Guildford Means Business Exhibition Held At G Live Was Buzzing!

Published on: 16 May, 2013
Updated on: 20 May, 2013

By Dani Maimone

Guildford’s only business exhibition took place at G Live yesterday (Wednesday, May 15) and was announced a resounding success by the organisers, Paul Webster and franchisee of The Best of Guildford, Paul Bridgland.

The Best of Guildford’s Paul Bridgland and Sally Castro Gouveia (second from left and third from left respectively) with team members Charlotte Buchanan and Tim Bracher.

Paul Bridgland said:  “It’s been great to see so many people attending and participating from a variety of business backgrounds. We are all about supporting local businesses and getting them together to help raise their profile. We also want to help support local charities. This has been the biggest and best Guildford Means Business (GMB) to date and we are delighted with the turnout. “

Anne Milton MP, had this to say: “ It was great to see so many Guildford businesses come along to G Live this morning. It’s been a tough time for many but the atmosphere was fantastic with real optimism in the air – Guildford is a great place to do business!”

Ella, Andrew and Louise Punter from Surrey Chambers.

More than 100 stands from a wide variety of businesses including some from as far afield as Camberley, Berkshire and Wimbledon were present. Many had worked hard at creating professional looking stands to attract customers and promote their business. From musician’s such as Joe Lee’s Party Pianos, physiotherapists, marketing companies, Rebecca Newenham’s virtual support staffing resource, accountants, venues and more. It was all happening in Guildford.

Vanessa Smith, fundraising and PR manager from Dorking-based charity the Brigitte Trust, supporting families and individuals where a life threatening illness has been diagnosed, added: “It’s the first time that I have been to this event. There is a great mix of exhibitors here and I have made some really great contacts for our Surrey-wide charity.”

Vanessa Smith from The Brigitte Trust, Alex D’Arcy Orga from the TG Media Group and and Gilly Botte from the Great Big Event Company..

There’s no doubt that G Live was buzzing with business deals and that networking was taking place on a grand scale. Kevin Lorimer, general manager of the County Club and chairman of Experience Guildford, said: “The place is really busy and lively. I am delighted to see that everyone is carrying ‘Shop Guildford’ bags, with Experience Guildford on. The event has a great feel to it, it’s brilliant.”

There was a genuine enthusiasm about, that was tangible. The Mandolay Hotel, sponsors of the afternoon drinks reception and an exhibitor, had already had some genuine enquiries within the first two hours.

Gilly Botte, director of The Great Big Event Company and a first time visitor to the event was very enthusiastic. She said: “I have made some great contacts and had several serious business enquiries. I would definitely come again.”

View of the exhibition from above.

Natasha Roberts, owner of Darling and Darling an online gift retailer who had bought a copy of social media expert, Nicky Kriel’s newly published book How to Twitter for Business Success, added: “ It’s great to finally meet people that you have connected with in the virtual world.”

Sally Castro Gouveia, who works along side Paul at The Best of Guildford  and GMB said that there had been much more social media involved in promoting the event this year, clearly it was a move that had paid off.

Guildford Borough Council sponsored the exhibition to the tune of £6,000 which helped with promotion costs and a giant banner in Guildford High Street meant that you couldn’t ignore the fact GMB was taking place.

For anyone serious about business in the area, G Live was the place to be yesterday. Many enthused about the venue and its definite business appeal.

Sally added: “It’s vital to book early for next year. The location of your stand makes a difference to your business. Don’t leave it until the last minute and give yourself plenty of time to get your stand prepared.”

This event was about a combination of factors, networking, the opportunity to do real business and attend some great seminars. It’s yet another positive move to put Guildford on the county map as a serious business portal with a thriving local economy. It’s the only event like it in the borough and it’s given the Best of Guildford gravitas proving that they are masters at bringing companies together to share expertise and explore business potential.

Click here to see Dani Maimone’s website.

Share This Post