Visit to The Business Startup Show, Earls Court London

I decided to brave the snowy weather today and visit the annual Business Startup Show taking place on 30 Nov and 1 Dec at Earls Court Exhibition Centre, London.

This is a great free event, both for people considering starting businesses and for those who have taken the plunge already. There are a large number of free seminars available, including some from well know personalities - like Rachael Elnaugh, and Richard Farleigh, both ex-Dragons Den, and David Gold, current co-owner of West Ham Football Club. There's also the Midas Touch, a panel event, where entrepreneurs get five minutes to pitch their idea to potential mentors and investors - I found this a really interesting session.

In addition there are a large number of exhibitors offering services that startup businesses are likely to require - including legal advice, accountancy, mentoring, web design, networking, software, office products and many others.

Missing are any ready-made business opportunities that entrepreneurs can buy into - so if you want new business ideas, you'll need to go to the Franchise Show.

The atmosphere at the show is generally friendly and informal, without much in the way of hard sell. It's certainly worth spending a couple of hours there and I lingered longer than that.

The Business Startup Show continues from 10am to 5pm Wednesday, 1 December.

George Montgomery

GBS Group - Business Development Services