The 2018 Check-in @ Stansted Business Expo brought together over 80 exhibitors

Thursday 21st June 2018 saw over 80 exhibitors showcase their businesses and services from under one roof at the annual Check-in @ Stansted Business Expo.

Taking place within the Diamond Hangar, London Stansted Airport, a very different venue for such an exhibition, companies exhibiting included London Stansted Airport, Emirates, Air Corsica, LPL Construction, Border Force, XJet London, Medigold Health, Three Counties Refrigeration, X-Clusive, Coral Mead Accountancy Services, Just displays, Barclays Bank, Premier Travel, Vision Co-Working Spaces, Essex Police, Ginger Beard Productions, ULODA, Swissport, ACL Essex - to name a few. 

Celebrating its 5th anniversary (of course with a celebration cake baked by Heart and Soul), the event kicked off with a free talk from Brad Miller, Chief Operating Officer at London Stansted Airport followed by talks from Uttlesford District Council, HNE Media, John Turner Photography, BBC Apprentice Paul Sullivan and Optimus Learning Services.

Simon Jackson, business development manager at Uttlesford District Council, said: “Well done for today.” Uttlesford District Council is a key sponsor for the day, alongside London Stansted Airport, Premier Inn, Radio Essex, Reach Plc, LPL Construction and the Diamond Hangar.

Another sponsor, Justin Martin, hotel manager at the Premier Inn at London Stansted, said: “Premier Inn London Stansted were proud to take part in Check-in @ Stansted 2018. A great event and chance to meet local businesses and suppliers.”

The event also raised more than £650 for charity For Nanny and Bobby, which is dedicated to helping find a cure for cancer.  The money was raised from raffle prizes and a charity auction. 

Julie Budden,Chair of the SACC, said: “Thank you to everyone who donated to this amazing charity on the day.  As a massive West Ham fan, this is a charity I very much support and would like to say a special thank you to Tony Cottee who kindly donated a few hours to attend the exhibition and help For Nanny and Bobby on the day. I know Tony was very much welcomed by many exhibitors, sponsors and visitors and it was lovely to hear ‘is that Tony Cottee?’ as the team escorted him around the venue." 

Those who visited the expo were escorted to and from the hangar by students from Harlow College, who kindly donated their time to help on the day. 

For the students it was a chance to gain real-life work experience and interact with visitors and businesses on the day.

In addition it was great for them to get feedback from visitors, with comments like: 

“It was good to come along and see what today is all about" 

“I am looking to expand my business this way and look forward to signing up to exhibit next year.”

Nicola Wisbey, director of marketing at The Sowerby Group, said:

“We’d like to say a very big thank you to all our suppliers on the day who helped make the event happen – especially XHibit, CBSVL, Alfresco Hire, British Event Catering, Brohmon, Diamond Fun Casinos, Harlow College and of course the venue. 

“When organising such events, especially in a working hangar, you can be faced with last-minute changes which people do not see.

This was the case for 2018 when at very short notice we were faced with the arrival of a last-minute aircraft inside the hangar where the exhibition would normally take place, as well as extra security measures to ensure a worldwide-known band. 

We managed to overcome all obstacles and put on a show for all involved to network and enjoy, so thank you to everyone who helped make this happen.”

COMPETITION

The organisers were keen to offer a Best Stand competition with the winner getting a free stand at the 2019 Check-in @ Stansted Business Expo, which is due to take place in June 2019.

The winner was picked based on stand visual, interaction with visitors and looking at the fun element on the day, and it went to business IT support and telecoms company Riviera Networks 

A very close second place was given to the Premier Inn  London Stansted.

And the winner is.....

Riviera Networks (www.rivieranetworks.co.uk).