Why a photographer and a website consultant run local business shows
Posted on 16th March 2019
Horsham business owners Andy Hannant (Andy Hannant Photography) and John Wright (it'seeze Websites Horsham) often get asked why they run Surrey & Sussex Business Shows.
On the face of it it does seem a strange one, but dig a bit deeper and it becomes much clearer.
Andy and John both have career backgrounds in sales and marketing, and they both run businesses that help other business get noticed, and showcase them in the best light; Andy by taking high quality professional photographs for their digital and printed marketing material and John by delivering professionally designed bespoke websites.
They are also keen networkers and strong advocates of businesses collaborating to achieve mutual growth.
How it started
The first business show that Andy and John ran was the Horsham Business Show in 2017. They felt that there was a need for an event that showcased local businesses and enabled visitors to gain information, help and advice, all under one roof.
They wanted it to be affordable for small and medium sized businesses to exhibit at, and for it to be of interest and benefit to visitors whether they had a new business, were about to set one up, or were looking to take their business to the next level.
The Horsham Business Show 2017 was very well received by local businesses, with 30 companies exhibiting and a steady footfall of visitors throughout the evening.
After running the event again in 2018, this time with 40 exhibitors, Andy and John realised that there was a need for a similar event in other towns and villages in Surrey and Sussex.
And then there were four
As a member of Cranleigh Chamber of Commerce and Haywards Heath Business Association, John knew that there were businesses in both of those areas that were keen to get involved with an event that allowed local businesses to exhibit, and for visitors to be able to find out about a wide range of products and services in just a couple of hours.
Cranleigh Business Show was organised for February 2019 and Haywards Heath Business Show for March. Then three became four when Redhill Business Show was confirmed for June.
What's next
2019 will be a busy year for the Surrey and Sussex Business Shows. In addition to the three new shows, the Horsham Business Show will once again run in October; this time at the brand new home of Horsham Football Cub.
Andy and John are excited about growing each of these shows so that they continue to promote local businesses, encourage small business to business networks, and maximise local trade to an extent that the Business Shows become an integral part of the local business community.
Do you need help getting noticed?
If you think your business could use some help to get noticed and be more visible to potential clients, we would love to talk you to see how we may be able to help you. Contact us today on 01403 610125 or send us an email to arrange a free 10 minute phone consultation.
Tagged as: Company information, Online Marketing
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