BUSINESS growth, access to finance, social media and branding lessons were the order of the day for more than 30 West Devon businesses who attended a new enterprise expo in Tavistock last week.

Geoffrey Cox, MP for West Devon and Torridge, opened the event with a speech that praised the role small businesses play in the country's economic recovery.

The West Devon Means Business event was created to show that the area is home to a wealth of vibrant and successful businesses which add value to a range of individuals and companies throughout the South West. 

This inaugural annual event was the brainchild of Adam Fleet, the managing director of the Tavistock Enterprise Hub, a newly-created community interest company established to provide businesses with office, meeting and networking space in the town. 

Mr Fleet said: 'The Tavistock Enterprise Hub was born out of the town's Portas Pilot application and a passion to create a vibrant business "engine room" in the heart of Tavistock. 

'It will bring together new and established sole traders, small businesses and community groups, in a shared office space to not only learn from each other's experiences but also collaborate to deliver bigger projects and events. 

'The expo helped West Devon organisations discover that they make a fundamental contribution to the region's business landscape and success.

'The expo gave them the chance to meet, do business with and learn from each other. In fact, one exhibitor said he secured a new client and substantial order ten minutes after the doors opened.'

The event included seven Business Bytes or short presentations, delivered by sector experts.

These ranged from Francis Clark accountants talking about the importance of business planning, through to Tavistock College sharing lessons in how to turn your business around when things go awry.

Mr Cox said: 'Successful businesses come about as a result of an individual or group making a series of successful decisions and I praise businesses, like the ones who attended this enterprise expo, for standing on their own two feet, taking risks and being successful.

'Events like these clearly demonstrate that there are many successful and enterprising individuals in West Devon and I look forward to hearing of their continued success.'