Doncaster Business Showcase to enter a new chapter of delivery

Business Doncaster has taken the strategic decision to no longer continue the organisation and delivery of the annual Doncaster Business Showcase, enabling a greater focus on inward investment, development of key sites, business growth support, and year-round engagement with the local business community.

For many years, the Doncaster Business Showcase has been delivered by Business Doncaster as a flagship event in the city's business calendar, bringing together businesses, investors, partners and support organisations to network, collaborate and celebrate success. The event has helped thousands of businesses build new relationships, promote their products and services, and celebrate the strength of the local and regional economy whilst also playing a significant role in promoting Doncaster's economy and supporting business growth.

While Business Doncaster will no longer lead the event, any future event activity will be managed and delivered by Doncaster Chamber, ensuring opportunities remain for businesses to connect, collaborate and promote their services within the city.

Celebrating an important legacy

The Doncaster Business Showcase, started in 2008, leaves behind a proud legacy, having played an important role in strengthening Doncaster’s business community and supporting economic growth. Over the years, it has welcomed thousands of visitors and exhibitors, provided a platform for businesses of all sizes to showcase their products and services, and helped strengthen Doncaster's reputation as the BEST place to do business.

Looking Ahead

Business Doncaster remains fully committed to supporting local businesses and fostering economic growth across the borough.

The change reflects a move towards delivering support through a range of initiatives that provide ongoing opportunities throughout the year, including business networking, investment promotion, business support programmes, sector-specific engagement, business growth support and partnership activity across South Yorkshire.

A Refocus, not a Reduction

Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones said: "The Doncaster Business Showcase has been one of the city's most successful and well-loved business events and has served our business community exceptionally well for many years. I am incredibly proud of the role it has played in bringing our business community together over the last two decades and it’s legacy is something we should all be proud of."

“As the business landscape continues to evolve, it is important that we continue to assess our approach and focus our resources where they can have the greatest impact. We remain absolutely committed to supporting businesses, attracting investment and driving economic growth, and this decision allows us to strengthen that support through a wider range of opportunities delivered throughout the year."

Jonny Bucknall, Head of Economic Development stressed that the decision does not represent a reduction in support for local businesses, but a strategic shift in how that support is delivered. The service will continue working with businesses, investors, stakeholders and individuals across Doncaster to create opportunities for growth and support economic prosperity, particularly focussing on transformational city centre projects including Waterfront East, Gateway One, the Markets and of course GatewayEast and Doncaster Sheffield Airport.

Heather Hamilton, Event organiser, Business Doncaster said: “It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to organise the Doncaster Business Showcase over the last 18 years and to watch it grow into one of the region's most recognised business events”.

"Over that time, we've welcomed thousands of businesses, seen countless partnerships formed and celebrated the success, innovation and ambition that exists across the local and regional business landscape”.

"I would like to thank every exhibitor, business, sponsor, partner and visitor who has helped make the Doncaster Business Showcase such a success year after year. The relationships, connections and opportunities it has created will continue to benefit businesses across Doncaster for years to come."

“I am incredibly proud of what the event has achieved and the legacy it leaves behind”.

As Business Doncaster strengthens its focus on driving inward investment and supporting economic growth, Doncaster Chamber will take forward the successful Doncaster Business Showcase, ensuring businesses continue to have a dedicated platform to connect and collaborate and it remains a key event in the city’s business calendar.  

Businesses can continue to access support, events, networking opportunities and the latest business news through Business Doncaster's established programmes and existing communication channels.

Jade Dyer, Chief Operating Officer, Doncaster Chamber, said: "We would like to thank Business Doncaster and City of Doncaster Council for their dedication in developing and delivering the Showcase over many years. We are excited to take the next step in its journey and help shape its future for the benefit of businesses across the city"

For further information email: dnshowcase@doncaster-chamber.co.uk or visit: Doncaster Business Showcase - Doncaster Chamber