More 350 businesses took the opportunity to showcase their products and services at the second annual Local View expo in Peterborough.

The event, which was staged at the Kingsgate Conference Centre, was held to help local businesses to be seen and to grow.

As well as exhibiting their products, businesspeople also got the network and to explore new suppliers.
There were presentations by experts such as Anne-Marie Lategan of Your Marketing Network, Isabella Green from Hegarty, Karen Fourie and Ruth Beck of MAGPAS Air Ambulance, Kaffy Rice-Oxley from Voice Confident and entrepreneur Mike Greene.

The event was opened by Kev Lawrence of Peterborough City Radio (PCR FM)

The Local View Director Sara said: “Networking remains at the heart of our Business Expo, offering businesses the chance to connect with potential clients, partners, and suppliers.

"Sponsors will benefit from heightened brand visibility, extended reach through our online platforms, and speaking slots on industry leading topics to engage deeply with the local business audience.

She added: “Our next Business Expo is on October 2 and to secure your spot as a sponsor or an exhibitor contact The Local View as soon as possible.”

Source: More than 300 businesses turn out for Peterborough's second annual Local View expo Peterborough Telegraph. Article written by Paul Grinnell, 31st March 2025. 

Connecting Peterborough’s Business Community. Following the resounding success of our inaugural Business Expo in September 2024, The Local View launched its second business expo on Thursday, 13th March 2025, at the KingsGate Conference Centre in Peterborough. 

The business expo saw over 350 local businesses come together to showcase their new products and services, network, explore new suppliers, watch demos and see industry leading experts such as Anne-Marie Lategan of Your Marketing Network, Isabella Green from Hegarty, Karen Fourie and Ruth Beck of MAGPAS Air Ambulance, Kaffy Rice-Oxley from Voice Confident and Mike Greene deliver engaging talks. The event was opened by Kev Lawrence of Peterborough City Radio (PCR FM) and the Kev Lawrence Breakfast Show 103.2 FM creating real energy amongst local businesses.

Building on momentum, the business expo provided an even more enriching platform for local enterprises to “Be Seen, Grow Your Business, Build Your Brand.” 12 lucky exhibitors were interviewed live on air through-out the event, giving business owners a taste of on-air digital marketing. 25,000 local listeners could share the experience whilst learning about all the businesses in their community.

The Local View partnership with PCR FM – Peterborough City Radio. The Local View Director Sara states; “We’re beyond excited that Kev Lawrence from PCR FM ’s Breakfast Show (103.2 FM) officially opened The Local View Business Expo! Kev and his team are fantastic to work with and Local businesses could experience on the day what a fantastic platform radio is as part of your digital marketing plan, with excellent reach.“

The Local View Event Organiser Julie says; “PCR FM is a non-profit, volunteer-driven community radio station dedicated to serving the Peterborough area. The station’s mission is to deliver engaging live music, local events coverage, and community-focused content, acting as a central hub for information and entertainment tailored to the diverse population of Peterborough. Partnering with PCR FM reinforces our joint values focusing on the local business community first.

Networking remains at the heart of our Business Expo, offering businesses the chance to connect with potential clients, partners, and suppliers. Sponsors will benefit from heightened brand visibility, extended reach through our online platforms, and speaking slots on industry leading topics to engage deeply with the local business audience. Our next Business Expo is on 2nd October, to secure your spot as a sponsor or an exhibitor contact The Local View now and join them in fostering a vibrant business ecosystem in Peterborough.

Source: Peterborough Matters The Local View Business Expo 13th March 2025.
Photo credit: Nate Lansdell of A Smile A Day Photography

If you don’t currently attend any business networking events you could be missing out on opportunities to develop your business, make great contacts and suppliers and share advice and knowledge with other like-minded entrepreneurs.
 
Networking can open up many new avenues for you and your business and it helps you look at your business from a fresh perspective. Meeting people face to face is also great for creating that unique connection you just don’t get when your business is usually carried out solely online.
 
Key benefits of business networking:
 
Opportunity for New Business Leads
Networking events provide great opportunities to meet potential clients or partners who might be interested in your products or services.
 
Building Relationships
Creating strong professional relationships can lead to future opportunities and collaborations. Trust and rapport developed through networking can result in long-term business growth.
 
Access to Industry Insights
Engaging with others in your industry can provide you with valuable insights, trends, and updates that you might not be aware of otherwise. This information can help you stay ahead of the competition.
 
Increased Visibility and Recognition
Regular attendance at networking events can help you and your business gain recognition within the industry. This visibility can establish you as a knowledgeable and reliable player in your field.
 
Support and Advice
Networking groups often include experienced professionals who can offer advice and mentorship. This support can be invaluable, especially for those starting out in their careers or businesses.
 
Boosting Confidence
Regularly attending networking events can improve your communication and social skills, boosting your confidence in professional settings.
 
Learning Opportunities
Networking events often include seminars, workshops, and keynote speeches. These learning opportunities can help you develop new skills and knowledge relevant to your business.
 
Referrals and Recommendations
Building a network of contacts can lead to referrals and recommendations, which are powerful tools for gaining new clients or customers.
 
Meet New Suppliers
Networking can introduce you to many businesses who work in similar fields to you and in turn you are likely to meet potential suppliers you can work with.
 
Collaborative Opportunities
Networking can lead to collaborations with other businesses, such as joint ventures, partnerships, or projects that can enhance your business’s reach and capabilities.
 
Resource Sharing
Through networking, you can share resources, such as information, tools, and contacts, which can benefit all parties involved.
 
Staying Motivated
Being around other motivated and ambitious individuals can inspire and energise you, helping to maintain your drive and focus on your business goals.
 
Networking should be seen as a valuable part of running your business - stepping out of your comfort zone, connecting with passionate, like-minded people and sharing your interests and knowledge offers so much in return. Rather than competing with other business owners you can collaborate - lifting each other up and championing each other along the way!
 
Check out Networking groups in Cambridgeshire:

• Networking groups in Peterborough
• Networking groups in Cambridge

Scores of businesses attended the first hard-hitting expo organised by a new enterprising group in Peterborough.
 
The Local View hosted its first business expo at the Kingsgate Conference Centre in a bid to help local business- es to 'Be Seen, Grow Their Business, Build Their Brand.
 
The event was opened by Annabel Murcott, the owner of Annabel Murcott Schools of Tae Kwon Do, who kicked things off by demonstrating her martial arts skills-breaking a plank of wood with her bare feet.
 
Annabel was the first British woman to gain an 8th Dan black belt in Tae Kwon Do and she has 10 branches of her Tae Kwon Do schools across Peterborough and Lincolnshire.
 
Sara Hemp, who organised the event with her business partner Julie Marsh, said the aim was to help local business owners network, source new suppliers, see new product demos and hear talks on industry leading topics.
 
Afterwards, organiser Sara, said: "About 320 local businesses attended.
"It was a fantastic turnout for our first expo.”
 
“We’ve had wonderful feedback. Those who attended say they made sales, generated new leads and had some fantastic conversations."
 
The Local View provides an affordable platform for businesses to promote themselves online.
 
Sara added: "We decided to put on the expo because we recognised that not everything can be done online and that an important part of business is still making those face-to-face connections. The expo was a sell out and will be the first of many. We have lots of pre bookings for the next one."
 
Bridget Bath from Greenacres Health at The Local View's Business Expo at the Kingsgate Centre, Peterborough
 
Article written by Paul Grinnell of Peterborough Telegraph. Thursday 26th September 2024.

 Organisers say event was first of many​.
 
Scores of businesses attended the first hard-hitting expo organised by a new enterprising group in Peterborough.
 
​The Local View hosted its first Business Expo at the Kingsgate Conference Centre in a bid to help local businesses to ‘Be Seen, Grow Their Business, Build Their Brand.
 
The event was opened by Annabel Murcott, the owner of Annabel Murcott Schools of Tae Kwon Do, who kicked things off by demonstrating her martial arts skills – breaking a plank of wood with her bare feet.
 
Annabel was the first British woman to gain an 8th Dan black belt in Tae Kwon Do and she has 10 branches of her Tae Kwon Do schools across Peterborough and Lincolnshire.
Sara Hemp, who organised the event with her business partner Julie Marsh, said the aim was to help local businesses owners network, source new suppliers, see new product demos and hear talks on industry leading topics.
 
Afterwards, organiser Sara said: “About 320 local businesses attended.
 
"It was a fantastic turnout for our first expo.
 
She said: "We’ve had some wonderful feedback. Those who attended say they made sales, generated new leads and had some fantastic conversations.”
 
The Local View provides an affordable platform for businesses to promote themselves online.
 
Sara said: “We decided to put on the expo because we recognised that not everything can be done online and that an important part of business is still making those face-to-face connections.”
 
“The expo was a sell out and will be the first of many. We have lots of pre bookings for the next one.”
 
Article written by Paul Grinnell of Peterborough Telegraph. Published 20th Sep 2024, Updated 24th Sep 2024.
 
Photo Credit: Nate Lansdell of A Smile A Day Photography.