Outset holding a stall at Network Central Expo event

Outset Plymouth is taking part at tomorrow’s Expo event where nearly 300 people are expected to attend a huge showcase themed around leadership and networking opportunities.

The FREE Network Central event, staged at Saltash’s China Fleet Club, will also feature about 70 exhibitors.

Organiser Rod Major, who has been masterminding Network Central events around the South West since 2008, said businesses involved will not be present just to sell their goods and services.

“Exhibitors are showcasing their businesses – not selling their stuff,” he said. “It’s not about that, it’s about selling yourself, about relationships.

The free event has been a visitor to Plymouth for the past four years, with two staged in the area in 2011.

Kicking off at 9.30am tomorrow, Network Central begins, after a breakfast hosted by Gavin Sheppard, with an official opening by business and sport “mind coach” Chris Menlove-Platt, of Plymouth’s CMP Coaching and Training.

The day will then feature three key sessions, including a “Knowledge Takeaway” which has a panel consisting of Nash and Co lawyer Austin Blackburn, motivational speaker Guy Arnold, construction firm Morgan Sindell’s Carl Heslop, and copywriter Georgina El Morshdy.

There will also be a “Reverse Dragons’ Den” featuring Michael Davey, managing director of Boringdon Park golf centre; Jean Rogers, managing director of model and beauty business Glenbeigh Group Ltd; and Emily Wright, managing director of Plympton’s Safety First Manufacturing; in a session hosted by Rob Guy, of Outset Finance.

“The dragons are all from businesses that have at least a £1million turnover,” said Mr Major.

“Rob Guy will direct the flow in terms of questions and answers. It’s more advice from peers.”

Mr Major said “top of the bill” is a “Secret Millionaire” session with Mr Davey.

“He’s got several businesses and probably a turnover of £10million a year,” said Mr Major.

Network Central will be closed at 3.30pm by Mr Menlove-Platt, who will also stage speed networking sessions throughout the day.

Outset Plymouth and Finance is a £1.2 million programmes funded by Plymouth City Council and the ERDF to help support people looking to be self-employed.