With 70 stands and a timetable of events that range from business breakfasts to speed networking, this year’s Northamptonshire Business Exhibition, organised by Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce, looks set to be bigger and better than ever.
The event, which will take place on March 8 at Kettering Conference Centre, looks set to attract hundreds of visitors from businesses of all sizes and across a wide range of sectors. Sunny Singh, Group Commercial Director of Northamptonshire Chamber and Milton Keynes Chamber, said:
“It’s fantastic to see the Northamptonshire Business Exhibition still expanding after what is nearly 20 years. Last year, the exhibition attracted hundreds of enterprises from across our county coming together from all sectors with a view of maintaining and growing our strong, local businesses and industries. “This year, we are looking to build on the success of last year, making 2023 the biggest and best exhibition yet. With 70 stands, hundreds of visitors, and a range of events throughout the day, the #NNExpo gives visitors the opportunity to meet industry leaders and the most influential people in our business community.”
Alongside the Northamptonshire Business Exhibition there will be a whole host of events running through the day, beginning with Business Before Hours Networking between 8.30am and 10am – offering guests a unique opportunity to network with other businesses over a breakfast roll and a coffee.
The networking event is sponsored by the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP). LSIP is a key part of the Government’s vision of an adult skills system where businesses are given a much stronger voice in local skills planning by working closely with education providers, engaging effectively with local leaders and other stakeholders and forging a stronger and more dynamic partnership that will enable provision to be more responsive to the skills needs of employers in local labour markets.
The Business Before Hours event will provide delegates with an opportunity to network, but equally, to learn more about how they can have their voice heard. The Northamptonshire Business Exhibition coincides with International Women’s Day and this year’s theme for the panel discussion, which will be taking place at 11am, is #EmbraceEquity. The discussion, led by Northamptonshire Chambers’ President Robyn Allen, who is the first female and also the youngest president to date, will look at how through embracing equity, we can embrace diversity and inclusion for all and together we can make positive change. The panel event is free to attend for all on the day, but pre-booking is recommended to secure a place.
Julie Maclennan, Deputy Chief Executive of Northamptonshire Chamber and Milton Keynes Chamber, said:
“After last year’s successful panel event focused around #BreaktheBias, we are very much looking forward to championing and highlighting the important topic #EmbraceEquity. “As a Chamber, it’s vital for us to continue to provide a safe platform to discuss the important issues which impact our local communities. I would urge both members and non-members to reach out to the Chamber to get involved.”
Something new this year will be the introduction of a free speed networking event taking place at 1.30pm, offering a unique opportunity to meet with up to 100 businesses in a fast-paced, yet productive environment. The event is hosted and delivered via the Northamptonshire Chamber in collaboration with NNBN.
Simon Cox, Director at NNBN said:
“We’re delighted to be working with the Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce and bringing people together for speed networking at the Northamptonshire Business Exhibition. It’s important that businesses engage in business events to help them learn, grow and understand what’s going on as well as make connections with other businesses in Northamptonshire.“The joint speed networking also demonstrates how the Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce and NNBN are working together for the Northamptonshire business community, and we would encourage our members and those engaged with our community to come along to the speed networking event.”
The Northamptonshire Business Exhibition will open at 10am on March 8 at Kettering Conference Centre and run until 3.30pm. It is free to attend for visitors throughout the day.
Those who want to find out more about how they can promote their business, engage with local stakeholders and business providers and take part in any of the day’s events should visit www.northantschamber.co.uk/events/northamptonshire-business-exhibition
