Business Connect, organised by Hampshire Fare, will take place at the Solent Hotel & Spa in Whiteley on Monday, October 5, from 9am to 12 noon.
The event brings together producers, hospitality businesses, chefs, venues, retailers, buyers, suppliers and business service providers from across Hampshire.
Hampshire Fare is launching a new networking event, Business Connect. (Image: Hampshire Fare)
Natasha Dochniak, commercial director of Hampshire Fare, said: “We’ve run our Trade Expo successfully for the past two years, but we felt it was time to open it up and create something even more valuable for the wider business community.
“Business Connect is about making connections – whether that’s finding a new supplier, discovering expertise that can help your business, meeting a potential customer or simply having a conversation that leads somewhere unexpected.
“Hampshire has such a strong and diverse food, drink, hospitality and craft community, and one of the things Hampshire Fare does best is bring people together.
“As we celebrate our 35th anniversary this year, it feels particularly fitting to be looking ahead and creating new opportunities for businesses to connect, collaborate and grow.”
This is the first time Hampshire Fare has opened its annual trade-focused event to the wider sector beyond its membership.
More than 20 exhibitors are already confirmed, offering attendees the chance to meet businesses providing a range of products, services and expertise.
The morning event will also feature speakers and informal networking opportunities.
Discussions will focus on practical issues facing the sector, with speakers sharing insights and ideas to help businesses address challenges and seize new opportunities.
Business Connect is free to attend and open to anyone working in Hampshire’s food, drink, hospitality or craft sectors.
Attendees do not need to be Hampshire Fare members.
The event is supported by Allica Bank.
A spokesperson for Hampshire Fare said: “The event is aimed at anyone working across Hampshire’s food, drink, hospitality and craft sectors, whether you are an established business looking for new opportunities, a smaller business looking for support and expertise, or simply keen to meet other people working in the industry.”
Business Connect will take place on Monday, October 5, at the Solent Hotel & Spa in Whiteley.
The event runs from 9am to 12noon and is free to attend.
Registration is available through the events section of the Hampshire Fare website.
