A showcase event highlighting the best of Billingshurst businesses that drew hundreds was hailed as a tremendous success by its organisers.
Billibiz - The Show, organised by Billingshurst’s chamber of commerce, and hosted at the Conference and Community Centre last Thursday, October 25, had around 250 visitors and 44 business stalls, up from 32 in its first year in 2011.
The event, in its second year, was officially opened by deputy lieutenant Brenda Large.
She congratulated the Billingshurst business community, and the chamber of commerce, for the initiative and for promoting business as an integral part of the village.
Chris Sewell, chairman of Billingshurst’s chamber of commerce, said: “The chamber’s vision is to see a prosperous Billingshurst, and despite the current economic climate our local business community is clearly determined to make that happen.”
He said that one of the chamber’s key objectives is to create networking and business opportunities for like-minded people.
Initial feedback left by visitors suggested that the majority felt organisers had been successful in delivering this.
Derek Evans, partner of independent financial advisor Ashley Law, who exhibited for the first time, said: “Even based in Haywards Heath, we had read about the effectiveness of the Billingshurst Chamber of Commerce’s BilliBiz-The Show and decided to exhibit this year.
“For us it was a win win win, because it was an excellent forum to spread our name; second, we were awarded the Best Stand prize; and third, we met dozens of business people and made a number of firm appointments with potential clients.
“You can’t ask more than that.”
For more information visit www.billingshurstchamber.co.uk