The organiser of Bishop’s Stortford Means Business believes last month’s hugely successful event will bring big benefits to firms and entrepreneurs.
Bob Lee, of Marketing Kinetics, was delighted to see the annual exhibition, which has been running since 2001, return with a bang at South Mill Arts on Wednesday October 19.
BSMB attracted around 320 participants – visitors and exhibitors – with 56 stands, two seminars and a speed networking session.
And more than a fifth of the stands for next year’s event, which will take place at the South Road venue on Wednesday October 18, have already been booked.
“I was very pleased to see that BSMB is back to full strength,” said Lee.
“Covid meant that we could not hold it in 2020 and there was still reticence from some about taking part in 2021, but clearly all that is behind us.
“I am sure this year’s exhibition will result in stronger business in the area.”
Takeley-based video agency HNE Media were one of the returning businesses taking the opportunity to network and make new contacts.
And the firm’s director James Garrett hosted one of the seminars as he told his audience how to use video for social media marketing.
“It was great to connect with representatives from organisations we already know – 10-plus of whom are already clients – but also to meet new people and organisations,” said Garrett.
“All in all it was a great networking opportunity and one that has already generated new business for us.”
Start Hill-based winter maintenance firm Gritting Works was one of the firms making its BSMB debut.
And managing director Nick Cox is already looking forward to returning in 2023.
“With this being our first year exhibiting at BSMB it was really good to see a lot of media attention in the build-up and during the event,” he said.
“Overall we had a great day in terms of raising brand awareness, along with several interesting conversations with other business owners which could lead to future work.”
Lee also thanked Stansted Airport for sponsoring BSMB. He opened the event alongside the Uttlesford hub’s community engagement manager Daniel Burford.
“I am grateful to Stansted Airport for their generous sponsorship,” said Lee. “Their contribution brings down the cost of exhibiting, making it affordable for the smallest of businesses.”
If you are interested in booking a stand at next year’s BSMB, email exhibition@bsmb.co.uk.
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