Last chance to register for virtual Expo

More than 150 businesses have signed up to showcase their products and services at a first-of-its-kind regional showcase – and time is running out for other Shropshire companies to join them.

Shropshire Chamber of Commerce is joining forces with four other Chambers across the West Midlands to stage a huge week-long virtual business event later this month.

West Midlands Business Week, from March 22-26, includes a five-day Virtual Expo and packed programme of webinars tackling some of the region’s biggest current talking points.

Chambers across the Black Country, Coventry & Warwickshire, Herefordshire & Worcestershire and Staffordshire are also involved in the event – the first of its kind in the region.

Throughout the week, each Chamber will take a turn hosting the programme, exploring topics such as furlough, the UK-EU trade and co-operation agreement, wellbeing, human resources, and much more.

The deadline for reserving and creating a virtual exhibition stand is this Friday, March 12. To book a place, go to www.shropshire-chamber.co.uk/events/west-midlands-business-week-sponsored-by-aico/

There will also be a preview of the event for all exhibitors from 10am to noon on March 16, giving them the chance to understand how to maximise their involvement.

Among the businesses delivering a presentation on the day will be Oswestry-based alarms firm Aico, the reigning Shropshire Company of the Year, plus 7 Video, and web agency Clear.

All the webinars will be pre-recorded and available to be viewed at a later time.

The event comes at a time when many firms are struggling to stay afloat after three national lockdowns, despite a range of financial support measures put in place by the UK government.

The Virtual Expo is expected to attract thousands of visitors from across the West Midlands, with exhibitors manning virtual stands to showcase products and services and respond online to enquiries.

Mia Carter, Shropshire Chamber’s director of membership, said: “We’re looking to do all we can right now to help support members through the Covid-19 recovery – and we’re excited to be able to join forces with neighbouring Chambers on this groundbreaking project.

“The Virtual Expo will enable Shropshire companies and organisations to meet new customers, prospective partners and suppliers from many sectors, and discover new opportunities.

“Visitors will be able to explore a complete virtual exhibition hall, and exhibitors will have chance to show their corporate videos to visitors who want to learn more about their company.

“This event is also a chance to connect with businesses beyond the Shropshire boundary that wouldn’t necessarily attend one of our traditional expos.”

For more details about how to get involved in West Midlands Business Week, email events@shropshire-chamber.co.uk for further details, or speak to Shropshire Chamber events manager Teresa Rowe on 01952 208200.