We’ve been delighted to support the Expo since its inception and have exhibited at all 8 events so far. Every year has seen a steady progression as the event goes from strength to strength with all stands sold out well in advance – this year was the best exhibition space layout thus far.

The event kicked off with speeches from the top brass at Wigan Council – Leader Lord Peter Smith, Chief Executive Donna Hall and Councillor David Molyneux – followed by Manchester’s new Mayor and former MP for Leigh Andy Burnham. His passion and enthusiasm for the North generally and Wigan specifically was evident yet again as he spoke eloquently on the opportunities for business locally. He also reasserted his manifesto policies to improve transport links, focus education on developing skills to fit employment and to invest in local town centres.

The bd2 stand was dedicated entirely to ‘Launchpad’, our digital workshop space which is for business owners and leaders to discover how relevant and effective the world of digital communications is to business. It’s a unique environment in which you can work directly with our in-house team of Designers, Ui Developers, .Net Developers, Consultants, Project Managers, Testers and Marketers to learn how we can help launch and support your digital journey.

The Expo always provides a great opportunity to make new contacts and to catch up with old friends as most of Wigan’s business community is there either exhibiting or attending. Although there were a few free-loaders trying to promote their businesses to the exhibitors without bothering to take a stand themselves which always feels like a liberty when everyone else has taken the trouble and invested a few hundred quid to be there in order to promote their wares. So I’ll name and shame John Horrocks from 4Networking and 2 lads from Jetts Gym – buy your own stand next year and support your local Expo.