Business organisations give backing to BIS Expo 2021

By TBM Team

22 March 2021

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Preparations for the Business Innovation South Expo 2021 are underway with all eyes set on the new date of September 15 for the event to take place.

Organiser, Lara Bull, says the false starts last year mean she is fully prepared for the showcase event for established southern-based businesses from within the science, technology, engineering and innovation sectors as well as aligned service providers to take place at the Hilton Hotel at the Ageas Bowl.

“The expo is aimed at providing an affordable showcase for companies in STEM and innovation and their aligned service providers across the south and for our visitors the aim is to create a forum for decision makers/procurement execs to see the latest technology, products and services available.

“We have everything in place to make this much anticipated event a safe and successful catalyst, both for our exhibitors looking to re-energise and showcase themselves and our visitors looking for the latest solutions and inspiration to help drive their businesses” said Bull.

Business organisations from across the region have signed up to exhibit at the event and Bull has welcomed their involvement.

Bull added: “We have everyone from Solent LEP and Business Hampshire to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and Hampshire Chamber of Commerce committed to taking a place in our Member Hub as well as The Business Magazine.

“In the current climate, it’s important for businesses to be aware of the support that is available and they see #BISExpo2021 as the perfect platform to reach as wide an audience as possible.”

While the FSB has been campaigning for the rights of small businesses and running digital networking, Business Hampshire, Hampshire County Council’s business growth and investment team, has been responsible for delivering investment into the region and supporting business growth by bringing businesses together to enhance local supply chains.

During the pandemic, Business Hampshire has supported, and continues to support businesses by providing information about grants and funding; signposting to key organisations who can provide bespoke support; providing advice on a range of issues, including how they can support the NHS; how they can diversify their business; and, how to apply for business funding.

Local authorities in Hampshire have received and distributed over £20 million to more than 4,000 businesses in the region during the pandemic (Figures go up to end of September) and are now gearing up to distribute additional grant funding following the introduction of the new lockdown measures.

Hampshire Chamber chief executive and executive chairman Ross McNally said: “Companies working in STEM make a massive contribution to our regional economy through employment, wealth creation, innovation, knowledge and skills. #BISExpo2021 will give them and their supply chain partners an ideal, fascinating opportunity to discuss and share latest thinking and developments. Given the challenges we face, the more we can work together as a region and a business community, the better.”

The Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), the region’s leading business support organisation, has announced a wide range of support tools to get businesses through the current economic challenges.

Support measures for regional businesses are clearly set out on the Solent LEP website where a ‘Coronavirus Support Hub’ and a ‘Brexit Transition and Overseas Trade Hub’ can be found, alongside other more general business enquiries.

Stave Banbury, head of production at The Business Magazine, explained the title had moved from print to digital as a result of the pandemic.

“There are clear advantages of moving to digital and ultimately we are always keen to give our readership what they want. We are keeping the business region up to date with what is happening and sharing positive news.

“It is great to have the #BISExpo2021 in the diary and we see it as an opportunity to get together and share what companies are doing in a safe environment,” he said.

Bull added: “All these organisations have had a vital role to play for businesses during the pandemic and that is why we remain committed to hosting the Member Hub at #BISExpo2021.

“Visitors can get advice and guidance from all these organisations under one roof when they come along on September 15 or hear them speak at our morning web conferences taking place on May 12, June 16 or July 7 at businessinnovationsouth.com/speaker-sessions.”

Lara Bull