A High Wycombe businessman who moved back to the area is hoping to return the town’s “community feel” with a new annual exhibition to bring businesses together under one roof. 

Paul Wakefield (pictured), who is behind the successful The Wakefield Group Ltd, has organised the ‘It’s Business Expo’ at Adams Park next year so companies, charities and not-for-profit organisations can network. 

The show, which will be held at the home of Wycombe Wanderers, will feature 40 exhibition booths for businesses along with five key speakers, on Wednesday, March 21. 

Describing his motivation to set up the town’s first business expo for three years, Paul said: “There are so many expos in the area but nothing in High Wycombe. I have been out of the area for ten years before I returned two years ago, and coming back, I felt like the community feel that was here when I was growing up has gone. 

“Bucks is often described as the entrepreneurial heart of the UK, so the fact that there is no expo for businesses here is strange. 

“We want to bring businesses together under one roof to exhibit their products and services. There will also be a section for charities and organisations.” 

The show will be open to members of the public with the intention of making the event a celebration of all businesses - including technology, leisure, hospitality, health and wellbeing and more. 

It has already had the backing of Bucks Free Press, Wycombe District Council, Wycombe Sound and Wycombe Wanderers, along with Buckinghamshire Business First and more event sponsors are being sought. 

Paul says the Wycombe expo will be “different” to others and will open with a breakfast event at 8.30am. 

He said: “At other expos you see the same sort of thing from the same sort of people. We are trying to do things a bit differently.

“Hopefully, if all goes well next year, we will be able to do this annually. It should be really exciting.” 

The expo has taken months of preparation, and organiser Paul said he is already feeling nervous with five months to go. 

He said: “I’ve been in business for ten years but this is something new for me. 

“Working on this has been very interesting and good fun.” 

Some of the speakers hosting free seminars include Lynne Stainthorpe, who learned the secrets of building powerful brands working for Unilever, Beecham and Dulux. 

She has worked in branding for over 20 years with clients such as Benetton, B&Q and The Royal Parks.

Steve Catchick, speaker and consultant who has also been a soldier, engineer and an account manager, coaches and runs master-classes on High Impact Communication and The Secret Salesforce - sales through service.

Paul said the five speakers will aim to take business owners on a “complete journey” to success, while Wycombe Sound will be broadcasting live from the expo all day.

  • If you are interested in getting involved, contact Paul Wakefield on 01494 611 112 or 07817 821 190 or visit www.itsbusinessexpo.com for more information.