LOCKDOWNS, letdowns and last-minute changes haven’t stopped Lara Bull from forging ahead with her Business Innovation South event on September 15 at the Hilton Hotel.

Lara has spent the last 15 months promoting her showcase for established southern based businesses from within the science, technology, engineering and innovation sectors.

And there have been plenty of positives along the way.

“All the exhibitors I had on board originally have stayed with me and more have signed up - 48 so far,” she said.

“The extra time has given the expo more time to nudge its way onto the radars of larger businesses and influential organisations.

“From the outset I’ve always said that I wanted it to be more than just an expo and to become a catalyst for business activity and connections. Ironically the pandemic has made that even more likely.”

Headline sponsor Colva Tech said: “Technology is more than just a cost, it’s a driver for business growth and efficiency and Lara’s tenacious event provides the perfect platform for us to showcase this.

“Our speciality is IT support without the jargon so connecting businesses to the tech they need to succeed is our forte.”

The first #BIS2019 was warmly received and Lara was encouraged to build on the success with a bigger and better event in 2020. Stand bookings were going well and sponsorship deals were being signed when the pandemic struck and the events industry went into freefall.

“It has been tough but we have used the time to create three online conferences with wonderful speakers and to establish our new ‘tomorrow's world business zone’, with many of the south's leading universities represented,” Lara added.

A dedicated expo app has also been designed by Netshell to help all exhibitors and visitors to register, manage their time, book meetings, manage connections/leads, connect, request info and advertise in the safest possible way.

A library of resources and recorded speaker sessions can also be accessed by visitors signing up to the event.

To find out more about #BIS2021 and to book as either an exhibitor or visitor go to www.businessinnovationsouth.com.