If you run a business, work for one, or you’re building something on the side, Wigan Business Expo is one of those days that gives you a proper boost.
Not the fluffy kind. The useful kind.
It’s a room full of local businesses, practical advice, and the sort of conversations that turn into real opportunities. Whether you’re brand new, well established, or somewhere in the messy middle, you’ll leave with new ideas, new contacts, and a clearer sense of what to do next.
Here are a few great reasons to visit.
1. You’ll Meet The People Behind Local Businesses
There’s something different about meeting someone face to face.
A website can tell you what a business does. A quick chat tells you how they work, what they’re like, and whether they’re the right fit for you.
From service providers and creatives to independent retailers and growing teams, the expo is packed with people who live and work right here in the borough. It’s a brilliant way to discover local suppliers you might never have found otherwise.
2. It’s Networking, But Without The Awkward Networking Vibe
Not everyone loves walking into a room and doing the name badge shuffle.
The expo is easier than that. You’ve got a reason to start a conversation because you’re browsing stands, asking questions, and seeing what’s on offer. It feels natural, and the connections you make often feel more genuine.
Some people come looking for clients. Others come looking for collaborators, suppliers, mentors, or a bit of confidence. All of it counts.
3. You Can Get Practical Support and Advice In One Place
Sometimes you just need answers.
Whether it’s marketing, finance, HR, recruitment, legal basics, business support, funding options, or where on earth do I even start, the expo gives you access to people who can point you in the right direction.
You can ask the questions you’ve been putting off, pick up a few quick wins, and leave with a shortlist of next steps.
4. You’ll Get Ideas You Can Actually Use
One conversation can save you hours.
You might discover a tool that makes your life easier, a supplier who solves a long standing headache, or a simple tweak that helps you sell more, work smarter, or show up more consistently.
Even if you’re not actively shopping for support, you’ll still pick up inspiration just by seeing how other businesses present themselves, explain what they do, and talk about what’s working.
5. The Workshops Can Give You a Head Start
Workshops are one of the best parts of the day.
They’re short, practical, and built to give you ideas you can use straight away, not homework that lives in your notes app forever.
This year’s line up covers four brilliant areas.
Learn how to write a winning awards application with the Wigan Business Awards team.
Get a no panic, no jargon approach to cyber security with Sue Johnson from Intersect Cyber and IT.
Explore how tendering works and how to win contracts with JGP Consultancy.
And you can join Launch North West for a session on common social media mistakes and how to fix them.
If you come to the expo wanting a clearer plan for 2026, the workshops will give you a strong head start.
6. It Helps You Feel Part of Something Bigger
Running a business can feel isolating.
The expo is a reminder that you’re not the only one figuring things out. You’ll meet people at different stages, hear stories that sound familiar, and get that quiet reassurance that you’re doing alright.
Sometimes the biggest takeaway is motivation.
7. You Can Support Local, and Keep Spend in The Borough
If you’re trying to buy local more often, this is a brilliant place to start.
You can meet businesses based in Wigan and Leigh, learn what they offer, and build relationships that keep money circulating locally. It’s better for the local economy, and it usually means better service too because reputation matters when you’re all in the same area.
8. It’s a Brilliant Day Out For Teams Too
If you’ve got staff, bring them.
It’s great professional development, and it helps your team feel connected to what’s happening locally. Plus, it’s useful for training, supplier research, and sparking new ideas.
You’ll often find that different team members spot different opportunities, which makes it even more valuable.
9. You Don’t Need to Be Ready to Benefit From It
This one matters.
You don’t need to have everything sorted before you visit. You don’t need a perfect pitch, a shiny new brand, or a five year plan.
Come along with a messy notebook brain and a few questions, and leave feeling more confident, more informed, and more connected.
So, Should You Visit?
If you want to meet local businesses, discover new opportunities, and get a fresh burst of energy for the year ahead, yes.
Come for the conversations. Stay for the ideas. Leave with a plan.
Register to attend HERE.
