The Hillingdon Chamber of Commerce 2025 Expo did exactly what it needed to. It brought together people who are getting things done, and gave them space to talk properly. I’ve been to a lot of these kinds of events over the years.
The good ones are the ones where people don’t pretend. This was one of them with SMEs, Tier 1 suppliers, senior leaders, colleges, and community players all in the same room.
Not on separate panels, but actually talking to each other.
Expo Experience
The day combined structure and spontaneity. There were targeted workshops on issues we all face – supply chain pressures, digital transformation, and sustainability, as well as open conversations about what’s really happening across sectors.
You had CEOs talking strategy with local entrepreneurs. CFOs comparing notes on investment. CPOs hearing first-hand from SMEs about barriers to scaling. That’s useful because it’s the kind of crossover we don’t get enough of.
People came with insight. But they also came to listen. When that happens, you leave with more than ideas – you leave with options!
Making the Most of Networking
Plenty of people think networking just means swapping cards or adding each other on LinkedIn. That’s not enough! This Expo created space for real interaction. One-to-one chats, group discussions, and properly facilitated sessions meant people could connect with others who had shared goals or complementary expertise.
These were meaningful conversations to foster thinking, and open doors, as well as lead to collaboration.
If you’re attending a similar event this year, consider these simple tips:
- Go in knowing what you want to talk about
- Ask better questions – ones that invite honest answers
- Listen properly
- Don’t pitch unless someone asks
- Follow up within a week
There’s also ongoing support in Harrow for businesses looking to grow through new partnerships and contracts.
Supply Ready Harrow offers free training and support for local businesses interested in accessing public sector contracts. Learn more about it here.
The Harrow Network (CompeteFor) is an online portal that connects local suppliers to upcoming opportunities. It’s a practical way to stay informed and visible. You can sign up here.
Turning Action into Conversation
There’s always a risk that people leave an event like this full of enthusiasm, but nothing changes. The ones who benefit are the ones who act. That could mean a second meeting, exploring a potential partnership, or simply following up with someone who challenged your thinking.
With topics like digital change and investment so high on the agenda, now’s the time to keep the momentum going. Otherwise, the conversations stop before they’ve had a chance to go anywhere.
If you’re looking to keep the conversations going, or start new ones, there are still several strong networking events coming up in London this year.
Upcoming events until the end of the year:
- 1 July: CIPS Procurement & Supply Futures Conference – QEII Centre, LDN
- 23 & 24 September: Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE – Business Design Centre, Islington, LDN
- 12 & 13 November: Business Show – ExCel London
- 12 & 13 November: Retail Supply Chain & Logistics Expo – ExCel London
- 20 November: Heathrow Business Expo – Delta Marriott Hotel, Heathrow, Windsor
- 4 December: LCCI Annual Winter Reception – St. James’s, LDN
If you didn’t make the connections you hoped for at Hillingdon, that’s not the end of the road. The right people, conversations, and opportunities could still be at one of these upcoming events. Keep showing up. Keep moving forward.
Final Note
The Hillingdon Expo worked because people showed up ready to listen, contribute, and connect. Whether you’re a CEO, CFO, CPO, SME, or someone representing a university or college, this kind of event only delivers long-term value if we do something with it.
Reconnect with the people you met. Revisit the conversations that stood out. Put something in motion, however small!. That’s how we build better businesses, stronger networks, and more effective partnerships.
If you were there and something landed with you, act on it. Reach out. Reconnect. Don’t wait for someone else to move first. The Expo worked because people showed up ready to talk. The next step is making sure something comes from it.
