Organisations join forces for the first time for THE Business Event 2017

Shropshire’s business support organisations are joining forces for the first time in 2017 for an unmissable event aimed at helping county enterprises grow and thrive.
The Business Event 2017 will be the largest event dedicated to supporting businesses in every sector, no matter what size they are, in Shropshire.
Organised by the Marches LEP in partnership with the Marches Growth Hub, Shropshire Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Small Businesses, The Business Event 2017 will be held at Telford International Centre on May 11.
The Business Event 2017 will feature keynote speakers running multi-million turnover businesses in the region sharing their inspiring stories of success; presentations on using digital and social media to increase sales and engage customers; workshops on export, business rates and skills and clinics on access to finance and funding.
It will kick off with a the biggest express networking breakfast ever held in the county as Shropshire Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Small Businesses combine to offer businesses a chance to expand their networks.
LEP Director Gill Hamer said: “This is a first for Shropshire, which is why it is THE event businesses should be attending. We are bringing the county’s business support organisations, information and help under the same roof for the first time, making it easier for businesses to access the support they need to grow their business.
“We also wanted businesses to be inspired and hear how other companies have achieved success, with home-grown entrepreneurs not only telling their story but also giving their tips on growing a business.”
The Business Event 2017 will hear from Edward Grainger, of the world’s leading provider of aluminium casting solutions to the automotive and motorsport markets, including Formula 1. More speakers will be announced this month.
The event will have a dedicated Business Support Zone, with specialist advisers on hand for 1-2-1 sessions on exactly what’s available for individual businesses including information on grants, mentoring and international trade.
The Marches LEP will also launch its annual report at the event, and give an overview on how £104m is being invested in the region in infrastructure, jobs and homes creating projects which aim to remove barriers to economic growth.
Organisations including the Department for International Trade, West Mercia Police, University Centre Shrewsbury and the University of Wolverhampton, will have information stalls at the event to demonstrate how they can support business.
Chairman of the LEP Graham Wynn said: “The Business Event 2017 is the first time the various business networks and organisations have worked in partnership for an event of this kind which is dedicated to business support.
“It’s a valuable opportunity to make contacts, find out what help and support is available and get some real practical advice and insight into how to grow your business.”
To register to attend The Business Event at Telford International Centre on May 11, visit here.