A business-to-business expo near Southampton this autumn has already hit the half-way mark for exhibitor occupancy.
Nearly 50 companies and organisations have signed up to the next-generation Hampshire Business Show at the Ageas Bowl, near Southampton, on Thursday, 10th October.
The inaugural event is being sponsored by Oxford Innovation, operator of four innovation centres in Hampshire, including Ocean Village Innovation Centre (OVIC) in Southampton.
The Hampshire Business Show is the brainchild of Josh Mitchell, co-owner of digital marketing consultancy Mitchell & Stones – one of 46 start-ups and early-stage growth firms at OVIC.
As well as reservations on 48 of the 96 stands, more than 700 people have registered to attend.
Keynote speakers include Mark Wright, winner of the BBC’s The Apprentice and Chief Executive of digital marketing agency Climb Online, Brad Burton, billed as the UK’s number one motivational business speaker, and Alison Edgar, a thought leader, speaker, author and entrepreneur.
In addition to this Google Digital Garage will be providing expert advice, running a digital skills workshop.
Josh, 24, said: “The response from businesses across the county has been staggering; we’ve already reached 50% occupancy, with four months to go. OVIC has been instrumental in helping us attract a diverse range of ambitious companies and organisations, and the next-generation Hampshire Business Show is on track to be a sell-out.
“Whilst digital is increasingly important in brand awareness, you still cannot beat the power of face-to-face interaction – it’s where collaborations, partnerships and deals are forged.”
Stephen Deller is Centre Manager at OVIC, which is run by Oxford Innovation, the UK’s leading operator of innovation centres.
He said: “Like our other companies here at OVIC, Josh has been able to draw upon the considerable wealth of knowledge from our in-house Innovation Director, Richard May, as well as decision makers from companies who are resident at our four innovation centres in Hampshire.
“Oxford Innovation is sponsoring the inaugural Hampshire Business Show because of the inspirational growth mindset of everyone connected with the event, reflecting the can-do culture of our own start-up and early-stage growth customers in innovation and research and development.”
As well as the keynote speakers, there are business seminars, four business expo zones, a ‘meet me’ zone and a zone for business essentials.
Register for your free ticket – www.hampshirebusinessshow.com – or contact 023 8020 0568.
Other Oxford Innovation centres in Hampshire are BASE Bordon Innovation Centre, Fareham Innovation Centre and Portsmouth Technopole.
Interested in joining the business community at OVIC? Call us on 023 8038 1920 or visit oceanvillage-ic.co.uk to find out more.