THE eighth Big Bolton Business Expo 2018 next week (April 24) is set to be a sell-out success.

All the stands were booked by early February and there are already 500 delegates registered to attend. “It looks like being the biggest Expo yet!” commented David Ramsden from organisers business marketing and support organisation thebestofbolton.

The event, at The Bridge Conference Centre, takes place on Tuesday, April 24 from 4.30pm to 8pm. As well as a wealth of business stands from companies across the borough, there are also 10 stands for local charities and voluntary organisations to help them make useful contacts with the business community and raise their profile.

Bolton College is the Expo’s headline sponsor for the first time with solicitors Fieldings Porter, Bolton Lock and SureStore all event sponsors. The Bolton News and Bolton FM are media partners, Bolton Tuition Centre sponsors the giveaway bags and Bolton Young Persons Housing Scheme the welcome drinks.

Bridge Coffee is the tea/coffee sponsor, Delicious Catering is the supper sponsor, Corner House sponsors the promotional cards, Shipley Creative the show guides and RRG is the car park sponsor.

Local businesses are able to showcase their products and services and also connect with other businesses, often leading to lucrative contracts. This year, exhibitors range from local tradesmen and car dealerships to professional services and home and lifestyle businesses.

Added Mr Ramsden: “We’re very grateful to all our sponsors for their support and to the local business community for its enthusiasm for this event once more.

“The Expo has certainly secured its place in the Bolton business calendar and we’re delighted that the Mayor will be attending once again.”

Anyone wanting to attend can do so free of charge if they register beforehand at thebestofbolton.eventbrite.com or pay a £15 entry charge on the day.

Caption: EXPO DAY – Organisers David and Gaynor Ramsden survey the stalls before an earlier Expo