Female-led Yorkshire business expo celebrates fifth year of growth

A Huddersfield business event, that started with just 43 exhibitors, is marking its fifth year with its biggest showcase to date.

The SAM Business Expo, organised by local entrepreneur Sam Hartley (pictured), returns this spring at the Cedar Court Hotel in Huddersfield on Friday 24th April, bringing together 89 businesses from across the region.

Since launching five years ago, the event has more than doubled in size. What began in a single room has grown to span almost the whole hotel, attracting around 500 visitors and a wide mix of both B2B and B2C companies.

Sam, a well-known networking figure in the region has built a strong community of small and medium-sized businesses. With a background in marketing, she is passionate about creating opportunities for businesses to connect, collaborate, support one another and grow.

She said: “I love bringing people together so they can do great business. It’s all about meeting people, making connections and creating networks that really work for business.”

The SAM Business Expo is open to visitors from across Yorkshire, offering the chance to meet local companies, discover new services and build valuable connections.

David Krushell, from Evolve Your Digital, said: “It’s been brilliant for us. After attending last year, I was pleased with the constant footfall and the quality of the different kinds of businesses I was able to speak with. From start-ups right through to established businesses. There really is something for everyone! So much so, that Evolve Your Digital are the main sponsor for this year's Expo.