The Business Exchange Swindon & Wiltshire Edition 42: April/May 2019 | Page 5

BUSINESS NEWS THE REGION’S LARGEST AND LONGEST RUNNING EXPO RETURNS THIS JULY South West Expo is set to return to Steam, Swindon for its 7th business show later this year. Organisers, Great British Expos have welcomed over 36,000 SMEs to their events since launching in Swindon in 2012, gaining the respect of the industry with repeat exhibitors and sponsors such as Barclays Bank, Lexus, Lloyds Bank, Just Cash Flow Plc and Vodafone. MFOR FESTIVAL TO BRING BOOST TO SWINDON Swindon is set for an influx of people in July as the MFOR Music Festival takes place in the town’s Lydiard Park. Businesses throughout the town including hotels, B&Bs and food outlets could be set for a busy time as thousands of fans descend on the town to see some of the hottest musical acts around. One of the biggest bands in the UK, Years & Years, has been named as the headline act. A team of local business people are follow. It’s taken a lot of work behind the scenes to get the line-up ready for this inaugural event and we hope families from Swindon, Wiltshire and surrounding counties will support us.” The event will offer a range of other experiences including a climbing wall and an inflatable assault course. There will “This event is about community, charity and music. We hope local people will travel to one of the South West’s most beautiful country parks to enjoy up to ten hours of entertainment and music.” involved in bringing the MFOR Festival to Swindon in 2019 which will support forces veterans’ charity Walking With The Wounded alongside local projects. Graham Stobbs, member of the organising team, said, “This event is about community, charity and music. We hope local people will travel to one of the South West’s most beautiful country parks to enjoy up to ten hours of entertainment and music.” “I’m thrilled to be able to confirm the headline act and names of other acts will also be a food and drinks area, community participation events and the Wiltshire-based Red Devils will be parachuting in. The MFOR Music Festival takes place on Saturday 27th July. Gates open at midday and the finish time is 10:30pm. Information and tickets are available on the MFOR Music Festival website. For more info: www.mforfestival.co.uk This year’s Expo will take place on Thursday 4th July, the event is free to attend, but you must register your attendance. For those wishing to exhibit, stands are available from £249 + VAT. The day will begin with a networking breakfast sponsored by Swindon Chamber of Commerce at 9am. A charity donation of £5 is required to attend the breakfast. The show will officially open at 10am with a day packed full of workshops, seminars and keynote speakers. South West Expo have announced BBC Dragons’ Den star, Edward Hollands as keynote speaker. Ed is the founder of DrivenMedia. He is an award-winning young entrepreneur, who is disrupting the UK’s traditional advertisement space after securing investment from TV dragon, Jenny Campbell. Internationally renowned entrepreneur and finance industry pioneer, John Davies will also take to the stage at the show. John has been involved in multiple businesses and is founder of Just Cash Flow Plc which For more info: www.southwestexpo.co.uk is currently lending £1m a week to UK based SMEs. Alex Jones-Hall, director of South West Expo said, “The show will give you the opportunity to network, be inspired by our phenomenal keynote speakers and be informed by our industry-leading workshops to take your business to the next level. “Last year one business owner visited, networked and made a significant connection that resulted in a £50,000 contract. It’s unquestionable that the business opportunities at this year’s Expo are extensive!” Over 130 exhibitors and 1300+ delegates are expected to attend this year’s show. To book your FREE ticket and find out more about the show visit the website detailed below. [email protected] 0843 289 4634 THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2019 5