Businesses keep it local

Adam Hewitt • Published 10 Sep 2010 09:30 0 Comments

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BUSINESSES proved they can rely on each other as they showed off their stuff at a trade exposition.

Keeping Business Local!, a networking and marketing event at the Madejski Stadium on Tuesday, introduced more than 65 firms based in Reading and the wider Thames Valley to each other and to potential customers. Visitors also got business tips from top speakers.

Reading-based Sign-A-Rama salesman James Pickering, whose firm did the signage on the neighbouring Millennium Hotel, was among the exhibitors. He said: “We’ve had a lot of people coming round but not been overwhelmed - though we’ve got a few good leads!

“We’re able to provide any sort of branding and signage, from brochures up to things like the hotel. I’m driving round Reading all day every day visiting customers and drumming up business and this kind of thing really helps.”

Ross Hardy Design, based in Tiger Close, Woodley, was also exhibiting, showing off its specialist graphic design and branding services.

Business associate Sue Ruston said: “We’re well established with over 15 years in business and provide design for product literature.

“It was slower than expected this morning but picked up this afternoon and we’ve got three potential new clients, so good prospects.

“We haven’t done too badly through the recession, but exhibitions certainly help to boost the business.”

Event organiser Deborah Mann, of Variety, said it was inspired by the Federation of Small Businesses’ Keep Trade Local campaign.

She said: “We’ve had a really good, steady flow of people and the exhibitors seem to have got good leads and I’m especially pleased we’ve had such a wide range of businesses, from small independents up to companies like Vodafone and 3.

“The workshops have been full and the speakers fantastic.”

Adam Billiald, sustainability manager for Yell in the UK, said: "As a champion of small business, Yell was delighted to sponsor the Reading Keeping Business Local event. It was very encouraging to see so many local businesses attending and showcasing their products and services.

"The UK is driven by small businesses - they make up 99% of all UK business and are the engine room for economic growth and job creation, so it is important that we support and help grow local business through accessible events such as these."

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