Big Bolton Business Expo is a sell-out success

All the 75 commercial stands for the major event at The Bridge Conference Centre in Bradford Street have already been taken by local companies keen to capitalise on the previous three successful Expos. And the event has also attracted major local sponsors. For the first time, Natwest is the headline sponsor alongside Business Rescue, the Federation of Small Businesses, Rijo42 and Lexus Bolton.

Organisers David and Gaynor Ramsden from the business marketing and support organisation thebestofbolton are delighted with the response from the local business community.

"The aim of the Expo is to give local companies the opportunity to showcase their products and services and to meet potential customers, clients and suppliers," explained Mr Ramsden.

"This year, we have also offered 10 charities the opportunity to take stands free of charge to highlight and promote their work. These were selected based on nominations from the businesses exhibiting and we're sure that the Expo will have equally positive results for them."

More than 200 delegates are expected to attend the free event, which needs pre-registration through the website www.bigboltonexpo.co.uk/visitors There is a small charge for anyone wanting to attend on the day without pre-registering.

The stands feature a wide range of businesses from all areas of local commercial life, from Synergy Dental Clinic and The Wedding Room to Studio 57 and KBL Solicitors. Bolton Whites Hotel will be showcasing its facilities and Bolton Kia will be revealing its latest models from the motor industry.

Supper will be provided by the Chinese Buffet, free to delegates, and there will be free tea and coffee courtesy of Rijo42.

Added Mr Ramsden: "The Big Bolton Business Expo is an excellent way to appreciate the rich variety of our local business community. It provides a rare opportunity to consumers and business people alike to discover new companies and to make valuable contacts.

"We know from previous Expos that a lot of business has been passed between both companies present and via delegates attending. In some cases, this has resulted in enduring and lucrative business relationships.

"There is always a great buzz at these Expos with so much going on. We've had very positive feedback from all those attending in the past and I think the fact that all the stands have been sold so quickly and pre-registration numbers are already very high shows the genuine interest that this year's event is creating."

Before taking on the local franchise and building it up to more than 130 local businesses and organisations, Mr and Mrs Ramsden ran their own Bury company, Authorized Access Security Centre, for 23 years.