Thousands of business leaders, entrepreneurs and decision-makers are gathering this month for the biggest and most ambitious Hull Business Expo so far.
The expo was launched in 2024 and has quickly become established as one of the most important events in the regional business calendar.
The free event at Princes Quay Shopping Centre, in the city centre, is a chance to connect, discover new opportunities, raise profiles and network with other businesses, showcasing the best of Hull and East Yorkshire’s business community.
The expo on 25th March, which is already fully booked with 99 exhibitors, is organised by business networking group The Business Culture Hull and East Yorkshire, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.
Founders Tony and Michelle Bowler said they couldn’t be prouder of how the expo continues to grow and thrive.
Tony said: “This is the most exhibitors we’ve ever had and we can’t wait for another successful event centred around connection, engagement and support.
“We listened to feedback from businesses and adapted to make sure we’re ticking the right boxes for everyone – so we don’t have speakers, as they can often detract from the stands.
“It’s more important than ever that the business community works together and supports each other, and this is another way of bringing everyone together.
“We’ve built a fantastic community over the last 10 years and we want people to realise what Hull has to offer from its people, its businesses and its culture.”
An average of 7,000 people attend the expo, which attracts visitors from across Yorkshire and beyond.
Hull’s 107FM will broadcast live on the day, with presenters David Burns and Pete Mills interviewing exhibitors and visitors.
Tony said exhibitors who meet at the expo often choose to work together and the event is not limited to one business per sector.
He said: “We’re one big support network and a business community of friends. We bring people together from a huge range of sectors.
“We love the high energy, the support and the sense of community our events create, and we’ve built a system that ensures every visitor sees every stand.
“You usually have to register to go to an expo but we know this creates a barrier and we want everyone to come along while extending that support to the city centre economy and local businesses.”
The headline sponsors for the event are Hull City Council, John Roe Group, 107FM, the Federation of Sport and Leaflet Delivery UK.
Councillor Mike Ross, leader of the city council, said: “I’m pleased to support the Hull Business Expo 2026. Hull is a tremendous place to do business and I’m keen to see the council do all it can to support the local business community.
“We recognise just how important the strength of the local economy is for the residents of Hull and we want to work with it to attract more for the city. Supporting the expo is just one way we can do that.
“We want to see Hull be somewhere local businesses can flourish. It’s hard to find a place where the local business community is as supportive of each other as Hull and that is a credit to those in the city.”
Hull-based Scott Dixon Inc is a market leader in manufacturing flight cases for the touring music industry, including protective cases for instruments, band equipment, stage lights and more, and will exhibit at the expo for a second consecutive year.
Tracy Hutty, the company’s Chief Financial Officer, said: “Sixty per cent of our products are exported and the expo offers us the chance to tell local people about what we do. There are a lot of great things going on in Hull that people don’t necessarily know about.
“The location at Princes Quay is what makes the expo unique because most events of this kind are in hotels or out of the way. It’s really good for the city and anyone can come.”
Hessle-based independent business coach and grant funding expert Phil Ward helps business owners to increase profits and grow, and will return to the expo for a third year.
He said: “This is the biggest and best expo in the region and there are a huge range of exhibitors, so there’s something for everyone.
“It helps to raise awareness of my business and raise my profile. There’s always a really good buzz for exhibitors and visitors, and everyone gets great value from attending.”
Sarah Smith, Princes Quay Shopping Cantre Manager, said: “We’re thrilled to host the Hull Business Expo. It’s an incredible networking event full of energy and connections, and a great addition to the calendar for both the centre and the city of Hull.
“The expo is expertly executed and showcases the very best in business within the area.”
The Hull Business Expo 2026 will be open to the public on the ground floor of Princes Quay Shopping Centre from 10am to 4pm on March 25.
Visit www.thebusinessculture.co.uk/hey/events/the-hull-business-expo-2026/ for more information about the expo. For sponsorship opportunities email hello@thebchey.net