TGT Meets... Alec Jones-hall, Great British Expos

We caught up with Director of Great British Expos Alec Jones-hall about the upcoming North West Business Expo coming to the Etihad Stadium this November!

Describe your business in one sentence.

The UK’s Leading Provider of SME Regional Business Expos.

What’s been your biggest achievement to date?

Firstly, as an organization we have helped over 28,000 SME’s through our regional events. Over the past six years we have built the organisation from a regional business expo to a having a national presence, reputation and respect of our industry.

Secondly, as a result of our successes we have been able to donate over £50,000 for our selected charities over the past six years.

What is the most enjoyable part of your job?

See businesses connect with each and making lasting relationships. Already this year one of our exhibitors attended our expo’s and closed a deal worth £160,000.

And what about the most challenging?

The organization of exhibitors, getting them to send their content ahead of print deadlines.

What are your professional goals?

To firstly continue to build our organization bigger across the UK (maybe launching some more expo’s within the North West).

Secondly, to ensure that others benefit from our successes through our Corporate Giving Back programme.

Thirdly, to ensure that ensure that we are providing a platform for business owners across the UK to gain inspiration, motivation and empowerment to take their businesses to the next level through our events.

If you could do it all again, would you do anything differently?

I would try to build a good work life balance earlier.

How do you like to spend your time off?

Time off, what is that (LOL)? I have other businesses that I am involved in so my time off from one company is usually time spent in another. However, when I do get time off, I spend time with my three little dogs and usually try to get away to the beach for long walks.

When did you first bring Great British Expos to Manchester and why?

We first brought Great British Expos to Manchester in 2015. The reason that we did so initially was firstly because I am a northerner myself and wanted to have a big regional expo nearer to home and secondly because we have so many requests to bring a good expo to the region.

What do you think attracts business people to Manchester?

Manchester has always had a strong entrepreneurial spirit and is fantastic city and is full of talent, opportunity, innovation and investment. I think that businesses are attracted to Manchester because it is vibrant and has a strong business community that supports one another. Also businesses are moving away from London to Manchester as there is much more opportunities and flexibility to expand, develop and enhance their organizations.

Where’s your favourite place to eat out in Manchester? (Or favourite place to stay when visiting etc).

My favorite place to stay while in Manchester is the Macdonald Manchester Hotel & Spa. It is a wonderful hotel (often filled with celebrities) and is so close to Manchester Piccadilly. There is also a delicious Steak House Restaurant there as well.

I hope to try out the new Tunnel Club at Manchester City FC in the future – it looks great!

Who is your favourite famous Mancunian?

It has to be the great Emmeline Pankhurst (what a women)! Her fight for the vote is inspirational and has inspired countless generations to continue to fight for civil rights and gender equality today!

Describe Manchester in three words:

Vibrant, energetic, Industrious

Finally, when is the North West Expo and why should business people come down on the day?

November 22nd at The Legends Suite, Etihad Stadium 9:30am – 3:00pm

There's a 1000+ Opportunities for Your Business

The North West Business Expo is the largest SME Business Event within the region and attracts each year on average 130 exhibitors and 1300+ visitors. You will have the opportunity to network, be inspired by our phenomenal keynote speakers, informed by our industry-leading workshops and be empowered to take your business to its next level.

DON'T MISS this year’s expo as it REALLY could define your business’ future.

Last year one business owner visited, networked and made a significant connection that resulted in a £50,000 contract.

Book your FREE tickets and be part of this one-day event. We have assembled a world-class array of business minds all under one roof to equip and empower you and your business in 2018