My Day at the West Country Business Show, Westpoint Exeter

I’d never been to the West Country Business Show before, so this year I decided to go along and see what it was all about. It bills itself as the West Country’s largest business exhibition, with over 250 exhibitors under one roof at Westpoint Arena, just outside Exeter.

I went as a visitor, not an exhibitor. I wanted a day to work on my business instead of in it.

It rained all day. The drive up from Plymouth was “interesting”, let’s say. But it gave me time to think, and that set the tone for the whole day.

First impressions

If you’ve been to the Westpoint wedding shows, you’ll know the venue. The business show felt similar, but the layout was quite different, with far more exhibitors filling the hall.

There was a real mix: media production companies, charities, lawyers, accountants and digital marketers, all side by side. There was even a West Country Wellbeing Show area within the event. In the middle of it all was a big seating area where people grabbed a coffee and got chatting. It was busy without ever feeling rushed.

The stands that caught my eye

I’ll be honest: I’m not a natural networker. So I spent most of the day wandering, watching and noticing how businesses present themselves. Here are the ones that stayed with me.

Bovey Castle

Bovey Castle really left an impression. Their stand had the same calm, polished feel as the hotel itself, set in the heart of Dartmoor. I even entered their competition for a free afternoon tea, so fingers crossed.

Andy’s Man Club

Andy’s Man Club is a peer-to-peer support group for men, and their message was simple: come and have a brew and a chat. As someone who spends a lot of time working on my own, I think that’s an important one to see at a business show. #ITSOKAYTOTALK

Athena Magazine

Athena Magazine is a free magazine for women in business in Devon. Their stand was clean and inviting, with a couple of chairs that made you want to sit down and chat. They’re also celebrating Devon’s best women in business, which I love to see.

WWF

WWF had a bold “Help us save our oceans” display, with a row of cuddly adoption animals at the front. It’s a good reminder that a clear message beats a cluttered stand.

smart South West

I didn’t expect to be taking photos of cars at a business show, but smart South West, part of City West Country, had a smart and a Mercedes on display. The smart’s interior was something else, with two big screens stretching across the dashboard.

Recognition Express

And a quick mention for Recognition Express, who do branded products. Their display included a branded cheese board. It’s not something I expected to see, and it’s a great example of how a small detail sticks in your mind.

What I took away from the day

Walking round with a photographer’s eye, I kept noticing the same thing. The stands that drew people in told a story about who they are. Good imagery, a friendly face and a clear message did most of the work.

That’s exactly what I love helping businesses with. Whether it’s branding photography that shows the people behind your business, or event photography that captures the energy of a launch, an awards night or a show like this one, it’s all about helping people see what makes you different.

I wasn’t sure what to expect, and I came away glad I went. Sometimes the most useful thing you can do for your business is step away from the desk for a day.

Exhibiting next year?

If you’re taking a stand at the West Country Business Show or another event in Devon or Cornwall, I’d love to help. I can photograph your stand, your team and the people you meet, so you leave with images for your website, LinkedIn and next year’s marketing.

Have a look at my commercial photography or get in touch for a relaxed chat.

Bringing Your Business into Focus.