Entrepreneurs thrive at Cheltenham Connect Business Day

Entrepreneurs were inspired to “bake a bigger cake” as thousands of connections were made at a business-boosting event in Cheltenham.

Successful speakers and expert exhibitors entertained more than 220 visitors at the Connect Business networking event, run by community group Cheltenham Connect.

Cheltenham mayor Simon Wheeler opened the event and told attendees the expertise and entrepreneurial spirit in the room should encourage everyone to “bake a bigger cake” for business, rather than take a larger slice of the existing one.

Keynote addresses were made by Martin Horwood MP, Steve Knibbs, Gloucestershire Reporter for BBC Points West and Luan Wise and Fiona Spencer from the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

There was also a panel discussion on growing your business with three successful businesswomen - Simone Hindmarch-Bye of Commercial Group, Clare Holland of Keith Holland and Associates and Louise Ladbrooke of Business West.

Belinda Wilson, of Cheltenham Connect, said the free-to-attend event filled a larger venue than last year which was exciting for the county’s businesses.

“To see so many great connections being made – an average of 10 new contacts per person – was excellent. And to hear really motivational speakers and speak to so many talented business people made it a super event for Cheltenham Connect,” she said.

“We are sure many commercial conversations will continue, which can only encourage local sourcing between businesses in Gloucestershire, both large and small.”

For more details about Cheltenham Connect and the events it holds visit www.cheltenhamconnect.co.uk