DOZENS of local companies were represented when the first Big Bolton Business Conversation took place at The Bridge Conference Centre on Bradford Street.

The prestigious event was run by David and Gaynor Ramsden of business marketing organisation thebestofbolton who were “delighted” at the response from local companies.

The full morning event included a variety of networking opportunities as well as a number of companies showcasing their products and services as Featured Suppliers. The highlight, however, was the opportunity to hear two of the country’s best-known motivational speakers — Brad Burton and Ben Kench.

Burton is the founder and managing director of 4Networking and Kench has vast experience in the field of Small Business Growth Challenges and specialised sales and marketing.

The event was sponsored by Boltoncompany Scan Computers which also donated a laptop computer, won by Michelle Barratt of Harvey McQueen Recruitment.

Commented David Ramsden: “Following the continued success of The Big Bolton Expo, we wanted to bring local business people together to connect, learn and grow, with a combination of networking, exhibition and personal development provided by two excellent speakers.

“The feedback we’ve received tells us we certainly achieved our aim, and we’ll be following up with more events in the future. We definitely hope that The Big Bolton Business Conversation will become a regular feature on the town’s business calendar.”

These sentiments were echoed by business people who attended and posted online.

Asif Timol from Room Four Dessert stated: “Congratulations to you David and the team for a fantastic event – well organised, brilliant speakers and great networking. Well worth a morning away from the office.”

Stacey Youatt from Audi Bolton, the Jardine Motors Group, commented: “Fantastic day! I met some brilliant new businesses, and am excited to get to know them more. Feeling totally inspired by Ben Kench and Brad Burton. Simply wow!”

And Chris Hinchey from Shiny Creative added: “Thanks to Gaynor and David Ramsden for putting on such a great networking event today. I met some excellent local businesses and it just goes to prove the level of talent in and around the Bolton area.”