Better Business Show returns to Worthing

Some 100 businesses and organisations attended the Better Business Show, organised by Worthing and Adur Chamber of Commerce, on Thursday.

Worthing Leisure Centre hosted the event which involved a wide range of stall holders, from educational establishments including the University of Chichester to events businesses such as Purple Door Props and independent businesses including Pep Printers.

As well as an opportunity to network and meet like-minded people, visitors had the opportunity to hear from keynote speakers including serial entrepreneur Lawrence Boon, director of Fizz Creation, Luke Pamflett from the NatWest business builder team and Ruth Anslow, co-founder of social enterprise supermarket Hisbe and The Good Business Club.

Phil Duckett, owner of Worthing Gin, said the show was a “good way to connect”.

He attended 2021’s event and has been running the gin company for four years.

Phil Duckett of Worthing Gin,mayor of Worthing Councillor Henna Chowdhury and MP for Worthing West Peter Bottomley (Image: Newsquest)

“We’re a local company and I think you should exhibit at business shows and show off your product and meet like-minded people,” he said.

“You never know who you’re going to meet who could give you good contacts.

“It’s a good way to connect. You’ve got all these contacts under one roof.

“It’s so useful. Online is one thing but to speak to people in person is the real thing.”

Laurence Fry, from Mindworks Escape Rooms, said it was “great” to have such a big business show in Worthing.

Mindworks Escape Rooms (Image: Newsquest)

It was the first time the company had attended, having launched just before the pandemic in 2020.

“We’ve had discussions with other businesses about team building sessions,” he said.

“It’s been very useful. So far so good.”

Representatives from Adur and Worthing Councils were also at the show.

Willow Chapman, from the council’s events team, said it offered a chance for the council to show businesses what they can do to help them, as well as to find out what businesses want to see from the council.

“We can show what we can do for businesses, such as commercial waste, software that can help them,” she said.

“It’s a really good way to connect with businesses and hear more from businesses about what they need.”