The Business Show

What The Business Show does

The Business Show, operated by Business Show Media Ltd, is a UK-headquartered (Bristol registered office) B2B trade exhibition company anchored by its flagship annual event at Excel London, which attracts over 25,000 entrepreneurs, SMEs, and startup attendees alongside 500+ exhibitors and 200+ seminars and masterclasses over a two-day format. The portfolio has expanded into a global World Series with sister events in Miami, Singapore, Sydney, and Amsterdam, plus the co-located Going Global Live show focused on international trade and the adjacent White & Private Label Expo, indicating a deliberate platform-extension strategy.

The business is built on event-management infrastructure (online registration and ticketing via Cognito Forms, exhibitor badge-scanning lead capture, on-site exhibition logistics) rather than a software product. Revenue is generated through a five-stream model: paid exhibitor stand fees (quote-based, tiered by size and location), tiered sponsorship packages (headline, theatre, registration page, lanyard, naming rights), premium sponsored masterclass sessions, freemium visitor ticketing that subsidizes attendee acquisition, and media/community partnership deals. Notable sponsor and partner logos span Dell Technologies, Constant Contact, Hilton for Business, Alibaba.com, EDF, BACQD, Blue Telecoms, StarTech.com, and Enterprise Nation.

The operating model is asset-light and event-driven: marketing is executed across owned digital channels (website, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, newsletters) and through a network of institutional referral partners including the Federation of Small Businesses, London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, National Enterprise Network, Startups Magazine, and niche community organizations. The company is privately held, privately funded, and serves a horizontal SME/startup/entrepreneur base rather than any single vertical.

Name

The Business Show

Legal name

Business Show Media Ltd

Website

https://greatbritishbusinessshow.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

The Business Show is a UK-based B2B exhibition operator running an annual flagship event at Excel London for SMEs, startups, and entrepreneurs, with 25,000+ attendees, 500+ exhibitors, and a global sister-event series in Miami, Singapore, Sydney, and Amsterdam.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Trade Show and Business Exhibition Events

NAICS

Convention and Trade Show Organizers (56192)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Trade Shows & Industry Expos (B2B) (MPAGAHAB)

akta.pro secondary industry

Trade Shows & Exhibitions (Booths, Show Management) (BPAFAGAD)

Keywords

• B2B trade exhibitions
• Business networking events
• SME trade shows
• Conference exhibitions
• Business seminars

Headquarters

HQ city

London

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Exhibitor Stand Fees: Companies pay for exhibition space at the event, with stand options ranging from standard positions to premium locations. Pricing varies by stand size and placement.
2. Sponsorship Packages: Tiered sponsorship opportunities including headline sponsors, theatre sponsors, registration page sponsorship, lanyard sponsors, coffee area sponsorship, and various naming rights. Dell Technologies is a prominent sponsor.
3. Visitor Tickets: Free tickets for visitors, enabling broad attendance and networking value for exhibitors.
4. Masterclass Sessions: Premium educational sessions sponsored by organizations like Constant Contact, offering intimate learning environments with industry experts.
5. Media and Partnership Packages: Various media partner and community partner arrangements with startups, entrepreneurs, and business organizations.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

The Business Show is an annual B2B exhibition event organized at Excel London, offering two days of exhibition floor access, seminars, masterclasses, and speed networking for SMEs, startups, and entrepreneurs. The portfolio extends through the Going Global Live co-located event for international expansion and a worldwide series of sister events across the US, Asia, Australia, and Amsterdam. Revenue is generated via exhibitor stand rentals, tiered sponsorship packages, and masterclass hosting fees, while visitor tickets are free.

Product overview

The Business Show is a portfolio of business exhibition events, anchored by the flagship The Business Show London at Excel London. The portfolio includes the companion international expansion show Going Global Live, and the global World Series spanning Asia, Australia, London, and Miami. Core offerings comprise the main exhibition with over 500 exhibitors, Speed Networking sessions, Masterclasses with expert mentoring, and a seminars and panel discussions program with 200+ sessions featuring keynote speakers from major brands. The events serve SMEs, startups, and established businesses seeking networking, education, and partnership opportunities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Going Global Live: A companion show focused on international business expansion and global trade
• The Business Show US
• The Business Show Asia
• The Business Show Australia
• The Business Show Amsterdam
• White & Private Label Expo

Products and services

• The Business Show London Flagship annual B2B exhibition event held at Excel London for SMEs, startups, and brands, featuring an exhibition floor with 500+ exhibitors, 200+ seminars and masterclasses, speed networking, and keynotes from major business figures.
• Going Global Live Co-located companion event focused on international business expansion, helping brands export, launch overseas, and connect with global market experts, held alongside The Business Show London.
• The Business Show World Series Portfolio of international business exhibition events spanning London, Miami, Singapore, Sydney, and Amsterdam, creating a global network of business exhibitions for SMEs and brands seeking multi-market exposure.

Quantifiable outcome

• 25,000+ entrepreneurs and business professionals attend annually
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Dell TechnologiescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerDell Technologies is a prominent sponsor of The Business Show, providing technology solutions and support for the event. They have a dedicated stand (B1234) and engage with attendees through the exhibition floor.
• Hilton for BusinessminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHilton for Business provides accommodation services for out-of-town attendees and sponsors the Registration Page, helping business travelers access the event.
• Constant ContactminorGTM or Marketing PartnerConstant Contact is a Masterclass Sponsor at the event, hosting educational sessions on email marketing and digital engagement for small businesses.
• BACQDminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBACQD sponsors Keynote Theatre One, bringing their business solutions and brand visibility to the main stage area of the event.
• StarTech.comminorGTM or Marketing PartnerStarTech.com is the Back Page Advert and Registration Page Sponsor, providing technology connectivity products for business attendees.
• Alibaba.comminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAlibaba.com sponsors the Registration Page, connecting with UK businesses seeking international trade and sourcing opportunities.
• Blue TelecomsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBlue Telecoms is the Lanyard Sponsor, providing attendee badges and lanyards that ensure event access and security.
• EDFminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEDF sponsors the event, providing energy solutions information to business attendees looking to manage operational costs.
• Enterprise NationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEnterprise Nation is the Exhibitor Party Sponsor, supporting networking events for exhibitors during the show.
• Going Global LivecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGoing Global Live runs alongside The Business Show as a co-located event focused on international trade and expansion, sharing venue and attendee traffic to maximize value for both exhibitors and visitors interested in global business opportunities.
• Startups MagazineminorGTM or Marketing PartnerStartups Magazine is a media partner that covers the startup ecosystem and promotes the event to their audience of entrepreneurs and early-stage business founders.
• Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerFSB is a partner organization representing small businesses across the UK, promoting the event to their member network.
• London Chamber of Commerce and IndustryminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLCCI supports the event as a partner, connecting The Business Show with their network of London businesses and international trade contacts.
• Greater Manchester Chamber of CommerceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRegional chamber of commerce partner promoting the event to their business membership across Greater Manchester.
• National Enterprise NetworkminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNEN represents organizations delivering enterprise support across England, advocating for inclusive enterprise support and promoting the event to their member network.
• The Impactful CommunityminorGTM or Marketing PartnerA community for ambitious, values-driven businesswomen founded in January 2025. They have won Silver for Best Networking Group at Best Businesswomen Awards 2025 and reached finals of Best SME Awards 2026. Membership is £40/month with no lock-in.
• BusinessesForSale.comminorGTM or Marketing PartnerThe world's largest marketplace for businesses for sale, attracting over 1.2 million global buyers and sellers monthly with 57,000 listings. Provides a guided route into business ownership.
• PerspectivvminorGTM or Marketing PartnerA fast-growing community of young entrepreneurs where ideas are shared, connections are built, and new ventures begin. They connect founders, aspiring entrepreneurs, and innovators through networking events, workshops, and educational programmes.
• Women in Banking and Finance (WIBF)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerA UK-wide volunteer-led social enterprise championing the advancement of women in financial services for over 40 years. Supports women at every career stage through professional development, mentoring, and cross-industry collaboration.
• Cannabis Trades AssociationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerThe leading B2B trade body representing businesses in industrial hemp, CBD & wellness, and medicinal cannabis sectors in the UK and worldwide. Advocates for market expansion and regulatory clarity.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Hyve Group: UK-listed B2B exhibition organizer running a global portfolio of trade shows across multiple verticals. Direct competitor in UK and international B2B event space with similar multi-event operating model.
• CloserStill Media: London-based private B2B exhibition and conference organizer focused on professional and SME-facing events. Operates similar SME/business-focused event formats in the UK and internationally.
• Small Business Expo: US-based B2B trade show tour specifically targeting small business owners, startups, and entrepreneurs. Direct peer in terms of audience (SMEs/startups), value proposition (exhibitors + seminars), and monetization model.
• dmg events: UK-headquartered international exhibition organizer with a large portfolio of B2B trade shows. Operates comparable event formats across multiple geographies including focused business/SME events.
• London Business Expo: Annual B2B exhibition in London aimed at SME owners and entrepreneurs seeking business services and networking. Direct local competitor for The Business Show's London flagship event.
• Clarion Events: London-headquartered private B2B exhibition and conference organizer operating dozens of trade events globally. Closest UK private peer in scale and event portfolio approach.

Broad incumbents

• Informa (Informa Markets): Global B2B events and exhibitions division of FTSE-listed Informa plc, formed via the UBM acquisition. Operates large-scale trade shows comparable to The Business Show in scale and B2B focus.
• Reed Exhibitions: Subsidiary of RELX, one of the world's largest B2B exhibition organizers with hundreds of trade shows across industries. Comparable in exhibition format and sponsor/exhibitor monetization, though materially larger and more diversified.

Regional players

• Business Show Africa: Africa-focused B2B exhibition for SMEs and entrepreneurs run on a similar format to The Business Show London. Same audience profile but serving a different geography; relevant peer for international expansion benchmarking.

Emerging players

• Going Global Live: Sister co-located show within Business Show Media's portfolio focused on international expansion and trade. Comparable exhibition format targeting SMEs, but narrower vertical focus on global trade/export.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/TheBusinessShow
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCGJDFQ2jsmJD0x3Yrk1Gx8g
• Facebookfacebook.com/TheBusinessShow
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/showcase/the-business-show
• Instagraminstagram.com/thebusinessshowuk
• TikToktiktok.com/@businessshowmedia

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Business Show