A NEW business expo is coming to the south and the mastermind behind the event is Lara Bull.

Drawing on a successful career in recruitment which saw her business expand from two to 14 offices and a transformative five-year term as CEO of the Rainbow Centre charity, Lara is putting all her passion into making the Business Innovation South (BIS) Expo a success.

Lara, founder of Phoenix Project Solutions, said: “Having researched what is currently available in terms of Science Technology Engineering Maths (STEM) and business innovation expos for established companies, there are large national events with a similarly large price tag to exhibit or the events are very sector specific.

“The aim is to provide an expo that a decision-maker can attend where three or four of their most pressing questions for their own businesses can be answered.”

Chilworth Manor Hotel near Southampton will be the venue for the BIS expo on September 12.

“We’ve chosen Chilworth Manor because of its proximity to the Southampton Science Park so providing synergy and I would hope that many of the businesses based there will be exhibiting and attending on the day,” said Lara.

Industries that may exhibit include: renewable energy, marine technology, smart/intelligent building technology, IT/communications technology, cyber technology, virtual/ extended reality, wearable technology, construction related technologies IOT technology, product design and robotic technology

Lara added: “I also hope to engage with universities within the target region by providing an R&D innovation zone creating a “Tomorrow’s Business World” experience, where our universities can showcase their latest R&D innovations.”

A programme of talks is also planned for the day. Confirmed speakers include cyber forensics expert Stephen Haslett from Fusion Forensics, Emma Wilson founder of EMARI Marketing, SN Technologies group director Steve Northam, Paris Smith managing partner Peter Taylor and Richard Roberts CEO of Ocean Saviour.

“My vision is to establish this event in the south and then look to create a parallel event in the north that would allow businesses with ambition to showcase their innovations and services to a new audience,” said Lara.

To find out more email lara@businessinnovationsouth.com or visit businessinnovationsouth.com