Over 200 business people got together at the University of Gloucestershire in Cheltenham on June 12 with a real buzz in the air throughout the day. The keynote speakers, Dame Fiona Reynolds and Andy Hunt, enthralled and inspired the audience. The nine seminars across three key topics: ‘Money’, ‘Marketing’ and ‘Management & Motivation’ were informative and animated with great feedback received and much audience participation and enjoyment. Delegates had time to discuss opportunities and ideas with over 20 exhibitors across a range of products and services, and of course to network with each other. If the noise level in the room was anything to go by then networking was certainly in full swing.

The Growing Gloucestershire Conference is an annual event and will build on this year’s success when it returns in June 2014.

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Event Feedback:

“It was great to see so many Glos businesses coming together to build a better future for Glos. Confidence seems to have improved markedly this year amongst business leaders, and there is a clear focus on growth opportunities and how to take them. This was reflected by the contributions and energy in the room during my workshop session, and I am grateful to all those delegates who took part and shared their ideas and thoughts so openly with other delegates.

I would encourage all delegates to take the key ideas and thoughts from all the speakers at conference and tap into the resources available from the exhibitors and sponsors to turn those ideas into real action, in order to drive the County’s businesses forward over the next 12 months” – Will Abbott, Partner, Randall & Payne LLP

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“The strength and resilience of business in Gloucestershire showed through at the Growing Gloucestershire Conference 2013. This was a conference in a very hopeful mood, with the delegates clearly keen to take back a positive message about the opportunities for growth in the county, and some inspiring speakers.

As a business founded in Gloucester 25 years ago, the conference was a great way for us, at Davies and Partners, to celebrate our anniversary. The vibrant atmosphere throughout the day, and the buzz of excitement in the exhibition hall made us delighted to be involved with this professional event. We are already looking forward to next year.” – Nigel Tillott, Managing Partner, Davies and Partners Solicitors

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“As a speaker I had a great audience, as a member of the organising committee I had great feedback and as a delegate I heard some great speakers and met some great new contacts so excellent all round.” – Fiona Spencer, Fiona Spencer Ltd

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“I was pleased to be able to attend this event which was an excellent opportunity for local businesses to be inspired by expert speakers and exchange practical ideas on how to continue growing in what are still difficult economic times.” – Steve Jordan, Leader of Cheltenham Borough Council

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“We really enjoyed the Growing Gloucestershire Conference. It was an excellent event which provided a useful opportunity to meet other business people from the county, network and hear some great speakers. We look forward to attending next year, and will certainly be considering exhibiting again.” - Laurel Lawley, Partner with Matthew Jolly in Jolly Good Design of Cheltenham.

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“... attending the Growing Gloucestershire conference for the first time I found myself with over 200 business colleagues at UoG’s Park campus. The keynote speakers, Dame Fiona Reynolds and Andy Hunt were inspirational, whilst the Marketing seminars I attended gave out solid advice and guidance. With a good range of exhibitors and so many delegates, it was also a great networking event!” - John McDonnell, Director, Charles Martyn Limited

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“As a new business start-up, the Growing Gloucestershire conference ticked the boxes for me. I attended informative & targeted seminars, was inspired by the keynote speakers & met an enthusiastic group of like-minded people keen to share their experience & knowledge. I came away with confidence that I was moving in the right direction.” - Sarah Adams, Career Voyage

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“Fabulous day, some great speakers and some real food for thought with regard to reviewing Marketing strategies will be back next year!” - Wendy Lavender, Founder, Kidsonestopshop

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“I thought it was an excellent event. The speakers were spot on and the 3 workshops I attended were all very stimulating.” - Chris Hickey, Charlton Associates

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“Exceeded expectation” – David Wilson, Noetic Ltd

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“Growing Gloucestershire is now a mature event which really encourages dialogue between businesses and the local community. Time spent at the event is a vital investment for any ambitious company trading in the county. If you’re not serious, you’re not there.” - Richard Tierney, The Introverted Presenter

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“Really good speakers” - Roger Lawson-Lee, Premiere Products

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“Professional, well-organised with interesting speakers” - Sarah Adams, Career Voyage

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“Very good event” - Gary Hough, Contract Interior Systems

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“Very good value” - Russell Warner, Westend Office Suites

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“Topical and timely seminars with real examples of animated presentation” - Angus Taylor, Bruton Knowles

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“Good balance between talks and exhibition. Very enjoyable and informative day” - Nikki Cox

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“Excellent day! Worked very well” - Richard Gray, Gloucestershire County Council

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“It was a lovely celebration of Gloucestershire, individuals and the business community, a sense of pride was engendered in the county and the two (local) keynote speakers were fab” – Geraldine McCullagh

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“It was great. Many thanks. Very useful” - Julie Wickham, Stroud Valleys Project