The inaugural TBE Show attracted visitors from across the South West for a full programme of workshops and seminars alongside a jam-packed expo.
The event at Bath Racecourse on Thursday 12th September brought together businesses and organisations from Swindon, Wiltshire, Bath, Somerset and Cornwall.
Anita Jaynes, Founder and Editor of The Business Exchange, said, “We were delighted with the response to our first ever TBE Show. From speaking to our network we knew there was an appetite for an event that brought together the very best professional minds in the region and also offered genuinely useful insights, information and resources.
“We have had lots of positive feedback already and there were plenty of connections being made and opportunities being seized. It’s great to be able to facilitate conversation and collaboration among our vibrant business community.”
Scroll down for all the details and photos from TBEShow 2024.
Going for Growth
The day began with a networking breakfast including a panel session on Going for Growth featuring: Natalie Luckham, Founder of Naturally Social; Denise O’Leary MBE, Founder of Purpol Marketing; Daniel Smith, Founder South West Business Finance; and Rebecca Dennis, Partner and Head of Employment at Goughs Solicitors
Business Funding & Growth Zone
Invest in B&NES hosted a business funding and growth zone featuring workshops, stands and opportunities for one-to-one sessions to help kickstart business growth. Officers from the team were available all day, along with partners from the West of England Growth Hub and Cool Ventures, to speak to any interested business or organisations.
Sessions in the Business Funding & Growth Zone included: The meaning of business “Growth” with Matt Exley, WECA; Expected changes to employment law under the Labour Government with Stacey Mead, The HR Dept; Finance & Funding with Ed Tellwright from the South West branch of British Business Bank; Expert Insight – Apprenticeships for your Business with Jane Dean, WTPN; and Leadership Qualities for Change and Uncertainty with Sarah Williment, The Farleigh Partnership.
James Potter, The Linked In Man session sponsored by All Boxed and Elm Workspace
James Potter better known as The Linked In Man delivered an entertaining and informative session for attendees on how to make the most out of the professional networking platform.
He said, “It was really great to share how important a real human, real network and real conversation can drive real results through LinkedIn at the TBE Show today. Anita and the team have done a great job pulling the event together.”
Fiona Scott, Scott Media
Fiona Scott presented an informative seminar on the role of public relations in the modern world, giving insights and advice to make PR work for businesses.
She said, “The session was to help educate people about what PR actually means, which means public relations not press relations! The session highlighted the value of the media and what the media means in 2024 and beyond.
“Hopefully audience took away the fact that everyone has a story (or stories) to tell, and everyone has an opportunity to be involved with the media. I work with many clients who are time-poor but realise the value of PR, and the session touched on some of the key considerations of the discipline.
“It’s brilliant to be part of TBE Show which brings together multiple business communities who may not often talk to each other, and I hope it will build over time.”
Rob Curtis, The Pursuit Agency
The Pursuit Agency’s Founder, Rob Curtis, delivered an insightful seminar on Revitalising Your Website, which incorporated strategies for business growth.
He said, “The session was well attended and there was great energy about learning and developing among the group. The goal was for attendees to take away actual insights they could use to get information about their websites, and how simple changes can add real value and ideas to fuel the growth of their businesses and organisations.
“I thought the TBE Show Breakfast was really good and the opportunity to network with a room full of talented business owners and representatives was a pleasure. It’s always great to discuss innovations and ideas with like-minded people.”
Peter Clapton, Vysiion
CEO of Vysiion, Peter Clapton, hosted a thought-provoking seminar on the future of industry for organisations looking to preserve the integrity of their operationally critical technology assets and systems in an increasingly connected world.
He said, “At the seminar we introduced the concept of a converged and connected society and the positives that come about in terms of more efficient, sustainable and prosperous economy, touching on threats and issues around cyber security.
“An important part of the discussion included highlighting tech companies in local area employing increasing skillsets and contributing to local economy.
“TBE Show was fantastic with a vibrant hub of people connecting and sharing ideas.”
Zoe Chandler, Milsted Langdon
Zoe Chandler, Tax Manager at Milsted Langdon, delivered the final seminar of the day on Tax Planning.
She said, “The seminar focused on recent changes announced to tax as a result of the General Election and the anticipated changes in the budget in October, including tax incentives of sustainable practices.
“The key themes are that hopefully we will see a period of relative stability that will make it easier for businesses to plan for the future.
“One of the key things about TBE is that it’s not just Bath, it covers Wiltshire and Somerset. TBE events connect us all and there are lots of great businesses in the region to connect with.”
