring speakers and a fantas6c mix of the South West Business community.” Paul Brown, CEO, Mail Handling Interna$onal

"BSSW is a cracking business show highligh6ng some of the best businesses that Bristol has to offer in a loca6on that is large enough to accommodate all exhibitors and deal with with a large volume of visitors and s6ll have room to grow.” Andy Poulton, Bristol IT Company

Yesterday I aJended the Business Showcase South West and it really was an incredible event. Not only were there complimentary buses to make travelling easy & simple, the planning, communica6on, organising & schedule of the day was brilliant too! Highly recommended - you'll have to get booked on

for next year's one! Sarah Cook, Social Media Strategist, Trainer & Mentor | Networking Expert

“A great first event bringing together like minded business people with some quality speakers. A bonus that it was free and it can only grow.” Juliet, SJS Coaching “I came away from the Business Showcase with a couple of excellent contacts, rekindled an exis6ng one and to top off a good day sold a good number of Buckland LED panels.” Jonathan Sheppard, Buckland Energy Projects

"A well organised, run and presented event" Adam Robbins, HalpinRobbins Limited

“Excellent day! Great variety of exhibitors and delegates with a great buzz on the day. Made some very worthwhile connec6ons.” Steve Jones, Wolfestone “Western Retail were pleased to aJend this event It was good to hear "premier league" speakers with thought provoking presenta6ons and to meet SWest based firms.” Stephen Jones, Western Retail

“Great event and good to meet some quality people.” Chris Raising, theBaa.com

“Thank you for providing such as wonderful free event, I felt really inspired, par6cularly listening to Karren Brady!” Karen Norman, direct and digital marke$ng specialist

“As an independent from the world of Arts rather than business I aJended out of curiosity but to my surprise I leY having made some very useful contacts. I also developed a sense of

how people were feeling about the

future and the overall posi6ve vibe was very encouraging. I am already recommending friends in arts and business to come next year.” kim.hix@hotmail.co.uk

“A wonderful opportunity to network, meet new business opportuni6es and be inspired by "key players”. Bob Kennedy, Mynt Media

“What a fantas6cally inspiring event. I made some excellent contacts, three of whom I've already had a mee6ng with to discuss ways of promo6ng Fudgbomz, a new TBB product. I've bought Brad Burton's first book and started following a lot more people on TwiJer. Thank you!” Ali Walsh, The Bristol Bakehouse

“The BSSW 2014 was a great event and one of very few to which I am already looking forward to the next one. WELL DONE!!!” Sash von R, Sales & Account Manager, Innovate Ltd

"It was a really good event. Lots of varied exhibitors, and some very useful seminars. The keynote speaker was inspira6onal, and I even entered the pitching compe66on which was a very enjoyable and suppor6ve event. Highly recommended". Claire Stone, Claire Stone Nutri$on

“This was an excellent event, especially the Keynote speakers, as a Director it was inspira6onal to hear their stories and advice.”

Carol, Astra Recruitment

“A great event, inspira6onal speakers, Karren Brady excellent.” Zoe Joyner, Engagement Manager Nisbets plc.

"An extremely useful day”. MaT Rogers, Outset Bristol

“Great speakers with plenty of good 6ps to share.” Nigel Stone, Infinite Group

“Great event. Worth the trip. Met some great people.” Jason Ayers, ma- design.biz

“I found the day very interes6ng with the varied industries covered and the focus on SME's. The keynote speakers were very interes6ng and presented well again aimed at the SME's. I would recommend the event to any new business or ones looking to grow.” Michael Parsons - Engineering Energy

“Fantas6c day not only to discover many new ventures but also many opportuni6es to network with local businesses. Inspiring speakers with an ability to connect and enthuse the audience.” Kerry Kitchen, Stannah LiX Services Limited

“The event was an opportunity to meet many people and hear some brilliant keynote speeches.” WMB, abelard-uk.com

“The event was extremely well thought out & supported which made the event seem effortless - I was impressed by the aJendees and guest speakers” Margaret Stewart, Eddisons

“A very informa6ve event, good key speakers, excellent for business networking”. Judy Condick, www.bristolpost.co.uk

“As a business coach opera6ng in the local area I know how important it is to meet people face to face, and the Business Showcase South West was a great opportunity to do exactly that. I met new people, but also connected with those that I had met before. The keynote speakers were inspiring and engaging and I thought the venue was very suitable.” Inge Dowden, Director, Polyglot Coaching

“Well planned event right in the heart of the City. Good standard of exhibitors and excellent key note speakers.” Eric Witheridge, Module IT

“The Business Showcase South West exhibi6on was very well organised and aJended. It was an excellent arena in which to conduct business and we came away with good quality leads as well as useful supplier contacts.” Alison White, Evergreen Compu$ng Ltd. “The Business Showcase was very impressive; the event was extremely well organized and very well aJended. The Speakers were of a very high caliber and were generous with the knowledge they shared with the audience. It would be virtually impossible for anyone to leave the event without learning something valuable from the speakers, mee6ng a new business contract or poten6al customer.

I can’t wait for next year, this event is an absolute winner!” Bev James, Founder and MD of the Entrepreneurs’ Business Academy and MD of The Coaching Academy

“We found lots of great companies with interes6ng stories to tell, and have already booked a job with one of the exhibitors, as well as star6ng posi6ve discussions with many others.” Chris Meachem, Vertex Video Produc$on

“We thought the event was well organised and spaced out with a wide variety of exhibitors. We would aJend again - we had an interes6ng day and thoroughly enjoyed the speakers.” ColeTe Sowerby, KFS Business Solu$ons

“This event was our first as we wanted to gauge the level of interest in our services i.e. the design, supply and installa6on of LED Ligh6ng to all commercial markets. We found interest posi6ve and since the event we are following up some leads. Thank you.” James Le Bou$llier, AMS Electrical

What Exhibitors Say

“The best business show we’ve been to for while. It was very inspiring and engaging. Looking forward the the next one. I would definitely recommend it and great for networking.” Jo English, Business Business Development Manager, Barclays Business “The exhibi6on was extremely well organised and being new to this, Jamie Breese gave personal aJen6on to all my queries. It was well marketed, the keynote speaker Karen Brady was a perfect match for business drawing the crowds and the venue was fab. A Great day all round!” Nicky Maidment, Director of Purpleminds NLP

“Brilliant event,venue, speakers, exhibitors, everyone very welcoming and friendly. Good organisa6on. High energy throughout the day, with an air of excitement, everyone was very happy! We had a really good day, the feedback from my colleagues who 'manned' our stand, was unanimous, best they have ever done in Bristol and lots of enquiries.” Sally Tullet, Barclays

“The event was an excellent plaAorm to meet aspiring organisa6ons, giving Orega the opportunity to showcase our brand locally. With inspiring keynote speakers it was an enjoyable event.” Polly Bryan, Business Centre Manager , Orega Bristol

“Quality is far more important than quan6ty to us. We also work in a global industry but

being based in the West Country we would like to work with both regional clients and suppliers. So, coming back to the studio with a handful of cards that fulfil that criteria, we regard the day out in Bristol worthwhile.” Tracey Doran MCSD

Leading up to the event we were well informed on how to set up, where we needed to go etc which resulted in both days

running extremely smoothly, showing exactly how much

organisa6on had gone into it. This was the first year we aJended and met a huge number of other companies and professionals that took interest in what we had to

offer as well as hearing all about their services. Very much looking forward to next year and hopefully exhibi6ng with companies that we have started working with following this year’s exhibi6on.” Caroline Bendall, New World Business Centre

“A great inaugural show for Bristol - the Keynote speech from Karen Brady was a must for all Women in Business. A great way to make new business contacts from the delegates and other exhibitors.” Jenny Mills, Director of EllioT Training

“Very well run and well aJended event. The response from the organisers was always helpful and rapid. The setup and

facili6es were excellent too.” Ian Cray, Director, Ketl limited

“It's essen6al in business to keep your brand in the spotlight. BSSW2014 provided us an excellent opportunity to do this, and to meet new poten6al customers and partners. All in all a very well organised event. Thank you.” David Hurst, Opera$ons Director, morphsites

“A well run exhibi6on by Jamie and his team, and well aJended event with a diverse cross sec6on of exhibitors and delegates. It's just what a business showcase should do, introducing brands into new spheres of influence and accessibility.” Jamie Farrell, Commercial Director - CliXon Rugby

“Thanks to the Business Showcase South West for a fantas6c event. The day was a great opportunity to make some key business connec6ons and we thoroughly enjoyed the keynote speakers.” Shirley Knight, Business Development Execu$ve, Bristol Airport,

“Business Showcase 2014 was an excellent business exhibi6on with high quality companies exhibi6ng and high quality delegates aJending. We had a wonderful 6me and made numerous valuable contacts during the course of the day. Congratula6ons, Jamie and team.” Richard Graves Marke$ng Director GWS Media Ltd.

“Great opportunity to meet so many Business owners from across the South West in one place.” Alex Vincent, growthaccelerator.com

“A good event. High profile speakers, good aJendance, diverse range of organisa6ons, engaged aJendees, great loca6on.” Richard Tidswell, Director, Business Doctors

“Everything from the ini6al communica6ons to the organisa6on on the day was very well done. An entertaining and challenging, high profile key note speaker, and a good range of exhibitors led to an enjoyable - if exhaus6ng! - day.” Peter Quintana, Director, High Growth Knowledge Company

“BSSW was a great Event for Bristol with some fantas6c keynote speakers and exhibi6on stands. I cant wait un6l the next one.” Claire Maudsley, Claire Jayne Associates

“I was impressed at the number of aJendees to this event, especially as it was the first 6me it had been organised. The quality of delegates was also very high.” Jon Chamberlain, Marke$ng Execu$ve, Des$na$on Bristol

“The show leY us with the feeling that we had been part of something that was great for Bristol and the South West. Karen Brady was inspira6onal and provided a feel good factor and energy to exhibitors and delegates that made you determined to grow!” Karen Brasier, Director Cabot Training

“I was very impressed with the event and would have assumed it had been running for years as it went so smoothly. The quality of the leads I received was excellent and I thoroughly enjoyed the day.” Oli Corse, Director, Creatrix Digital

“We thought the business Showcase was a great success! There was a great atmosphere and a real buzz around the show.The keynote speakers were also fantas@c; very inspiring. We came away with a number of new business leads; so it was a definite success for us. We will certainly be exhibi@ng again!” Katherine Buck, Leigh Court

“All in all a great show, well organised in a central loca6on with very good parking facili6es. Complimentary refreshments for exhibitors is a great idea! We met some great customers and as we are on the north side of bristol it gave us the opportunity to network with companies in the city centre.” Andrea Marsh, Director of Sales

“As a first show it was very good. Can't wait to take part in the even beJer 2nd show.”

Mar$n Bridges dataBASED.biz

“Many thanks for such a great event that was and I hope will con6nue to be BSSW! The event was very busy and that is oYen hard to achieve. It was a great mix of exhibitors, speakers, networking and VIP. We have taken away many strong leads and look forward to following those up and to the possibility of

gaining new business as a result.” Nigel Peeck, Director, N3 Displays

“Fabulous event, excellent management and organisa6on. Not let the hard work commence with post event follow up and mee6ngs!” Caroline Wood, Certus

“The whole showcase was professionally executed from start to finish. There was a nice array of exhibitors, delegates and key note speakers. In my view the showcase looked well established and not in its first year of running”. Danielle Wood, Veale Wasbrough Vizards Event Execu$ve “Business Showcase 2014 was an excellent business exhibi6on with high quality companies exhibi6ng and high quality delegates aJending. We had a wonderful 6me and made numerous valuable contacts during the course of the day. Congratula6ons, Jamie and team.” Richard Graves Marke$ng Director GWS Media

“We had a fantas6c day in what turned out to be a quality event with some much respected key note speakers. We were lucky enough to meet lots of great people and like-minded businesses to share a liJle informa6on about our services, who we are in the South West and how we’re inves6ng in the region. We are certainly excited about the prospect of being involved and sponsoring again in 2015.” Luke LeSuateur, Regional Business Rental Sales Manager South Wales & South West England

“AYer the buzz of yesterday I just wanted to drop you a line to congratulate you on a fantas6c event at Colston Hall – BSSW2014 was a success. I found

that the event was a great day for us as a hotel and we felt that the event was really well aJended and we managed to make contact with some super people who were interested in either using our facili6es or alterna6vely want to work with us in the future. It was a great event, you should be extremely proud at what you and your team achieved.” Laura Dudley, Group Sales Manager, Thornbury Castle

“We had a great 6me at Tuesday’s event. It proved to be a worthwhile and posi6ve experience for me and my colleagues. We will certainly exhibit again in 2015”. Jon Welfoot, Trade Mark ATorney, Partner Stevens HewleT & Perkins

“We thought the business Showcase was a great success! There was a great atmosphere and a real buzz around the show. The keynote speakers were also fantas6c; very inspiring. We came away with a number of new business leads; so it was a definite success for us. We will certainly be exhibi6ng again!” Katherine Buck, Leigh Court

“Everything from the ini6al communica6ons to the organisa6on on the day was very well done. An entertaining and challenging, high

profile key note speaker, and a good range of exhibitors led to an enjoyable - if exhaus6ng! - day.” Peter Quintana, Director, High Growth Knowledge Company

“Great opportunity to meet so many Business owners from across the South West in one place.” Alex Vincent, Growth Accelerator

“The Business Showcase exhibi6on was one of the best that Gregg Latchams have aJended in the South West. We have generated a lot of interest in our In-house Lawyer service and have many leads to pursue. The whole show was professionally put together, followed-up and executed. There was a real buzz on the day and everyone seemed ready willing and able to have meaningful business conversa6ons. Thank you.” Richard Gore, Partner, Gregg Latchams LLP

www.bristolpost.co.uk /business Showcase 2014

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Commercial feature

Eve n ts

Jamie Breese Jamie Breese, Director Business Showcase South West Know how

Star billing Karren among the big names at major business showcase

T HERE’S a saying in busi- ness that people are much more likely to do business with people they’ve met. It’s one of the greatest of motivations for networking and it’s proven time and time again. More than six years ago, I foun- ded Only Connect in Bristol. It’s gone on to become a regular feature of the South West’s networking landscape. Just when the recession started to take a hold, business networking started to get a real grip. It’s an immensely affordable form of mar- keting and is fun if you know how to pitch yourself well. If you haven’t attended one of our Only Connect events, be sure to try us out – we normally welcome over 500 guests at a time and they have a unique social edge to them. Business exhibitions take the concept of networking and super- charge it – rather than a few hours, you get a day; rather than a few hundred guests, you have the chance to connect with multiples of t h at . I started work on the Business Showcase South West 2014 five years ago. It’s been a waiting game – waiting to grow my own network, reputation and finding a line-up of truly stellar speakers who will in- form and inspire. Take, for ex- ample, Ajith – he’s one of Bristol’s success stories, building the na- tional Las Iguanas and Turtle Bay restaurant chains. I’ll be interview- ing him on stage. I want to put on a great show that people go away and talk about. Any exhibition usually teams up with a sponsor. We’ve been incred- ibly lucky to find one – and a global leader at that – in Enterprise Rent-A-Car. They are doing great things in the South West right now – and in Bristol in particular – from supplying the Lord Mayor’s new lower emission car to running a pilot scheme with special low-emis- sion car shares. They are into sus- tainability and invest a fortune in our city. My tips for attending our show- case on April 8 is register early online, be sure to get there early on the day (there are only 1,800 seats to see the keynotes), bring lots of busi- ness cards with you and overcome any networking nerves – business is about getting out there. Get your free tickets at www.showcase2014.com. Why events give best value for networking

Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk

S OME of the biggest names in business will be speaking at a free showcase taking place at Colston Hall on April 8. The Business Showcase South West 2014, sponsored by Enterprise Rent-A-Car, is a major business event that celebrates innovation, business, creativity and sustainability in the re gion. Speaking on stage is Karren Brady, who is perhaps now best known for her role alongside Lord Sugar in BBC1 show The Apprentice . But her business experience goes much deeper. A former director of Sport Newspapers, she came to the public’s attention as the first woman at the top of football, as managing director of Birmingham City FC, from 1993 to 2009.

“ Fantas@c @me launching Believe Business Consultancy at Business Showcase South West today. Lots of Believe HR customers too.” Marisa Colbourn MA HRM Chartered MCIPD

● Karren Brady, left, will be speaking at the Business Showcase South West 2014, as will EE boss Olaf Swantee, above. The event takes place at the Colston Hall in Bristol “ To secure a headliner such as Karren Brady, and all our other keynote speakers, is a statement of how big a player Bristol and the South West is in business today.”