Getting to know you: We’ve been meeting small businesses at expos across the southeast. 

For many small businesses, networking and expos can be extremely beneficial not only for getting their names out but also finding out about other businesses that can aid their journey. In February and March, we had the pleasure of meeting a whole host of wonderful new businesses at two exciting expos  

The Brilliant Businesses of Maidstone Business Show

The Capital Space team headed to the Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel for our first time attending the Maidstone Business Show. An expansion of the successful Tunbridge Wells event, this show brought together approximately 400 exhibitors and attendees for a day of high-energy networking. 

Representing Churchill Square Business Centre, Toni and the King’s Hill team enjoyed positive conversations with a wide range of entrepreneurs and established SMEs. It was the perfect environment to discuss how our meeting rooms and virtual office services can provide the professional infrastructure needed for business growth. We also enjoyed handing out scores of our popular “Mr Bamboo Cups”; a small nod to our commitment to environmentally friendly workplaces. 

Toni said: “Attending the Maidstone show for the first time was a fantastic experience. The sheer variety of small businesses in the room was inspiring, and it was a great opportunity to show how a professional business centre, or virtual office can act as a catalyst for their next stage of development.” 

 West Kent Expo

Following the success in Maidstone, Churchill Square Business Centre enjoyed undoubtedly the biggest and best West Kent Expo yet on March 11 at The River Centre in Tonbridge. The event from Sevenoaks District Chamber of Commerce was sponsored by CooperBurnett LLP and Charles Stanley 

This year marked a significant milestone for us, as it was the first time we moved from being purely exhibitors to sponsoring the event’s breakfast. Guests enjoyed delicious coffee, pastries, fruit, and hot breakfast rolls from Tandem Catering, who jointly sponsored the breakfast alongside ourselves.  

The atmosphere was set by Dawn Blee, CEO of Sevenoaks District Chamber of Commerce, and featured updates from local leaders, including Councillor Ben Chapelard, Councillor Matt Boughton, and Councillor Kevin Maskell. 

As a keynote speaker, Toni Wilkinson shared the story of Churchill Square’s recent success, including celebrating a 100% occupancy rate and our ongoing fundraising efforts for our chosen charity, Spadework. Throughout the day, we had a steady stream of visitors to our stand discussing our flexible workspace, virtual services, and business growth events. 

Toni reflected on her keynote experience: “Speaking to such an engaged audience was a highlight for me. Beyond the public relations value, these events are about the power of human connection; reaching out to new small business owners allows us to understand the specific challenges they face in today’s economy.” 

Why we attend business shows 

At Capital Space, we believe that a business centre should be more than just four walls; it should be a community. Attending regional expos allows us to stay at the heart of the SME ecosystem in Kent and the Southeast. 

Networking is a vital tool for business success. According to data from the House of Commons Library, small and medium-sized enterprises make up the vast majority of the UK business population, and fostering local connections is often cited as a key driver for resilience. By exhibiting, we aren’t just promoting our offices; we are building a network of partners and suppliers that our customers can tap into. 

Toni added: “The energy and buzz at these shows, particularly the West Kent Expo, prove that the appetite for face-to-face connection is stronger than ever. It’s about building brand awareness and trust. When an entrepreneur is ready to move out of their home office, they remember the friendly face they met at the expo who offered them a bamboo cup and a genuine conversation.” 

Building local connections at business expos is one of the most effective ways to fuel your brand’s growth and find the support services your SME needs to thrive. 

If you’re looking for office space from a provider that wants to support your business success, get in touch.