Now in its third year, the Tunbridge Wells Business Show takes place on November 5th at the Assembly Hall, and this publication is proud to be its official media sponsor. Here, the show’s founder, Nick Bryant of Brilliant Businesses, tells Eileen Leahy about the exciting array of companies taking part – and how you can sign up for a free visitor pass…
To sell out the Assembly Hall theatre, which has a capacity of around 1,100 people, is no mean feat – but to do it two years in a row is pretty impressive.
Business entrepreneur and podcaster Nick Bryant of Brilliant Businesses certainly knows how that feels, given that’s what has happened with his enormously popular business show, which is now in its third year.
“We sold all our pitches back in August, which is just fantastic,” reveals Nick, who hosted the first show at a much smaller, out-of-town venue back in 2024. “I’m still getting requests from businesses asking to book stands, but sadly I have to tell them we’re fully booked.”
He tells me the show is ‘the ultimate networking event for ambitious businesses who are looking to grow and prosper’.
He adds that any businesses looking to raise brand awareness, generate contacts and generally spread the word about themselves should seriously consider exhibiting.
That could be at the next one here in Tunbridge Wells in 2027 or at one of the other shows Nick has rolled out in Maidstone, Ashford, Medway, Canterbury and Bromley.
In fact, I am chatting to Nick on the eve of the inaugural Bromley Business Show and he says he is very pleased with how that – and the other shows – are being received across the county.
“Whatever town we are in, the aim of the event is the same: to bring business communities together in one place, under one roof. I have found local councils and economic development teams to be very helpful. Everyone wants to encourage supporting local businesses.”
But back to the Tunbridge Wells event, which takes place from 10am to 3pm on November 5th. This will be the second year running that the show has been held at the Assembly Hall, and Nick believes it is the perfect venue.
“It’s central, there’s lots of parking and it’s easily accessible for both exhibitors and visitors.”
This year, there are an impressive 50 exhibitors taking part. They range from law firms, finance companies and construction businesses to customer relations experts. The show’s headline sponsors are Azets UK and Culverwells – and this publication is proud to be the show’s official media sponsor.
And although all the pitches have been sold, anyone can turn up on the day – and entry is free. Given the wealth of different businesses participating, there really will be something for everyone to benefit from, adds Nick.
“There’s a real mix. We’ve got asset management companies, brewers, estate agents, property management companies and quite a few accountants. There are also AI and printing experts, healthcare services, office providers and IT companies.”
Nick says that although it’s essentially a B2B show, business owners are also consumers, so there’s a nice crossover, no matter how big or small a company might be.
“For example, we’ve got mortgage brokers and Metro Bank exhibiting. Everyone will need financial advice at some point, so they are on hand to help.”
Nick is a Tunbridge Wells resident and well known in business circles thanks to his successful Brilliant Businesses podcast, which has seen him interview everyone from HR experts to entrepreneurs over the past few years.
Nick reveals that he also runs the Luxury Business Shows.
“We did the first one at the Porsche showroom in Tonbridge last Christmas and it went very well. The idea was simple: put some amazing cars in the middle of the showroom and then place a number of high-end exhibitors around it.”
Nick explains that this simple plan gives high-end exhibitors and affluent visitors to the show the opportunity to naturally network.
“It’s not really even about selling – it’s about visibility, collaboration and the power of connection.”
Nick hosted a second Luxury Business Show in May this year, this time at the local Aston Martin showroom, and he hopes to do another at Christmas. There’s already one booked for 2027 at Bentley in May, so keep an eye on his socials for more information about those…
As you would expect, Nick has already attracted a number of high-end businesses, including Ashdown Travel and Simply Caribbean, Alexander House Hotel and Ashdown Park Hotel for his Luxury Business Shows. He also adds that he will also be working with Balfour Winery, as well as a few luxury fashion and beauty retailers for the forthcoming festive event – so watch this space.
Before Nick heads off to put the finishing touches to the Bromley show he says that the reason exhibitors and visitors really get behind the Brilliant Business shows is because they see them as a good opportunity to get everyone together and encourage people to do business locally.
“We bring together businesses, entrepreneurs and professionals from across Kent for some fantastic networking and to make new connections and to bounce around fresh ideas and business opportunities.”
It sounds like a win-win scenario for everyone…
brilliantbusinesses.biz/tunbridge-wells-business-show-exhibition
