If your thinking of starting up a business or looking to expand, you should seriously consider visiting the Business Start up show at Excel, London, 28-29 May 2009.

Before I tell you more about the show let me introduce you to  the Business Startup Community which was launched in August 2006.

Joining the  Business Startup Community, allows you and your business to join the UK’s largest network of entrepreneurs.

Some of the benefits of the community members include access to a entrepreneur’s chat room, forums where you can seek small business advice, and network with your fellow entrepreneurs.  I would strongly suggest that you have a look at the Business Start Up site – its free to join.

Now back to the Business Start up Exhibition:

There is also a Speed Networking Opportunity. For this opportunity you need to preregister on Speed-networking-live site.

Pre-registered visitors gather in the Speed Networking zone to introduce their businesses to one another. After two minutes a whistle is blown and you swap partners, and carry on until everyone has met. During the networking you have the opportunity to swap contact information with business owners you may find of value.

At the start of the networking everyone is provided with guidance in the art of networking so you can make most of the session. This is an opportunity to dramatically widen your business network.

At the show exhibitors will be offering advice, products and services in the following areas:

• Planning a business and writing a business plan
• Raising finance and controlling cash flow
• Time management and reducing stress
• Franchising, or buying an existing business
• The latest in communications technology and IT equipment
• Locating the best premises
• Expanding your business
• Bookkeeping, taxation and accountancy (including tax and VAT)
• Intellectual property, patenting and protecting innovations
• Websites, the internet and e-commerce
• Marketing your business
• Importing and exporting
• Training, recruitment and retention
• Motivation, and how to motivate those around you
• Branding, advertising & PR
• Legal advice

Timings for the show are:

May 28th – Thu 10am – 5pm

May 29th – Fri 10am – 5pm