Expo helps get firms talking and build relationships

EMA Training has been reflecting on a highly successful regional business expo event, which it organised for the very first time.

The Love Business Expo 2025, which took place at Holywell Conference Centre, in Loughborough, brought together business from across the region, including Marketing Derby, which was an official event partner.

Now in its 13th year, the expo has firmly established itself as the premium business exhibition covering the East Midlands.

It is a vibrant hub of exhibition stands and is the biggest networking event in the East Midlands, complemented by a packed programme of guest speakers and panels.

Andrew Lowe, marketing and communications manager at Marketing Derby, said: “This year, we were particularly proud to be an official partner with Bondholder EMA Training, who have taken over the organisation of the Expo, to assist with the promotion of the event through our eshots and extensive social media channels.

“Marketing Derby have had a stand presence for each edition, and we were able to update delegates on the regeneration progress of Derby, as well as catch up with many Bondholders that were there, plus have conversations with other businesses interested in joining the Bondholder community.

“We have already reserved our space for next year and look forward to another successful event in 2026.”

Gemma Orton, regional director at EMA Training, said: “Highlights this year of Love Business Expo have been the number of relationships being built throughout the day and new relationships beginning.

“We bring together Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire and that’s really special.

“We put on this expo once a year and I think because of the time of year, everybody’s ready to get back to networking.”

This year, East Midlands Chamber was the 2025 headline sponsor for the exhibition and networking event.

East Midlands Chamber’s director of policy and insight, Richard Blackmore, also chaired a talk on technology, future skills and AI.

He said: “Love Business Expo 2025 was an opportunity to bring sectors together to share insight, experience and ideas.”

The chamber’s president, Dawn Whitemore, who was on a panel looking at future skills and technology, said: “Getting businesses and educators together at events like this is essential, as we don’t do enough talking.

“It’s not just about getting people together; it’s about making sure the conversation goes the right way and is impactful. For me, that is essential.”