Set-up has begun for an inaugural business expo helping to connect customers and suppliers throughout the Bay of Plenty.

Jigsaw Solutions Group director and event organiser Sharon Giblett says the inaugural event is a great chance to effectively grow businesses, create opportunities, generate leads, uncover solutions and get deals done.

'We moved to Tauranga two years ago and at the time we found we were meeting others who had just moved to the area as well.

'They didn't know where to find the services or solutions that suited their needs at the time.”

She says this event is a way to help fill that gap.

'Essentially this is a chance for businesses to show what they do and what they have to offer.

'All businesses who are exhibitors this year are here because they want to share something. At the same time businesses will also benefit in creating and finding leads and building connections.”

Sharon says a wide range of exhibitors from around the North Island will be present on the day including those in the accounting, HR, insurance and telecommunications industries, among others.

'We will have businesses from Wellington, to Waikato and Auckland who may not be immediately from the region but who bring business to it.

'There will be a mixture of companies including corporate businesses such as ANZ or New Zealand Post who are amongst a chain of larger national franchises, alongside some of the medium businesses too.”

In addition a range of seminars will also be hosted at intervals throughout the day.

'There's around eight seminars being hosted, some of these will be around influencers within business, marketing advice, how to manage risks within business, creating video and online content as well as speed networking in our business lounge.”

Plenty of prizes are also up for grabs on the day, thanks to the generosity of sponsors, says Sharon.

'People will have the chance to win a $500 CBK voucher if they download our Business Expo app before the event.”

The event is at ASB BayPark Arena on Wednesday March 7 from 9am-4pm. For more information visit businessexpo.biz