Mumpreneur is helping businesses launch in Lancashire

A mum-of-two has set up a free business expo that is set to bring hundreds of professionals together to help them thrive in Lancashire.

Nichola Howard, of Launch Events North West, will be bringing Blackpool Expo to The Village, Heron’s Reach, between 8.30am and 3pm on Friday, September 25.

Up to 80 businesses will be exhibiting from Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Economic Development Company and the Intellectual Property Office to Genting Casino and Lancashire Wine School.

The event, which is free to visitors, already has over 80 people registered to attend and it is hoped more than 500 people will take the opportunity to network with other businesses in Lancashire.

Nichola started her career as a machinist, progressing to become an upholsterer for classic cars and VW campervans.

Following a return to her home town of Atherton, Nichola spotted an opportunity to hold quality events that celebrate the ‘shop local’ campaign and set up Launch Events North West in 2012, which also fitted around being busy mum with a young family.

This is now her fifth expo and she plans to build on the events as she is passionate about helping businesses to grow to boost local economies.

The 37-year-old said: “As a small business owner myself, I want to help other businesses and see the town’s economy go from strength to strength. My ethos is to empower business communities by giving them a platform to showcase their wares at quality, themed events.

“I have taken feedback from previous expos that I have hosted in Blackpool and Leigh to continue to improve the experience for visitors and exhibitors and I am overwhelmed with the interest already shown for this new expo. It shows that people want to invest in the area and help each other to thrive from the grass roots up.”

Free seminars will also be held throughout the day to give advice on areas such as access to funding, increasing sales and a media masterclass to teach attendees how to raise their business’ profile.

The event is being delivered with the full support of Blackpool Council and local social media specialists 87 Tangerines. Exhibitor stands and visitor tickets are available at www.blackpoolexpo.co.uk.