High Wycombe’s first business expo was “worth the hard work”, the organiser said, as more than 30 companies came together under one roof.

Successful businessman Paul Wakefield, who is behind the successful The Wakefield Group Ltd, spent months tirelessly organising the ‘It’s Business Expo’ at Adams Park on March 21 so companies, charities and not-for-profit organisations could network.

Local companies and charities including Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, Bucks Business First, Pawtrait Artist, Creative Jam and Clarity Copiers – as well as the Bucks Free Press – gathered for the expo to share tips, tricks and expertise.

It was also a chance to learn new skills with a number of seminars throughout the day – including how to dominate social media by TEEG Digital.

After months of organising and setting up, the first business expo in Wycombe for a number of years went off without a hitch, to the delight of Paul.

He said: “Aside from the stress, I've loved it. It has been really hard work but worth it. Every time I have looked up, people are talking and networking. I spoke to someone this morning and she said that within an hour, she already had a new client.

“It has been amazing, for the very first one – the first one that I have done and the first one in Wycombe for at least four years – it has been great. The support has been brilliant, the Bucks Free Press and Wycombe Sound have been great, I have enjoyed it.”

Paul’s motivation for setting up the It’s Business expo was to return a sense of community to the town – although Bucks is often dubbed the entrepreneurial heart of the UK, High Wycombe did not have an expo.

Reflecting on the event, he said: “The buzz and the general feedback I've had from people has been really positive. It is not too big – we have 30 stands in here – but it’s not overwhelming and it’s not too close but enough for people to interact. It has been really friendly and it has gone down really well.”

Despite the hard work to get the event set up, Paul is hopeful the It’s Business expo will become a regular fixture in the business calendar.

He said: “I think there will be another. This is the first one, it has gone down well and people have asked if there will be one next year. I have learnt loads – I think I might change the time of year – but I do think I will do another one.

“It would be nice to do another two or three and get the momentum going. I think it is nice for Wycombe to have this in the town.

“I didn’t know what to expect, I only moved here a few years ago and I'm trying to build my own network up. I think it looks professional and I'm pleased with how it has turned out.”