The Business Show Swindon, which took place today at the town’s STEAM museum, was hailed a major success with around 1,000 small business owners attending and all 90 exhibition stands sold.
The show has been staged for the past four years but organisers Business West, which run the Swindon & Wiltshire Initiative, proclaimed this year the most successful and best attended. 
All seminars were also fully booked as delegates enjoyed a range of topics including strategic marketing, innovation and exporting.
Highlights were an inspiring keynote speech from Rob Law, designer of the Trunki child’s ride-on suitcase (see separate story).
The speed networking sessions, informal networking at the LinkedIn Lounge, and ‘Meet the Adviser’ one-to-one advice sessions also proved popular.
The show was again sponsored by Excalibur, the Swindon-based IT and communications group.
Ian Larrard, director of the Swindon & Wiltshire Initiative, said the upbeat mood among those attended matched the growing confidence in the town’s economy.
“To have 1,000 small business owners here is a great reflection of the positive attitude in Swindon’s business community.
“It was also good to see the key organisations and individuals who are shaping Swindon’s future here and playing full roles, including both MPs, Forward Swindon, Swindon Council and the Swindon & Wiltshire LEP.”
“It’s clear that the economy is improving.”
