Unique networking business event for Guernsey

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Guernsey businesses have the opportunity to participate in a debut business networking event scheduled for Beau Sejour in September.

Its sister event, which took place in Jersey during June, has been hailed a success by the businesses which took part during the two days it was held at Liberty Wharf in St Helier.

Jersey Business 2 Business attracted 36 local enterprises from a diverse range of sectors who showcased their products or services to the business community on either of the two days.

Jersey exhibitor Jennie Philpott, of Ibex Education, said, ''It’s the first time we have engaged in a B2B event like this and had the opportunity to meet people face to face outside of their normal business environment -we normally liaise via email. We also recruited three new trainers.'

Whilst social media has become the most consistently used method to communicate business people still believe that nothing beats personal contact. A recent UK Business to Business trade show survey carried out by FaceTime and registration experts N200, on over 200,000 event attendees during 2012 and 2013, clearly showed that exhibitions are still the place to do business.

Chris Cotillard of Alex Picot Ltd, another Jersey B2B exhibitor, recognises the advantages of this type of show. He said, 'We had a number of really strong leads from new clients interested in Xero the new accounting software. It was the first time we've attended an event like this and thought it worked well.'

Author of best selling motivational books and troubleshooter, James Borg, will give the keynote speech at lunch time as one of a series of talks and mini events taking place throughout the event. Guernsey B2B starts with a 'speed dating' breakfast session hosted by StartUp Guernsey and Rise and Shine Breakfast Club. The Confederation of Guernsey Industry brings the event to a close with a networking session to which island business representatives are invited.

Event organiser, Julie Settle of EC Jersey said, 'Business people are increasingly buying in to networking opportunities. Nothing quite equals the stimulus of a live event. B2B is a particularly cost effective way to get the business message across, especially for smaller enterprises with a limited marketing budget.'

The entire local business community is invited to attend throughout the day.

B2B takes place at Beau Sejour on Thursday 17th September when 30 local businesses will have the opportunity to engage face to face with potential clients and suppliers.

For more information and to book a stand contact Julie Settle on 07797 740913 or email Julie@ec-jersey.com. www.ec-jersey.com