THE organiser of a new enterprise exhibition, the first of its kind in Brentwood, says she is aiming to inject some fun into business.
Rather than the stiff and stuffy trade shows of the past, Kathryn Painter, a wedding and corporate events planner, from Hutton Road, Shenfield, will be encouraging people to loosen their ties and unbutton their top collars at the first ever Brentwood Centre business expo on December 7.
With 40 of the 100 stand spaces already snapped up, the show, which is being launched in partnership with the Gazette, is looking like it is the place to be for progressive networkers.
So far conveyancers, recruitment experts, accountants, consultants, hoteliers, printers, insurance companies, a will lawyer and a go-kart racing business are among those signed up.
Miss Painter, 30, who is a big fan of Yeovil Town Football Club, set up KEM Event Management three years ago and organises around 25 events a year, including weddings and corporate fairs.
She said: "This is going to be very different from other business exhibitions that you may have been to.
"For starters there will be beer and wine served, some exciting entertainment, and a raffle in aid of the Brentwood charity SNAP.
"I'm doing this because my aim is to keep the atmosphere relaxed, as well as making it a great opportunity for some quality networking.
"The idea is that people come along, get involved, have some fun and make good contacts."
Gazette editor Neville Wilson, also 30, described The Brentwood Business Exhibition as an "amazing opportunity to add real value to your business".
He added: "This is a Brentwood expo, mostly featuring Brentwood businesspeople.
"I see great ways that we can all work more closely together, share best practice and mutually benefit, and this event is a catalyst to start to get that process under way.
"I look forward to meeting many people there and chatting through ideas over one of the Brentwood Brewing Company's fine ales."
The event, which will be held in the main arena of the Doddinghurst Road venue, is free to attend for visitors and will be open from 9am until 4pm.
Exhibitors can gain access from 7am on the day and booking a stand costs £120, access to power costs £15 extra.
For more information e-mail admin@kem-event.co.uk or call 07730 032965.
SNAP (Special Needs And Parents) is a Warley-based charity that exists to support parents of young children with disabilities.