Microbiz 2013; Worth attending?
Horsham’s FREE small business exhibition is back for its 11th show from 10-4 on the 9th March 2013, but is it worth taking the time out on a Saturday to attend?
We all know these events can be tedious and boring, companies trying to woo you with colourful branded sweets (best not to ask who’s hands have been rummaging in that bowl) prize draws being offered by tired faced exhibitors in an airless, hot hall.
On the other hand, if you are looking to start or already run a small local business it may be worth facing and getting to Horsham’s Drill hall on the 9th.
Ok so what’s happening?
Looking…
They have a good range of exhibitors, some that stood out to me are the Federation of Small Business (FSB), H M Revenue & Customs, Sussex Women in Business & Info Trace (a brilliant and underused resource), but fear not there is a full range of useful local business, trying to promote there wares to you. From web design, marketing through to a range of the local councils services, sign writers and a cake stand (worth it for the samples if nothing else)
Learning…
This year they are running eight FREE seminars that could be worth attending; each is 30 minutes with an additional 10 for questions.
The perfect plan – Dee Blick, The Marketing Gym
Top tips for start up – Bryan Elkins & Philip Lansberry, Spofforths
Exporting – Stephen Golding, UKTI
Turn ideas in to reality – Gareth Sear, The Dome Enterprise Centre Manager – University of Chichester
You, Self-Employment and Tax – Wendy Staveley, HM Revenue & Customs
20 Top Twitter Tips – Dee Blick, The Marketing Gym
Turbo Charge Your Web – Lionel Bunting, Senior Lecturer in Marketing – University of Chichester
VAT – Can it be made easier – Wendy Staveley, HM Revenue & Customs
If you have the time most of these are relevant to most small business, I just hope there is not a charisma shortage. Hey, as always it’s best to book early to avoid disappointment?
Networking…
Microbiz has provided the people, the space & hopefully a warm and dry space. Now its over to you to make the most of all these useful people in one place, what you can be sure of is some friendly chats, if any of these will be of use is another matter, I suppose it all depends on the type of business you are involved in. Good luck.
Microbiz has provided a handy list of local networking groups however, it is not clear if they will be attending!
Coffee…
Oh yes there is a “café”, the perfect place to develop those contacts hopefully serving more than tepid tea in polystyrene cups with a custard cream.
If you do go, drop your thoughts below.
Good luck with your venture!
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