JUST WHAT THE TOWN NEEDS - SAYS ANDREW SELOUS
Just what the town needs, says local MP
Visitors who flocked to the LB Connect Business Fair were treated to nearly 60 exhibition stands, advice for business and were given a major opportunity to network.
South West Beds MP Andrew Selous, who officially opened the event, said: “This is just what the town needs. It’s excellent to see so many businesses here.”
Organised by Leighton Buzzard’s leading networking group, LB Connect, the event was held at Cedars School sports hall, which provided ample space for the 58 businesses represented and the visitors that attended.
Among the businesses represented were florists, removals, storage, marketing, video production, leisure, building services, sports and fitness, double glazing, financial services, photography, safety training, motor servicing, double glazing, pest control and ice cream vending.
Several local organisations were present including Leighton Town Council, Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Small Businesses, Bedford College and Leighton Fair Trade.
During the event, LB Connect presented a cheque for £2,073.25 to Leighton Linslade Homeless Service (LLHS). The charity also benefited from a £523 cheque from Mike Neary of local R&B group, Blues Before Midnight, and a £250 cheque from Leighton branch of Howdens Joinery.
Daryl Hughes, depot manager at Howdens, said: “When we heard that LB Connect was raising money for LLHS we wanted to do something to help. The charity does such an amazing work for those in our community that have been dealt a different hand in life.”
Alan Knowles, chairman of LLHS, said: “One of the things that keeps us going in the difficult work we do is the widespread support we enjoy from the local community. Thank you, LB Connect, for demonstrating that again.”
Two keynote speakers at the event gave incisive insights into the local and national economic situation. Charles Smith, regional chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses, stressed the importance that smaller businesses had to play in the economic recovery. Steve Cotter, who has held several senior management roles with some of the UK’s biggest retailers, gave top tips on trading in adversity.
A two minute video of the event can be seen on the group’s website, www.lbconnect.co.uk
Posted on: 04/10/2012
