Former Porsche & BMW MD announced as keynote speaker of the Kent B2B, Ashford

Kent's longest running business-to-business exhibition and conference, the Kent B2B, run by Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce welcomes a giant of the business world to its Ashford event on 7 July at the Ashford International Hotel. Kevin Gaskell has worked with leading luxury car marques Porsche and BMW and is recognised as one of the most capable leaders of his generation.

As a well-respected keynote speaker Kevin has experience of speaking at a variety of business environments including Google UK. Richard Trinder, Director, comments on one of Kevin’s recent keynotes; “Thank you for the inspirational speech you delivered to open our Google Think event last week. Your on-stage presence and natural charisma shone through. This coupled with the strength of your content and the clarity of your messages raised the quality of our event from the outset. You injected gravitas, humour and credibility.”

Bringing his open and involving style to the audience Kevin will help delegates to better understand how they can define and implement change in their own organisations.

Brand experience

Speaking about his scheduled appearance Kevin commented: “Great companies and amazing brands are not seen or heard, rather they are experienced. Using practical tools and real examples I help leaders to transform their organisations, achieve results – and have fun!”

Full conference programme and 100 exhibitors

Warren Knight will also be appearing at the Kent B2B in a conference programme that is designed to meet the needs of businesses from Ashford and across the county.  The Kent B2B which is sponsored by Caxtons, will have more than 100 exhibitors showcasing existing and new products and services – many with special offers and competitions on the day. The day kicks off with a business breakfast, sponsored by Jelf, featuring Clive Lewis talking about Edward De Bono’s “Six Thinking Hats” and will finish with the Chamber’s Annual Dinner, sponsored by Furley Page with Guy Browning.

Jo James Chief Executive of the Kent Invicta Chamber says “We’re looking forward to our 29^th year of the Kent B2B and a productive day that will offer businesses of all sizes and from all sectors a place to meet, network and do business.”

5 reasons to consider event sponsorship as part of your marketing plans

As marketing budgets begin to increase once more many organisations will begin reviewing their spend in terms of both finance and the channels that they use. Whilst the march of social media and online marketing continues apace many marketers are starting to look at some alternative means in order to get their brand out there and recognised. With the growing noise across many channels, an alternative strategy may be the way to be seen and heard by more of your audience. So, along with a return to the more traditional areas of print marketing, the arena of event sponsorship should also be considered as a great way to build your audience and grow exposure. 

Choosing the right event and what you sponsor is absolutely key to your sponsorship success. Consider should the event align itself with your business? Is it attracting the right audience for you? Could it open a new market for you? These are all questions that you need to be pretty sure of the answers before going ahead. One thing is for sure though many business directors agree that exhibitions offer a great way to meet new clients,  so surely extending that to sponsoring makes sense? And do you know what? Sponsorship needn’t cost the earth - it’s not always about sponsoring the whole event, or the event guide - there are generally lots of other smaller opportunities for business to get involved with. Take a look at five reasons why your company should look at event sponsorship.

1. Build credibility with a targeted  audience

Events like B2B exhibitions and conferences are a great way to get to meet your clients, develop relationships with new ones and build authority within your sector. Alongside taking a stand having your company branding elsewhere at the event will help to build recognition of your product or service. Sponsorship will enable you to stand out from the crowd to an audience that has been created for you. What does this mean? Well, a carefully managed exhibition or conference will have heaps of delegates that are ideally placed to be receptive to your product or service - thats’ the job of the event organiser. For them to make the event successful they need to have the right delegates meeting the right exhibitors … and sponsors! Be sure to do your homework and find out exactly who the target market is.

2. Remember the people that aren’t actually there

Now this may sound bizarre but when you are speaking with delegates, contacts or other exhibitors always remember that they most probably have a book full of other people with similar interests or who are in a similar sector, so, remember the people that aren’t at the exhibition and make an excellent impression on those that are. This still holds true for sponsorship - sponsor the event bag or some promotional items and the chances are they will be seen by far more than just the person who attend - gaining you and your business further exposure. 

3. Increase your media exposure

As part of the organisers role the event will undoubtably be well advertised both on and offline - as a sponsor you gain access to this. For businesses that look at becoming a headline or major sponsor the opportunities to spread your reach can be huge. Advertising tends to come as standard on all the events marketing including web sites, email marketing, advertising, but be clever and you can get more involved - creating social media campaigns or other content that align you to the event and build your exposure.  

4. Big or small 

Whatever the size of your business, there is likely to be a sponsorship  opportunity for you. Larger firms may be interested in becoming a headline sponsor - like Caxtons for the Kent B2B’s this year. Not only does it give them great coverage across the county - which is their main target market - it also goes to show that they are genuinely interested in the local area and businesses within it. 

David Gurton, Director at Caxtons comments. "As a professional firm, Caxtons looks for ways to magnify and enhance our corporate message, and we found a particularly valuable one in our partnership with Kent Invicta Chamber.

As headline sponsor for the Chamber’s B2B events, we have achieved face-to-face countywide exposure that has helped us to capitalise on our existing marketing and PR activities.  It has meant we can meet clients in an informal business environment, and can introduce them to knowledgeable members of our team. 

The wide ranging promotion of the exhibitions including emails, advertisements, press releases, blogs, workshops and speaker slots prior to, and at events has increased our brand exposure to both the business community and customers across the county, which has extended our business reach."

However, if you don’t have the resources for headline sponsorship what can you do? One of the best ideas is to pick up the phone and call the event to see what the other options are - there are usually opportunities to sponsor event bags, perhaps the coffee cups (what a great way to get your brand noticed as people stand, chat and network!) or, even get involved with a workshop or sponsor a networking session. 

5. Make more contacts

For some events, becoming a significant sponsor can also open up the events contacts lists for your business. If you have chosen well this list could be one of the premium benefits to your firm - offering you access to a list of delegates that potentially are interested in you.

Making sponsorship opportunities work is a two fold deal - firstly, you need to ensure that the event you are looking at is in the right sector and that the organisers are targeting your potential clients. Then it’s down to you - negotiate well and you could come out with a package that’s worth far more than the money you pay for it. 

Interested in finding out more about sponsorship of our events? Call Carole on 01732 758530.

Kent businesses report healthy growth through 2014

Kent businesses report healthy growth through 2014

As a growing centre for businesses – of all shapes and sizes – Kent firms are reporting strong trading conditions and burgeoning order books. Its proximity to the Continent coupled with strong transport links to the rest of the country and closeness to the Capital make Kent a great place for producers, manufacturers and retailers along with the leisure, tourism & service industries. With the economy growing well once more it seems that  businesses in the South East are reaping the benefits of this renewed confidence.

A sure sign that businesses are feeling more confident is reflected in the numbers of exhibitors at the next Kent Invicta Chamber B2B on the 8th July in Ashford and the good news stories that they report. Whether businesses are opening new facilities or developing their offering these businesses are certainly feeling the positivity that is being played out across the rest of the economy. 

The Kent B2B is an event that at its heart aims to connect these businesses enabling them to meet new contacts, suppliers and peers – ensuring that the growth of business within Kent continues and is sustainable. The exhibition and conference attracts a diverse range of local, county–wide and national businesses – all of whom have growth and development stories to share.

Positive changes for many businesses in Kent 

For example, The Kent Event Centre in Detling, near to Maidstone has recently opened the Maidstone Exhibition Hall a brand new 3,000 square metre building.  The building offers excellent facilities to exhibitors including a higher height level and of course has state of the art technology including fibre optic WIFI and hard wired points. Equi-Expo and the Kent Garden Show have both used this new structure and the centre has another eighteen bookings through the rest of 2014. An investment of this scale enables the Kent Event Centre to offer a wider range of large scale events, exhibitions and conferences in Kent and the South East.

Chegworth Valley, an organic farm growing fruit, vegetables and salads and producing award-winning farm pressed apple and fruit juices is exhibiting for the first time at the Kent B2B and are excited at the opportunity the event represents in raising their profile amongst the other exhibitors and delegates. Having recently added a delivery service they are keen to make new contacts and show the service and quality of produce that they supply. 

Buckmore Park is a regular exhibitor of the B2B events. Their recent expansion has included the opening of a new Paddock Circuit that provides Turn Up 'n' Drive Karting during most weekends and school holidays. Other key events for them in the coming months include a special Hungarian Grand Prix event being held on July 27th as well as many more individual and team karting events throughout the year - great for friends, colleagues and individuals.

Local company with far reaching ambitions

The diversity of industry in Kent is amazing too - an interesting example of this comes via Zein Marketing who have recently been working with an exciting aviation project based in Lydd. 4x4 Aviation is a local firm looking to revolutionise the transportation of freight in countries with poor infrastructures - a truly innovative venture that could offer huge benefits to developing countries. 

With the range and nature of businesses around the region continuing to grow, events like the Kent B2B have become increasingly important - as an opportunity for businesses to meet and network as well as an opportunity for business owners to hear from industry leaders and take part in informative workshops. These great resources are all delivered in a way that ensures lessons can be implemented immediately, offering useful strategies and plans. The Kent B2B is truly the place to meet for those in business. 

5 top tips to make teamwork simple

With the World Cup well and truly underway and England out of the competition after the “winner takes all” match on Thursday, the concept of teamwork has never seemed so important and has never been discussed quite so much. With the strategy of the beautiful game being talked about the length and breadth of the country the concept of teamwork and how to get the very best from them is a hot topic. As important off the pitch as on - for many businesses a team that isn’t working cohesively is simply not working. So, what are the top tips, networking to make sure that your team works well together.

Teamwork does not mean that all members of the group must be interchangeable and able to do each other’s role. True teamwork is more to do with the synergy of the individuals, about the sum of the parts, and, at its best it will empower the team and lead to better results. Great teamwork should enhance the working structures and promote a sense of pride, achievement creating a motivated workplace as well as the ways and means to operate more flexibly. For any team to working effectively there needs to be leader and that leader is often the linchpin in ensuring teamwork happens.

Top tips for making a team work

1. Firstly, consider your position as a leader and the way that you work. Be aware of how you lead and then be flexible with your team - find the individual buttons that switch them to working the best that they can and work with them.

2. Make sure you really get to know your team well, play to peoples’ strengths even if that means changing their role or moving them to a different team.

3. Within the team ensure that responsibilities and roles are clearly defined - although roles aren’t necessarily interchangeable make sure that there is a connection between each of the team and that they are not too disparate from each other. For a team to work well there needs to be a DRI - directly responsible individual – for each task. 

4. Be involved and give feedback regularly - make it proactive, constructive and positive. Deliver in a way that encourages the opportunity to build dialogue within the team. 

5. And finally leading on from feedback comes celebrating and rewarding success. With the recent tough economy many businesses have felt the strain. As the economy begins to blossom once more take the time to acknowledge when things are great – it’s one of the best ways to build loyalty and trust within your team. 

Ensuring your team works well is one of the most important factors to helping a business to succeed, want to find out more about a World Cup winners take on teamwork? Then head along to the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerces’ Annual Dinner on the 8th July - Gordon Banks is the guest speaker. And as it’s on World Cup semi-final night he’ll also be staying afterwards to watch the match. The dinner follows the Kent B2B – the longest running business to business exhibition and conference in Kent offering great keynote speakers – like the Director General from the British Chamber of Commerce, John Longworth, alongside two world leading keynote speakers; Daniel Priestley and Warren Cass. So, come along and find out from the best how a winning team works together. 

Networking in a digital age

Networking in a digital age

As the digital world continues to develop and it seems that more and more of our communication takes place online, over email or via social media is the art of networking face-to-face becoming obsolete? The growth of social media and other networking applications such as crowdfunding sites has undoubtedly led to employees spending longer in front of their screen and less time out meeting contacts, peers and clients face-to-face. Unarguably, online has opened up many businesses to otherwise unreachable international markets and information that would have previously taken weeks to research is now available at your fingertips. The growth in this technology has opened up many alternative commercial channels for businesses, large and small; however, it has also meant that employees now spend time sifting through vast swathes of information – making decisions as to what is useful and what is not.

Networking is an important skill

As the tide of social media has continued to grow there has also been a growth in the number of people discussing the need for face-to-face meetings and nurturing those so-called softer skills of networking and developing relationships. Interestingly, Julia Hobsbawm has long heralded the need for businesses to maintain more face-to-face contact and the need for employees to “come out from behind their screens “ and actually meet people. She has such weight within the business community that the Cass Business School based in the City, London have recently made her their inaugural, honorary Professor of Networking. Julia has long argued that the process of building networking skills is integral to the development of a solid, productive team, that networking is less of a soft, additional skill and that is should be brought to the forefront of business skills that firms should be demanding from their employees. Proving that an ability to network matters and can make a difference to the bottom line of a firm takes the skill swiftly away from its lightweight roots or comical images of standing alone in a conference room with a handful of business cards and takes it into the realms of relevant, contemporary business thinking. 

Larger firms recognise the need to network

Hobsbawm argues that, in fact, it is a disservice to think that employees don’t want to or aren’t capable of networking in this way. Large businesses such as BT and Regus have proven business techniques that show that in order for employees to work at their best, face-to-face contact is required. They ensure that new managers go out and meet all their teams – even though their corporate policies rail against “unnecessary travel”. To run a successful business is obviously a far more intricate operation than employing people to sit behind desks connecting through their PC’s. Employees should, and need to be encouraged to take the opportunity to network as and when they can. Hobsbawm comments that these opportunities may also come from the most unusual of places, but are necessary in order to push those employees onto the next stage of their career (and prevent them from becoming disillusioned). Businesses themselves need to aspire to be dynamic and forward thinking – they must remember to look beyond their own walls and engage with the wider world.

Networking whether it is in your social circle, with peers at a curated external networking event (such as those run by the CIPD), or at a focussed business to business conference or exhibition should be a firm and regular fixture of any business. Starting a relationship online is great, but the cement that will hold and build that business relationship into a longstanding, mutually profitable one will be done face-to-face.

5 top tips to make your speed networking session a success

5 top tips to make your speed networking session a success

Most businesses would agree — referrals and face-to-face contact are the best ways to build and nurture business relationships — however, contrary to this many businesses spend many thousands of pounds placing advertising and sending marketing via email or though the post. 

Why you should get involved with speed networking?

If meeting someone is the best way to judge whether you can do business with them why don’t more businesses get involved with networking? Well, for many people it seems to be a little bit of nerves that can keep them away from meetings — so, if a breakfast or lunch seems too daunting how about the best and quickest form of networking — speed networking?

Speed networking is not a new concept, however, in a time when we seem to be spending more and more of our working day communicating online and through email it makes a refreshing and interesting change to your business development strategy. Arguably, speed networking will give you access to more people in one hour than you might normally meet in a month. It’s quite normal to feel a little apprehensive but do a little prep work beforehand those nerves should be calmed.

As ever preparation is key

1. Make sure you have a great opener for each of your pitches — just 10 seconds will do, covering an introduction, what your business is about or what you are looking for.  

2. Try to think about the different types of people and businesses you are going to meet and how you could change your intro to meet their needs — you’ll have far more success if you can slightly tailor your pitch to each person. 

3. Be practical — remember your business cards and a pen to make notes (on the back of each card is a good idea) and remember people’s names!

4. Not everyone is going to seem suitable for you or perhaps be interested in your product or service right now, but, remember to “think outside the box” — the product or service may not be suitable today but what about next month or in year’s time when you have diversified or grown? Consider whether a contact could become a mentor or a partner or a franchisee? The people who gain the most from these sessions are those that are the most open minded. 

5. Although it may seem counter intuitive, do your best to help the people that you meet — try to offer solutions to them and their challenges. You’d be surprised at how this “pay it forward” mentality has helped many businesses — perhaps not immediately but at some point. You’ll impress your new contact and you never know they may well recommend or use you in the future. 

Networking for success

Many of the most successful entrepreneurs are those that have spent their time networking — building trustworthy, reliable contacts across their industry, in support services and a wide variety of geographical locations. Meeting people and developing positive relationships is surely the key to a successful business?

So, hopefully now you should feel a little more prepared for a speed networking session? Well you can book your slot here for the East Kent B2B 11th September. And let us know how you get on ……

West Kent funding opportunities for small businesses

The Escalate scheme has recently made £5.5 million available to micro and small businesses in West Kent and is part of the Government’s Regional Growth Fund. The aim of the scheme is to offer interest free loans to businesses that are experiencing growth and need funding to help them develop further and create new jobs.

The Regional Growth Fund 

The Regional Growth Fund was created by Government to help regional businesses and economies expand. So far, over £1 billion has been made available with around 3,500 firms benefiting from the funding. Aiming to help local businesses protect or create jobs, build on creativity and strengthen their business through investment, the scheme invites local businesses to apply for the fund via their local scheme.

The West Kent Partnership looks after the Escalate fund for the area around the A21 corridor, it hopes to create around 1,250 new jobs in the area through around 150 companies. With business finance still a major issue for many small and micro businesses the programme is looking to support those businesses that are growing, but may be struggling to find the means to accelerate as quickly as they want.

First business receives support

Great news then for DotImpact, who are the first business to receive funding from the Escalate programme. Established to support SME’s that want to increase their online presence but don’t have the budget or expertise to do so, DotImpact is a full service marketing agency that offers a range of services from website design, email marketing, social media & SEO, digital marketing strategies to traditional branding design and print. Amanda Robinson, MD, of DotImpact commented, “Now we have the support of the Escalate fund, our plan is to create employment opportunities within the business with the aim to help further SMEs in Kent achieve their growth potential”

West Kent B2B offering advice and tips on applications

The West Kent B2B on the 30th April at the River Centre in Tonbridge, is backed by the West Kent Partnership. On the day there will be opportunities to hear more about the Escalate programme and how your business could benefit from its’ funding solutions. The event is free to attend and along with local and county-wide exhibitors there is a fantastic programme of key-note speakers and workshops - all with a definite slant to the small business sector. If you pre-register there is also the opportunity to gain free advertising for your business via the on-site screens and a welcome coffee as well. 

To find out more and how to register your place click here.

Dame Kelly Holmes to open West Kent B2B 

Exciting news for the West Kent B2B event as Dame Kelly Holmes has been confirmed to open proceedings on the 30th April at the River Centre in Tonbridge. As a double Olympic Champion Dame Kelly has been an inspiration to many people both on and off the athletics track. Although now retired from the world of track and field, Dame Kelly is still determined to push herself physically and mentally, recently taking part in a Duathlon, an event which combines the disciplines of running and cycling. Aside from sports Dame Kelly is venturing into the world of food, drink and retail by starting her own Cafe in Hildenborough and developing a chain of frozen yoghurts and juice bars. Alongside this, her charity, the Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust helps "Get lives on track" through the mentoring from world class sports stars. She recently hosted an event at the River Centre that celebrated the success of the Trust with young people from Kent.

Offering opportunities to all types and sizes of business

With the West Kent B2B event entitled “Leading the Way” Dame Kelly Holmes is the perfect choice –an exemplary sports star intent on developing young lives across the county and beyond. 

Offering industry leading speakers and advice

West Kent B2B is so much more than an exhibition; it is an event that plans to offer advice, information and share knowledge. It is an event where you can give your contacts list a boost by meeting a range of diverse, interesting businesses through speed networking. Or, gain insight through attending the keynote speaker sessions given by industry leaders and find out how to apply their lessons to your business, increasing your sales and profitability. Speakers booked for this year’s event include marketing expert Barnaby Wynter, dynamic entrepreneur Daniel Priestley, media guru Stuart Smith and social media expert Katie King. Tailored specifically for the West Kent market this event also offers insightful workshops and will bring together local and county wide firms, connecting businesses and offering advice for all sizes and types of business. 

West Kent B2B is backed by the West Kent Partnership, the economic partnership for the council areas of Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Malling and Tunbridge Wells and sponsored by Caxtons, one of the leading Chartered Surveyors in the South East.  There will also be the opportunity to hear about “Escalate”, an interest free loan available across West Kent, Maidstone and East Sussex. The event is run by the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, Chief Executive, Jo James commented, “These B2B events are really high quality, engaging and informative. They offer businesses not only the opportunity to meet and network with a huge range of local and Kent wide firms, but also the chance to gain invaluable insight from leading business speakers – a must in the diary of any local business.”

A great day for businesses locally, regionally and nationally, find out more and book your FREE place now - not only will you get £100 FREE advertising but a FREE welcome coffee as well.

5 basics to help you maximise your returns from B2B exhibitions

Want to know how to make every penny count for you at exhibitions?  Need to prove to the boss that exhibitions work and can bring in great new contacts as well as business opportunities? As with any event, if you get the foundations right, the likelihood is that the event is going to, not only, be a great success but also bring in the results that you are looking for. Since the recession first hit back in 2008, and through the intervening years and even now with the economy seemingly back on track, businesses need to ensure that every bit of expenditure has a demonstrable return - and events have certainly been no different. Take a look at some of the golden rules of making a success of your exhibition.

Make sure you know what it is that your business wants from the exhibition

It sounds pretty obvious doesn't it? But it’s surprising how many people head off to their exhibition stand with no clear, defining reason for going. Is it purely to make some new contacts or would you like to forge relationships with potential new suppliers? Is it a great forum in which to meet up with existing clients and talk through their future business? Do you want to take advantage of the speakers on offer and networking opportunities? Or, as with most exhibitors is it a bit of all of the above? Well, the secret to a successful event lies in the preparation and planning prior to the actual event. It’s simply not good enough to book your space, make sure you have some marketing and turn up. Think about the reasons for exhibiting beforehand and plan the details as to what you expect to gain from it. 

Look at the details 

It’s great to have the bigger picture in mind but with exhibitions a lot of the success is also down to the finer details - the thought that has been put into the space and promotion of your business and products.  One of the most important details is working out how you are going to record and track the contacts that you make, not only do you need their details, it’s also useful to note what their interest is in relation to your business. 

Make your marketing count

As you might have gathered so far – meticulous planning is key – but not just for pre and at the event, planning after the event is also a must – following up leads and thanking all those who visited your stand. Creating an integrated tactical plan enables your marketing to be developed along a theme that ties with your corporate, strategic business plan, meaning that your messages both at the event and through your other marketing channels are harmonious. Know your target audience, plan you promotional message and deliver marketing that makes add value and makes a difference.

Manage your time and other people’s well

Make sure your time is well managed, delegate when necessary and ask for help. The very best stands are well managed with the right number of enthusiastic, positive people and as great as it is to be a strong, organised manager, their also a real need to be a great team player when attending events. You alone cannot keep the stand running and working productively all day. Make sure that alongside you are a strong team of knowledgeable, professional people who are well briefed to look after the stand, throughout the day. A positive attitude is a must have and ensuring those around you have a similar mentality means that any challenges become opportunities and outcomes are generally far more positive.

Make post-event follow-up a priority

You've organised a brilliant stand, had lots of positive comments, made new contacts and learnt tonnes from the keynote speakers, so, you think the hard work’s done? No, not quite, this is as important a stage as the pre-planning or the actual event. It’s time to work though all those new contacts, get them uploaded onto your database and start developing your relationship with them. Along with ensuring you have recorded them all and contacted any clients that requested more information or to book meetings, it is essential to follow up all those that visited you with a thank you.

Plan, plan then plan a little more is really the key message of becoming a successful, results orientated exhibitor who profits from their exhibition plans. Remember to maintain an optimistic outlook, keep your sense of humor and learn from your experiences this year – your business will see the fruit of your work and your next exhibition will be even bigger and better. 

So, there's the basics, want to find out more? Come along to the free workshop then on 8th April at 70 Churchill Square Business Centre, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent, to get more sound advice and tips on making your exhibitions work for your business.

30 April - The River Centre, Tonbridge