May is a busy butterfly of a month, floating between socialists and capitalists.
One day it is hosting May Day, the International Workers’ Day. Then, a few days later, it welcomes Lord Alan Sugar back to our TV screens with The Apprentice, that annual romp through the personalities and delusions of the latest batch of entrepreneurial wannabes. Then, on the 19 and 20 May, the month becomes of interest to those in the commercial property and serviced offices sectors, with the hosting of the Business Startup Show, at the Excel Centre in London’s Docklands.
The event is now in its eleventh year, offering over 140 seminars, more than 200 exhibitors, a speed networking event, workshops and one-to-one business consultations, all aimed at those thinking about starting or expanding a business.
Although quite general in nature, the show does have a selection of ‘featured events’, which may be of interest to those in commercial property, including ‘Starting a Retail Business’, ‘Starting an Internet Business’ and taking your business to the global market. Advances in electronic point of sale systems, security in commercial property, digital and traditional signage are among the featured topics. Of course, most SMEs will need a property to work from at some point; some will choose to buy, some will rent and others will enjoy the luxury of fully serviced offices.
Serviced offices are to be well represented, with stands promoting their advantages and offering advice and business services.
Expect to see some people scorched as they pitch their ideas in the Midas Touch section, a live version of Dragons’ Den.
Some past and present Dragons will be attending, giving speeches and running seminars. A number of successful Dragons’ Den entrants will offer insight on how they managed to convince the Dragons to invest.
The exhibition is open on both days from 9.30am, and closes at 6.30pm on 19 May and 5.30pm on 20 May.
Tickets are free and can be ordered online at http://www.bstartup.com, and don’t forget that some of the services, such as the speed networking and the one-to-one consultations, require prior online registration.
With all that going on, no wonder May needs two Bank Holidays to recuperate!
