The energy at the Westpoint Arena in Exeter was nothing short of electric this past Wednesday, as the region’s professional community gathered for the South West’s biggest business event Business Fest South West .
Invited by the organisers at Four Front Events, our team arrived ready to dive into the fastest-growing business community in the region. Armed with our vibrant new roller banners, fresh batches of leaflets, and pockets full of business cards, we set out to make the most of an event that truly lived up to the hype.
A Powerhouse Presence
Leading the charge for our team was Alexis Bowater OBE, our Director General, alongside Operations Director Chris James. Their mission? To forge new partnerships and discuss the evolving landscape of South West industry. We were also incredibly proud to be joined by two of our standout ambassadors: Selaine Saxby and Anita Brightley-Hodges. Their expertise and passion for regional growth were instrumental in sparking meaningful conversations at our stand, proving once again that business is, at its heart, about people and shared vision.
More Than Just a Trade Show
With over 200 exhibitors and a projected 2,000+ visitors, the scale of the event was impressive. However, it was the “Features” that kept people on-site far longer than they originally planned. Highlights of the day included:
-
The Keynote Theatre: Where industry thought leaders shared insights on market trends and business scaling.
-
The Notworking Networking Arena: A refreshing, low-pressure space to build genuine relationships.
-
The Sisters & Sequins Lounge: A vibrant hub for connection and collaboration.
-
Specialist Clinics: From the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Clinic to Sales Training Masterclasses, the educational value was immense.
Building for the Future
The day wasn’t just about handing out marketing collateral; it was about immersion. Between the bustling marketplace and the interactive speaker sessions across Stage One and Stage Two, we uncovered new trends and customer preferences that will shape our strategy for the coming year.
As the doors closed at Westpoint, one thing was clear: the South West business scene is thriving, innovative, and deeply collaborative. We left with a stack of new contacts, a wealth of expert knowledge, and the inspiration to keep pushing boundaries.
Thank you to Four Front Events for the invitation—we’re already looking forward to the 2027 showcase!
