Hundreds of business people visited the second New Forest Business Expo at Brockenhurst College on 3 June, where 80 local companies were showcasing their products and services.  The event was organised on behalf of the New Forest Business Partnership (NFBP) and the Brand New Forest Campaign. 

Expo stands, which ranged from food manufacturers and hotels, to renewable energy companies and private detectives, gave exhibitors the opportunity to showcase their offer, meet new customers, and develop their role in a thriving local business community.

A range of business briefings were delivered throughout the day along with tours of Brockenhurst College and demos in the New Forest Cookery School, also based on campus.

 

 

Exhibitors and visitors alike were full of praise for the event and social media was alive with testimonials and positive comments:

•  “Well done on a really good business exhibition – just what the local business community needs. I’m sure this event will continue to go from strength-to-strength; we will certainly be supporting you with a stand next year.”
• “Good show, great diversity of talent in the Forest.”
• “Really enjoyed my first expo! Looking forward to the next one.”
• “Great day spreading the word about our brilliant New Forest Marque producers.”
•  “This was such a fantastic day for us, so worthwhile – what’s the date for next year’s Expo?”
• “We have a lot of exhibiting experience and I would like to have a conversation with you sometime about the superb manner and attitude you have in organising this expo.  I wish some of the other organisers would learn a thing or two!”
•  “What a successful day and fantastic event at Brockenhurst College today.”

Matthew Lawson, Chairman of NFBP and the organising Expo group, said: ”As an owner of a New Forest business myself, I was delighted we had so many local business exhibitors and visitors. It was a real demonstration of partnership, cooperation, mutual support, networking and doing business together – all in aid of the New Forest Economy. We have had nothing but positive feedback for this locally organised not for profit event to help develop local business and I thank everyone who organised and attended the Expo for their support.”

Cllr Barry Rickman, Leader of New Forest District Council, which supported the Expo said: “This event is becoming so important in creating a locally resilient economy as it brings together suppliers, businesses, retailers, and trades people from across the New Forest to do better business together.   The District Council is committed to helping local business grow, which is one of our key priorities and when I visited the Expo I was thrilled to see that the event has continued to build on last year’s success.”

View the full gallery of images here