Free expert advice sessions to be offered at the Plymouth Business Show 2013

Free 'Ask the Expert' advice sessions on a range of topics are to be held at the Plymouth Business Show 2013. Anyone at the show will be able to claim a free 15 minute one-to-one consultation with an expert, during which they will receive personalised information and advice.

Plymouth Business Show 2013, which is being held on Wednesday 26 June at Plymouth Pavilions, is the first of its kind and will promote the South West of England as a great place to do business. It is being organised by Plymouth Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by City College Plymouth.

Over 70 companies have already signed up to exhibit at the show, which is completely free to attend and will offer a range of activities and opportunities to suit businesses of all sizes and sectors.

The 'Ask the Expert' sessions will be running at the show 2.00-4.00pm and will be held in 11 different specialist topics: regeneration and planning, funding, IT, advertising, pensions, marketing, law, architecture, lower back pain, starting a business and international trade.

The sessions are being sponsored by GAIN - the Growth, Acceleration and Investment Network - which was set up by Plymouth University, Plymouth City Council and Tamar Science Park to create wealth and jobs in the region.

Professor Julian Beer, Pro Vice-Chancellor at Plymouth University, said: "For anyone starting out or growing their business getting the right advice is essential and that's why GAIN is sponsoring these clinics. The Plymouth Business Show is an excellent networking opportunity that will showcase some of the best the region has to offer and we're proud to be involved."

Suzi Cumberland, Events Manager at Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, commented: "Plymouth Business Show 2013 has attracted a massive amount of interest since its announcement at the beginning of the year and there is a real buzz of excitement about the event. We are absolutely delighted to have so many South West businesses on board and exhibiting. People who come along on the day can expect an interactive and entertaining experience - there will be so much to discover and get involved with.

"The 'Ask the Expert' clinics really are a unique opportunity. With so many experts in one place at one time, it will be a brilliant chance for businesses to access personalised advice on a wide range of topics."

Rob Guy of YKTO is one of the experts available on the day and will be providing information and advice for new entrepreneurs and existing businesses. He said: "Plymouth Business Show 2013 will be a superb opportunity for new business and those considering setting up their own business to raise their profile and discover what's going on in the South West business community. I'll be on hand to discuss all the aspects of starting a business and getting it investment-ready and would strongly encourage any aspiring entrepreneurs to come along on the day for a free advice session."

Plymouth-based solicitors Nash & Co will be running the free advice session on law for businesses. Karen Bussell, a Partner at the firm, said:

"Three experienced representatives from Nash & Co will be available on the day of the Plymouth Business Show, offering their advice on a range of very specialist areas, including business sales, acquisitions, intellectual property, settling employment disputes and drafting contracts and policies. One of our specialists will also be available to give free advice on personal legal matters such as wills, estate administration, inheritance tax mitigation and issues of funding long-term care and asset protection."

The free 'Ask the Expert' sessions are just one part of a whole range of activities which will be on offer for those who come along on the day. A prominent local figure will be opening the show with an inspirational presentation and a VIP networking lunch will be held in the main arena in the afternoon.

Sharron Robbie, Head of Corporate Relations at the show's lead sponsor City College Plymouth, said: "City College Plymouth is proud to be the headline sponsor for this year's inaugural Plymouth Business Show, which promises to showcase the business talent across the city.

"As the largest training provider in the Plymouth travel-to-work area we have a wealth of in-house expertise which can support the business community. From vocational skills through to university-level qualifications, the College supports the city's employers by ensuring the local labour market has the skills needed by industry.

"We possess a wide breadth of training and funding knowledge, enabling us to help employers with their recruitment and workforce development needs, as well as offering a range of professional and commercial services to aid business growth and success".

The 'Ask the Expert' sessions cannot be booked in advance but businesses only need to turn up on the day to claim their free consultation with an expert.

Anyone can register to attend the show for free at www.plymouthbusinessshow.com

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