THE North West Business Expo is set to open its doors at the Bolton Whites Hotel.

Organisers Shout Expo will showcased more than 100 exhibitors to around 1,000 delegates in the first Lancashire Business Expo since the start of the pandemic, on Friday, November 5.

Centre for Enterprise at Manchester Metropolitan University has been announced as the headline partner for the expo.

Manchester Met will be showcasing how small to medium sized enterprises can work with the centre, to protect the future of their business.

Mandy Parkinson, from Manchester Met, said: “After the last 18 months, it’s more exciting than ever to have the opportunity to support the North West business community.

“We are delighted to be headlining the North West Business Expo to continue to helping business build their networks and utilise connections in the industry.”

The exhibition is expected to offer new business opportunities, helping businesses access their networks, resources and expertise through short courses, funded programmes and free bootcamps.

The expo will follow on from the Lancashire Business Expo which returned to Preston Guild Hall on September 24.

Shout Expo is keen to replicate the huge success of the Lancashire Business Expo.

Jordan Conlin, a director, said: "The response we’ve received from both exhibitors and delegates at Lancashire Business Expo has been phenomenal.

“We reduced exhibitor numbers from the usual 150 to ensure safe social distancing, but the atmosphere wasn’t affected.

“There was a real buzz in both exhibition halls with exhibitors telling us they’d had a great day making vital new connections, which is so good to hear given the last 18 months.

“We can’t wait to repeat the success at the North West Business Expo in a few weeks’ time. The North West is definitely back in business.”

Exhibition space is still available at the North West Business Expo which can be booked by following the online link www.shoutexpo.com/northwest/