Organisers have already started looking ahead to next year’s show following a hugely positive response from exhibitors and delegates at GBS16, held at The Centaur, Cheltenham Racecourse.

Attractions included specialist speakers, over 140 exhibitors’ stands, 60 seminars and workshops focusing on a wide variety of business matters, and specialist hubs, plus the Business Kitchen and the Business Advice Centre.

In addition, it featured a series of business clinics and workshops, plus networking breakfasts, the Punchline awards and a gala dinner at Pittville Pump Room.

Co-organiser Pete Allison, from County Business Shows, said: “We’ve had a great couple of days. We’ve had 3,500-plus through the doors, so that’s been a great result for us.

“Last year was our first year and it takes a number of years to bed something like this in, and frankly Year Two has been fabulous.

“Everybody’s been smiling at me and nobody’s shouting at me, which is always a good marker.

“We’ve put a lot of work into this show and we’ll take a few days off now, relax and then start thinking about 2017.

“I’ve already got a couple of forms in my hand from people who desperately want their stands back for next year, which is great news.

“We’ve got the programme to look at, all the things that go on around the show, the hubs, and we’re really looking forward to 2017.

“A huge amount of business has been done and at the end of the day that’s what counts for our exhibitors. I’m sure many have laid the foundations for future business and made some very good contacts.

“I’d like to say a very big thank-you to Moose Marketing and PR who have been absolutely fabulous working with us.

“It’s the first time this show has worked hand in hand with a marketing company and it’s been a great journey.”

Speakers at GBS16 included John Williamson (Santander), Neill Ricketts (Versarien), Prof Dr David Hopkins (Royal Agricultural University), Dr Peter Dirken (Innovate UK), Ian Maxted (Gloucestershire Police) and Claire Vertigen (SW Apprenticeship Company).

The sessions covered a vast array of subjects including: ‘Access To Finance – Know Your Finance Options’, ‘Brand Awareness – The New Big Player’, ‘The Future of the High Street in Gloucestershire’, ‘Dowty Propellers – Rising from the Ashes’, ‘The Future of Learning’ and ‘Cyber Risk Management’.

Co-organiser Antonia Coles, from County Business Shows, said: “It’s been a wonderful two days and has exceeded all our expectations.

“What has been important to us is that we have managed to put together many different seminars that we hope will help with the growth and expansion of businesses throughout Gloucestershire.

“We liked to thank everyone who came along and everyone behind the scenes for making this great event happen.”

Moose Marketing and PR managing director Mark Owen said: “We are proud to have been the PR and marketing agency for the Gloucestershire Business Show - it highlighted our expertise in event marketing.

“It was great fun to be involved in the event and it was fantastic to meet so many business people over the two days.”