Small businesses win at Microbiz

The popular business exhibition, organised by Horsham District Council, took place at Horsham’s Drill Hall on Saturday 10 March, and proved to be another extraordinarily successful event with 40 exhibitors, eight free business seminars and over 500 visitors.

Many of the visitors completed feedback forms, enabling event organisers to build on and shape future events.

Visitors who completed a form were entered into a free prize draw with the chance of winning one of many fantastic prizes.

Roger Paterson (Con, Pulborough and Coldwaltham), Horsham District Council’s cabinet member for the local economy, said: “I am delighted that this year’s Microbiz Fair was the most successful yet, and even more popular in its 10th year.

“I am certain that the event’s proven ability to increase the growth and profitability of our small business community will continue for many years to come.”

The sponsors of the prizes were: Spofforths, Chartered Accountants, offered a free two hour consultation; BritWeb offered a free social media for business course worth £200; there was a month’s free membership at Pavilions in the Park on offer; free annual subscriptions to Horsham Women in Business and Horsham Chamber of Commerce & Industry; the Business Resource Centre offered a voucher towards the cost of services or IT training; Horsham District Council provided a Sussex food and drink hamper; Sky High Marketing offered a free marketing health check; Blue leopard Media offered free Facebook and Twitter pages set up; and Cakes by Sharon Walker provided a voucher towards a celebration cake.

Richard Spofforth, from sponsor Spofforths, spoke about the event and said: “We’ve been long term supporters of the Microbiz exhibitions in Horsham and we’re really pleased to be able to give some contributions and support to the Horsham business community and see so many successful young businesses that start up through Microbiz.

“It was great to see so many people there and we’ll continue to support Microbiz for the future.”

Clare Jefferis, from Write 26 Ltd, was a prize winner and said: “I’m just starting out, freelancing, and went to Microbiz to network and meet some like minded people and I thought there was a real buzz in the air and a really lovely atmosphere.

“I’ve gone to a couple of networking groups since attending Microbiz and went to a couple of the free seminars, which were really, really interesting and I got lots and lots of stuff out of that and hopefully I’ll be able to launch my business soon and hopefully I’d like to be exhibiting at Microbiz next year or running a seminar.”

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