Businesses across the central south region are signing up to exhibit at the first ever Business Innovation South expo on September 12, 2019.
The event, which will be held at Chilworth Manor Hotel, is proving popular with businesses across a broad range of sectors.
The brainchild of businesswoman, Lara Bull, the expo will bring together established companies from the science, technology, engineering and business innovation sectors.
It will also be a one-stop-shop for time-poor executives looking for solutions to their own commercial challenges.
Lara said: “The vision behind this new expo is very clear.
“Many established companies in STEM and innovation sectors or servicers to those industries across the south find themselves priced out of the London, Birmingham and European expos but deserve their showcase. We also have very sector focussed expos but feedback from some companies is that on occasion you feel you are exhibiting to your competitors, that you take your stand to maintain your presence not necessarily to meet potential customers.
“Likewise in a world where technology, products/services and threats to our business are changing at such a fast rate each year, many businesses know they will face a variety of challenges but with so many of us time poor, they struggle to keep abreast of the latest technology and products to help drive their business whilst protecting and future proofing.
“#BIS2019 aims to dovetail both needs, in drawing businesses from across a broad spectrum of STEM and innovation industries and their servicers we want to give the exhibitors the perfect visitor and the visitors the opportunity to address multiple challenges/business needs in one day… the perfect expo.”
Peter Birkett, CEO of the Southampton Science Park, explained his organisation was fully behind the BIS expo.
“For us capturing innovation and helping to turn it into a commercialised business is absolutely at the heart of what we do and that is a major feature of this expo which is why we are supporting it,” he said.
As well as the STEM and innovation exhibitors, the event will bring together additional key service sectors to the main expo hub such as finance, law, cyber security, HR, web design as well as having organisations like FSB, Hampshire Chamber, Digital South, Solent LEP and The Business Magazine.
European Channel Manager for cyber security firm Custodian360, Nikki Webb explained: “Custodian360 have chosen #BIS2019 because we want to showcase our cyber security technology to all the fantastic industries that are exhibiting and attending.
“We think this expo has really captured the South as we have some amazing technology hubs along the M3 corridor. That is what this expo is about – to showcase what the South has to offer. I think this expo will become an annual event and Custodian360 are thrilled to be there for the first one.
“Southampton, Winchester, Basingstoke and Bracknell are all on the M3 corridor and are fast becoming the Silicon Valley of the UK. It is the perfect time to take pride in the South and show the rest of the world what we have.”
Laurence Bohmer, Digital Marketing Manager at Hampshire based digital agency, Media Base Direct, explained his company will be helping to ensure swift access for visitors to the expo.
“We are working with Lara on a solution to manage attendance on the day for exhibitors and people attending the event.
“The whole build-up to the BIS expo has been brilliant and we have met so many good connections already. There is so much talent on the south coast when it comes to tech companies and digital innovation – we are going to be putting the region on the map,” he said.
Nigel Murkitt, Director at ‘aura digital living’, explained he had decided to exhibit at the expo to raise awareness of his company’s products and services.
“The company started ten-years-ago, to provide intelligent home systems – the co-ordinated control of heating, lighting, blinds, ventilation and door communication.
“Home-owners are looking for a comfortable, secure, energy efficient environment with a minimum of effort and complexity, which shapes the systems we provide.
“Our systems are also applicable to the commercial sector, for example restaurants and offices, where there are great opportunities for energy savings.
“We are looking forward to meeting business leaders and decision makers on September 12,” he said.
