9:14am Thursday 6th March 2008
By Gareth Lewis
HUNDREDS of people turned out to see 118 firms exhibiting at the region's top business exhibition, Business South 2008.
Launched dramatically yesterday morning by young Hampshire mountaineer and adventurer Rhys Jones, who abseiled from the roof of St Mary's Stadium, the show continues there today.
As well as stalls showcasing firms' work, the event hosted a series of seminars and VIP receptions.
Chamber of Commerce president David Tipple said: "This oils the wheels of business. It puts faces to names and shows they're not just websites. Business is all about dealing with people.
"This is a great success for the Southampton business community."
George Roberts, of marketing firm LCM, said: "We have had a good morning and I've met some wonderful people. This event allows us to showcase the work we do to a concentrated amount of people."
Mike Gilmour, of communications firm Premier Telecom, said: "It's a good opportunity for businesses to chat informally and find out how they can get stuff to support their company, without any pressure."
Linda Bett, of web company Ayuria, said: "It's great fun and it's brilliant to be able to show what we can do."
Exhibitors at this year's event include Cedar Press, Compass Contract Hire, Chartered Institute of Marketing, B&V Creative, Powersense, Century 21 Business Products Ltd, Southampton City Council, Marriott Meon Valley, Web-Feet Ltd, Jury's Doyle Hotels, Keypath Consultancy, Activate, Eric Robinson Solicitors, New Forest Hotels Plc, The National Trust, Demi Fire Safety Solutions, BH1 Promotions, The Concorde Club and Hotel, Radcliffe & Co Ltd, D&R The Solution, O2 UK Ltd, Top Click Ltd, Winchester Guildhall, 247 Virtual Office, Ayunia Internet Solutions, Workable Solutions and many more.
Entrance is free and a dedicated park-and-ride service is running throughout the event from Dock Gate 4 QE2 Terminal, transporting visitors to St Mary's Stadium.
For further information visit business2businessshows.com.
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