‘Impressive and well-run event,’ say exhibitors at Cornwall Business Show

St Patrick’s Day business event is hailed a great success by customers

The organisers of Cornwall Business Show are celebrating after their most successful exhibition to date.

A total of 121 businesses took stands at the event, which was held in the exhibition halls at the Royal Cornwall Showground. Exact visitor numbers have yet to be finalised, but it is reckoned that nearly 1,000 people attended and many of them stayed for several hours.

Show managing director Andrew Weaver said: “There was a really good quality of visitor this year – there were lots of decision-makers, not just from Cornwall but nationally, and we have had tremendously favourable feedback from exhibitors. Lots of people have already been in touch to volunteer the fact that the show helped them to generated good numbers of leads and make valuable contacts.

“I’ve also had plenty of favourable comments on the layout of the event, with its wide aisles and sense of space, and also the A Bite of Cornwall food and drink café went down really well. It was really busy in there at key times.

“I am very pleased with how it’s gone,” said Andrew.

James Holder, who is Business and Fleet Centre Manager for West End Motors, said they were delighted with their results.

“This was the second year we’d attended and this time we had an indoor display and it worked really well for us. We were right by the A Bite of Cornwall area, so people could walk around our display with a coffee and take their time looking at our cars and vans. It was a really good, relaxed environment and as a consequence we made plenty of good contacts.

“We were also pleased that we met significant numbers of new people, so that was particularly valuable. I also made the best of the event by taking advantage of the networking opportunities, so that was positive too.

“If we can get a similar slot we would definitely like to exhibit at next year’s show,” said James.

Tim Puffer, who with his wife Liz runs training company In Safe Hands, chose Cornwall Business Show to celebrate their business anniversary.

Tim said: “It was 10 years almost to the day since we had started the company, so we were there celebrating with our fizz and cupcakes.”

The company took six members of staff along on the day, which enabled them to take part in all aspects of the show – including the speed networking and seminars – as well as manning their own stand.

“We’ve exhibited at all but one of the Cornwall Business Shows to date, and I think it’s got to the point with us where we don’t so much ask ourselves what we’ve gained by being there, but what we would lose by not being there,” said Tim

“As far as we’re concerned you’ve got to be seen to be there. It was a very impressive and well-run show, as they always are,” said Tim.

Stephen Callaghan, from Integral Print Services, said: “This was our first show after being a visitor last year. As an associate sponsor the investment was very worthwhile indeed, with over 100 positive leads from our stand.

“It was run meticulously and we will no doubt be returning next year.

“I feel that so many micro businesses need to realise that whilst it is an outlay this is an amazing opportunity for growth, and also a real benefit to staff who go with you. My lot have been buzzing with ideas!”

The winner of the £6,000 prize draw at the event was West Coast Academy.

Cornwall Business Show 2016 was sponsored by Worldpay and supported by NatWest and Integral Print Services. Its media partners were Western Morning News and Pirate FM.

Cornwall Business Show 2017 will take place on Thursday, March 16.