MP Ed Davey to open University-hosted Kingston Chamber of Commerce Business Expo

Posted Monday 10 June 2013

Kingston Business School retail expert Dr Francesca Dall'Olmo Riley will deliver a keynote speech at the expo. Kingston University will play host to Kingston Chamber of Commerce's Business Expo 2013 on Thursday 20 June.

The event will be held at the new £26 million Kingston Business School building located on Kingston Hill. It will be opened by Kingston and Surbiton MP and Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Ed Davey and Kingston Mayor Councillor Penny Shelton.

Targeting the small and medium-sized business community, the Kingston Expo aims to help firms in south west London and North Surrey make new contacts and inspire new business activities. Visitors can attend completely free of charge by registering on the Kingston Chamber of Commerce website.

The expo will incorporate a networking breakfast, hosted by Mr Davey, seminars and an exhibition floor. More than 500 visitors are expected on the day. Exhibitors will include Kingston Council, Lloyds TSB and Barclays Banks, Holiday Inn Kingston South, Bentalls, Kingston Business School and a wide range of local businesses.

One of the keynote speakers will be Kingston Business School retail expert and reader in marketing Dr Francesca Dall'Olmo Riley. Dr Dall'Olmo Riley will be leading a workshop on how to compete in a rapidly changing retail environment. "Today's successful retailer will be reaching out to its customers in a number of different ways," Dr Dall'Olmo Riley said. "My seminar will give tips on how to create a compelling retail offering and increase customer base."

Kingston Chamber of Commerce chief executive Jerry Irving said he was expecting the expo to attract significant interest. "We know businesses are finding the financial climate challenging at present, so we feel it's important the Kingston Chamber does what it can to help stimulate trade," he said. "The expo is open to all businesses in the area, not just Chamber members. We all need to buy and sell and, by providing the opportunity to meet and talk directly with other local businesses, we are opening communication channels at little or no cost."

The event, which is sponsored by Lloyds TSB, will also feature two speed networking sessions which are designed to give local businesspeople a chance to get in touch with contacts they might not otherwise meet.